Canon 5DMkII vs. GH2

I second all the points WGZN made, but would like to add just how much better and more capable the hack now makes the GH2. With Driftwood's 176 reAQuanted patch we're betting images we simply could not have imagined coming from a DSLR (particularly in terms of dealing with huge amounts of movement - dolly moves with blowing aspen trees for example). We also own a 5d mkii and a non MX'd RED. In terms of cutting with RED footage, the GH2 with an intra-type codec may be THE BEST option if you are delivering in HD, that may well include the AF and FS 100s (based on tests - we don't own the FS or AF).

All that said, there is something so appealing about the 5d for portraits. We have a contax 85mm 1.4 and used it on the 5d extensively on a web based piece recently, and for that sexy, dreamy look, the 5d still really shines (as long as clothes are not moirying, etc, etc).

(Also, we have never messed around with Magic Lantern for the 5d either, and that may improve some of its problems, just not sure)
 
Does the hacked really destroy the original camera setting? What if something went wrong with one of the patches? Are we capable of re-setting it to the come-out-of-the-box setting mode?

Never really did any of this hacking before. Not really comfortable knowing that it will invalid the warranty at the moment.

Thanks guy for such great sharing too!!!
 
For some reason the gh2 just dosen't look as organic to my eye as the 5d does, and that is with the hack. I think it may be due to its lesser dynamic range and highlight handling which others have pointed out. The 5d, although less sharp seems to deliver a more watchable picture for narratives imo, and hence may be why some major motion picture companies will reach for this before a gh2., or even an af100 for that matter. there is a certain mojo if you will that accompanies canon dslrs that many people have become accustomed to, and are even willing to do the work arounds to get it. The 5d has impacted the indie industry in the same way the dv100 did back in the day. Not saying I don't like the gh2 and its suprior resolution, but for narratives, that big field of view, and extra dynamic range, I'm picking up the 5d.
 
Yea I agree and that's why I want to get a GH2 for special shots. If I can expose things properly to avoid some of the shortcomings, the GH2 makes the perfect cam for wides where you don't want to get killed by the moire. Softening and such can always help match it to the 5D.
 
i think everyone has addressed your concerns. I would just say..look at the lens available for each cam. Don't just look at the body.
If you are happy with the M4/3 options, that is also a big factor. I like what is available for the money/quality in wide and zoom. The Canon L's are just way overpriced in that area.
If you want the Panny to look more like a '5DMkII'...get a Voigtlander 25/0.95 lens. That reminds me of the look of my Canon. Off-course, just tweaking in post will also get it closer to that look. I also think the GH2 has a really cool menu system. Since you are not so much into stills, the choice is also easier. Whats going on with the hack..makes this camera shine even brighter. You don't 'lose too much money' with this investment. You'll probably want a GH3 when that comes out. I would not buy a 5DMkII since the MkIII is around the corner anyway.
 
A 5d can be owned relatively cheap theses days vrs. a year or so ago. I would say get what you need now and not worry about what's coming or maybe coming around the corner. On a side note the 5d seemed to hold its value over the past years more than the other dslrs. with that being said, if you bought one now and needed to move it in the near future I'm sure you would have no problem moving it.
 
kicap said:
Does the hacked really destroy the original camera setting?
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No the hack doesn't destroy the GH2's original settings. You can easily patch the camera back with the unhacked GH2 firmware at any time, as well as switch to any version of the hack you prefer.
 
It been demonstrated time and time again, it is the super contrasty Pana lens that make the Gh2 look more video. Put some Canon FD or Nikon primes to get a very film like look. With the latest intra codec many would say that it is even more film like than the Canons. Two video below, just doo a search and there are more and more of these very film like gh2 videos.


 
My GOD!! that GOP3 setting really looks super awesome!! I am definitely getting this GH2!!! Damn!!

Oh yeah, Thanks Danielvillers!!! really appreciate the info here.
 
This is just an old patch, since then we have got gop1 pure intra codec at 176 mbits by Driftwood. He has done such a great job refining and refining the codec. The latest seaquake has to be seen about the details in the shadows etc. Very very good. Now with the hacked gh2 you have a set of settings from 44mbit to 176mbit to choose from depending on the work you do.
 
Danielvilliers said:
It been demonstrated time and time again, it is the super contrasty Pana lens that make the Gh2 look more video.
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True.

Not just that but the issue of Pana lenses adding extra sharpening to the image (which was demonstrated in one of the threads at personal-view dot com) no matter how low you dial it. From what was discussed the blame lies in the distortion correction that the camera does with the wide angle lenses.
 
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