Panasonic Lumix GH7 leaks - video-centric G9 II to bring PDAF to hybrid M4/3 champion on June 5

Not even a week ago, we speculated on an upcoming Panasonic Micro Four Thirds launch rumour, proposing that it might be something like an LX100 III or a GX10. Instead a new claimed leak from Andrea Pizzini suggests that Panasonic will be launching the Lumix GH7 on June 5.

While it's not necessarily the compact rangefinder-style M4/3 camera many Panasonic fans may have been hoping for, the rumoured GH7 specs should serve as consolation. According to the rumours, the Lumix GH7 will feature the same 27 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor as the photo-centric Panasonic Lumix G9 II (curr. $1,897 on Amazon). That means the updated hybrid camera will have phase-detect autofocus — as opposed to the previous Depth-from-Defocus system — solving one of the biggest complaints users had about the GH6.

Like previous versions of the GH line-up, it is expected to be on the larger side for a Micro Four Thirds camera, although it should also feature IBIS and weather sealing as a result.

The Lumix GH7 specifications also point to support for the new Lumix Lab app for Panasonic's new LUT system as well as a large cooling fan to cut down on overheating during long video sessions. Panasonic will allegedly already have the camera in stock at retailers as early as July.

As Pizzini notes, it is somewhat surprising to see Panasonic launch another new camera hot on the heels of the recent Panasonic Lumix S9, but it could be a way for Panasonic to save face after a somewhat disastrous launch for the Lumix S9 (which is on pre-order for $1,499.99 on Amazon).