Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic GH4

Cameras
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Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic GH4

APS-C 366.6mm²
24.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D7100 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D7100.

4/3 224.9mm²
16.1 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GH4 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GH4 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GH4.
Compare Panasonic GH4 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GH4 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D7200
Compare D7100 vs D7200

Succeeded by the Panasonic GH5
Compare GH4 vs GH5

Compare NIKON D7200 vs PANASONIC GH5

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Differences

Nikon D7100 advantages over Panasonic GH4

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Fast startup
~0.30 vs 0.8 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D7100 test data on DxO Mark GH4 test data on DxO Mark

1,256 vs 791 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

950 vs 530 shots
Capture more photos
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
More pixels
24.1 vs 16.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos

Panasonic GH4 advantages over Nikon D7100

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Shoot 4K video
4K (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
12.8 fps vs 5.8 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 12 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
11.8 fps vs 5.3 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
21 vs 5 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D7100 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GH4 User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D7100

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 18-105mm Lens
Kit with 18-140mm Lens

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Buy the Panasonic GH4

Body Only

Review Excerpt

Solid, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.
Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).
Read our Nikon D7100 Review

Excellent still image quality for its class; Fantastic, highly-detailed video quality; Superior video recording chops with 4K video (both Cinema 4K and Ultra HD); Responsive all-around performer with great AF performance and burst shooting; Rolling shutter is minimal with 60p and 30p video; Splash- and dust-proof magnesium alloy body; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.
High ISO performance not as good as some APS-C models (IQ drops quickly past ISO 3200); Overall still image quality not significantly better than the GH3; Sluggish buffer clearing with RAW files; Rolling shutter noticeable on 4K video; Not as compact as most mirrorless cameras.
Read our Panasonic GH4 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Nikon D7100

Canon 70D

$695
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

$999
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Canon 70D

Panasonic GH4

Canon 70D

$998
4/3

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$999
APS-C

Larger sensor
Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Canon 70D

Compared to Panasonic GH3

Nikon D7100

Panasonic GH3

$695
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

$798
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic GH3

Panasonic GH4

Panasonic GH3

$998
4/3

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$798
4/3

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GH3

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D7100

Pentax K-3

$695
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Pentax K-3

Panasonic GH4

Pentax K-3

$998
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$699
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Nikon D5300

Nikon D7100

Nikon D5300

$695
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Nikon D5300

Panasonic GH4

Nikon D5300

$998
4/3

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Nikon D5300

Compared to Panasonic G7

Nikon D7100

Panasonic G7

$695
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

$665
4/3

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic G7

Panasonic GH4

Panasonic G7

$998
4/3

Fast startup
NFC

$665
4/3

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic G7

Compare Other Cameras?