Been reading about the new Panasonic GH1 launching in the US imminently, already released in other parts of the world. Forum's on dvxuser of course, and I've done some reading about it. It's a V-DSLR that shoots 17mbps AVCHD 1920x1080 24p video with the depth of field of a DSLR... for around $2000. I'm not educated enough on it, but it seems like an insane upgrade (obviously different form factor though you could get a rig, not variable bitrate I don't think, and only 24p, plus other things, but so much to be gained, plus so much cheaper...). I like the HMC-150 quite a bit, and I've already shot a good 250 hours with it for a doc, but the GH1 seems pretty enviable. Any thoughts on pros/cons comparison with our beloved HMC-150?
HMC-150 vs. GH1
- Thread starter jscheib
- Start date
jdsmith19
Well-known member
I was looking at the GH1 before I bought my HMC150. The audio on the GH1 was a deal-breaker for me. For my applications, recording sound on a separate device, or requiring a rig for phantom powered XLR inputs is too much of a hassle.
Check out the Zacuto Vimeo channel. Some of their FilmFellas episodes have interesting insights on using DSLRs for filmmaking.
Check out the Zacuto Vimeo channel. Some of their FilmFellas episodes have interesting insights on using DSLRs for filmmaking.
D.R. Gates
Well-known member
It's certainly an appealing camera for HD. As far as I know, this is the only DSLR that has continuous auto-focus while in video mode. Even the Canon 5D doesn't do that.
Mike Harvey
Veteran
For the record (I just checked the specs)... it's not "true" (for lack of a better term) 24p. It only does 1080i. Instead it does the same type of 2:3 pulldown that many DVCProHD cameras do for 24p in 1080i (DVCProHD 1080p doesn't technically exist) and the DVX100 did with 480i video. Basically, the sensor does 24p, but records it to disk after the pulldown as 60i. Not that that's a bad thing or anything, we all know how good the DVX 24p footage and DVCProHD 1080i/24p footage can look.
Here's why I'm not a huge fan of the VDSLR's. They are first an foremost DSLR's, not video cameras. There is just some sick stuff being shot on them, but they all require some sort of work arounds or sacrifices. Before it was the sensor overheating after 10minute or no manual control of the iris or no live output or something like that. The GH1 seems to fix a lot of those shortcomings, but at the same time it only does 17mbps AVCHD 1080i/24p, 720p/30 and 720p/60 (why, I have no idea). I'm not thrilled about the lower bitrate.
Also, you will HAVE to get some sort of external device to record decent audio. For some folk's needs, that's not a big deal. For me, who's trying to get back into wedding/event video, the idea of carrying around a second piece of gear for the audio isn't appealing. Everyone has different needs.
A huge plus, besides the DoF is the low light abilities. It's supposed to be *much* better than the HMC150. I saw a thread in the GH1 section where Kholi Hicks was quite impressed with the camera... to the point that he sold his HPX170 for it. Here's some of his footage he shot with it - Link
I personally will pass this time around. However, if Panasonic came up with some sort of hybrid that stuck the sensor (or better, a larger 5D MkII type sensor) and lens mount of the GH1 onto the body of the 150 and kept the 150's 1080p/720p formats, I would probably buy it in a heartbeat. Well, more like three or four heartbeats. Personally, I don't see what's stopping them besides the GH1 and HMC150 are from different divisions.
My $.02
Here's why I'm not a huge fan of the VDSLR's. They are first an foremost DSLR's, not video cameras. There is just some sick stuff being shot on them, but they all require some sort of work arounds or sacrifices. Before it was the sensor overheating after 10minute or no manual control of the iris or no live output or something like that. The GH1 seems to fix a lot of those shortcomings, but at the same time it only does 17mbps AVCHD 1080i/24p, 720p/30 and 720p/60 (why, I have no idea). I'm not thrilled about the lower bitrate.
Also, you will HAVE to get some sort of external device to record decent audio. For some folk's needs, that's not a big deal. For me, who's trying to get back into wedding/event video, the idea of carrying around a second piece of gear for the audio isn't appealing. Everyone has different needs.
A huge plus, besides the DoF is the low light abilities. It's supposed to be *much* better than the HMC150. I saw a thread in the GH1 section where Kholi Hicks was quite impressed with the camera... to the point that he sold his HPX170 for it. Here's some of his footage he shot with it - Link
I personally will pass this time around. However, if Panasonic came up with some sort of hybrid that stuck the sensor (or better, a larger 5D MkII type sensor) and lens mount of the GH1 onto the body of the 150 and kept the 150's 1080p/720p formats, I would probably buy it in a heartbeat. Well, more like three or four heartbeats. Personally, I don't see what's stopping them besides the GH1 and HMC150 are from different divisions.
My $.02
It has variable shutter that can't be locked I've read somewhere on DVXuser, well thats unacceptable for video.
It really shouldn't even be compared to the HMC150 or any video camera, cause its not one, its a DSLR that shoots video. Not only is the form factor wrong for video, you simply can't have enough manual control to make its "practical usuability" work. There not enough room to cram all the buttons and switches it would require to make it good enough to use in the field.
So IMO if you had an HMC150 and got rid of it for one of these cameras, I would say there's something wrong upstairs or you don't take videography seriously enough.
It really shouldn't even be compared to the HMC150 or any video camera, cause its not one, its a DSLR that shoots video. Not only is the form factor wrong for video, you simply can't have enough manual control to make its "practical usuability" work. There not enough room to cram all the buttons and switches it would require to make it good enough to use in the field.
So IMO if you had an HMC150 and got rid of it for one of these cameras, I would say there's something wrong upstairs or you don't take videography seriously enough.
would it catch on?
Hidef1080
Well-known member
I have to say that I think they are very different cameras for different needs.
Still I was surprised at how nice the video looked coming out of the GH1.
I just cannot see it as a replacement for any 150/170/200 class camera however.
I do think it is only a matter of time before we see some bleed-over and as Mike said there very well could be some type of hybrid or the next Panasonic may use the single chip sensor from the GH1 inside of a 150 or HMC70 body with all of the features of the 150.
If I had to pick between the two [150 vs. GH1] I'd go with the 150 all the way.
Still I was surprised at how nice the video looked coming out of the GH1.
I just cannot see it as a replacement for any 150/170/200 class camera however.
I do think it is only a matter of time before we see some bleed-over and as Mike said there very well could be some type of hybrid or the next Panasonic may use the single chip sensor from the GH1 inside of a 150 or HMC70 body with all of the features of the 150.
If I had to pick between the two [150 vs. GH1] I'd go with the 150 all the way.
D.R. Gates
Well-known member
I'll have one of each. I have a 150, and I'll soon be getting a Canon 5D.
Green Hornet
Veteran
If I were not also a still photographer, I likely would not get a DSLR for video,
however, since I am,
I will soon trade my original Canon 5D, for the mark II.
however, since I am,
I will soon trade my original Canon 5D, for the mark II.
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
I am impressed with the quality of this camera, also really like the DOF.
Seems like these SLR's are great for short impressive shots with nice DOF.
If you shoot events where you need audio, long record times, and run and gun - these just wont keep up with a HMC150.
I agree, buttons and settings are everything. When you are recording a live event all your footage needs to be useable, the HMC150 lets you change all the settings instantly.
Seems like these SLR's are great for short impressive shots with nice DOF.
If you shoot events where you need audio, long record times, and run and gun - these just wont keep up with a HMC150.
I agree, buttons and settings are everything. When you are recording a live event all your footage needs to be useable, the HMC150 lets you change all the settings instantly.