GH3 GH, 5D or HPX170. which would you choose?

wgzn

wgzn

Veteran
"hypothetical" situation:


a run-and-gun, b-roll shoot.
the location (a popular, cantina-style restaurant at around happy hour) is dimly lit and use of external lights would be undesirable to both patrons and the facility

you're shooting hand-held-ish (monopod, shoulder rig),

there will be on the fly interviews. so good, adjustable gain, sound capability will be important. but probably not AS important as better (less grain) low light performance.

the nature of the venue will guaranty a mix of lighting types in the room (LED, neon, florescent, incandescent, fire... maybe even a little afternoon daylight)

neither the budget nor congested nature of the facility will accomodate two cameras.
so, you have to choose to use a DSLR or traditional video camera.

there is no ned for 60p. and all of the cameras have the ability to monitor audio

what do YOU choose?

#firstworldshooterproblems
 
Last edited:
The GH3 and 5DM3 annihilate the HPX170 in low light and dynamic range, two things you'll want if you're shooting in a dimly lit restaurant with practical lights.
 
Last edited:
In this situation I'd go with the HPX170. Global shutter (3CCD) with no flash banding, DVCPROHD, decent variable lens for maximum versatility that can be managed in seconds, perfect form factor for an event style venue, on board XLR audio inputs... I guess I could go on. The only thing going against it is the low light. But, if you're experienced with it and know how to push DVCPROHD in post and can throw some noise reduction at it -- it'll be fine.

So -- yeah -- if you've got an HPX170 -- I think it's the clear winner.
 
I agree with TheDingo. If it will be highly variable lighting, and fast paced, having those built in NDs will be very handy, great low light as well.
 
Canon C100 with a fast stabilized lens.
Click to expand...
ha. what part of "budget will not accommodate" do you guys not understand? ; )

it's a quick, hourly rate, b-roll. shoot. i have gh, 5d and hpx at my disposal. if i have to rent an (arguably) better tool. i kill more than half of the budget.
 
Which iteration of 5D and GH?

If they're both -2's, I'd edge towards the GH2 simply because its onboard audio is actually useable (unlike the 5D2), and with a fast lens can deliver equally clean low-light footage with easier-to-control focus depth.

If you have a 5D3, use that.
 
If low light is a significant issue, then the Canon 5D makes the most sense, as it will out perform both of the other cameras by at least 2 stops. Be careful about shallow DOF and focus when shooting low light with a FF camera.

Otherwise the GH2 with a Voightlander 0.95 lens would be my second choice for low light shooting.
 
I just got the GH3. Using the Rode Video pro mic. So far it works pretty good. I'll be using the Zoom H4n for other audio. Still learning the camera at this point.
 
went with the hpx. for a few reasons:

1. easily articulated screen.
2. no obvious issue with aliasing or moire (it was a business thing, certain to have suit jackets a plenty)
3. simpler footprint, didnt need a monitor and a rig or external audio
4. standard "pro" audio capabilities - audio levels were all over the place. needed to ride on the fly
5. a LOT of different and mixed light sources. needed easy, 1 button access to and dynamic wb
6. looks like a video camera. doesnt make people STOP and say "cheese" when you point it at them

the light was low. but workably low. grain added by gain was acceptable for the situation
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top