OVERVIEW:
This camera is good for leaving in the studio, but I don't like using it in the field. The lack of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) means you need a larger, heavier tripod (or gimbal) to use it effectively. Also, the inaccurate screen isn't a good tool for beginners who need to make exposure and other image judgements using it (instead of an external monitor). The GX85 and G85 screens are much better (but the GH4 screen is even worse than the G7).

MAIN POINTS:
PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?
PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?
PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?

PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
The camera itself is small and light weight, but if you’re using it for video, the lack of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) means you’ll need to add a gimbal, and that’s why I say it doesn’t fit in a camera bag (or your pocket) but will require using a backpack to transport it. If you’re using it for STILL photography, you might be okay (if you follow the focal length/shutter speed rule) but for video, even if you do a lot of static shots (using a tripod) I’ve found the tripod needs to be pretty sturdy (and/or be carbon fiber) to make sure the shake doesn’t show up in shots (especially if it’s windy). These are the reasons I say it’s a good camera to leave in the studio…but it produces such a nice image it may be worth carrying around, even with the gimbal (and heavier tripod) added to your pack.

PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
Yes. The Panasonic G7 is one of the most affordable, good cameras out there. It's usually around $300 (used) and if you don't need IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) you can go wrong with it (unless you do a lot of low light/ambient light work).

PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
Yes... it seems like it's everywhere (but that's a good thing). I have purchased the G7 either for testing purposes or for a shoot, 3 times so far, and each time I sold it I said to myself "I need the money for something else now, but I know I can always get another one later".

PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
There's a lot to say here. Here's my SHORT version: Do NOT export (from Davinci Resolve) using any compression. Only use h.264 Master. THEN upload to YouTube. If you add any sort of compression (i.e. the "YouTube preset" or other presets) the footage from the G7 FALLS APART. It's really bad...but remember, it is pretty good if you use. h.264 Master (so don't give up on it). Having said all of that, I like the image (the color science, and everything) of the G7 better than the GH4, GX85 and GX85 (the competition in that price range). The only reason I keep selling the G7 is the lack of IBIS...but I may decide to put up with that and buy it again.

PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?
So, I have to bring up the lack of IBIS again. The camera size and controls make it pretty easy to use, but having no "In-Body Image Stabilization" makes it a LOT more cumbersome to transport and use for video, because you need a gimbal and/or a heavier weight tripod (or a Steadicam vest and arm). So, for STUDIO work I consider it easy-to-use, but for ON-LOCATION work, it's somewhat of a bother...and that's why I don't use the G7 for that.

PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?
Yes, it needs a gimbal...or a very sturdy tripod (due to lack of IBIS). For static (non-moving) shots, you can sometimes wait for the shake to die down, but in certain scenarios (windy conditions, etc.) it won't work, unless you have a really heavyweight tripod...or are moving around on a gimbal.

PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?
I've found the G7 is overpriced NEW (even though it is a good camera) but it's a really good deal on the USED market (eBay, Offer up, Craigslist, etc.)

CONCLUSION:
I really don't know what to do about the G7. I really like the image that it can produce (especially with my custom "Lens-Sensor Specific" settings) but I keep coming back to the lack of IBIS. Not having In-Body Image Stabilization makes it take longer to get good footage in the field because you either have to carry, and set up, a gimbal...or use a heavy tripod (if you use a lighter tripod, you CAN wait a bit for the shake to die down, but in windy areas that's not always a solution). So, I'm not completely sure what to do but I will say, the image it produces is so good, I keep coming back.