Thanks for taking the time to answer Vinyl Stax! I'm debating between upgrading from my GH2 to either the GX7 or the BMPCC. I really like the robustness of 10-bit RAW, but I really need a camera for taking photos as well since my GH2 is on its last leg....decisions, decisions....
GH3 Any GH3 users who have used the GX7?
- Thread starter Mike Lorushe
- Start date
Noah Truth
Active member
Couple questions:
1) FilmConvert users: Which camera profile(s) are you using with the GX7?
2) Any recommendations on a camera case that would fit the GX7 + 20mm lens? I really like the idea of taking this camera everywhere with me, but I don't necessarily want to have it exposed 24/7. Right now I'm looking @ this one: http://goo.gl/8i8tpD
3) Do you use any attachments to weigh the camera down? I have a Manfrotto quick release that I'm thinking of using for the time being to shoot video. The added weight actually makes it slightly heavier than the GH3.
4) How does it behave in extreme weather? I live in Chicago and do a lot of outdoor stuff. Right now it's consistently below 10 degrees F w/ snow flurries every other day. My GH3 is like a tank in these conditions but I'm a bit worried about the GX7.
Thanks.
1) FilmConvert users: Which camera profile(s) are you using with the GX7?
2) Any recommendations on a camera case that would fit the GX7 + 20mm lens? I really like the idea of taking this camera everywhere with me, but I don't necessarily want to have it exposed 24/7. Right now I'm looking @ this one: http://goo.gl/8i8tpD
3) Do you use any attachments to weigh the camera down? I have a Manfrotto quick release that I'm thinking of using for the time being to shoot video. The added weight actually makes it slightly heavier than the GH3.
4) How does it behave in extreme weather? I live in Chicago and do a lot of outdoor stuff. Right now it's consistently below 10 degrees F w/ snow flurries every other day. My GH3 is like a tank in these conditions but I'm a bit worried about the GX7.
Thanks.
Bruce Foreman
Veteran
You might look at the smaller Case Logic bags. I have a GX1 I carry around in one of their smaller bags with one main compartment and two zippered "pockets" on the sides. I can carry the camera with a 14-45mm lens mounted and have either the Olympus 17mm (f2.8), the Lumix 20mm, or Lumix 14mm in a pouch in the main compartment.
Something like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-DC...F8&qid=1390412104&sr=8-41&keywords=case+logic
http://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-DC...F8&qid=1390412603&sr=8-11&keywords=case+logic
WalMart sometimes carries some of these (you might be able to test "fit"), they are simple, somewhat lightweight (the smaller ones), and very well made. The one I carry the GX1 in I have had for almost 3 years. I have one of their larger ones I used to carry a Canon 60D, several lenses, and some accessories in, almost 4 years now and it holds up real well. Still use if sometimes for one of my GH3's.
I'll sometimes use the 501PL "plate" on small cameras, something to "grip" on the bottom of the camera. A much better idea might be the Geabox GB1 sold by Photography & Cinema.
Be sure and watch both videos on the page!
http://www.photographyandcinema.com.../products/gearbox-video-camera-accessory-cage
I've got one primarily for my OMD E-M5 and I'm real satisfied with the handling I have with it. I use the Manfrotto 577 quick release on the top of the bottom plate so I can slide cameras in and out easily. Even works with my GH3's.
It's not weather sealed like the GH3 with weather sealed lenses, but the Case Logic bag should protect it from snow flurries (just take it out briefly to shoot then put it back), and large ziplock bag (carried folded in one of the end pockets) would fit over some of the small Case Logic bags if you get caught in rain that is more than a drizzle.
Noah Truth
Active member
Thanks for the suggestions. I have looked at the Gearbox cage but think it might be overkill as I don't really use audio rigs or external monitors (at least right now). I also prefer the stabilization of shoulder mounts. It does looks like a quality piece to have around just in case though.
Bruce Foreman
Veteran
The Gearbox almost seems like a "no brainer" for the price ($95 for the GB1). The grips are spaced just wide enough to have a good controlled stabilization effect handheld, and the flexibility of use with everything from a Canon 5D Mk II/III down to the size of the GX1/GX7 is hard to beat.
I ordered mine primarily to use with the OMD E-M5 with it's 5 axis IS and the spacing of the grips combined with that camera's amazing IBIS is something else. But for short takes I can do almost as well (in tests) with the GH3 mounted on it. And for anyone who already has the Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter it's a heckuva bargain at that low a price.
I ordered mine primarily to use with the OMD E-M5 with it's 5 axis IS and the spacing of the grips combined with that camera's amazing IBIS is something else. But for short takes I can do almost as well (in tests) with the GH3 mounted on it. And for anyone who already has the Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter it's a heckuva bargain at that low a price.
Noah Truth
Active member
Okay, I've been messing around w/ the GX7 for a couple days now and I must say, it's quite the fun and intuitive camera to use. There are a handful of small augmentations to the menu system that make operation very practical. On paper the video settings are a bit underwhelming, however, upon importing the files and viewing the results, I'm quite convinced.
Alas, my GH3 will be ebay bound by the end of the day.
Alas, my GH3 will be ebay bound by the end of the day.
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Mike, I'm going to go against all recommendations here.
I don't have the GH3 but have looked at all the reviews and unfortunately the improvement vs the GH3 is only marginal. Maybe 10% better.
If you really want to focus on filmmaking, thinking about getting the GX7 (or not) is yet another procastrination issue. The Gh3 is still very capable, outputs far better 1080p than any other DSLR out there.
So I would recommend investing the $1000 you had on your next filmmaking project (transport costs, getting help from a writer, renting a few good lights).
What's sure is that this year there will be lots of cameras with 4K (Blackmagic, Panasonic, Sony etc.) so buying a camera makes only sense mid-year or end of the year.
I don't have the GH3 but have looked at all the reviews and unfortunately the improvement vs the GH3 is only marginal. Maybe 10% better.
If you really want to focus on filmmaking, thinking about getting the GX7 (or not) is yet another procastrination issue. The Gh3 is still very capable, outputs far better 1080p than any other DSLR out there.
So I would recommend investing the $1000 you had on your next filmmaking project (transport costs, getting help from a writer, renting a few good lights).
What's sure is that this year there will be lots of cameras with 4K (Blackmagic, Panasonic, Sony etc.) so buying a camera makes only sense mid-year or end of the year.
It is limited to 1-2 second I think. In GH3 it is 20fps/4seconds 2.5k. The problem is that in GH3 it uses video scaler and resolution is the same as in video. It is so useless feature. Why not just shoot video 60FPS.
I was under the impression that it could shoot in a higher resolution than 1080 in the 40fps burst mode. I know the GH3 uses the video scaler under a similar mode, but I've read on EOSHD that the GX7/GM1 sensors can provide a full 4.5k pixel readout with its electronic shutter. Unfortunately it's just limited to 2 seconds of recording, wishful thinking on my part I know.
Lammy
Well-known member
I get a little worried too, as the body feels cold and seems to get more condensation issues faster than other cameras. For situations like if you're walking near a warm air pot hole or absent mindedly walk into a warm shop. I'd say best keep a ziplock bag or pop into a small bag when unsure.
heri said:
Actually the GX7 has less moire, better resolved resolution, and a stop advantage in video mode. It's just more efficient.
The advantages of GH3 is more ergonomic - weather sealed body, articulated screen and mic in.
I'm not too bothered about the mic in or articulated screen (GX7 has amazing liveview wifi screen sharing) but the weather sealed body would be nice.
How practical is the wifi screen sharing? Does the image quality hold up and is there a lot of lag? Is it possible to use a smartphone/tablet as an external monitor while recording video?
I'm also curious about the build quality, since both the articulating screen and EVF are moving parts, do they feel solid? My GH2's LCD hinge has gotten really loose and I've only had the camera for maybe a year and a half. Thanks!
Lammy
Well-known member
Yeah it's possible to use a smartphone/tablet/laptop as an external monitor for recording and controlling video. There's no lag, but I don't think it refreshes full speed... maybe a little less than 25p/24p? But it's still watchable. I've not had any connection issues and I've mainly been using a Samsung Galaxy S3 or a 5 year old HP Elitebook laptop a couple of meters away.
The build quality is very solid, feels stronger than the GH2/G6/GF6. Not as solid as the GH3. I don't like the neck strap hooks because they dangle either side and make rattle noises when moved though.
The EVF sticks out a little too far back for my liking. I'd have preferred it to lay more flush at the back [and more sticking out at the front with the lens and grip], with the option of a rubber eyecup. It does stay in its position and never had any accidental knocks though as it does require effort to tilt up.
Bruce Foreman
Veteran
I don't think the camera is "splash proof" as in the same sense the GH3, Olympus OMD, some of the Pentax cameras all requiring weather proof lenses to complete the weather sealing. You can photograph with any camera in the rain as long as you take some precautions to prevent the camera from getting really wet.
In the video above I saw him pointing the camera out the car window, standing in the rain holding an umbrella over both his head and the camera. A few drops of rain or wet mist isn't going to hurt most cameras as long as the exposure to moisture is brief and the camera doesn't get really wet. But I would hesitate to allow a camera to get wet unless weather sealed, you never know when some of that moisture might get in where it shouldn't and moisture can be "death" for digital cameras.
I like what we see in that video. The GX7 looks like just about the perfect travel camera and I think I want one. Unobstrusive, it looks at first glance like just about any amatuer camera, yet it will do pretty much anything the "big boys" will do. I've been using a GX1 in that kink of role and nobody pays me any attention yet I can get the pictures I need with it.
In the video above I saw him pointing the camera out the car window, standing in the rain holding an umbrella over both his head and the camera. A few drops of rain or wet mist isn't going to hurt most cameras as long as the exposure to moisture is brief and the camera doesn't get really wet. But I would hesitate to allow a camera to get wet unless weather sealed, you never know when some of that moisture might get in where it shouldn't and moisture can be "death" for digital cameras.
I like what we see in that video. The GX7 looks like just about the perfect travel camera and I think I want one. Unobstrusive, it looks at first glance like just about any amatuer camera, yet it will do pretty much anything the "big boys" will do. I've been using a GX1 in that kink of role and nobody pays me any attention yet I can get the pictures I need with it.
Frank Lantern
Member
Good points Lammy. The only thing I would add is battery life. The GH3 appears to last longer on a charge. I also wish the GX7 had the GH3 body. Easier to handle and more robust.
Thanks for the info Lammy! So if I were to somehow mount my smartphone on the rig, would you say that the wifi stream quality is high enough for focusing on the wire? Or is it more for general composition and playback?
Also, for anyone who has a GH2/3, how does the video quality from GX7 compare? I found this website, where a guy compared the GH3 vs the GX7, with similar camera settings and the same lenses, but the thing that surprised me the most were the file sizes. The GX7's video files were consistently smaller than the ones from the GH3 by 50-60%!! Again, the clips were shot with similar settings, lenses, and duration. I know the GX7 uses a different sensor and a more efficient H.264 codec, but is it that efficient or is the GX7 throwing away more information than the GH3? I downloaded the original files from that site to do see how much I can push footage from both cameras, and from what I can tell, the GX7 holds just as much shadow detail as the GH3. I haven't had the chance to compare the colors from both cameras, but I'll probably do that tonight. Anyone care to chime in?
Also, for anyone who has a GH2/3, how does the video quality from GX7 compare? I found this website, where a guy compared the GH3 vs the GX7, with similar camera settings and the same lenses, but the thing that surprised me the most were the file sizes. The GX7's video files were consistently smaller than the ones from the GH3 by 50-60%!! Again, the clips were shot with similar settings, lenses, and duration. I know the GX7 uses a different sensor and a more efficient H.264 codec, but is it that efficient or is the GX7 throwing away more information than the GH3? I downloaded the original files from that site to do see how much I can push footage from both cameras, and from what I can tell, the GX7 holds just as much shadow detail as the GH3. I haven't had the chance to compare the colors from both cameras, but I'll probably do that tonight. Anyone care to chime in?
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Mike Lorushe
Active member
I've had my GX7 for a few weeks now and it does seem that there are some small improvements in video quality over the GH3, despite being limited to AVCHD.
General image sharpness and dynamic range appears to be similar. GX7 is definitely (but marginally) cleaner at higher ISOs although it seems to be limited to 3200 compared to the GH3s max ISO which is 6400 (in video mode of course). The GX7 appears to have more dynamic range at higher ISOs than the GH3, although at lower ISOs, DR seems to be the same.
These comparisons are based on the GH3 shooting at MOV 50mbs. I read somewhere on personal view that the GH3 actually performs better in low light in AVCHD mode.
BTW, I haven't really tested any of these comparisons conclusively; they're just my opinion.
General image sharpness and dynamic range appears to be similar. GX7 is definitely (but marginally) cleaner at higher ISOs although it seems to be limited to 3200 compared to the GH3s max ISO which is 6400 (in video mode of course). The GX7 appears to have more dynamic range at higher ISOs than the GH3, although at lower ISOs, DR seems to be the same.
These comparisons are based on the GH3 shooting at MOV 50mbs. I read somewhere on personal view that the GH3 actually performs better in low light in AVCHD mode.
BTW, I haven't really tested any of these comparisons conclusively; they're just my opinion.
Lammy
Well-known member
Yes it is quality enough to monitor and the resolution/refresh rate is fine for manual focusing for me. You may wanna pop into a shop and try it and see if you like the ergonomics.
l can't say how long the battery lasts doing that or how reliable this connection would be in places with huge wifi interferance though I've not had connection problems!
I go through 2 batteries a day on normal usage. Best grab a load of spares (official GF5 batteries also work on the GX7 and are half the price for 90% of the juice)
Kin869 said:
I honestly cannot tell the difference between them. So the 24Mbs AVCHD bitrate being half the size is great!
Mike Lorushe
Active member
Oh and just in case anyone decides to buy the fairly new pancake 12-32mm F/3.5-5.6 lens that comes as a kit lens with the GM1; you can only manually focus this lens with the GM1 and the GX7 (with the firmware update) via touchscreen since it does not have a focus ring. You CANNOT manually focus this lens on the GH3 or any other M43 camera at all...as far as I know.