GH4 GH4 or HC-X1

S

spudgun

Member
Greetings, my esteemed and wise compatriots! Simple question, really. I am most interested in this wonderful little GH4R camera. I understand the quality of video to be excellent. I should make it clear from the off that it is VIDEO that is my key point of interest. I am unconcerned with this cameras stills capabilities.

HOWEVER; I am more used to the camcorder format of video, having used professional Canon and Sony cameras. CANON XH-A1 etc..I KNOW that there will be a learning curve, not least because of the interchangeable lenses and also the different mechanics of filming etc. That is a curve I am willing to learn. My question is this: do you consider this camera, the GH4, or GH4R, to be equal to the latest Camcorder by Panasonic, the HC-X1E 4K. I know they are two completely different beasts but I am referring to quality of VIDEO image alone. Once one has purchased lenses etc for the GH4, it's cost will be pretty commensurate with this new camcorder at around £2, 600 STERLING. I'm not overly concerned with the fact that the interchangeable lenses option offers greater options for cine lenses, etc. I'm merely referring to.filming using Panasonic native lenses, 12-35mm, 35-100 etc......

Given the choice, which camera would YOU guys prefer when shooting video?
Many, many thanks in advance,
Spud
 
The biggest difference between the cameras with regard to image quality is the sensor size. The X1's 1" sensor has about a 2.7x lens crop. The GH4 has 2x crop (2.3x when shooting cinema 4k), which can be reduced to 1.5x with a Speedbooster, equivalent to Super 35mm. What does this mean? You can get a more cinematic depth of field with the GH4, especially with fast lenses. The HC-X1 has a fixed lens that only opens up to 2.8, so it will be a challenge at the wider end of the lens to get shallow depth of field. As for image quality, I can't judge. Typically, the smaller sensors do more poorly in low light, and the GH4 isn't that great in low light already, but the X1 might use different technology that may mitigate that. If I was primarily shooting run and gun documentary, or industrial videos, with no crew, I would go for the X1. For narrative work, or anything where you wanted a more cinematic feel I'd choose the GH4, although if you could wait I'd wait for the GH5.
 
Many thanks for this, my friend. I should also have added that I also wish to take the camera DIVING, which one can do with the GH4 for a fair price, whereas a housing for the camcorders cost thousands!
 
spudgun said:
Many thanks for this, my friend. I should also have added that I also wish to take the camera DIVING, which one can do with the GH4 for a fair price, whereas a housing for the camcorders cost thousands!
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Well then, there's your answer. For diving, a DSLR is smaller and more flexible (not that I've done it). I'd be scared sh*tless taking my camera underwater. Might be better off with a 4k go pro or something.
 
Of course, there are other options in the $1,000-$2,000 range these days. A6300, XT-2, the soon-to-be released OMD1 MKII and GH5, etc.

All have their shortcomings. A6300 may overheat on a long 30-min take. But, if you take it diving, anywhere outside of the equator will be fine.
 
Cameras are never as good for video,i have the humble Pana HC-X1000 and GH4,for video the HC-X1000 is miles better so the HC-X1 would be better still.Having said that the Sony RX10 MK111 is the best camera i also own is the best camera for video i have owned by a long shot.
 
flinty said:
Cameras are never as good for video,i have the humble Pana HC-X1000 and GH4,for video the HC-X1000 is miles better so the HC-X1 would be better still.Having said that the Sony RX10 MK111 is the best camera i also own is the best camera for video i have owned by a long shot.
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Thank you for this. Can you tell me in what WAY it is miles better? I agree that it is probably much EASIER to use the camcorder than the camera, per se, but I understand the HC-X1000 to have limited dynamic range? I was under the impression that the GH4 produced BETTER video than traditionl camcorders like this, hence my original post!
 
flinty said:
Cameras are never as good for video,i have the humble Pana HC-X1000 and GH4,for video the HC-X1000 is miles better so the HC-X1 would be better still.Having said that the Sony RX10 MK111 is the best camera i also own is the best camera for video i have owned by a long shot.
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flinty-

not to flame but rather to ask a more experienced hand...

...for video only...

between the sony rx10mk3 vs gh4, you would pick the gh4.

can you please share some of your thoughts?

thank you in advance.

be well.

rob
smalltalk.productions
 
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