Lumix G7 - User Manual

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 1
Stills Photography with the Lumix G7
Modern digital cameras are marvellous pieces of technology that are capable of capturing wonderful
images. However, most are needlessly complex. We typically face four exposure modes, three metering
modes, at least three focus modes and several auto-focus modes. And that is before considering ISO
(sensitivity), white balance, exposure compensation, drive mode and a host of other settings!
Lumix G cameras are highly configurable, have a relatively user-friendly interface and most have a
number of programmable buttons and other controls. However, this adds yet another level of complexity.
It has taken me years of use to find effective ways of using and configuring Lumix G cameras. Having
done so, I find them a delight to use. Features and capabilities hidden in the menus and documentation
can be programmed onto buttons and the QUICK MENU (Q.MENU) and made directly accessible and
highly usable.
This manual attempts to distil this experience into a relatively short document. It is directed at stills
photographers who mainly use RAW format. It does not cover many JPEG-only features, intelligent auto
mode or taking video. Don’t let this put you off using intelligent auto mode: it does work well. However,
the techniques in this manual let you make full use of your camera’s capabilities and are no harder, once
mastered.
Please refer to the official Panasonic manuals, which can be downloaded from Panasonic’s web site, for
the basic details of camera operation and for full details of features such as 4K PHOTO.
The manual is organised as follows:
• The first chapter gives an overview of the controls, so you can follow the rest of the manual.
• The second chapter covers taking photos, using recommended custom modes. The setup of the
custom modes in described in chapter 4.
• The third chapter summarises the technical capabilities of the camera. It provides details of additional
capabilities for you to refer to as needed.
• Chapter four summarises the functions and settings of the cameras and describes how to set up
(program) your camera. This should be the first thing you do.
I hope you enjoy using your camera.
1. Controls on the G7
This chapter provides a brief overview of the controls: see the photographs on page 2. Note the name or
function of each control. Some buttons have the function embossed on or by them. The functions
programmed on other buttons, which only have an icon or Fn number on them, are shown on the
photographs.
Insert a charged battery and memory card, following the instructions in the camera manual. Turn on your
camera using the ON / OFF switch. It’s obvious how to turn it off again.
Before proceeding further with this manual, please set up your camera as instructed in chapter 4, which
also describes the functions in the menu system. The setup makes the frequently-used features of your
camera readily accessible. The functions used most frequently are allocated to the dials, programmable
function buttons and screen function icons
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. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button lets you enable
use of the touch screen and cursor keys to position the AF (auto-focus) area. The use of the other buttons
and dials is discussed below.
The next most frequently-used functions are allocated to the Q.MENU, where they can be quickly
accessed. You have to access other functions through the full MENU system.
Use the dioptre adjustment, beside the viewfinder, to focus the viewfinder image.
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The screen function icons are accessed (and hidden) by touching the small tabs to the right of the screen. They
are not available using the viewfinder.

Summary

Controls on the G7

The Q.MENU

The MENU system

Taking stills photographs

Custom Modes

Configure and utilize custom shooting modes for specific photographic scenarios.

Stationary subjects using electronically-controlled lenses

Stationary Subject Modes

Moving Subjects Configuration

Optimize camera settings for capturing moving subjects effectively.

Camera Controls and Capabilities Summary

Exposure Modes Explained

Understand the PASM and other shooting modes for controlling exposure.

Focusing Controls and Operation

Focus Modes and AF Operation

Explore different focus modes and how to specify focus areas.

Focus Lock and Metering Evaluation

Configuring Your Camera

Menu and Settings Configuration

Set up camera menus, including SETUP, CUSTOM, and REC menus.

Function Button Programming

Program function buttons for quick access to camera operations and settings.

Q.MENU and Custom Mode Configuration

Customize the Quick Menu and set up custom shooting modes for efficiency.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This manual describes the Lumix G7, a modern digital camera designed for stills photography, particularly for users who primarily shoot in RAW format. The camera offers a balance of advanced capabilities and user-friendly configurability, aiming to simplify complex photographic processes.

Function Description

The Lumix G7 is equipped with a range of controls and features to manage exposure, focus, and image capture. It supports four primary exposure modes: Program (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter speed priority (S), and Manual (M). These modes allow photographers to control various aspects of exposure, from fully automatic settings in Program mode to complete manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in Manual mode. The camera also includes three custom modes (C1, C2, C3) where users can store preferred settings for specific shooting scenarios, such as stationary subjects or moving subjects.

For focusing, the G7 offers multiple auto-focus (AF) modes, including FACE DETECTION, AF TRACKING, 49-AREA, CUSTOM, 1-AREA, and PINPOINT. FACE DETECTION automatically identifies and focuses on faces, switching to 49-AREA AF if no faces are detected. The 1-AREA AF mode allows users to precisely select a specific focus area, which can be moved and resized using cursor keys or the touch screen. The camera also features focus peaking, which highlights in-focus edges in blue to assist with manual focusing. An AF/MF switch allows quick toggling between auto-focus and manual focus.

Metering modes—Multi-metering, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering—determine how the camera measures exposure. Multi-metering considers the entire scene, while Spot metering focuses on a specific point, often linked to the AF area.

The camera supports various image formats, including RAW and JPEG, and allows simultaneous capture of both. Users can select different image resolutions and aspect ratios. Drive modes include Single shot, Burst shooting (with various rates like super-high, high, medium, and low), 4K PHOTO modes (4K BURST, 4K BURST S/S, 4K PRE-BURST), Auto Bracket for exposure bracketing, and a Self-timer. Time Lapse/Animation functions are also available for creative video capture.

Image stabilization is supported through optical image stabilization (OIS) in compatible lenses, which can be set to NORMAL or PANNING via the Q.MENU or a physical switch on the lens. The electronic shutter function provides silent shooting and eliminates shutter shock, though it may introduce distortion with moving subjects due to its sequential row exposure.

Flash photography is integrated with a built-in flash and hot-shoe support for external flashes. Flash modes include NORMAL and SYNCHRO, with options for 1st or 2nd curtain synchronization. Flash output can be adjusted with Flash Adjust and linked to exposure compensation. The camera also supports wireless flash, though it uses infra-red communication, requiring line-of-sight between the camera and remote flashes.

Usage Features

The Lumix G7 is designed for intuitive operation. Key controls include a Mode dial for selecting exposure modes, a Drive mode dial for burst shooting and other capture sequences, and front and rear dials for adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. A Q.MENU button provides quick access to frequently used functions, which can be customized by the user. The full MENU system, organized into tabs (REC, MOTION PICTURE, CUSTOM, SETUP, PLAYBACK), offers comprehensive control over all camera functions.

The camera features both a viewfinder (LVF) and an LCD screen. The LVF button toggles between LVF on, LCD screen on, and automatic switching. The DISP button cycles through various display options, including information displays, level indicators, and a control screen for quick setting changes. The touch screen functionality allows for intuitive control, such as moving the AF area, selecting functions, and even firing the shutter.

Programmable function buttons (Fn buttons) and screen function icons allow users to assign frequently used features for direct access, enhancing workflow efficiency. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button can be programmed to enable movement of the AF area using cursor keys or the touch screen.

For astrophotography, the manual recommends using manual focus, setting the lens to infinity, and using manual exposure mode with a wide maximum aperture. It suggests experimenting with shutter speed, ISO, and image brightness to balance noise and detail.

For panoramas, the camera supports both manual exposure with post-processing stitching and an in-camera Panorama Shot scene mode. The in-camera mode allows users to scan the scene by holding the shutter button, with options to set the scan direction and apply effects filters.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides guidance on basic maintenance, such as inserting a charged battery and memory card. It also includes instructions for formatting the memory card, which deletes all contents. The SENSOR CLEANING function is available in the SETUP menu to help maintain the sensor's cleanliness.

The ECONOMY function helps extend battery life by allowing the camera to automatically switch off the display and/or enter standby after a set period. Pressing any button or half-pressing the shutter button can wake the camera from standby.

The manual also details how to access the shutter count, a useful piece of information for monitoring camera usage and lifespan. This involves a specific sequence of button presses to enter a service mode and navigate through information pages.

Overall, the Lumix G7 is presented as a versatile camera that, once configured to a user's preferences, offers a powerful and efficient tool for stills photography, particularly for those who appreciate detailed control and RAW image capture.

Lumix G7 Specifications

General

Camera Type	Mirrorless
Sensor Size	17.3 x 13.0 mm
Image Sensor Format	Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Micro Four Thirds
Built-in Flash	Yes
Dimensions	124.9 x 86.2 x 77.4 mm
Sensor	16.0MP Live MOS Sensor
ISO Range	ISO 100-25600
Autofocus	Contrast Detection, 49-area
Video Resolution	4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Viewfinder	OLED Live View Finder
Screen	3.0" 1, 040k-dot Free-Angle Touchscreen LCD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Battery Life	Approx. 360 shots
Weight	410 g (with battery and SD card)
Shutter Speed	1/4000 to 60 sec
Continuous Shooting	8 fps
Video Frame Rate	4K: 30p/24p, Full HD: 60p/30p
LCD Screen Type	TFT-LCD
Viewfinder Type	Electronic
Battery	DMW-BLC12 Lithium-Ion