GH3 GH4 Peaking Question

J

jimmiesner

Well-known member
I'm a run and gun shooter. Use GH2's at the moment, looking to upgrade to a GH3 or GH4. Was thinking about getting a GH3 with a monitor that has peaking, so that we can judge focus better. Now the news of the built in peaking on the GH4 has made me reconsider that option. As a run and gun shooter (need to be light and quick), do you think I should just get a couple of GH4's with peaking built in? Can this approach the benefits of a monitor such as the smallhd?

Jim
 
I use an $800 Marshal 7 inch monitor with multi-color peaking, which is quite good, but I expect the edge detection in-camera to be a little more refined than using an external monitor. One good thing about peaking in the GH4, is that you can select from 4 different peaking colors, so I expect this feature to be pretty solid.
 
In camera peaking will be better than the peaking function of an external monitor. For the sake of $600(?) extra over the GH3, I would definately get the GH4 if not for the peaking and zebras alone.
 
Agreed. The GH4 is made considerably more attractive simply due to the peaking function. Plus, with an external monitor, you have to worry about added weight, cable wrangling, and batteries.
 
If you're run and gun, there's no question (in my mind) that not having to wrangle a monitor is far more attractive. And, as mentioned before, you'll get better peaking. Ultimately I decided to pass on the GH3 because it didn't have peaking. The only feature I really wished I had was the 3.5mm mic jack and the headphone jack. I'm thrilled I waited for the GH4. Definitely worth the upgrade this go around.

I have a 7" monitor that's very good for my GH2, the peaking is decent, but I rarely if ever use it on a true run and gun project. Just trust my eyes on the screen and EVF.
 
jimmiesner said:
I'm a run and gun shooter. Use GH2's at the moment, looking to upgrade to a GH3 or GH4. Was thinking about getting a GH3 with a monitor that has peaking, so that we can judge focus better. Now the news of the built in peaking on the GH4 has made me reconsider that option. As a run and gun shooter (need to be light and quick), do you think I should just get a couple of GH4's with peaking built in? Can this approach the benefits of a monitor such as the smallhd?

Jim
Click to expand...

Hey Jim - I've been shooting with GH2's for a while also. Recently upgraded to a couple of G6's. For ~$500 on the used market, it's essentially a GH2 with focus peaking, a FAR superior screen, 1080p60, improved DR, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Not a bad alternative if you don't need 4K and the other upgrades the GH4 boasts.
 
And don't forget: If the peaking function is nearly as good as on the GM1 you will have displayed the peaking while shooting also via Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad with a minimal latency.
 
Unless they've changed it for the GH4, the peaking might work just like on the G6 with a teal esq colour. Generally works pretty well, less well if you use a Pro Mist or something as it relies on the contrast.
 
sounds like the panasonic G6 is perfect for your needs and will save you some money. Can use the same lenses, smaller for run and gun and has focus peaking.
 
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