Panasonic DC-GH7 Digital Camera Quick Start Guide
Owner's Manual Reference
Dear Customer
Thank you for choosing Panasonic! You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will bring you and your family years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information below. The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your camera. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient camera information source.
Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in this Owner’s Manual.
Date of Purchase:
Dealer Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
Model No.: DC-GH7
Serial No.:
Information for Your Safety
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage:
- Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
- Use the recommended accessories.
- Do not remove covers.
- Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Product identification marking
Product: Digital camera | Location: Bottom
Product: Battery charger | Location: Bottom
Canadian Compliance Information
How to Display Certification and Compliance Information
Certification and compliance information for this camera can be viewed on the menu screen.
- Select the [Others] tab of the [Setup] menu.
- Select [Approved Regulations] and confirm your selection.
CAN ICES-003(B) / NMB-003(B)
Contains IC: 772C-LBEE5ZZ1PJ
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference. (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
The 5150-5350 MHz band is restricted to indoor operations only.
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using low power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, that these low power wireless devices are absolutely safe. Low power Wireless devices emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure of low-level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. DC-GH7 (HMN is 1PJ2302) has been tested and found to comply with ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and meets RSS-102 of the ISED radio frequency (RF) Exposure rules.
About the Battery Pack
CAUTION: Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
- Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.
- Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit.
- Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals.
- Do not touch the plug terminals (i and j) with metal objects.
- Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.
- If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, wash it off thoroughly with water.
- If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.
CAUTION
- Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the type recommended by the manufacturer.
- When disposing of the batteries, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
- Do not heat or expose to flame.
- Do not leave the battery(ies) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows closed.
- Do not expose to low air pressure at high altitudes.
- Do not expose to extremely low air pressure, as this may result in explosions or leakage of flammable liquids and gases.
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C (140 °F) or incinerate.
Important Notes:
- Always use a supplied BNC conversion cable (for TC IN/OUT).
- Always use a genuine Panasonic Shutter Remote Control (DMW-RS2: optional).
- Always use a genuine Panasonic Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR2/DMW-SHGR1: optional).
- Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (Type A–Type A plug) with the length less than 3 m (9.8 feet).
- Use a BNC cable with the length less than 2.8 m (9.2 feet).
- Use a synchro cable with the length less than 3 m (9.8 feet).
- Use a headphone cable with the length less than 3 m (9.8 feet).
- Use a stereo microphone cable with the length less than 3 m (9.8 feet).
- Keep the hot shoe cover out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
- Keep the eye cup out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
- Keep the flash synchro socket cap out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
- Keep the memory card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
- Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
Standard Accessories
Product numbers correct as of May 2024.
- Digital camera body
- Battery pack: DMW-BLK22
- Battery charger: DVLC1005Z
- BNC conversion cable (for TC IN/OUT): K1TYYYY00286
- Shoulder strap: DVPW1030Z
- Body cap*1: VKF4971
- Eye cup*1: 1YE1MC501Z
- Hot shoe cover*1: 4HR1MC5229Z
- Flash synchro socket cap*1: VKF5108
- Interchangeable lens "LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm/F2.8-4.0 ASPH./POWER O.I.S."*2: H-ES12060
- Lens hood: 1ZE4Z260Z
- Lens rear cap*3: 1GE1Z136Z
- Lens cap*3: SYF0083
*1 This is attached to the camera at the time of purchase.
*2 This is supplied with Lens Kit DC-GH7L.
*3 This is attached to the lens at the time of purchase.
If any accessories are lost, customers in Canada should visit our support page at www.panasonic.ca/english/support for further information about obtaining replacement parts.
Names of Important Parts
Camera Body (Front/Side View):
- (1) Mode dial
- (2) Mode dial lock button
- (3) Camera on/off switch
- (4) Video rec. button
- (5) Rear dial
- (6) [Audio Information] button
- (7) Charging light/Network connection light
- (8) Power indicator
- (9) [White Balance] button, [ISO Sensitivity] button, [Exposure Compensation] button
- (10) Front dial
- (11) Self-timer light/AF assist light
- (12) Shutter button
- (13) Enlarged live display (video) button
- (14) Lens fitting mark
- (15) Preview button
- (16) Hot shoe (hot shoe cover)
- (17) [Live View Finder] button
- (18) Drive mode dial
- (19) Front tally lamp
- (20) Flash synchro socket (flash synchro socket cap)
- (21) Shoulder strap eyelet
- (22) Lens lock pin
- (23) Lens release button
- (24) Sub video rec. button
- (25) [Microphone] socket
- (26) Headphone socket
- (27) USB port
- (28) HDMI socket
Camera Body (Rear View):
- (29) Viewfinder
- (30) Operation lock lever
- (31) [Playback] button
- (32) [AF Mode] button
- (33) Monitor/Touch screen
- (34) Focus mode lever
- (35) Joystick
- (36) [Auto Focus ON] button
- (37) [Quick Menu] button
- (38) Rear tally lamp
- (39) Control dial (Cursor buttons) [Menu/Set] button
- (40) Card door
- (41) Card door lock lever
- (42) [Display] button
- (43) [Cancel] button / [Delete] button
- (44) Battery door release lever
- (45) Battery door
- (46) DC coupler cover
- (47) [Remote] socket
- (48) Card access light 1
- (49) Card slot 1
- (50) Card slot 2
- (51) Card access light 2
Attaching a Shoulder Strap
Attach a shoulder strap to the camera with the following procedure to prevent it from dropping.
- Attach the strap to the camera's strap eyelets (21) by threading it through the designated loops and securing it.
- Ensure the strap is properly attached and tensioned.
Charging the Battery
Charge using an AC adaptor (optional/commercially available) and a USB connection cable (commercially available).
- Set the camera on/off switch to [OFF].
- Insert the battery into the camera.
- Connect the camera USB port (27) and the AC adaptor using the USB connection cable.
- Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet.
The charging light (7) turns red and charging begins. The charging light turns off when charging is complete.
Charging time: Approx. 170 min
Note: Charging can also be done using the supplied charger instead of the camera body.
Recommended AC adaptor specifications:
- Supports PD (Power Delivery)
- Supports 9 V/3 A (27 W) DC output
- USB Type-C terminal
*Use a USB connection cable with 27 W output or better for charging.
Alternative AC adaptor specifications:
- 5 V/500 mA or better. Note that charging time may be longer.
Cautions for Charging:
- Always use genuine Panasonic batteries (DMW-BLK22).
- Using other batteries may affect product quality.
- Using charging methods other than specified may result in fluid leakage, overheating, combustion, rupturing, etc., and may cause injury.
- This battery may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if mistreated.
- Place removed batteries in a plastic bag and store away from metallic objects.
- Dispose of batteries according to local authorities or dealer instructions.
Inserting Cards (Optional)
You can use CFexpress cards and SD memory cards with this camera.
- Card slot 1: CFexpress card
- Card slot 2: SD card
Instructions:
- Match the orientation of the cards as shown in the figure and then insert them firmly until they click.
- To remove a card, confirm that the corresponding card access light has turned off, push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out straight.
- Format the cards with the camera before use. Access via Menu: [Setup] -> [Others] -> Select [Card Format].
CAUTION, HOT CARD:
As indicated on the inside of the card door, the card may be hot just after the camera has been used. Be careful when removing. When a high temperature caution message is displayed on the screen, do not remove the card immediately, but rather wait for it to cool down and the message to disappear.
For information on memory cards with confirmed operation, check the following support site: https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/index.html (English only)
Attaching a Lens
The camera can use dedicated lenses that comply with the Micro Four Thirds™ system lens mount specification (Micro Four Thirds mount).
Refer to catalogs/websites for information regarding supported lenses: https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/index.html (English only)
- Align the lens fitting mark (14) on the camera body with the corresponding mark on the lens.
- Insert the lens and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.
- To remove the lens, press the lens release button (23) and rotate the lens counter-clockwise.
Setting the Clock (When Turning On for the First Time)
When you turn the camera on for the first time, a screen to set the time zone and clock appears. Follow the message to make the settings.
Steps:
- Select the time zone.
- Set the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second.
- Set Daylight Savings if applicable.
- Select values as prompted.
- Check or confirm settings and move to the next screen.
If a language selection screen is displayed, press the button corresponding to '34' (Focus mode lever) to select the language.
Taking Pictures
- Press the mode dial lock button (2) to release the lock.
- Rotate the mode dial (1) to select the recording mode ([Intelligent Auto]/[Program]/[Aperture Priority]/[Shutter Priority]/[Manual]).
- Press the shutter button (12) halfway (press it gently) to focus.
- Press the shutter button (12) fully (press it further) to take pictures.
Recording Videos
- Press the mode dial lock button (2) to release the lock.
- Rotate the mode dial (1) to select the recording mode.
- Press the video rec. button (4) to start recording.
- Press the video rec. button (4) again to end recording.
Playing Back Images
- Insert a memory card containing images into the card slot (49 or 50).
- Use the monitor (33) to select images for playback.
- Use the playback controls to play, pause, or stop video content.
Play/pause video: [Play/Pause Symbol]
Stop video: [Stop Symbol]
Cautions for Use
Firmware of Your Camera/Lens
Firmware updates may be provided to improve camera capabilities or add functionality. For the latest information on firmware or to download/update, visit: https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html (English only)
Splash Resistant
Splash Resistant offers extra protection against minimal moisture, water, or dust. It does not guarantee damage will not occur if the camera is subjected to direct contact with water. To minimize damage:
- Use Splash Resistant lenses specifically designed for this feature.
- Securely close all doors, socket caps, etc.
- When the lens or cap is removed or a door is open, prevent sand, dust, and moisture from entering.
- If liquid gets on the camera, wipe it off with a dry soft cloth.
Be Sure to Perform Trial Recording in Advance
Perform trial recording to check that recording can be performed normally. Compensation cannot be provided for problems due to the camera or a card.
Be Careful with Regard to Copyrights
Under copyright law, you may not use recorded images and audio without the permission of the copyright holder.
Caution with Strong Light Beams Such as Laser Light
Do not expose the camera (lens) to strong light beams, such as laser light. These can destroy the image sensor and cause malfunction.
The Camera and Electromagnetic Equipment
Keep the unit as far as possible from electromagnetic equipment (e.g., microwave ovens, TVs, video games).
- Using the unit on or near a TV may disrupt pictures and/or sound due to electromagnetic wave radiation.
- Using the unit near cell phones may result in noise adversely affecting pictures and/or sound.
- Strong magnetic fields from speakers or large motors can damage recorded data or distort pictures.
- Electromagnetic wave radiation may adversely affect the unit, disturbing pictures and/or sound.
- If the unit is adversely affected and stops functioning properly, turn it off, remove the battery or disconnect the AC adaptor. Then reinsert the battery or reconnect the AC adaptor and turn the unit on.
Do not use the unit near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines, as this may adversely affect recorded pictures and/or sound.
Wi-Fi® Function
Use of the Wi-Fi function is presumed to be in countries where it is sold. Using it in other countries risks violating radio wave regulations, and Panasonic assumes no responsibility for such violations.
Panasonic is not liable for any damage directly or indirectly caused by use (including use with other companies' products) or malfunction of this product. Panasonic is not liable for any damage to data caused by this product. The external design and specifications may differ from the actual product due to improvements.
Main Specifications
The specifications are subject to change for performance enhancement.
Digital camera body (DC-GH7):
- Power source: 9.0 V
- Power consumption: 4.8 W (recording with monitor), 3.8 W (playback with monitor)
- Type: Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Mount
- Recording media: CFexpress Type B card / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC memory card
- Image sensor: 4/3″ BSI CMOS image sensor, approx. 26,500,000 pixels, primary color filter
- Effective number of pixels: Approx. 25,200,000 pixels
- Viewfinder: Type: 4:3 aspect ratio, 0.5 inches, approx. 3,680,000 dots, organic EL (OLED) live view viewfinder. Magnification: Approx. 1.6×, Approx. 0.8× (35 mm film camera equivalent), -1.0 m⁻¹ 50 mm at infinity, with aspect ratio set to [4:3].
- Monitor: Type: 3:2 aspect ratio, 3.0 inches, approx. 1,840,000 dots monitor, capacitive touch screen.
- Interface:
- USB: USB Type-C®, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2). Supports USB Power Delivery (9.0 V/3.0 A). Output: DC 5 V, 900 mA.
- HDMI: HDMI Type A
- [Remote] Socket: 2.5 mm jack
- [Microphone] Socket: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- Headphones: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- Flash Synchro: Yes
- TC IN/OUT: Yes (connect the BNC conversion cable (supplied) to the flash synchro socket)
- External dimensions: Approx. 138.4 mm (W)×100.3 mm (H)×99.6 mm (D) (5.45″ (W)×3.95″ (H)×3.92″ (D)) (excluding projecting parts)
- Mass (Weight): Approx. 805 g/1.77 lb (camera body, with battery and one card); Approx. 721 g/1.59 lb (camera body only)
- Operating environment:
- Recommended operating temperature: −10 °C to 40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F)
- Permissible relative humidity: 10 %RH to 80 %RH
- Wi-Fi:
- Compliance standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Frequency range used (central frequency): 2412 MHz to 2462 MHz (1 to 11ch), 5180 MHz to 5320 MHz (36/40/44/48/52/56/60/64ch), 5745 MHz to 5825 MHz (149/153/157/161/165ch)
- Encryption method: Wi-Fi compliant WPA™ / WPA2™ / WPA3™
- Access method: Infrastructure mode
- Bluetooth:
- Compliance standard: Bluetooth v5.0, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Frequency range used (central frequency): 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz
Battery charger (Panasonic DVLC1005Z):
- Input: 9.0 V / 3.0 A, 5.0 V / 1.8 A
- Output: 8.4 V / 1.2 A, 8.4 V / 0.85 A
- Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Battery pack (lithium-ion) (Panasonic DMW-BLK22):
- Voltage/capacity: 7.2 V / 2200 mAh
The symbols on this product (including the accessories) represent the following: DC [DC symbol], Hot surfaces [Hot surface symbol].
Trademarks and Licenses
- Micro Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of OM Digital Solutions Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
- SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
- The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI Trade dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
- USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
- The USB Type-C® Charging Trident Logos are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum, Inc.
- The SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps Trident Logo is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum, Inc.
- QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc., used under license therefrom.
- The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Holdings Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
- "Wi-Fi®" is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.
- "WPA™", "WPA2™", and "WPA3™" are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®.
- QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
- LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. The LEICA DG lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
- Other names, company names, product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned.
Open Source Software Information
For at least three (3) years from delivery, Panasonic will provide a complete machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code covered under GPL V2.0 or LGPL V2.1, as well as the respective copyright notice thereof, to any third party who contacts us at the provided information, for no more than our cost of physical distribution.
Contact Information: oss-cd-request@gg.jp.panasonic.com
The source code and copyright notice are also available for free on our website: https://panasonic.net/cns/oss/index.html
AVC Patent Portfolio License
This product is licensed under the AVC Patent Portfolio License for the personal use of a consumer or other uses in which it does not receive remuneration to (i) encode video in compliance with the AVC Standard (“AVC Video”) and/or (ii) decode AVC Video that was encoded by a consumer engaged in a personal activity and/or was obtained from a video provider licensed to provide AVC Video. No license is granted or shall be implied for any other use. Additional information may be obtained from MPEG LA, L.L.C. See http://www.mpegla.com
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR CANADA)
Panasonic Canada Inc.
5770 Ambler Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2T3
PANASONIC PRODUCT – LIMITED WARRANTY
Panasonic Canada Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for the period stated below from the date of original purchase. Panasonic agrees, at its option, to either (a) repair your product with new or refurbished parts, (b) replace it with a new or refurbished equivalent value product, or (c) refund your purchase price. The decision to repair, replace, or refund will be made by Panasonic Canada Inc.
This warranty is given only to the original purchaser, or the person for whom it was purchased as a gift, of a Panasonic brand product sold by an authorized Panasonic dealer in Canada and purchased and used in Canada. The product must not have been sold “as is” and must have been delivered in new condition in the original packaging.
Proof of Purchase Required: A purchase receipt or other proof of date of original purchase, showing the amount paid and place of purchase, is required to be eligible for warranty service.
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This warranty ONLY COVERS failures due to defects in materials or workmanship. It DOES NOT COVER normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage. The warranty ALSO DOES NOT COVER damages which occurred in shipment, or failures caused by products not supplied by Panasonic Canada Inc., or failures resulting from accidents, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication, alteration, faulty installation, set-up adjustments, misadjustment of consumer controls, improper maintenance, improper batteries, power line surge, lightning damage, modification, introduction of sand, humidity or liquids, or rental use of the product, or service by anyone other than an Authorized Servicer, or damage attributable to acts of God.
Dry cell batteries, printer ink cartridges, and paper are also excluded from coverage.
Rechargeable batteries are warranted for ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase.
Disclaimer: THIS EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL PANASONIC CANADA INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY. (Examples include damages for lost time, travel to/from an Authorized Servicer, loss of or damage to media, images, data, or other memory or recorded content. This list is not exhaustive.)
Some jurisdictions may not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary depending on your province or territory.
WARRANTY SERVICE
For product operation, repairs, and information assistance, please visit our Support page: www.panasonic.ca/english/support
Recycling Information
A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.