GH4 2nd lens advice for video project

G

gaddster

Active member
Hi All

Need some advice, I have a GH4 and 12-35mm lens. I have 2 upcoming corporate video projects which will include some interviews, product shots and business location shots.

I am in two minds whether to go for the 30-100mm (the jitter conversation put me off a bit) or 7-14mm etc.

Any advice or suggestions would be great as I'm pretty new to DSLR shooting

Thanks
 
Hi David, I guess the honest answer is I am not sure. Usually I shoot with a single lens camcorder so I really didnt have an option (hence purchasing the GH4)

I will need some outside factory shots, possibly some medium and close up truck shots, interview with MD and some internal factory footage (they make plastic bags). I haven't decided if I am filming the MD on a black/white back drop or using his office (will the 12-35mm give a sufficient DOF effect?)

PS not sure if the Tele would be better for the factory shots (not sure if I will be able to get too close to the production line etc)
 
You don't need a second lens for what you've described, or more to the point "one more lens" isn't likely going to make for a good shoot. You need a 2nd camera like an HPX/PX with a long zoom range.
 
There is no single perfect camera for all jobs, even in the same shoot day I occasionally use multiple camera models for what works best. It is actually an income opportunity that has worked well for me when you are working with a producer that understands the best camera for an interview isn't necessarily the best camera for b-roll, green screen, etc....
 
I haven't actually tried the gh4 footage next to the ac90 footage, although I was hoping to use the 4k option of the gh4 to record interviews then downscale to 1080 (for a medium and close shot that i can crop in post)

Guess i need to get out an test it out somewhere first :)
 
I believe you definitely need a faster lens than the f/2.8 to bring out the best of the GH4. I'd highly recommend a 15mm f/1.7, 25mm f/1.4 or the 42.5mm f/1.2 depending on what type of shots you need most often. The primes allow for up to 4 times the light of the f/2.8 when needed and also allow for very usable shallow depth of field at anything but the super tight shots. With the 2.49x crop in 4K UHD I've found the 15mm or a 17mm f/1.8 from Olympus to act much like the standard 50mm on a full frame. A 42.5mm acts like a fairly long tele in 4K and is tough to frame with on anything indoors.

In any case, my opinion is that every kit requires a fast prime to get the most out of your cam.

Cheers,
Pete
 
If you're finishing in 1080p anyway, don't ignore Ex-tele mode to get more range out of your 12-35. It yields better results than just punching in on the 4k.
 
Thanks c3hammer and Batutta

I watched a great video online and really like some of the footage from the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f1.2
 
I do similar work with a GH4/ 12-35/ 35-100 from time to time. The 12-35 is great for interior work, as is the 35-100. Go outside and it's a different story. The 35-100 doesn't have enough reach for many shots. I'm leaning towards adding the 14-140 in the near future.

Is the slower f 3.5 minimum f stop a big deal ? At one time this seemed like an issue and it kept me from purchasing this lens. For exteriors it's a moot point. Frankly, it's not an issue for many interiors either. On the flip side it's a far more flexible lens that will enable less lens changes in the field.
Heck, I suspect that I may end up shooting some interviews with it as well.
 
Am I looking at the wrong lens here Pegleg Media?? In the uk the olympus lens is a quarter of the cost of the panasonic lens??
 
Well, I have bought the Olympus 45mm f1.8 (as it was so cheap it was a no-brainer at £170).. So still have room to buy one more lens... hmm decisions
 
hotchkiss said:
Is the slower f 3.5 minimum f stop a big deal ? At one time this seemed like an issue and it kept me from purchasing this lens. For exteriors it's a moot point. Frankly, it's not an issue for many interiors either. On the flip side it's a far more flexible lens that will enable less lens changes in the field.
Heck, I suspect that I may end up shooting some interviews with it as well.
Click to expand...
The 3.5 isn't that big a deal, the problem with the 14-140 is that image quality drops from 50mm onwards. It may or may not be something you like.

gaddster said:
Well, I have bought the Olympus 45mm f1.8 (as it was so cheap it was a no-brainer at £170).. So still have room to buy one more lens... hmm decisions
Click to expand...
The 45 is a nice lens, though I've never used it for video. Have you figured what kind of shots you want to do?
 
The 45 is a nice lens, though I've never used it for video. Have you figured what kind of shots you want to do?[/QUOTE]

Hi Yslee, yes its a mixture of interview shots, outdoor shots of factory and commercial trucks arriving/leaving.. I may even do a time-lapse from late afternoon to nighttime to show how busy the depot gets. Again I will know better when I meet the MD next week and get a chance to look around for ideas.. They produce packaging for some major retailers so was going to get some shots using the 45mm for a nice DOF
 
Yea, ok, get the rundown from the client first. Just make sure you have some time with the lens before the shoot.
 
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