The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

by Brian Matsumoto Ph. D, Carol F. Roullard
Released May 2015
Publisher(s): Rocky Nook
ISBN: 9781937538910

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Book description

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide provides a wealth of information and professional insights for owners of this powerful HD camera.

With its electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses, the GH4 is capable of not only recording professional-quality still images, but has the added ability to record HD video as well. The mirrorless design enhances the camera's versatility beyond that of most digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. With the appropriate adapters, it can use virtually any manufacturer's manual focus, legacy lens. It is smaller than a typical DSLR in both size and weight, and retains automatic focusing while recording videos-a capability that is missing in many DSLR cameras.

With the GH4, Panasonic has significantly expanded the video capabilities beyond those of previous models. Among the improvements is the camera's ability to record 4K video and save the movie to the internal memory card.

Along with these powerful functions comes complexity, and that is where this essential guide comes in. Authors Brian Matsumoto and Carol Roullard explore and explain the features and capabilities of the GH4 in detail, as they cover everything from the basic features of the camera to numerous advanced photographic applications. The informative text is illustrated with example images throughout.

Readers will learn how to:

  • Control the most basic camera functions-focus and exposure
  • Navigate the camera's menu system
  • Achieve a range of artistic effects using various camera settings
  • Use the camera's automated controls, and override those controls to obtain better exposure
  • Use the GH4 in its video mode to obtain 4K and HD videos
  • Expand the camera's use by mounting it on a telescope or microscope
  • And much more!

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Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Preface
  7. Table of Contents
  8. Chapter 1: Getting Started
    1. Introduction
    2. Using this Book
    3. Setting up your New Panasonic GH4 Camera
    4. Using the Camera
    5. Menu Command Structure Navigation
    6. Cleaning the Sensor
    7. Menu Shortcuts
    8. Recommendations
  9. Chapter 2: Photographic Basics
    1. Introduction
    2. What Are Sensors and Images?
    3. How Panasonic Controls Exposure
    4. iA Exposure: Limitations and Advantages
    5. Pictorial Aspect of Aperture and Shutter Speed
    6. Focus Mode versus Auto Focus Mode
    7. Drive Mode Dial: Single and Burst Mode
    8. Drive Mode Dial: Self-timer
    9. Drive Mode Dial: Auto Bracket, Stop Motion Animation, and Time Lapse Shot
    10. File Formats: RAW versus JPEG
    11. File Formats: Picture Size and JPEG
    12. Using Picture Size: Ex. Tele Conv. Command
    13. Aspect Ratio and Pixels
    14. File Formats for Movies
    15. The “i” Commands
    16. Recommendations
  10. Chapter 3: Managing Your Images
    1. Introduction
    2. The Monitor Screen
    3. The Viewfinder
    4. Monitor versus Viewfinder
    5. Data Display Styles
    6. Preview Image Overlays for Composition
    7. Review Recorded Images
    8. Reviewing Images with the Slide Show and Playback Commands
    9. Slide Show Operational Controls
    10. Evaluating Exposure with Histograms
    11. Useful Playback Commands
    12. Recommendations
  11. Chapter 4: Automatic Settings
    1. Introduction
    2. Shooting Modes
    3. Face Detection and Face Recognition
    4. Baby1, Baby2, and Pet
    5. Function Availability for Automatic Modes
    6. Recommendations
  12. Chapter 5: Special Effects
    1. Introduction
    2. Creative Control Mode
    3. Additional Creative Control Mode Adjustments
    4. Photo Style Command
    5. Creative Control Mode and Photo Style Differences
    6. Recommendations
  13. Chapter 6: Taking Control with Semi-Automatic Modes
    1. Introduction
    2. AF Modes
    3. AF/AE Lock
    4. ISO Function
    5. White Balance
    6. Exposure Compensation
    7. Exposure Evaluation and Compensation
    8. Histograms in Preview Mode: Fn7 Button
    9. Zebra Pattern
    10. Histograms in Playback Mode
    11. Highlight in Playback Mode
    12. Semi-Automatic Shooting Modes
    13. Recommendations
  14. Chapter 7: Manual Exposure
    1. Introduction
    2. Manual Exposure Mode Controls
    3. Manual Focusing of Micro Four Third Lenses
    4. White Balance
    5. Electronic Shutter
    6. i.Resolution and i.Dynamic
    7. HDR Versus Exposure Bracketing
    8. Recommendations
  15. Chapter 8: Camera Customization
    1. Introduction
    2. Customizing Buttons
    3. Customizing the Touch Screen
    4. C1, C2, and C3 Shooting Modes
    5. Recommendations
  16. Chapter 9: Flash
    1. Introduction
    2. How the Flash Works: Panasonic Terminology
    3. The Built-In Flash
    4. Accessory Flash Units
    5. Recommendations
  17. Chapter 10: Lenses and Other Accessories
    1. Introduction
    2. Panasonic Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
    3. Olympus Lenses: Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds
    4. Adapters for the Panasonic GH4 Camera Body and Legacy Lenses
    5. Legacy Lenses
    6. Spotting Scopes
    7. Telescopes
    8. Tripods
    9. Macro Photography
    10. Microscopes
    11. Cable Release
    12. Wi-Fi to Tablet Computer and Smart Phone
    13. Recommendations
  18. Chapter 11: Video Settings
    1. Introduction
    2. Video Basics for the Still Photographer
    3. Recording Pictures While Taking Movies
    4. Initial Settings for your Camera
    5. Image Adjustment Commands
    6. Recommendations
  19. Chapter 12: Making a Video
    1. Introduction
    2. Operational Aspects of your GH4
    3. Variable Frame Rate
    4. Time Lapse Shot and Stop Motion Animation Analysis
    5. 4K PHOTO
    6. Specific Video Sound Commands
    7. Attaching Accessories: Panasonic YAGH Accessory
    8. Some Additional Accessories and Points
    9. Recommendations
  20. Appendices
    1. Appendix A—Panasonic GH4 Menu Commands
    2. Appendix B—Menu Command Availability in Each Still Picture Shooting Mode
    3. Appendix C—Customization of Fn Buttons

Product information

  • Title: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
  • Author(s): Brian Matsumoto Ph. D, Carol F. Roullard
  • Release date: May 2015
  • Publisher(s): Rocky Nook
  • ISBN: 9781937538910