Request: GH1 vs HV20/30 lowlight test

[stephenvv]

I'm considering selling my HV30 for upcoming feature in August but would like to see a lowlight test vs HV20/30 series. Stocky GH1 lens is fine, but see both side by side under street lighting in 1080p mode, 1/48 to 1/50th shutter.

Would prefer a person in shot, no gain on HV and ISO 400 or less on GH1.

[Barry_Green]

Until someone answers with actual facts, here's some speculation:

At zero gain the HV20 is about 80 ISO. So with a GH1 at 320, you should have dramatically better low light -- except that with the stock lens, the most it opens is f/4, about equiv. to an 80-ISO HV20 at f/2.

With a 1.4 lens on the GH1 it'll decimate the HV20. With the stock lens, they'll probably be about the same.

[stephenvv]

Yeah, I tend to agree with that but also wondering what the characteristic of the sensor is where the noise is, what color channels are noisiest, etc. luminance levels that create worse noise as well as what it looks like (grainy, blotchy etc.) as that makes a big impact on how you can shoot in low light.

Also, even at zero gain in low contrast low light, I find my HV30 gets noisy fast. I'm curious how the GH1 is. Plus, the GH1 does have the option of higher ISO's whereas any gain on the HV30 looks bad to me.

[Justyn]

Regardless of what camera you choose, the HV30 would NOT be a camera that I'd consider shooting something as important to you/me/anyone on this type of camera system. A friend of mine did just that, and in low light situations its abysmal and the noise and workflow leave so much to be desired. If stealth and covert cameras are an option then That might be the only reason and if so, then some solid state options are good choices as well.

Not to slam the HV20 as it's a good consumer point and shoot camera but not for a feature and especially if you were planning to get a cinematic DOF and or think of using an adapter on the HV30.

[Justyn]

If you were to shoot with the HV30 I'd also recommend doing split system sound as there's a ton of noise in the audio.

[John Caballero]

I think its about time to leave those HDV tape cams of the past. Its time to look forward. I have no doubt that the GH1 will outperform the HV20/30 in everything.

[stephenvv]

Guys, I'm well aware of the HV30 limitations, I've shot with everything from cell phone cameras to commercial spots on my friend's Red, but we have access to 5 HV20/30's and don't have a budget for the Red.

I'm now using a Zoom H4n for audio as you are correct, audio is not great. But well lit, I think the HV20/30 looks better than many cameras costing much more.

I'm not addicted enough to short DOF to uses adapters. I've tried them and found they slow shooting down weight to much, increase your grip and light expenses and only suitable when you have time, crew and money to hassle with them.

The GH1 and 5D Mkii do look promising though I'm leaning GH1. I just want to see a low-light test side by side, that's all.

[J Davis]

Actually you can get great audio thru the HV20, HV30, HF100 or any of the vixia range.
The trick is to avoid using the camera pre amp and don't plug a shotgun directly in. Send it to a mixer or preamp first and get line level to the camera then just pull the audio level down and locked so it doesn't peak and no AGC.

I did this every time with my old HF100

[stephenvv]

No offense, but your "great audio" is not mine. I was running a Sign XLR adaptor and pro mixer, but you can't "avoid the preamps" only minimize them. It was a big step down from a DVX. Even with ground loop eliminator in the XLR adaptor, the jack in still noisy. And it's compressed audio to boot. The Zoom 4Hn is 96khz/24 bit uncompressed audio, 2 channel or 4 channel 48k, 24-bit uncompressed. Plus it has great limiters. Totally different league and what I call great audio.

[Martti Ekstrand]

If I had a HV30 around I'd test this for you but alas I don't. However I don't doubt GH1 would work brilliant for you in lowlight.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=175134