GH13 Is GH1 filmic to anyone...?

Straight Edge

Straight Edge

Active member
Hey. Long time lurker, first time poster. I been seeing the GH1 hack online for some time and it's gorgeous. However, there's something not as compelling as 5D MK II. And that's the filmic quality of the video. Maybe it's in my head... or maybe I haven't seen the right GH1 hack videos. Nonetheless, in my view, GH1 doesn't look like film. It looks like a really high quality HD video and that's great too. But I like the filmic feel of the 5D. 5D looks like it was shot on film, imo. It's a subconscious thing, maybe.

I'm on the verge of buying a GH1 because I feel it's a superior DSLR for moviemaking with the hack, but it's that one thing that holds me back... :shocked:
 
This is by far one of the best I have seen done with the GH1, maybe it will change your mind about the capabilities.

http://vimeo.com/24595447

But there's one huge difference between the GH1 and 5D and that is the cost of entry into either. The GH1 body is going to cost you around the $400 price point. The 5D, about $2000. Soon the 5D is going to be the "old" camera when the 6D or mk3, or whatever Canon names it. comes out. When that happens, the "old" camera won't be $2000 any more, probably $1500 or so.

So if you buy the GH1 now and HATE it, you can throw it away in the garbage and your depreciation is $400. If you buy the Canon, in a few months, your depreciation is going to be the same and you still have to sell it to someone.

Or you can buy the GH1 now and keep it and in a few months buy the old 5D and have two cameras for the price of today's 5D prices.

But I really do think that in Micheal's video, it shows that it's skill, not the camera, to get the "look". I know I couldn't ever get something like that from mine.
 
Straight Edge said:
Hey. Long time lurker, first time poster. I been seeing the GH1 hack online for some time and it's gorgeous. However, there's something not as compelling as 5D MK II. And that's the filmic quality of the video. Maybe it's in my head... or maybe I haven't seen the right GH1 hack videos. Nonetheless, in my view, GH1 doesn't look like film. It looks like a really high quality HD video and that's great too. But I like the filmic feel of the 5D. 5D looks like it was shot on film, imo. It's a subconscious thing, maybe.

I'm on the verge of buying a GH1 because I feel it's a superior DSLR for moviemaking with the hack, but it's that one thing that holds me back... :shocked:
Click to expand...

Nothing we get on out HD TV channels here in the uk is shot on film exept when cinema movies are on, its all high quality video and it looks like high quality video not film,i dont get this film look thing.Or black and white sorry.
 
Straight Edge said:
Hey. Long time lurker, first time poster. I been seeing the GH1 hack online for some time and it's gorgeous. However, there's something not as compelling as 5D MK II. And that's the filmic quality of the video. Maybe it's in my head... or maybe I haven't seen the right GH1 hack videos. Nonetheless, in my view, GH1 doesn't look like film. It looks like a really high quality HD video and that's great too. But I like the filmic feel of the 5D. 5D looks like it was shot on film, imo. It's a subconscious thing, maybe.

I'm on the verge of buying a GH1 because I feel it's a superior DSLR for moviemaking with the hack, but it's that one thing that holds me back... :shocked:
Click to expand...

http://vimeo.com/15059034

I linked this a while ago when discussing film looks etc... this is an original GH1 (unhacked) with PL adapter and lenses - plus a crew and decent actors etc... and this really does feel filmic to me.

90% is to do with the look/approach/skill/experience/talent of the people involved (etc) and 10% is the kit. Look at the debate on AF100 vs FS100 - there really isn't a massive difference between them (IMO).

ChipThome is right - at the price of a GH1 now, get one & start shooting with it! If it doesn't work for you, get whatever hot release Canon brings out (or a chaper 5DMKII, as a new camera will push the RRP down) - and you'll have a B cam or trash cam in reserve!

Try going for legacy lenses on the GH1 if you want a more filmic look - avoid modern lenses.
 
Straight Edge said:
Hey. Long time lurker, first time poster. I been seeing the GH1 hack online for some time and it's gorgeous. However, there's something not as compelling as 5D MK II. And that's the filmic quality of the video. Maybe it's in my head... or maybe I haven't seen the right GH1 hack videos. Nonetheless, in my view, GH1 doesn't look like film. It looks like a really high quality HD video and that's great too. But I like the filmic feel of the 5D. 5D looks like it was shot on film, imo. It's a subconscious thing, maybe.

I'm on the verge of buying a GH1 because I feel it's a superior DSLR for moviemaking with the hack, but it's that one thing that holds me back... :shocked:
Click to expand...



You could try using it with Canon FD lenses. I've always thought that footage produced with FD glass has a slightly 'nicer' look that similar stuff using Panasonic lenses.

It's very hard to quantify - the FD lenses are certainly not 'unsharp', but they seem to take the edge of 'the video look' Perhaps 'mellow' would be a better description :cheesy:

Anyway, given that most FD lenses are as cheap as chips, it woudn't cost very much to experiment.

Given the low price of the GH1 at the moment, I'd say that it's the best bargain in DSLR video at the moment - so, yes, I'd go for a GH1 and stick a cheap Canon FD 50mm on the front of it.
 
lol! wtf is 'filmic' to you exactly? you realize that it is not a word that has an absolute definition and that there are films of every style and look imaginable?

figure out what look you want to achieve, then ask us how you might go about creating that look using the camera you have. stop whitewashing all movies as being the same...you'll get much better information from us. ;)
 
Wow. Some great examples here. I especially enjoyed Loved on Water. By far, the best thing I've seen from the GH1. Must be a skilled DP behind it. I also liked Depth of Phil's concept. Looks like a great story. And I think I'll consider ChipTome's advice. Get GH1 now, wait til 5D is cheaper, and then get both. I must say, though, these examples have eliminated my doubts of GH1's filmic feel (Loved on Water especially). I might not even want a 5D, because ergonomically GH1 is more like a traditional video camera... somewhat.

Thanks all for the feedback. It's appreciated. Feel free to post more examples. These videos are great.
 
Straight Edge said:
Wow. Some great examples here. I especially enjoyed Loved on Water. By far, the best thing I've seen from the GH1. Must be a skilled DP behind it. I also liked Depth of Phil's concept. Looks like a great story. And I think I'll consider ChipTome's advice. Get GH1 now, wait til 5D is cheaper, and then get both. I must say, though, these examples have eliminated my doubts of GH1's filmic feel (Loved on Water especially). I might not even want a 5D, because ergonomically GH1 is more like a traditional video camera... somewhat.

Thanks all for the feedback. It's appreciated. Feel free to post more examples. These videos are great.
Click to expand...

Loved on Water is the one that nails filmic for me (ie that's my view of filmic - but might not be other peoples - that's why I linked it... I'm surprised it didn't get more attention. However, the Director and DP (and, I presume, the rest of the crew) are experienced - so that counts for a lot.

As many people have said, it's the skill/experience behind the tools that matters.... 10 years ago - something like a GH1 would have been an amazing tool... now we're spoilt for choice...

The one thing about Loved on Water is they shot with PL lenses, so, if you're looking for a similar feel, investigate antique lenses for the GH1 - that'll help.

At the price point now, a GH1 makes sense - it's almost throwaway, but can do a great job :)
 
Most people complain about the filmic or non filmic look of a camera.
I believe that the first element to make an image with a filmic look (what does that mean anyway) is lighting. A properly lit scene, coupled with a good color correction will give you a filmic look on most new generation cameras.
Now yes some cameras and lens will give you a better image that others to work on, but I guaranty you that no camera (even film cameras) will ever give you a filmic look out of the box.

IMHO video is always a little to saturated, bring those colors down in Color and you will be on the right way... that is depending on your project.
Also know that a way to spot video is the Highlights clipping that does not exist in film, Prefer to underexpose an image with wider dynamic range than your camera. In film, you would overexpose as the shoulder of the curve is always a better option than the toe.

One tip to create your filmic look is to view movies (preferably without sound) and note down all the details in the image that makes you believe it is a filmic look. (the grain, in light areas, dark areas, the quantity of bokeh, the way it is lit, the contrast, saturation...) All those effects are possible to modify in order to create your image.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying the GH1 and GH2 are or are not filimic, I'm just saying that the so called filmic look will vary depending on your project.
 
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there is something ive found that i like to call the "canon illusion". right off the shelf, with the kit lens. every canon DSLR ive used has a more instant "cinematic" look than the same thing from just about any other camera. ESPECIALLY the GH2+whatever kit lumix lens (i think ALL the lumix lenses look like dog poop - just my personal opinion)

i think this is why all the new-adopters of DSLRS (who are often younger and or less experienced) are such ga-ga fan-boys of the canon products.

BUT through further test shooting, i have found that once you learn the GH2 and get the right glass on the front. you have far more creative, technical and aesthetic room to move.
 
An Alexa doesn't look like film. It looks like an Alexa.

A Red/Epic does not look like film. It looks like a Red/Epic.

An AF100 does not look like film. It looks like an AF100.

A GH-1/2 does not look like film. It looks like a GH-1/2.

One thing these cameras have in common though...that is....they can all look cinematic (in the right hands of course)

I guess my point is... maybe we are using the wrong term here. Instead of "look like film" shouldn't we be saying "looks cinematic?" Because the only camera that looks like film is....um....a film camera. :)
 
Ian-T said:
I guess my point is... maybe we are using the wrong term here. Instead of "look like film" shouldn't we be saying "looks cinematic?" Because the only camera that looks like film is....um....a film camera. :)
Click to expand...

I agree. Who cares if your footage looks like film? That's not the point. The point is to tell a good story in the most appropriate visual manner. Making it "look like film" is an arbitrary marker people set for themselves to avoid dealing with the gritty realities of telling a story.

IMHO, asking whether or not a camera is "filmic" is like asking whether a car is "wheelic."
 
ill throw my trailer another kind of work with the GH1. I love its performance on contrasty low light.

Video:

Its strange, everyone runs away from low light codec breakdown stuff, macrobloking and all. Ive just found mine enough capable in non hack mode and 100mps max latitude v2 GH13. Some time when on post lighten to much would brake, but it was a exelent camera. Better than the Canon 60D and the 550i we had on second shooting.
 
Its strange, everyone runs away from low light codec breakdown stuff, macrobloking and all. Ive just found mine enough capable in non hack mode and 100mps max latitude v2 GH13. Some time when on post lighten to much would brake, but it was a exelent camera. Better than the Canon 60D and the 550i we had on second shooting.[/QUOTE]

That footage looks great.
 
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