GH4 Advice For A Novice's First Rig with the GH4

C

chaos

Active member
Hello all,

It's been quite sometime since I've posted here, and I'm always an eager student when it comes to filmmaking. I've recently become interested in filming nature / mountain biking trails (friends riding, not me, haha). I've been a big fan of the GH series, and the GH1 was my first DSLR ever. However, I've never built a rig before and used whatever lenses I could get my hands on. I've finally saved some money to spend on this expensive hobby which after purchasing the camera about $3000 to work with.

For lenses, I was thinking of a Sigma 18-35MM F1.8 Nikon mount combo with metabones speedbooster nikon G to m43 (new around $1350) or the Lumix 12-35 F2.8 (new around $1350).

For a tripid, I was going to go with a Manfrotto 502HD with 546GB tripod (combo about $630).

For a shoulder rig, the Rhino Rig Full Kit - includes base kit, rail system, cage, and rhino rest (about $1050) with fifty dollar focus pro ($95).

I think that about busts my budget.

Does anyone have suggestions or advice? I'd mostly be filming friends mountain biking or nature scenes.

Thank you!
 
You'll need a longer lens for nature work as 35 on an m43 is still only a portrait focal length. I supposed it depends on what your nature scenes mean but a good long lens is vital for getting shy animal behaviour.
 
I will second the longer lens. Perhaps the Panasonic 45-175 http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/721-pana45175. I am also a nature videographer but do it full time. I sold all my gear and have a GH4 on order and am building a new kit. If you are doing action sports you will need auto-focus. The Sigma doesn't have that. Take a look at the Olympus 12-40 2.8 http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1641. Also, for really a really long lens look at a used Nikkor AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR D with cheap m4/3 adapter. http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/253-nikkor-af-80-400mm-f45-56-ed-vr-d-review--lab-test-report
 
Mark Williams said:
I will second the longer lens. Perhaps the Panasonic 45-175 http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/721-pana45175. I am also a nature videographer but do it full time. I sold all my gear and have a GH4 on order and am building a new kit. If you are doing action sports you will need auto-focus. The Sigma doesn't have that. Take a look at the Olympus 12-40 2.8 http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1641. Also, for really a really long lens look at a used Nikkor AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR D with cheap m4/3 adapter. http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/253-nikkor-af-80-400mm-f45-56-ed-vr-d-review--lab-test-report
Click to expand...

I get where you are coming from on the AF part, but you're wrong, I film mostly freestyle BMX myself(with a GH1) and NEVER use autofocus, and neither does anyone in this industry that I know of.

Concerning the rig, I don't think it would be smart buying the Rhino Rig, You are gonna want some audio(VMP or so) and some other gear too, so spending all that money on a rig right now might not be my choice.
 
BobDrenth said:
I get where you are coming from on the AF part, but you're wrong, I film mostly freestyle BMX myself(with a GH1) and NEVER use autofocus, and neither does anyone in this industry that I know of.

Concerning the rig, I don't think it would be smart buying the Rhino Rig, You are gonna want some audio(VMP or so) and some other gear too, so spending all that money on a rig right now might not be my choice.
Click to expand...

I am not wrong, I just have a different opinion. If you can nail and maintain focus on a fast moving subject in 4K mode you have exceptional eye/hand cordingation.
 
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tip 1: don't spend everything. This hobby doesn't have to be expensive unless you believe Zacuto, Kessler, and the guys selling gear like theirs. Some of it is useful, much of it just supports itself. David Kong did a triad of guest posts on Philip Bloom's site, good info on what's capable with a very portable kit: http://philipbloom.net/2013/07/31/working-with-less-or-get-out-there-and-shoot-part-1/

tip 2: think smaller. You'll move quicker, be more inclined to use the gear, and retain more energy for capturing better shots. That 546GB tripod is 8lbs and designed for cameras up to ~40lbs - serious overkill and not something I'd want to haul all around the mountains. Your camera and lens will barely be over 2lbs. In the Manfrotto line, consider something like the 755 legs - only 2lbs, with a ballhead and a riser for quick elevation changes, and still sturdy enough to support a 2' Pocket Dolly. Perhaps a Benro S4. Perhaps even a MeFoto Roadtrip or Globetrotter with the addition of a decent fluid head. Consider a fluid monopod for a majority of on-the-move situations - they're surprisingly useful, inexpensive, and combined with a lens with good OIS, work splendidly for quick shots.

I absolutely hate oversized shoulder rigs that take my hands off the controls. No way I'd consider the Rhino Rig or anything like it, especially when running around in the mountains. The glory of the GH2/3/4 is that they actually have really good EVF's and monitors for their class, have passable audio pre-amps, and shoot to a robust internal codec, so you really don't need to festoon them with monitors, recorders, and all that faff. I've been using a Gorillapod Focus combined with a ballhead and quick release plate as my "shoulder rig" on the GH2 for well over 2 years now... they guy who shot with the GH4 for EOSHD's review uses one in exactly the same manner I do if that gives you some idea of its capabilities... plus you can always use it as a small tripod! (http://www.eoshd.com/content/12319/...er-shoot-panasonic-gh4-production-diary-day-1)

I also have and occasionally use this cheap Chicom eBay "DSLR Rig." (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-Rig-Mo...-Video-Camcorder-Camera-DV-DSLR-/161160964925) Not ultra highest quality, I started by ditching the foam rubber grips and replacing half the cheap bolts, but it works and is more than ample for a GH.

For lensing, seriously consider something with OIS if you have any intention of working handheld. Don't discount the 14-140/3.5-5.6 superzoom - unless your friends mountain bike at night or indoors, its speed will be adequate(especially if the GH4 is a base ISO ~800). I still use the older, worse 4-5.8 version almost every single shoot. The Lumix 12-35 and 35-100 are excellent, but may kill your budget quickly.

If you opt for the Speedbooster route, good companions for the Sigma 18-35 are the Sigma 10-20/3.5 and 50-150/2.8 (older non-OS version). Action sports and ultra wide lenses go together like chocolate and caramel. Heck... if you save enough money by spending less on other things, you can add a GoPro to your kit (an action sports staple). For wildlife you might even consider a second-hand non-OS Sigma 50-500. For primes, toss in a trio of old Nikon or OM primes as you find your style.

Hope I helped and saved you a few bucks
 
I'm not sure what sort of mountain biking you'll be shooting, but if it's jumps and such and you want skate-style close-up shots, it's well worth picking up the "manybrand" (aka Samyang/Rokinon/Bower/etc) manual 7.5mm f3.5 fisheye- around $200-250. Tiny, light, sharp, and fun to shoot with.

I second the notion of going smaller/lighter with your tripod, especially if you'll be hiking into locations at all. A Manfrotto 701HDV or Benro S4 is adequate for a GH with a mic and a medium lens. Some light carbon legs would save some weight.

I would recommend a Rode Videomic Pro as a decent on-cam mic. Maybe a Zoom H1 or similar for something you can hide next to a turn or jump to pick up the tire noise and pedaling and such. Add a small battery-powered lav mic for interviews.

A LCDVF or similar will be essential for working on a tripod in the sun. I have a Carryspeed equivalent that gets the job done. The only downside is that you lose the ability to flip your LCD inwards when storing the cam, but that's not a big deal as long as you have a:

Decent backpack/bag. I wouldn't be running around the woods with my gear if I didn't have a comfortable, reasonably sealed way to carry everything.

I would also think about a GoPro for POV shots, those seem popular in mountain biking stuff.
 
Favorite LCD loupe for me these days - the Kamerar. Cheap, access to all your buttons, pops off, and uses a mounting plate (which doubles as a standard manfrotto video release plate) vs. sticky magnets.

The loupe's the once accessory I couldn't live without, for puling focus, shooting in bright light and making handheld more stable.

You can build your own shoulder rig for peanuts. Find a good, stable & sturdy baseplate that lets you access the battery door (even if you have to chop a corner off with an angle grinder). A baseplate that doesn't flex is the #1 thing to spend on. Rods, handles, etc, look around on eBay, B&H, etc. there's a mountain of chinese rod components on eBay that are great and cheap, and show up in a week or so. I do a ton of paid work with shoulder rig and loupe (and my rig works on my bigger panasonic broadcast camera, and pops right onto my tripods). Don't need VR with it which means I have my pick of glass, from my 2-decades-shooting collection.
 
mcbob said:
tip 1: don't spend everything. This hobby doesn't have to be expensive unless you believe Zacuto, Kessler, and the guys selling gear like theirs. Some of it is useful, much of it just supports itself. David Kong did a triad of guest posts on Philip Bloom's site, good info on what's capable with a very portable kit: http://philipbloom.net/2013/07/31/working-with-less-or-get-out-there-and-shoot-part-1/

tip 2: think smaller. You'll move quicker, be more inclined to use the gear, and retain more energy for capturing better shots. That 546GB tripod is 8lbs and designed for cameras up to ~40lbs - serious overkill and not something I'd want to haul all around the mountains. Your camera and lens will barely be over 2lbs. In the Manfrotto line, consider something like the 755 legs - only 2lbs, with a ballhead and a riser for quick elevation changes, and still sturdy enough to support a 2' Pocket Dolly. Perhaps a Benro S4. Perhaps even a MeFoto Roadtrip or Globetrotter with the addition of a decent fluid head. Consider a fluid monopod for a majority of on-the-move situations - they're surprisingly useful, inexpensive, and combined with a lens with good OIS, work splendidly for quick shots.

I absolutely hate oversized shoulder rigs that take my hands off the controls. No way I'd consider the Rhino Rig or anything like it, especially when running around in the mountains. The glory of the GH2/3/4 is that they actually have really good EVF's and monitors for their class, have passable audio pre-amps, and shoot to a robust internal codec, so you really don't need to festoon them with monitors, recorders, and all that faff. I've been using a Gorillapod Focus combined with a ballhead and quick release plate as my "shoulder rig" on the GH2 for well over 2 years now... they guy who shot with the GH4 for EOSHD's review uses one in exactly the same manner I do if that gives you some idea of its capabilities... plus you can always use it as a small tripod! (http://www.eoshd.com/content/12319/...er-shoot-panasonic-gh4-production-diary-day-1)

I also have and occasionally use this cheap Chicom eBay "DSLR Rig." (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-Rig-Mo...-Video-Camcorder-Camera-DV-DSLR-/161160964925) Not ultra highest quality, I started by ditching the foam rubber grips and replacing half the cheap bolts, but it works and is more than ample for a GH.

For lensing, seriously consider something with OIS if you have any intention of working handheld. Don't discount the 14-140/3.5-5.6 superzoom - unless your friends mountain bike at night or indoors, its speed will be adequate(especially if the GH4 is a base ISO ~800). I still use the older, worse 4-5.8 version almost every single shoot. The Lumix 12-35 and 35-100 are excellent, but may kill your budget quickly.

If you opt for the Speedbooster route, good companions for the Sigma 18-35 are the Sigma 10-20/3.5 and 50-150/2.8 (older non-OS version). Action sports and ultra wide lenses go together like chocolate and caramel. Heck... if you save enough money by spending less on other things, you can add a GoPro to your kit (an action sports staple). For wildlife you might even consider a second-hand non-OS Sigma 50-500. For primes, toss in a trio of old Nikon or OM primes as you find your style.

Hope I helped and saved you a few bucks
Click to expand...
fantastic advice
 
With Lenses remember that Kijiji is your friend. I was able to save $941 USD (using today's currency exchange rates) by buying locally. I got the Panasoni Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 for $736USD and the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 lens for $920USD. I was able to inspect and test both lenses before buying as both sellers were local and I didn't have to worry about shipping safety or shipping and insurance cost. The potential downside is that I don't get any warranty, but with the Money I saved I could buy an entirely new lens. I could tell both lens were well looked after so I wasn't too worried about the longevity or warranty issues.
 
Wow. Thank you everyone. I've learned something from every post.

I definitely would love to film wildlife, and I can see the benefits of having a nice telephoto lens to capture those moments or even having the ability to film a lone branch growing sideways off a mountain top, the Lumix 45-175 looks like a great option to cover those areas and at an awesome price point. And I'd probably add with that the Lumix 12-30. OIS is definitely appealing in both situations. And I don't necessarily have to autofocus with them.

As far as mountain biking goes, I'm more interested in getting the wide shots of the biker on the trail, and if I can manage zooming close enough and holding for a medium / close-up shot, possibly cutting in the tires kicking up dirt (how I would love to rent a drone for bird's eye view shots, but probably end up crashing it), and as suggested in several posts, I do have a gopro hero 3+ black that I want to cut footage with from their POV.

For the 'rig', the Rhino is out the door. After googling all these wonderful suggestions, the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter is a beautiful tripod, and I'd probably throw in the JOBY GorrillaPod FOCUS with a Ballhead X.

For sound, I do have a zoom h4n which should work well for picking up some ambient sounds.

And lastly, the QV-1 M LCD view finder from Kamerar looks amazing as I'll probably be shooting in broad daylight most of the time and this would help so much. I remember not being able to see anything from glare with the GH1.

Thank you all for your suggestions. These preorders couldn't ship any sooner.
 
OH... another lens suggestion for wildlife and other long shots... the Lumix 100-300. OIS, sharp, relatively compact for the focal length, relatively affordable. Not too fast, but oh well.
 
I shoot some mtb videos in my spare time and always leave things like rig, follow focus and audio recorder at home.

You want to travel light and be able to setup and break down quickly. When shooting MTB with my GH3 I generally take along a fluid head tripod, small carbon 5ft jib, VideoMic pro, a Small DP4 EVF, a GoPro, and some gorilla pods. The EVF is not a necessity but nice to bring along.

Lens wise, I would suggest the 12-35 2.8 and something like the 45-150 if you want to stay native. You definitely want a telephoto lens. This combination will work well and be small and lightweight. if you don't mind the extra weight, then the SpeedBooster (Nikon mount) and Sigma 18-35 1.8 and Sigma 50-150 2.8 is what I would suggest. This will give you great low light performance (it's amazing how dark it can get in Pine Forests), shallower DOF (if that's what your into) and better manual focusing. I would forget about autofocus for MTB. It just doesn't work as well as manual focus once you get some practice. Obviously with the Speedbooster option you loose lens stabilisation but shooting mtb and wildlife you would rarely if at all go handheld. Also, a small stabiliser like a glidecam works well for flowing action when shooting MTB. Native or Speedbooster? Neither option is wrong or bad it's up to you what features you prefer.
 
mcbob said:
OH... another lens suggestion for wildlife and other long shots... the Lumix 100-300. OIS, sharp, relatively compact for the focal length, relatively affordable. Not too fast, but oh well.
Click to expand...

+1
The Lumix 100-300mm is really underrated. Cheap, fantastic range, sharp and OIS is really good. I enjoy shooting sports with this lens on the GH2.
 
Manfrotto's 502HD has it's knobs in all the wrong places so look elsewhere. For a lightweight head the replacement for the 701HD seems promising, but I haven't handled one yet.

Rode's VideoMic Pro is well suited for minimalist audio setup with the GH cameras but I've replaced mine with Shure's LensHopper series due to their much superior shock mounts & dead cats.

http://www.manfrotto.com/News+&+Events/News/Manfrotto+introduces+the+500+Fluid+Video+Head+/38393709

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&N=0&srtclk=sort&Ntt=Lenshopper
 
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