New Favorite Camera: Panasonic Lumix GH5
Where to begin . . . ok, I have to admit I am a long time Canon user and fan. I do this because I feel a sense of loyalty to them after investing tens of thousands of dollars in camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. But lately they have dropped the ball in the video department. Their image isn't as sharp as the new kids on the block and they don't touch 4k at a reasonable price. Which is exactly why I jumped on the waiting list for a Panasonic Lumix GH5 (http://amzn.to/2w4JpDe) when my local camera shop announced it's release.
But before we get too deep into my review, just a quick note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I appreciate when you use these links to check out products and I hope that you can see in my writing that I am objective with my reviews. I only write about products I have used and would generally recommend. I also try to point out every shortcoming I have experienced in a product so you know what to expect before you buy. Ok, let's get to it:
I have used this camera for a couple months now and it continues to impress me. Below is a recent spot we produced for Bath Junkie in Carmel City Center. This spot uses my single favorite feature from this camera - variable frame rate (VFR). You can shoot in 1080P at up to 180fps!
I love the feel that slow motion gives to a spot. I have had a GoPro since they first came out and always enjoyed playing with the high frame rate options. But playing was all it ever was. GoPros just always have that GoPro look to them. So even though I was in love with the slow motion look, I couldn't bring it into my workflow on a commercial spot. The Panasonic GH5 makes slow motion possible for "professional" video - that is to say video shot at different focal lengths and with the ability for shallow depth of field (the blurry background effect for lay people).
I am still working through a couple challenges that this camera presents. First, my muscle memory is clearly Canon. Even after a couple month I still find myself searching for buttons in the wrong place. This can add up to a few extra minutes at even short shoots. Second, I find it harder to focus on the subject. They have some zoom and peaking features, but nothing is as easy as it was with my Canon 5d MkII or even 70D or 80D. I end up shooting much more than I normally would simply out of fear that some of the shots may have a soft focus to them.
All in all I can't recommend this camera enough. The limits I mentioned above are completely on me as a cinematographer and not native to the camera. If you get this camera in the hands of someone more experienced than myself then you are sure to see some stunning results. I hope to get there someday as well!
Here is a list of the gear used to produce the video above:
Panasonic GH5: http://amzn.to/2i8gxnT
Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Lens: http://amzn.to/2i9TglJ
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 Lens: http://amzn.to/2vLWiiU
Opteka Camera Shoulder Mount Stabilizer: http://amzn.to/2w5awhy
Kessler Crane Cineslider: http://amzn.to/2wSJWWB
