The GH4 is an advanced Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (MILC) which provides excellent image quality and performance with an extensive specification list and range of capabilities. It also provides a very good user experience with good ergonomics.
For the purposes of scoring I used the Lumix 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 lens. This enables comparison with fixed lens cameras.
Setup 10/15
The GH4 has a typical Panasonic menu system with a clear user interface and easy navigation. But as with many other recent cameras the sheer number of menu options can make setup a daunting task especially for a novice.
There is no My Menu.
Prepare 13/15
The GH4 works very well in Prepare Phase with several set and see modules for modes, plus a good Q Menu and plenty of Fn buttons.
A few minor quibbles prevent maximum score. For instance Shutter delay can only be found in the Rec Menu.
Holding 18/20
The handle is nicely shaped for comfort as is the thumb support. Some minor issues prevent a maximum score. The shutter button could be a little further to the left as viewed by the user. The shape of the upper front of the handle forces a gap between the right index and middle fingers which in turn makes the ISO and +/- buttons difficult to reach.
Viewing 18/20
All the key elements are in place and work well. Good EVF, good, fully articulated monitor. I find the eyecup a bit uncomfortable. EVF blackout time is short but not negligible.
Operating 19/25
Again most of the key elements are in place. Most primary and secondary exposure and focus parameters can be adjusted while looking continuously through the viewfinder.
There is no JOG lever to change position of the AF box so the cursor buttons must be used which requires the right thumb to drop down, interfering with the right hand grip.
The Disp button is poorly located right in the middle of the wrap around thumb support.
I found that reaching the ISO and +/- buttons requires an excessive stretch of the right index finger.
Review 5/5
All the key tasks are readily carried out.
Total Score 83/100
With practice and familiarity the GH4 can provide a very streamlined twin dial user experience. It is one of the better cameras I have used and tested. It could be improved however with some alterations to the shape and configuration of the upper part of the handle and the thumb support and a JOG lever.
