Canon is listening. Will Panasonic Follow?

Go Panasonic! We're counting on you for 24Mbps AVCHD and 1080p24 without pulldown. Gambatte kudasai!
 
Yes, seems like we loyal Panasonic costumers are the ones left in the dust in this times of video revolution... No choice but to jump ship...
 
noirist

Better if it will be 1280+ 24/25(for PAL) JPEG with bitrate pushed up to the limit of SDHC class6 card. It's easier to edit and it's something that current hardware in GH1 can handle. It shoots 12Mpix JPEG stills at 3 fps (36 Mpix/sec) with only SD card as limiting factor. Something like 25 1536x864 JPEGs per sec are even an easier job, and we'll get some nice footage with ability to stab and reframe it a little.
 
To be fair, the GH1 outputs a true 720 60p signal. The GF1’s chip outputs 30p and doubles it in the codec. In other words, the GH1’s 720p mode is infinite times better. The GH1's 720 60p mode is also better than the 7D's.

With that said, I also hope Panasonic takes Canon example and add more 1080 modes. The least they can do is fix the 24p mode. All people ask is native 24p from the beginning. We shouldn't need to deal with removing pull down.
 
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If you have any doubts whether the gh1 is capable of delivering an "A" performnace image; then you should look at this video.

http://vimeo.com/6942561

From the day I decided to go with the GH1, months ago after testing the 5DMII, I have not regretted it once; even for a second. Which is a first for me with cameras. This camera delivers an image that is far an above anything we had before anywhere near this price range; and that, I dont want to loose perspective of... It can hold it's own against very expensive systems and not be ashamed.

I do notice one thing. All the actual people who do and deliver; have been the tiniest group of complainers. The ones who don't, or "the neophytes", have been the loudest complainers in the GH1 bashing/FUD arena IMHO.......... Hmmm interesting!


Michael Pappas
http://www.pbase.com/Arrfilms
Arrfilms@hotmail.com
http://www.PappasArts.com
 
Anyways, my point was to bring the news to the panasonic community in hopes that panasonic will take care of their customers as other companies have.

In regards, to the "complainer" comment. Its sad that those that offer an honest critique are labeled "complainers." If it wasn't for "complainers" the MarkII 5D would not have gotten full controls and now 24p etc.

I know I should be careful with using the word Fact, but I will use it now.

FACT: Panasonic is not taking care of their clients the way Canon is, but that can change.
 
I've been using my gh1 with a nikon 35mm f2.0 lens in worst low/dull light indoor conditions. I've been getting superior results. Something my sd1 never gets close to. I'm not sure if 24mb/s is much better than 17mlb/s. I remember canon's camcorders were reviewed. Results are there weren't much of a difference between 24/17mb/s. I think this is the max @ this time AVCD will produce. I'm very satisfied with my results. No mudds etc. If one is looking for sharper results, you'll have to step up to canon's / sony's expensive models. Then sacrifice all the positive things about the gh1. Ironically, I sure don't mind a firmware to 24mb/s though. IMHO 50mb/s will equal any highest pro cams with this cam.
 
PappasArts said:
I do notice one thing. All the actual people who do and deliver; have been the tiniest group of complainers. The ones who don't, or "the neophytes", have been the loudest complainers in the GH1 bashing/FUD arena IMHO.......... Hmmm interesting!
Click to expand...

BEAUUUUUUTIFULLY said. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
The maximum bitrate that the AVCHD specification allows is 24Mbps. Since the GH1 is fundamentally an AVCHD device, that's the most that we could reasonably hope to get in a firmware update. Given the high level of compression offered by AVCHD, I think that an extra 7Mbps on top of our current 17Mbps (+40%) would be very noticeable.
 
I have a GH1 and think it's fantastic.
I also briefly tested out a 7D and thought it was nice.
Altogether, I would say I probably prefer the GH1's sleekness, simplicity, etc.

But...

Isn't this a case of diminishing returns in sticking with the mFT system?
-Most of the faster FT and mFT lenses are overpriced due to design.
-And the sensor can't get any bigger, so essentially the best Panasonic can do is up the bitrate.

While Canon is obviously listening very closely.
-An investment in Canon glass will last many years.
-And the sensor sizes are already big, but technically can improve.
-And the hardware will improve soon enough.

So looking ahead what's better:
a GH1(?) with 50 mb/s bitrate OR a Canon ?D with an Aps-c or FF with Digic V optimized for video???
 
You need to ask what is of primary importance right now:

1. Portability? - Small, lightweight, can fit in a small bag
2. Stealth? - Does not bring attention to itself, plus articulating screen helps for discreet angles.
3. Electronic Viewfinder? - Ability to shoot video through EVF helps tremendously in stability and in bright light
4. Autofocus? No other VDSLR can do this - but I think the upcoming Nikon 1D MkIV can do this - but at USD 5199 MSRP body only
5. Recording time? - GH1 shoots until card is full (non EU models though)
6. Reliability? - So far no overheating issues
7. Sound? - Full stereo (but unfortunately with AGC)
8. Versaltile? - Can adapt almost any lens with the help of adapters (but you lose autofocus and any electronic communication with the lens)
9. Quality? - Out of the box, the GH1 with the kit lens provides an incredibly rich experience with a 10X zoom that is in a useful range, and the image quality is very good. And it is noiseless, with somewhat quick autofocus

So for me, the GH1 is a keeper because I value all the points above. Yes, it has its weaknesses - the biggest for me was FPN (Fix Pattern Noise) in low light - but I managed to minimize that with "burning in" the sensor.

Also, the future of mFT is looking brighter - seems that more camera manufacturers (Fuji is rumored to be joining) are coming to the party, so the lens selection should increase over time. While prices are pretty stiff, the quality has been impressive.

But I understand if you have a legacy of Canon or Nikon glass - GH1 would be less compelling
 
GH1 works fine with most canon and nikon glass, especially nikon (aperture adjustments.)

Also, Canon 1d mk IV not Nikon.


Lastly: yes Panasonic, take care of us, come on. Wow. Just wow.
 
panasonic IS listening. if history is any indicator...

these updates take time.

you guys cant let the speed with which technology has advaced lately cloud the fact that it will still take some time for these upgrades updates to happen.
 
pappasarts said:
i do notice one thing. All the actual people who do and deliver; have been the tiniest group of complainers. The ones who don't, or "the neophytes", have been the loudest complainers in the gh1 bashing/fud arena imho.......... Hmmm interesting!
Click to expand...

+2
 
I know you all like your Gh1's and it is a good camera-corder. But I bring the link up, wondering if Panasonic is willing to make the GH1 better in the same way Canon made the 5D better w/ updates.

Noirist, thank you for pointing out that going from 17 to 24mpbs is a 40% increase. That's huge!

Panasonic has been too quiet for my taste. And if they ever do decide to bless us w/ higher bitrates(& other fixes), all of you are going to update your firmware. When/If that happens, you have us "complainers" to thank. :)
 
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