Is the LUMIX G Camera DMC-GH4 a suitable "B camera" for DVX200?

T

twalp

Member
(I apologize for asking what may be redundant question but I couldn't figure out how to isolate a search to this sub-forum.)

I shoot events and like to have a second camera on a WS. Is the LUMIX G Camera DMC-GH4 a good match for my new DVX200?

Am I correct in understanding that the GH4 does not have a time limit on continuous video recording?

If you have an insights to share regarding this that don't specifically address the two questions posed, please feel welcome.

Thank you.
 
All of this is easily google-able.

1. DVX200 has settings specifically to get its footage to fall in line with certain GH4 settings so that the two cameras can compliment each other. So, yes, GH4 is a good match.

2. GH4 does not have a time limit on continuous shooting, though I believe it splits long single takes (such as an interview) into separate files...but that might only be in Europe...and it might only be if you use certain types of cards.
 
The GH4 in Europe has a 30 min limit. GH4R in Europe doesn't have a time limit and none of the American versions have time limits.
 
The gh4's (US) recording time is only limited by the size of your SD card. It does break the files up at a cretain time (I forget specifically how long), but if you're editing in a multicam timeline using audio or time code sync, it really makes no difference. I use them together on most shoots now and so far, so good. But you may want to hold out for the gh5 lol. It's shaping up to be a beast.
 
I have not been interested in a DSLR or mirrorless camera for video purposes until Panasonic's announcement of the GH5. That camera is serious.
 
JRJphoto said:
I have not been interested in a DSLR or mirrorless camera for video purposes until Panasonic's announcement of the GH5. That camera is serious.
Click to expand...

Okay, so is the alternative another DVW200 or is there another video camera suitable for use with the 200?
 
The HC-X1000 could be a nice small B-camera to the DVX200, and there are three cameras coming out this fall that could make nice B-cameras, the UX90, UX180, and HC-X1. All would share a similar design, a bit smaller than the DVX200 and somewhat less expensive but all sharing the same basic menu structure and operations.
 
Shot a longform today for a Spa/Salon and all my interviews were done with the GH4 metabones adapter with prime lens for that shallow depth of field. Most of the B-roll I shot with the DVX200 with Barry's GH4 scene files (I used scene4) and both cameras image quality, look and color balance were spot on. I personally think they work great together, especially now with firmware 1.81 for the DVX200.
 
Technically, you could use any number of cameras together and grade the footage in post to make the images look similar...but I am a firm believer in shooting it the right way on the day which saves a lot of headaches later. Being organized, using the same family of cameras and lenses on a multi-camera shoot and not straying from things like the 180º rule or the 30º rule all help. I think it was very, very smart of Panasonic to give DVX200 its GH4-like properties and I hope this synergy will carry over to GH5 and the new UX series cameras. If so, then you could conceivably use any of these cameras together in a multi-cam situation – configured appropriately – and have footage that matches perfectly. And for a heckuva lot cheaper than similar multi-cam situations a few years ago.
 
DVX200 Check List For Multi Camera Shoots With The GH4

Tests made on 5-19-16 proved that both the Panasonic AG-DVX200 and the GH4 cameras could be matched perfectly for multi camera shoots, see the following filmed at Encore Broadcast. https://vimeo.com/167443202

DVX200 Settings;

Make sure that you have Firmware Version 1.65 installed in your DVX200 camera and set the Color Palette to NATURAL then install the Panasonic Scene File commonly referred to as “Like GH4” this should be installed so that it replaces Scene File 4 in your DVX200 camera. Then always use Scene File 4 for multi camera shoots that include a GH4. Noted below are the actual settings for the “Like GH4” Scene File.

MASTER DETAIL +10
DETAIL CORING 1
SKIN TONE DTL OFF
V DETAIL LEVEL 0
KNEE APE LEVEL 3
RB GAIN CONTROL SETTING
CROMA LEVEL 0
CROMA PHASE 0
MATRIX NORM2
COLOR CORRECTION SETTING
MASTER PED -3
GAMMA MODE FILMLIKE 2
BLACK GAMMA -8
BLACK GAMMA RANGE 3
KNEE MODE MANUAL
KNEE MASTER POINT 80.0
KNEE MASTER SLOPE 10
DRS OFF
DRS EFFECT 1
AUTO IRIS LEVEL ON
AUTO IRIS LEVEL EFFECT +5
V-LOG L MODE OFF

GH4 Settings;

When our tests were conducted the GH4 camera used for the test had Body Firmware Version 2.4 and the Photo Style was NATURAL.
 
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