GH2 GH2 with 100-300 Birdwatching

EWS

EWS

Active member
Got a chance to try my new GH2 and the 100-300 this weekend. Just shot some birds in my brothers backyard and I was really blown away when I saw the raw footage on my big screen. It is night and day from my Gh1. I love the color rendition and the way it resolves and the extended tele is really pretty amazing. When they become plentiful I will definitely pick up a second. You just can't beat the image quality at this price point.
This was shot 24p cinema, smooth setting all at 0. Only one or two small levels adjustments in post.
Questions and comments welcome.
 
That's fantastic, just what I wanted to see.

What were you using for support?

Were you using AF or MF?

Have you tried 720/60p?
 
Thanks, I started trying to use a monopod and gave up on that rather quickly. I ended using my manfrotto sticks and 503 head, and even then I realized that even just having my hand on the pan handle while in ETC mode and fully zoomed that I could see a slight shake in the final shot. I am aware of it now and will have to get used to locking focus then taking my hand off completely. I used a mix of AF and MF. Like Barry said in an earlier post leave OIS on, use AF to get the shot then switch to MF. it will search a little, but AF is so much better on this camera compared to the Gh1, there are times when using a spot focus setting that it did a great job. Still have a lot to learn and put into practice.
I haven't shot anything in 720 yet but I am really liking the 24p cinema setting......Very pleased with this camera so far...
Thanks for looking
 
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Excellent! It’s interesting to read your comments about the set up and having to lock the head, switch to manual focus, etc. I also shot birds (in a snow storm) with the 100-300 in ECT mode, as well as other things, and had to make the same adaptations. I love the reach and the quality available in the ECT mode!
The Caroline Wren (I love these little birds) and the Titmouse certainly were tame, and it is great to see a Baltimore Oriole and a Blue bird in such detail.
 
I know there are stills folks who are disappointed in the sharpness of the 100-300 when at full telephoto, and it does get softer at full zoom, but man, for video wildlife I think it's just a steal. The range is great, the video resolution doesn't take much of a hit from the softer telephoto, and when combined with the ETC the super light weight and great OIS makes this a great lens to use for wildlife with the GH2. Great stuff, EWS!
 
Kin, Hang in there and keep your eyes on this threadhttp://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?231627-GH2-in-stock-thread
I would love to have a second one, but I might have to hold off a little.

billh, My brother is quite the nature enthusiast and is an excellent wildlife photographer in Gainesville Florida http://www.photographybygregstephens.com/
and he has a lot of different types of feeders in his backyard, so it is quite the haven for these guys to come get fed.

Barry, Thanks again because it was upon your recommendation that I picked up this lens, and I agree with you fully on the quality of the images from this thing, at this size and price point. I believe most all of this was shot at iso 160 and I just used smooth setting unchanged. Even the Vimeo clip took a little hit, but the raw files on the big screen really made my jaw drop. Glad you liked it......
You know, you get a warm and fuzzy feeling when you get a compliment from Barry Green! That made my day.
Much appreciated.
 
Great stuff! the colours look beautiful as you mentioned :smile:
i liked the little guy jumping onto your foot and then up to get some seeds.
 
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