Can Lumix G7 "downscale" 4K to 1080 video in the camera ?

Just a causal video shooter and so wish some experts can come in for more accurate answer.

On GX85:

red sled wrote:

After reading many, many reviews I'm seriously considering the Lumix G7 for timelapse video, and also as my entry in micro four thirds and 4K video. One of the reviews said the detail of 4k video is four times that of 1080. At present, we have nothing to view 4k but perhaps in the future. The review also said that 4k "downscales nicely" to 1080 . So I have three questions:

1) Does the G7 downscale 4K to 1080 in the camera ?

No IIRC (never do similar thing in camera). I suppose G7 will not do it. I downscale 4K video into 1080 by Free Video Editor on PC.

2) When 4k is downscaled to 1080p , how much if any detail is lost ?

No to my acknowledge, and will produce sharper result than native 1080 footage.

3) Is my interest in 4k video a waste of time and money when I have only 1080 TV and computer ?

Depends. It is future proof if not immediately enjoyed now. Soon you shall upgrade to 4K TV and monitor since their cost been come down rapidly. If you shoot in 4K, you can guarantee to have full enjoyment of them when you upgraded your gear later. So a few more years to go. If you shoot 1080, in next few years you might end up with a lower resolution footage after upgrading your gear. I must admitted that 1080 is still looking very nice on my new 4K TV.

Any insight or advice is appreciated. Thank you.

It is a technology driven world and so, better prepare for the soon future.

BTW, if money is not a big concern, you might better look for G85 since the Dual IS-2 can do an amazing job for handheld video, or run and gun recording. A recent thread yesterday from a G7 upgraded to G85 shooter on his experience might interest you. G7 cost a a lot less, but minded being the last batch of Pany cameras using the last generation of hardware. IMHO the cost saving might not worth it. YMMV.