GH3 Any GH3 users who have used the GX7?

M

Mike Lorushe

Active member
I'm long over due a new B camera. After spending the longest timing procrastinating on whether I was going to get either the BM pocket, BMCC, 5D3 with ML raw, wait longer for more 4K options, I've decided that I'm far too caught up on ultimate image quality.

As of this year, my focus will be on actually improving as a filmmaker and pursuing personal projects. I don't want to spend all my time comparing camera specs, pixel peeping, or dealing with long post production workflows; that's where the GX7 comes in. I considered the Sony RX10, and as nice as the lens and built in ND filters etc are, I want something smaller, something I can take with me when traveling abroad that can fit in my pocket.

I shoot primarily with the GH3 and I'm happy with it for the most part. The GX7 appeals to me due to it's size, it's ergonomics, it's versatile M4/3 mount since and comparable image quality. I'm aware it doesn't have a headphone jack, mic input or HDMI out but I don't need all that; I have the GH3 and external audio recorders for that.

I'm pretty much set on the GX7, but I'd like to read what other user's experiences are before I pull the trigger. Any comparison videos I've found online have been lacking and are insufficient. I've read that the GX7 has a different sensor from the GH3; is the GX7's AVCHD codec better than the GH3 50MBS MOV codec?
 
What about the Panasonic GM1? It has the same exact sensor of the GX7, and the Image Quality is better than the Panasonic GH3. Also more affordable as well.
 
Have both. Love the GX7 a alot better. Less alisasing and moire, less noise at higher isos, you can actually monitor recording on a cellphone or tablet even after you hit record with the image app, I can fit it in my pocket and be ready to shoot at anytime with the same quality if not better than my GH3. Only downsides I can think of that doesn't really apply to me because my focus is music videos is the audio on it. Its pretty horrible in comparison to the GH3. I don't know what kind of work you do but the big downside of the GM1 that the person above suggested over the GX7 is there is no 60p option at all. Only 24p and 30p I think. All in all especially with the price drop I would say this camera is a must have for a b cam to a gh3. It may even become your a cam.
 
Hey,

I own both the GH3 and GX7 and since I got the latter I tend using it more than the GH3.
Love the form factor, the screen and its size.
I think it is an ideal B CAM and if it only had live HDMI out it could become your A CAM for smaller projects.
I just love carrying it around with me at all times in a backpack without really knowing.
This and a simple prime and you got yourself a ridiculously capable camera for everyday stuff.
Both video and photo.

Here are some test shots I did with the GX7 recently.
Both shot exclusively on GH7 and the Fotasy 35mm.

https://vimeo.com/79773157

pass:12345

and

https://vimeo.com/79528623

pass:12345


cheers.
 
According to B&H, the GM1 and GX7 both shoot the same way (codecs, fps, etc) but the GM1 is limited to 30 min record times and GH7 can hit 70 min.
 
Vesku said:
GM 1 has no 60P

GH3 MOV codec is much much better than Pana AVCHD
Click to expand...


Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this just a simple matter of conversion in post? When you say "better" what do you mean exactly? (forgive my ignorance)

I'm seriously considering the GX7 mainly due to IBIS (for stills) and focus peaking. My main hesitations are battery life (GH3 battery life is stellar) and camera weight. I feel like it will be a chore to stabilize as opposed to the bulkier GH3. I have no need for internal audio or HDMI.
 
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Noah Truth said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this just a simple matter of conversion in post? When you say "better" what do you mean exactly? (forgive my ignorance)

I'm seriously considering the GX7 mainly due to IBIS (for stills) and focus peaking. My main hesitations are battery life (GH3 battery life is stellar) and camera weight. I feel like it will be a chore to stabilize as opposed to the bulkier GH3. I have no need for internal audio or HDMI.
Click to expand...

I think he is referring to the 72Mbit ALL-I mode on the GH3 which is .mov only versus the 50Mbit AVCHD mode on both the GX7 and GH3. In practice though a lot of folks prefer the 50Mbit mode as the ALL-I mode can spread the 72Mbit a bit thin at times. If your shooting the 50Mbit mode on the GH3 in AVCHD then your right in that it is a simple rewrap to get a 50Mbit mov file.

I am really loving my GX7, you should totally get it. Focus peaking alone is almost worth it, the tilting EVF and IBIS for stills is icing on the cake. I find runtime on the batteries to be ok but always carry spares. Here is my latest on the GX7, all shot handheld and hand focused:

 
Grisnjam said:
I am really loving my GX7, you should totally get it. Focus peaking alone is almost worth it, the tilting EVF and IBIS for stills is icing on the cake. I find runtime on the batteries to be ok but always carry spares. Here is my latest on the GX7, all shot handheld and hand focused:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification. That's pretty damn good for handheld my man. Great job.

What photo style settings do you usually use for video?

Also I just realized the GX7 shoots 10fps (unlimited) in burst mode vs 6fps for the GH3. That's actually a pretty big deal as I've been experimenting more with live stop motion -- could even be the deal breaker.
 
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Noah Truth said:
Thanks for the clarification. That's pretty damn good for handheld my man. Great job.

What photo style settings do you usually use for video?
Click to expand...

Thanks, although the slider shoots were obliviously not handheld :) I shoot in Standard 0,0,0,0 and then use Film Convert to color it in Kodak 5207.
 
Hey, thanks guys for all your input. I pulled the trigger on the GX7 a few days ago so I'm hoping it will come before a short trip abroad I have booked in the next few days. With the announced of the new Sony Consumer 4K cam and the rumoured GH4K it was tempting to hold off but in reality 4K isn't that important to me now.
 
Vinyl Stax said:
Hey,

I own both the GH3 and GX7 and since I got the latter I tend using it more than the GH3.
Love the form factor, the screen and its size.
I think it is an ideal B CAM and if it only had live HDMI out it could become your A CAM for smaller projects.
I just love carrying it around with me at all times in a backpack without really knowing.
This and a simple prime and you got yourself a ridiculously capable camera for everyday stuff.
Both video and photo.

Here are some test shots I did with the GX7 recently.
Both shot exclusively on GH7 and the Fotasy 35mm.

https://vimeo.com/79773157

pass:12345

and

https://vimeo.com/79528623

pass:12345


cheers.
Click to expand...

Great looking footage, Vinyl Stax! Very cinematic! I'm really impressed by both the lens and the camera. I got a couple of questions if you don't mind. Did you use any sort of rig or was it all handheld? What shutter did you shoot on? Did you use any NDs? Thanks for posting!
 
Kin869 said:
Great looking footage, Vinyl Stax! Very cinematic! I'm really impressed by both the lens and the camera. I got a couple of questions if you don't mind. Did you use any sort of rig or was it all handheld? What shutter did you shoot on? Did you use any NDs? Thanks for posting!
Click to expand...

Hey Kin,

Thanks for your kind comments.

I am using a small cage from Kamerar with their follow focus.
http://kamerar.com/products/kamerar-tank-tk-2-cage-with-rods-support

Works like a charm with the GX7.

All the footage you watched was handheld ( I mean I was holding the cage :)

I usually jack the shutter for 60P work..I hate motion blur when shooting digitally and I avoid it like fire.
For 24P I also tend to go a little higher.
I mean it depends on the piece but usually go a little higher than the established norms.

No NDs' were used.

Overall GX7 is the most fun to use camera I own.
Mind you I also own the FS700, BMCC and a gh3...so it kinda makes you wonder :)
 
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