GH4 GH5 and Panasonic Leica 12-60mm

[stoneinapond]

There are hundreds of videos available on the web, testing everything on the GH5. Some of it is footage with specific topics, and some chart based offerings. Wanted to evaluate the new Panasonic Leica 12-60mm in everyday "shoot and move" situations, so rented one from LensRentals. (Class outfit if ever there was one.)

Used several different setups. Some of the zooming I did because I could, not because I would, but the results are quite interesting. And of course there a some of the auto focus issues, which I put down mainly to my poor knowledge of settings. It should improve with time, plus I was asking the lens to do things it most probably wasn't designed to do. (Like riding a bicycle and shooting...)

Basic details of the four short clips, all internal and all handheld, except where noted.

Test 1: 4K 23.98p, 10-bit
Test 2: 4K 29.97p, 8-bit with some VFR
Test 3: 4K 60p 8-bit with V-Log L
Test 4: 4K 23.98p, 10-bit nighttime

https://vimeo.com/channels/1235149

(Some of the music choices might be considered dramatic. I was having fun.) :beer:

 

[video652]

If it is possible to provide Youtube links, I think it would play much smoother for many people. Thank you.

 

[stoneinapond]

If it is possible to provide Youtube links, I think it would play much smoother for many people. Thank you.

Sorry, I don't have any youtube links. But various resolution files are available for download. Not quite the same ease of viewing, but if interested that would provide a better image anyway.

Thanks.

 

[Ken7]

Looks like you shot at Roosevelt Field for one of those videos. That's been a testing ground for me too.

Interesting that you were able to zoom on that lens and focus held for the most part.

Nice grading job on that one video. It's nice to see someone that doesn't grade over-the-top so that the quality of the camera's output can be seen.

 

[stoneinapond]

Looks like you shot at Roosevelt Field for one of those videos. That's been a testing ground for me too.

Interesting that you were able to zoom on that lens and focus held for the most part.

Nice grading job on that one video. It's nice to see someone that doesn't grade over-the-top so that the quality of the camera's output can be seen.

Roosevelt Field it is.

Yes, I was surprised at how much it did hold focus.

I'm new to 4K 60p so didn't know what to expect. I have to say that I'm quite fond of the slightly hyper real look, and using V-Log L makes it even more interesting. Not sure how practical it is for my workflow and I'll start a new thread with some questions for the more knowledgable members of the forum. But I ended using an ARRI LogC LUT to bring the footage into the 709 space, and then added a little adjustment.

Thanks for watching and commenting.

(I see there is already some discussion related to 4K 60p on the GH5 coming in 2017 thread.)

 

[KINOKS]

Can you confirm app at what mm does the lens start to ramp?

 

[fboonzaier]

There are hundreds of videos available on the web, testing everything on the GH5. Some of it is footage with specific topics, and some chart based offerings. Wanted to evaluate the new Panasonic Leica 12-60mm in everyday "shoot and move" situations, so rented one from LensRentals. (Class outfit if ever there was one.)

Used several different setups. Some of the zooming I did because I could, not because I would, but the results are quite interesting. And of course there a some of the auto focus issues, which I put down mainly to my poor knowledge of settings. It should improve with time, plus I was asking the lens to do things it most probably wasn't designed to do. (Like riding a bicycle and shooting...)

Basic details of the four short clips, all internal and all handheld, except where noted.

Test 1: 4K 23.98p, 10-bit
Test 2: 4K 29.97p, 8-bit with some VFR
Test 3: 4K 60p 8-bit with V-Log L
Test 4: 4K 23.98p, 10-bit nighttime

https://vimeo.com/channels/1235149

(Some of the music choices might be considered dramatic. I was having fun.) :beer:

May I ask what your impression of the 12-60 lens was after using it in your test?

 

[stoneinapond]

Can you confirm app at what mm does the lens start to ramp?

Unfortunately the lens has gone back to the renter, so I can't give you an absolute answer. However when I first saw the lens in early December of last year, the first question I asked the Panasonic rep, was how soon does the lens move from the widest aperture. His response was almost immediately.

My experience mirrors that statement. You might get a millimeter or two, but if you think of 2.8 being available only at 12mm, you won't go wrong.

Initially, I thought that would be an issue, but after using the lens, the reach and IQ far outweigh the minor irritation. If you need wide and fast and Leica branding, then the fixed 12mm and 15mm lenses would be a better choice. But for an all rounder, this lens is hard to beat.

Thanks.

 

[stoneinapond]

May I ask what your impression of the 12-60 lens was after using it in your test?

Certainly.

As soon as I have the funds, the lens will be on the camera and in the bag, ready to go.

I was very impressed with the performance of the lens, and fell in love with the image quality. The lens is well constructed, both rings operate smoothly, and the zoom range is quite stellar. If you can get past the lens speed issue (as I mentioned above, not something that bothered me in general use and I have other fast glass if needed), I would absolutely recommend it.

And disappointment at the aperture not being constant, is in some ways more of a psychological knee jerk response. In practice, the lens fits in perfectly for my intended use as a great all rounder.

 

[KINOKS]

if you think of 2.8 being available only at 12mm, you won't go wrong.

Oh, that's unfortunate. I work with GH4 on docs, so I need all the light I can get. But also need a good allrounder. Curently using a 17 - 50 2.8 sigma with a Nikon speedboster. I find the combo great, especially the SB as it has a nice ring that de-clicks the apature. I am missing OIS though... and more range.