Buying A Panasonic GH1 this week = Everything I Need?????

T

tears2040

Carbonite Member
Do I need an extra battery, lenses, cards etc.?


I know I need an SDHC card, which size and class is recommended or even specific brand.

Do I need an on camera light to shoot video or will other lighting ( light kits) do just fine?


Basically if someone can give me the run down on exactly what I need I would greatly appreciate it


thanks
 
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I would just use it as is until you identify a specific issue that needs to be addressed. If you plan to shoot HD video, you need a GOOD class 6 card. Go with Sandisk Ex III.
 
Yes you'll need cards, get the best you can possibly afford, and a minimum of Class 6.

You may want to get an additional battery.

No you don't likely "need" lenses, as the included stock lens has a pretty huge range and it looks fantastic when used for video. But if you want to do extreme low light stuff, you'll want to pick up some faster primes.
 
Everyone says that you need a class 6 or more because of all the data that needs to be written but I only have a class 2 and for some reason it works perfectly. I don't see any data loss or anything.... but I'd probably get a higher class than 2...
 
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The manual says to use Class 6.

Class 2 is probably perfectly fine for the lower-quality 720p modes, but for SH or FHD you really should be using at least class 4.
 
swyzlstyx said:
What are you shooting?
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My apologize on not being specific. I am a beginner who is trying to learn. I am getting this camera to shoot music videos, documentaries , and just everyday life ( not movies ).


I basically will be shooting videos for myself and others. From professional to just normal family day to day life ( filming my baby daughter). Like mentioned I have no experience but you need to start somewhere and this is now my beginning.


Ok so first I will go with the SDHC card which is needed to record the media
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=16gb_class_10_sdhc-_-20-220-451-_-Product

This is 16Gb and rated Class 10 for $50. Now the only downside that I can think of is the name brand?

The camera and lens will work fine for now as suggested by the "moderator" until I learn and get better.

A simple tripod and lighting kit will work for now as well.


To anyone that owns this camera , do you have a certain accessory or feature that is a "must" or something you could not live without? How long does the standard battery film for?

Once again my fault if this has been posted but I feel there should be a sticky thread for newcomers on what is needed to get you up and running. yes there is a sticky stating what class of cards and other camera tech but nothing really from nothing to having something and at least a basic kit on what you would need.

I have a Macbook Pro ( 2007 model ) and will purchase the express slot 34 memory card reader to transfer files
http://www.amazon.com/21IN1-Multime...7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264895891&sr=8-7

Also I will be using Final Cut Studio as the editing software. Any other comments or concerns please feel free to help a young "novice" out that truly wants to learn

Thank You
 
I'd say a good bag to keep everything intact, a tripod for extra stable shots and although class 4 cards will work fine, class 6 should be considered for extra security. As far as lenses is concerned, I believe the Panasonic f/1.7, 20mm lens should be the first one you purchase and once you add the H4N, you'll have a very nice set up if you can afford all that.

Now if money really isn't a problem than theirs always the Panasonic 7-14mm lens as well as the yet to be released 100-300mm lens.
 
I didn't see your last post when I wrote my previous post but anyway, it's tough choosing what is the most important thing. If you intend on shooting a lot than having an extra battery is very important and if you end up shooting a lot indoors, than having the 20mm lens is very important. I have both an extra battery and the 20mm lens and I can't live without either of them.
 
Camera Expert said:
I'd say a good bag to keep everything intact, a tripod for extra stable shots and although class 4 cards will work fine, class 6 should be considered for extra security. As far as lenses is concerned, I believe the Panasonic f/1.7, 20mm lens should be the first one you purchase and once you add the H4N, you'll have a very nice set up if you can afford all that.

Now if money really isn't a problem than theirs always the Panasonic 7-14mm lens as well as the yet to be released 100-300mm lens.
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Money is a concern, as of now I cannot afford that lens but hopefully in the future I can. Basically I have $1500 and want a setup where I can start for now and in the future upgrade, BUT I need a running and working setup for $1500.
I can get the camera used for like $1100, $50 memory card, $100 tripod, and the other $250 maybe a nice camera light?

My friend who is a professional videographer can maybe lend me his lighting kit till I can get one, but basically $1500 is my budget and that is pushing it.


** Also ** Does anyone know if they sell hard case protectors for the cameras? Think about like a hard case that is used to protect a laptop that stay on always?

Thanks
 
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Hi Tears: Just an FYI in case you hadn't already seen it:

You can get a brand new GH1 (meaning it'll include the factory warranty) from Amazon, Dell, etc. for not much more than what you say you can get it used:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264899059&sr=8-1
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...oductdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A3145501

Not a biggie, but you might consider using 4GB or 8GB (Class 6) SDHC cards instead of 16GB so you can more easily backup your original camera files onto relatively inexpensive blank DVD-R discs (either single or double-layer). For safety, always make at least 2 backups, and if possible keep one copy "off site" to protect against disaster (fire, theft, etc.)

You might consider not getting a lot of "other" gear at first. Instead, take some time discovering what you really need. And also so you don't have to learn everything all at once.

Enjoy your camera!
 
Peter J. DeCrescenzo said:
Hi Tears: Just an FYI in case you hadn't already seen it:

You can get a brand new GH1 (meaning it'll include the factory warranty) from Amazon, Dell, etc. for not much more than what you say you can get it used:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264899059&sr=8-1
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...oductdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A3145501

Not a biggie, but you might consider using 4GB or 8GB (Class 6) SDHC cards instead of 16GB so you can more easily backup your original camera files onto relatively inexpensive blank DVD-R discs (either single or double-layer). For safety, always make at least 2 backups, and if possible keep one copy "off site" to protect against disaster (fire, theft, etc.)

You might consider not getting a lot of "other" gear at first. Instead, take some time discovering what you really need. And also so you don't have to learn everything all at once.

Enjoy your camera!
Click to expand...


Thank You for the helpful post! I know that for an extra $100 I could get a 1 year warranty but that extra hundred could go to something else. Honestly the problem is not having enough money and chasing a dream.

B&H sells the Gh1 from time to time used for $1099, it comes with a 30 day warranty. I know the smarter thing would be is pay an extra $100 and buy it new but my friend has bought used before from B & H and never had a problem.

Any users here please post some more comments as it is needed because I am new to this.

Thank you everyone!
 
tears2040 said:
Thank You for the helpful post! I know that for an extra $100 I could get a 1 year warranty but that extra hundred could go to something else. Honestly the problem is not having enough money and chasing a dream.

B&H sells the Gh1 from time to time used for $1099, it comes with a 30 day warranty. I know the smarter thing would be is pay an extra $100 and buy it new but my friend has bought used before from B & H and never had a problem.

Any users here please post some more comments as it is needed because I am new to this.

Thank you everyone!
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Buying any product in its first product year is risky so I would strongly suggest that you get a warranty to protect it. There are at least three known issues with the GH1: the lug that may come off, a lens mount that can become too loose, and lettering on the buttons that may come off.

Not all class 6 cards are the same. I have no problem with Sandisk but a class 6 card from Patriot could not keep up when I shoot in one of the HD modes.

As I said before, you should take the time to learn this camera as well as shooting video, both of which are not trivial. Buy more stuff when YOU know exactly what YOU need, instead of asking us. For music videos, you may shoot indoors frequently so a fast lens may come handy. You could look for a MF 50mm f1.8 or 1.4 lenses. Canon FD and Olympus OM Zuiko are two popular choices and they can be found used for <$100.
 
D90GH1_eric said:
Buy more stuff when YOU know exactly what YOU need, instead of asking us
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As stated in my original post all I wanted to know were the "BASICS" and why. Thanks for those that provided a helpful comment ( please leave the negativity out )

Regardless I will figure it out and succeed

ps. The Patriot card I listed was a "Class 10" not 6

peace
 
tears what i think he meant was that u should buy the basics and then as u learn the camera u will know more specifically what you personally will need in regards to the material you shoot...because different types of shooting require different things. i dont think it was meant to be negetive. the caps may have been him tryin to emphasize the personal aspect of what u personally shoot.

i could be wrong :) love and peace ya'll
 
1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ic_DMC_GH1K_Lumix_DMC_GH1_Digital_Camera.html

1-3 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...W_BLB13_Rechargeable_Lithium_ion_Battery.html

1-3 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/563180-REG/SanDisk_SDSDRH_032G_A11_32GB_Ultra_SDHC_Memory.html

1 x http://cgi.ebay.com/Battery-Charger...emQQptZBatteries_Chargers?hash=item2ea7bd38c8

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/20008-REG/General_Brand__Gaffer_Cloth_Tape_.html

1 x http://cgi.ebay.com/126-LED-Video-L...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b98bfc43

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/436780-REG/Velbon_SHERPA538A_Sherpa_538_3_Section_Tripod.html

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/556159-REG/Manfrotto_701HDV_701HDV_Pro_Fluid_Video.html

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html

1 x http://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Threadlocker-Strength-bottle-color/dp/B0002KKTQS

1 x http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Cirru...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264912075&sr=8-1

(if you do weddings) 1-3 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...POCKETRAK_CX_Pocketrak_CX_Digital_Stereo.html

(if you do weddings) 1 x http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-mono.html

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651751-REG/Panasonic_H_H020_Lumix_20mm_f_1_7_Aspheric.html

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/116976-REG/General_Brand__46mm_Screw_In_Rubber_Lens.html

killer: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/630570-REG/Panasonic_H_F007014_Lumix_G_Vario_7_14mm.html

1 x http://cgi.ebay.com/Fader-ND-Filter...ewItemQQptZCamera_Filters?hash=item1e590fa597

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/357645-REG/Kalt_NPMLH67_67mm_Metal_Lens_Hood.html

1 x http://www.videoguys.com/Item/CineForm+Neo+Scene+PC/54E4543435F454E4.aspx

1 x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/616870-REG/Sony_SVDVD9000_Vegas_Pro_9_Video.html

1 x http://www.smartsound.com/sonicfire/

eBay (FotoDiox) Metal Step-up rings to mount all lenses to Fader ND

2 x http://www.monster.com/


Just off the top of my head. ;)

Good luck!!!
 
jambredz said:
tears what i think he meant was that u should buy the basics and then as u learn the camera u will know more specifically what you personally will need....
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The best advice of all. :Drogar-Happy(DBG): Forget the gear for a while...shoot as much video as you possibly can...the more you shoot...the more the gear needs will present themselves...what fits YOU.

I'm a wedding videographer....my gear list is probably completely at odds for what most need for making movies.
 
HAHA, my apologies I just have been on overload trying to learn everything. Thank for the help guys, much blessings!
 
Sean Jeong said:
Everyone says that you need a class 6 or more because of all the data that needs to be written but I only have a class 2 and for some reason it works perfectly. I don't see any data loss or anything.... but I'd probably get a higher class than 2...
Click to expand...

I got a class 6 card and it stalled a few times making me wait 5-10 seconds to write clips, so I'd stick with class 6 at the least. Theses were longer clips, maybe a few minutes long for a wedding, but still, I wouldn't trust a lesser class card personally. And this was 720P.

If you have the cash I TOTALLY RECOMMEND WITHOUT A DOUBT Panny's 20mm 1.7 lens...it's sensational.
 
Thanks, I will definitely look into the lens when I have the money.

Besides that I didn't want to make a new thread but does anyone know of any good photography/video editing schools online?

I have my GI BILL from the military and I think educating myself professional is a good start. So does anyone know of any good online schools for this?

THanks
 
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