In 2017, I bought my first “proper” video camera: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 with the humble 14–42mm kit lens. At the time, it felt like a huge leap – I had been experimenting with basic gear (a Canon Vixia HF R50), but this was the first camera that gave my clips that filmic look and added some depth to the scenes I was shooting.
I remember unboxing it, mounting that lightweight kit lens, and heading straight out to film anything I could find—streets, sunsets, coffee cups, friends who were patient enough to stand in as “talent.”
Paradoxically, the small nature of this camera did not add to the “point-and-shoot” feel I was getting from it, quite the opposite – this felt tiny, yet powerful.
What really blew me away back then was 4K. In 2017, having affordable 4K felt futuristic. The G7 wasn’t a cinema monster, but it gave me sharp, detailed footage and enough control to start understanding frame rates, profiles, and manual exposure. For the price, it felt almost rebellious—like I’d discovered a secret shortcut into high-quality filmmaking without the high-end budget.
Fast forward to 2026, and I’m genuinely surprised at how well it still holds up. Sure, newer cameras boast better low-light performance, way-better autofocus (it’s not the best on any of the Lumix series), and internal stabilisation that would really make a difference (should have considered the G85 at the time).
But when I revisit footage from the G7, I’m reminded that good light, thoughtful composition, and intentional storytelling matter far more than spec sheets. That little 14–42mm kit lens still produces clean, usable images in the right conditions.
Reflecting back, the G7 wasn’t just a new camera—it was a turning point. It taught me manual control. It encouraged me to experiment with lighting. It pushed me to focus on creativity instead of constantly chasing upgrades. In a world obsessed with the latest releases, it’s refreshing to realise that a nearly decade-old camera can still deliver beautiful 4K images.
Sometimes, the best gear is simply the one that got you started.
An interesting read!