GH3 Gh3 form factor limitations?

F

firehawk

Veteran
Hi everyone.
I'm considering a GH3 and would like advice from users if you don't mind.

I have several uses in mind and I'm trying to figure out what camera to get.

Obviously for a locked down tripod wide shot at a dance or wedding, the GH3 would handle that easily.

I expect it would work well shooting shallow DOF beauty shots of a couple outside, or corporate talking heads.

But how difficult is it to use to use as a main moving camera at an event, such as a wedding? Is it frustrating to keep focus and can it be used on a tripod or monopod or is a shoulder rig necessary?
How about if zooming is needed for an event? I guess every lens will require manual zoom and focus.
I've got an external monitor already.

I'm currently using camcorders such as hmc150s, but I'm looking for a camera that can be used for higher quality shallow DOF shots, and low light weddings when I can't use light. The less important use would be combining with the other cameras during multi cam events.
 
It's a paradigm shift going from a camcorder to a DSLR for event work. I had to abandon or rethink the standard shots or styles I was accustomed to using a camcorder simply because they are very difficult or near impossible to do well with a DSLR. Still, in the end there were benefits that I wouldn't like to give up, like better low light images using the 20mm 1.7 lens, or that nice bokeh you can get with the larger sensor, and of course the outstanding resolution of the GH line.

I'd strongly recommend doing a few events for free before you start using the new camera on a paying gig. I learned a LOT about what not to do, or what can't be done, shooting three family weddings before using the gear on a client's wedding.
 
firehawk said:
Hi everyone.
I'm considering a GH3 and would like advice from users if you don't mind.

I have several uses in mind and I'm trying to figure out what camera to get.

Obviously for a locked down tripod wide shot at a dance or wedding, the GH3 would handle that easily.

I expect it would work well shooting shallow DOF beauty shots of a couple outside, or corporate talking heads.

But how difficult is it to use to use as a main moving camera at an event, such as a wedding? Is it frustrating to keep focus and can it be used on a tripod or monopod or is a shoulder rig necessary?
How about if zooming is needed for an event? I guess every lens will require manual zoom and focus.
I've got an external monitor already.

I'm currently using camcorders such as hmc150s, but I'm looking for a camera that can be used for higher quality shallow DOF shots, and low light weddings when I can't use light. The less important use would be combining with the other cameras during multi cam events.
Click to expand...

I just made the switch this year from a traditional videocamera (Sony Z5U) to the GH3.
I have done a few events so far, including one full wedding. I actually haven't found the form factor to be a limitation at all. In fact, just the opposite. Being lighter, smaller, and better in low-light, I find I am able to get shots easier than I could previously.
I purchased a rig for 3 reasons:
1) Provide more stabilty
2) Hold the Accessories (Rode VMP and Light)
3) Look More Professional

I have found that because it is a little trickier (than my previous camera) to handle smooth zooms, focus, and ISO changes during the Ceremony that I wanted to have a backup camera to cut to at all times. I would frequently shoot weddings with a single camera, but I won't change that now.

Audio still works great. I run a Senheisser wireless directly into one GH3, and another wireless mic into my backup camera. I also have a Tascam recorder as a final backup.

I switched for the same reasons you are considering: Shallow DOF, Higher Quality HD Footage, Better Low-Light Performance. In fact, I recently wrote about reasons for my switch here:
http://vaweddingvideo.com/dslr-cameras/

If you want to see a recent wedding sample using my GH3, here is a video I also recently posted:

http://vaweddingvideo.com/videos/2013-wedding-highlight/

I will continue to update my blog. In fact, my next entry will detail how shooting with a DSLR has changed some of my production techniques.
 
Ianscreations said:
I switched for the same reasons you are considering: Shallow DOF, Higher Quality HD Footage, Better Low-Light Performance. In fact, I recently wrote about reasons for my switch here:
http://vaweddingvideo.com/dslr-cameras/

If you want to see a recent wedding sample using my GH3, here is a video I also recently posted:

http://vaweddingvideo.com/videos/2013-wedding-highlight/

I will continue to update my blog. In fact, my next entry will detail how shooting with a DSLR has changed some of my production techniques.
Click to expand...

Very nice grading on your GH3 material. What settings are you using for both video and stills? I just got the GH3 and am trying to figure out the best settings and how to compensate for the magenta push I'm seeing in most GH3 footage. I didn't see much of it in your footage. Well done!
 
Good info and video. That looks really nice. Thank you.

Receptions are usually handheld for me so I think a shoulder rig will be needed.
What would you recommend?

Do you still normally need a light?

What zoom lens would be good?

I have a jib and varizoom panasonic controller. Is there any chance that any function at all can be controlled for jib use?
 
firehawk said:
how difficult is it to use to use as a main moving camera at an event, such as a wedding? Is it frustrating to keep focus and can it be used on a tripod or monopod or is a shoulder rig necessary? How about if zooming is needed for an event? I guess every lens will require manual zoom and focus.
Click to expand...
I field tested the GH3 for Panasonic Middle East (you can read my comments here http://ow.ly/kk5Ia) and was happily surprised to see how easy it was to handhold while shooting video. The review includes some AF for Video clip tests as well as several image samples. Let me know if you have further questions.
 
Alekos said:
I field tested the GH3 for Panasonic Middle East (you can read my comments here http://ow.ly/kk5Ia) and was happily surprised to see how easy it was to handhold while shooting video. The review includes some AF for Video clip tests as well as several image samples. Let me know if you have further questions.
Click to expand...

Wow! What a great article. Thank you. I learned some things I didn't know.
 
Balagan said:
Very nice grading on your GH3 material. What settings are you using for both video and stills? I just got the GH3 and am trying to figure out the best settings and how to compensate for the magenta push I'm seeing in most GH3 footage. I didn't see much of it in your footage. Well done!
Click to expand...

I'm actually just using the standard settings with sharpness lowered to -2. Nothing major. I shot a wedding with it on Saturday and did actually notice the magenta push in low light conditions. It gets worse as ISO bumps up. I don't notice the push at all in ample light. Interesting.
 
firehawk said:
Good info and video. That looks really nice. Thank you.

Receptions are usually handheld for me so I think a shoulder rig will be needed.
What would you recommend?

Do you still normally need a light?

What zoom lens would be good?

I have a jib and varizoom panasonic controller. Is there any chance that any function at all can be controlled for jib use?
Click to expand...

Firehawk,
Are you planning on using the GH3 for both ceremonies and receptions? If you plan on receptions only, I would focus on primes. For the ceremony, you need the 35-100. It will work for all outdoor ceremonies, and most indoor ceremonies.
The 12-35 won't provide enough reach for ceremonies, and the F2.8 won't work well for receptions.
I use a simple rig:
http://www.photographyandcinema.com/products/gearbox-video-camera-accessory-cage
This holds my camera, light, and Rode VMP.
Yes, a light is needed.
Even with my 25mm 1.4, I need about 2500 ISO during a dark reception. This doesn't provide much grain (to the average viewer). I like this light:
http://www.rotolight.com

I just wrote a blog entry on switching to DSLR from a traditional video camera for event work:
http://vaweddingvideo.com/dslr-video-technique-2/
Any feedback is certainly welcome!

I'll post for more clips soon.
The 25mm 1.4 is good, but I wished on Saturday (during a wedding reception) that I had something a little wider. It would need to be just as fast, so my next purchase will be the 17mm Olympus.
 
Ianscreations said:
I'm actually just using the standard settings with sharpness lowered to -2. Nothing major. I shot a wedding with it on Saturday and did actually notice the magenta push in low light conditions. It gets worse as ISO bumps up. I don't notice the push at all in ample light. Interesting.
Click to expand...

It may just be my wishful thinking but I've been trying out Andrew's (EOSHD) suggestion of using Portrait (Cont 0, Sat 0, Sharp -5, NR -5) rather than Natural and it seems to have less pink push. I haven't done enough testing yet to truly be certain though.
 
Balagan said:
It may just be my wishful thinking but I've been trying out Andrew's (EOSHD) suggestion of using Portrait (Cont 0, Sat 0, Sharp -5, NR -5) rather than Natural and it seems to have less pink push. I haven't done enough testing yet to truly be certain though.
Click to expand...

I saw that, too. The only reason I haven't adopted that approach is that I do a lot of event videography with literally hundreds of shots within the final 90 min video.
As a result, I try to minimize grading on this type of shoot and prefer the most "natural" in-camera look I can achieve. For other shoots, I will probably use settings similar to these. What do you feel about these settings recommended by EOSD? Do they still look "natural" or more washed?
 
A M43 sensor is a great place to transition from a traditional video camera to a DSLR type body if you are worried about too much DOF and keeping the action in focus. You can get really deep DOF with the GH3. As far as needing a tripod, on longer shots I would recommend it. That's not to say you can't get away with a monopod but a tripod would make your life easier. I shot this whole video with a monopod and a GH3.

https://vimeo.com/64660194
 
I think the GH3 is about the best balanced camera I have used in a while... it feels far better in my hand than the Canon's. I added the battery grip and this makes quite a difference to the weight and feel... big improvement especially if you add a heavier lens. I rarely shoot hand-held - almost all fixed shots with cinema cameras but the GH3 was the reason I took a break from film shoot last and walked the streets of Mumbai with the GH3 and 12-35mm lens. Here it is-
https://vimeo.com/64830052
 
distilled pixel said:
A M43 sensor is a great place to transition from a traditional video camera to a DSLR type body if you are worried about too much DOF and keeping the action in focus. You can get really deep DOF with the GH3. As far as needing a tripod, on longer shots I would recommend it. That's not to say you can't get away with a monopod but a tripod would make your life easier. I shot this whole video with a monopod and a GH3.

https://vimeo.com/64660194
Click to expand...

This is a great answer. I often give this same reasoning to people who ask me why I don't shoot on the 5D or other full frame camera for my event work. For most of my event videography, there is no reason for me to pay the extra $$$$ for such a shallow depth of field because I would need to stop down anyway just to have decent focus fields. Might as well just go with the GH3 that will still give you that bokeh look, but in a more practical way.
 
firehawk said:
Hi everyone.
I'm considering a GH3 and would like advice from users if you don't mind.

I have several uses in mind and I'm trying to figure out what camera to get.

Obviously for a locked down tripod wide shot at a dance or wedding, the GH3 would handle that easily.

I expect it would work well shooting shallow DOF beauty shots of a couple outside, or corporate talking heads.

But how difficult is it to use to use as a main moving camera at an event, such as a wedding? Is it frustrating to keep focus and can it be used on a tripod or monopod or is a shoulder rig necessary?
How about if zooming is needed for an event? I guess every lens will require manual zoom and focus.
I've got an external monitor already.

I'm currently using camcorders such as hmc150s, but I'm looking for a camera that can be used for higher quality shallow DOF shots, and low light weddings when I can't use light. The less important use would be combining with the other cameras during multi cam events.
Click to expand...


Here is another recent wedding. I used the 12-35 (with extended zoom), 35-100, and 25 (for the reception)
http://vaweddingvideo.com/videos/james-madisons-montpelier-wedding/
 
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