Panasonic Lumix G100D vs G7 – Which one is better?
Panasonic Lumix G100D vs G7 – Which One Is Best for You?
The Panasonic Lumix G100D and Lumix G7 are two of the most popular Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras from Panasonic.
Both deliver impressive 4K video, crisp photos, and compact handling — but they serve slightly different audiences. The G100D is designed for modern vloggers and hybrid creators, while the G7 remains a budget-friendly workhorse for enthusiasts and beginners.
So, which one offers the best value for your needs? Let’s find out.
⚙️ Overview — Modern Vlogger vs Classic All-Rounder
Panasonic Lumix G100D:
A compact mirrorless camera built for vloggers and travelers. It features a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, a fully-articulating touchscreen, and directional “OZO Audio” microphones — all in a lightweight body.
Panasonic Lumix G7:
An older but still-relevant 16MP Micro Four Thirds camera that helped popularize 4K video in affordable mirrorless bodies. It offers great handling, manual controls, and solid performance for photographers on a budget.
In short:
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G100D = Compact, vlogger-friendly, and modern.
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G7 = Affordable, versatile, and time-tested.
📸 Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Panasonic Lumix G100D | Panasonic Lumix G7 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 16 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| In-Body Stabilization (IBIS) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Autofocus System | Contrast AF (DFD Technology) | Contrast AF (DFD Technology) |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 8 fps |
| Video Recording | 4K 30p / Full HD 60p | 4K 30p / Full HD 60p |
| Audio | 3-Mic OZO Audio + mic input | External mic input only |
| Viewfinder | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| Screen | 3.0” Fully Articulating Touch LCD | 3.0” Vari-Angle Touch LCD |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | ~270 shots | ~350 shots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi only |
| Weight | 352 g | 410 g |
| Price (Body Only) | ~ $699 (Check on Amazon) | ~ $499 |
🧱 Build and Handling
The Lumix G100D is one of Panasonic’s most compact mirrorless cameras. Its lightweight build, deep grip, and fully-rotating screen make it ideal for handheld video or travel photography.
The Lumix G7 feels slightly bulkier but provides better ergonomics and a more DSLR-like feel. Its dual command dials and larger grip make it comfortable for long shooting sessions.
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Best for travel, vloggers, and minimal setups.
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G7: Best for photographers who prefer a traditional, ergonomic body.
🎯 Autofocus and Performance
Both cameras use Panasonic’s Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) contrast-based autofocus system.
However, the G100D benefits from newer processing and faster face/eye detection algorithms — making it slightly more responsive in both photo and video.
The G7 is still accurate but may struggle a bit more with continuous AF during video or fast action.
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Better face tracking and subject detection.
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G7: Still reliable for general photography, slower for moving subjects.
🎥 Video Capabilities
Both the G100D and G7 shoot crisp 4K 30p footage, but the G100D brings additional vlogging-focused features.
Panasonic Lumix G100D
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4K 30p / Full HD 60p recording
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Directional OZO Audio with face detection
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Fully articulating LCD for self-recording
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Lightweight body for handheld shooting
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No recording limit for short clips
Panasonic Lumix G7
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4K 30p / Full HD 60p
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Microphone input
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Flat “Cinelike D/V” picture profiles for grading
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Better manual control options
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Best for vloggers and YouTubers.
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G7: Best for filmmakers and users who prefer full manual control.
🧠 Image Quality
The G100D’s newer 20.3 MP sensor gives it a small but noticeable edge in detail and dynamic range. Colors are vibrant, and JPEGs look great straight out of the camera.
The G7’s 16 MP sensor is still capable of beautiful images, especially in good light, but it shows more noise at higher ISOs.
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Sharper, more modern image quality.
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G7: Slightly older but still delivers excellent results for the price.
🔋 Battery and Connectivity
Battery life favors the G7 (around 350 shots vs 270 on the G100D). However, the G100D includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing easy smartphone transfer and remote control.
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Better connectivity.
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G7: Better battery life.
💰 Price and Value
| Model | Approx. Price | Target User |
|---|---|---|
| Lumix G100D | ~$699 (Body Only) | Vloggers, travelers, and modern hybrid creators |
| Lumix G7 | ~$499 (Body Only) | Beginners and budget photographers |
The G7 remains one of the best entry-level mirrorless bargains available, while the G100D offers modern refinements that appeal to creators who prioritize portability and up-to-date tech.
👉 Verdict:
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G100D: Best compact vlogging camera under $700.
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G7: Best value mirrorless for photography under $500.
Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒
📷 Lumix G7 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
📷 Lumix G100D — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
🏁 Final Verdict — Panasonic Lumix G100D vs G7
| Type of User | Recommended Camera |
|---|---|
| Beginner Photographer | Lumix G7 |
| Enthusiast Photographer | Lumix G100D |
| Travel Photographer | Lumix G100D |
| Street Photographer | Lumix G100D |
| Portrait Photographer | Both (tie) |
| Vlogger / YouTuber | Lumix G100D |
| Hybrid Creator | Lumix G100D |
| Budget Buyer | Lumix G7 |
| Studio / Product Shooter | Lumix G7 |
✅ In short:
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Choose the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want a lightweight, connected, and creator-friendly camera for travel and video.
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Choose the Panasonic Lumix G7 if you want a dependable, budget-friendly camera that still produces excellent results.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Lumix G100D is Panasonic’s modern answer to the content-creator era — compact, clever, and ideal for video-first users who also want great stills.
The Lumix G7, despite its age, continues to impress with excellent manual controls and unbeatable value. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone learning photography or video on a budget.
If portability, modern design, and vlogging features matter most — go with the G100D.
If you prefer a classic feel, long battery life, and unbeatable price — the G7 still holds its ground.