GH2 A Question For You All

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
I am thinking of selling my HVX200a and downsizing to a GH2. I have an external audio recorder already, so I have that covered, but are there any other pitfalls/caveats I can expect if I make the move? How much can I expect the shooting/workflow to change? Also, does the gh2 have that straight-out-of-the-camera cinematic look that the HVX has in 1080 24p?

Thanks
 
The image won't be your problem. It will most likely be sharper than the HVX when you want it to be.
Coming from a Panny video camera myself I'd say that aside from audio, the biggest convenience loss is the built-in ND filters.
But the incredibly convenient size of the GH2 means plenty of room to carry some filters with you. Just not as quick as flipping the lever.

The motorized zoom will also be gone - but I realize most people don't use that anyway.
 
Hi.
I am currently switching fom HPX170 to GH2 (in the way that I still have my HPX but will sell it soon)
I havent used the HPX since the GH2, the image quality is drastically better. In my point of view, the GH2 has an even more eye candy image out of the camera (which is almost a problem for post as it is not quite flat image, see P Bloom's test)
You may struggle with sound for a while, especially for documentary style
You loose the easy focus, cervo zoom, and easy NDs. (unless you go with the new Lumix lens)
You will need an external monitor (DP6 is great) and a rig (I have Express35)

My next step is to sell my HPX and maybe get a second Gh2 body for 2 cams shoot (or maybe one of those super fast MFT lens)

PS: for the future, please post the theme of your post in your title, not "just a question" thing, more like "Moving from HVX200 to GH2?" This will help the readability of the forum thanks.
 
Thanks, guys. Phenixone, I have a Liiliput HD monitor. Can I monitor while recording with the GH2, or just use it for composition/focus before recording? Also, does anyone know what happened to the 14-140mm package that was being offered. BH said that it was discontinued on their site.
 
On bigger shoots I use the HPX500 with a Canon HD cinema lens. Otherwise I use either the HVX200 or the HMC150 depending on content.

I bought the GH2 for personal work and I was able to make the switch without many growing pains. If you've got external audio gear you're halfway there. Things I will mention; I had to switch my thinking moving from +/- dB gain to finding the right ISO settings for each shoot. Also adjusting to the lack of built in ND (as has been mentioned) but that didn't take long. It also took a while to not having iris/aperture control on the lens (although the HMC150 is switchable) however the thumb control (depending on the lens) isn't too much of an adjustment. All in all, I've found I have a few more imaging options than I do when shooting with the video cameras. One exception being fine control over gamma, knee, etc., in the same way through menu settings. But most video shooters I know don't get too deep into that anyway. They leave it up to the editors.

I also agree that you will need some sort of DSLR riser or rig because as powerful as the GH2 is in creating an image; it's actually quite small. I actually found it awkward to handle at first.
 
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I sold my hvx200 a year ago (took a 60% hit on value). The HVX was heavy and difficult to hold. My back screamed after a days's worth of hand holding. My number of hours on the hvx200 dropped because I dreaded to lug it to events.

My Gh2... what can I say? Light... easy to hold and manuever. Picture quality stomps over the Hvx200 (which was noisy).

My advice: Sell sell sell the hvx200 before prices drop any further and get yourself the Gh2.

Make video a pleasurable activity again.
 
scorsesefan said:
Thanks, guys. Phenixone, I have a Liiliput HD monitor. Can I monitor while recording with the GH2, or just use it for composition/focus before recording? Also, does anyone know what happened to the 14-140mm package that was being offered. BH said that it was discontinued on their site.
Click to expand...

I don't want to speak for Phenixone, but to answer your questions:

- Yes, you can monitor while recording.

- The 14-140 package is available at Amazon for $1200

Good luck with your decision,

Bill
 
It seems that Panasonic is coming with new lumixG lens with fast zooms. I would not push you to the 14-140. I own it and never ever use it. I would rather use my eBay prime nikon lens. The 10-140 is way too slow in aperture to be useable at all. My avice get the cheap lens package and gt an adapter with primes. Your image will change drastically!
As said yes you can monitor while shooting in 1080 all the time even when recording. Also some options will not work (EX 1:1crop...)
 
Phenixone said:
It seems that Panasonic is coming with new lumixG lens with fast zooms. I would not push you to the 14-140. I own it and never ever use it. I would rather use my eBay prime nikon lens. The 10-140 is way too slow in aperture to be useable at all. My avice get the cheap lens package and gt an adapter with primes. Your image will change drastically!
As said yes you can monitor while shooting in 1080 all the time even when recording. Also some options will not work (EX 1:1crop...)
Click to expand...

I "feel" that if you have a Gh2, that you should have the 14-140 as a piece of the kit. Why? Image stabilization. It's nice to have a lens that can do it and do it well with any camera. Sure, it's F/4. But outside shooting and with use of lighting, F/4 is not all that slow anymore. Then from that, build a lens system around the camera.
 
i actually reach for my kit lens and leave my primes at home when im shooting outdoors daylight if it is a fast paced shot like BTS stuff. that and the 100-300 for super close ups on another body. f4 gives just enough dof in most cases OIS is hard to live without hand held. be interesting to see how those new pana lenses perform though.
 
Thanks all for your advice. I want a long lens (I do work at the horse track and in the backstretch) so I think I'll try to grab the 14-140 even if it's not too fast.

"My avice get the cheap lens package and gt an adapter with primes."
- I do a lot of run n' gun doc stuff, so primes might not be so good?
 
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