Any monitor that can display a 720p 1:1 pixel image is a good solution, so you are looking at about $150 and up for a monitor that can do the job. Otherwise you can always use the camera's "punch-in" feature before you start shooting.
GH4 Panasonic GH5 coming in 2017
- Thread starter Dan Keeble
- Start date
Any monitor that can display a 720p 1:1 pixel image is a good solution, so you are looking at about $150 and up for a monitor that can do the job. Otherwise you can always use the camera's "punch-in" feature before you start shooting.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera not only allows for punch in while recording, but it's Focus Peaking is significantly more accurate and useful than the GH4's.
The main problem with using a camera's built-in mics is that they are generally too far away from your subject to record anything more than a sync track.
You always want your mics to be within 2-3 feet from your subject to record high quality sound, so on camera mics are rarely a good solution.
philiplipetz
Veteran
Also with the new weather sealing on the camera some early testers imply that the mic is not as good since it has to also be weather sealed. YMMV
diegocervo
Well-known member
So other than the BMPCC, none of these are mirrorless or DSLR type cameras.
philiplipetz
Veteran
diegocervo
Well-known member
My post was related to the fact that Panasonic doesn't offer this function even on more expensive cameras (the DVX200 doesn't magnify while recording, nor the old AF100 did).
As I said, this is something that should be addressed, not only on the new GH5.
Batutta
Major Contributor
I haven't had a problem with soft footage. I punch in before rolling, then use peaking during takes. Shooting flat makes peaking less reliable, another reason I don't shoot with contrast settings dialed down to minus five and pedestal raised. I use a loupe which does make it easier to judge.
joe12south
Veteran
If your main concern is focus, here's a $100 option: http://www.cinemartin.com/monitors/7inch/loyal/
ParagonFilmworks
Active member
Thank you for this information Jim. Can you comment on the solution you've come up with for critical focus? I'm a wedding videographer and in the beginning I would be treating the GH5 as a special use camera, broll, slow motion and other beauty shots. I'd love to go full 4K with the GH5 being the solution but would need an option that wouldn't be too cumbersome or be incredibly expensive. I suspect a solution from Canon would bend the budget too much out of the gate for two cameras with whatever they decide to release next if it's an upgrade to the c100. Any small options that fit the bill? I used the older Zacuto EVF on my FS100 a long time ago, perhaps this would be a solution with a bonus of a viewfinder? Open to options and suggestions.
ParagonFilmworks
Active member
Thanks Joe, I will take a look into this as well. I might have overlooked it, but how is the option $100? It has quite a bit of connections I won't need and features, mainly need zoom. Peaking could be nice if it's better than the peaking provided by the GH5, seems others aren't happy with the previous peaking of the GH4.
NorBro
Major Contributor
Just FYI - for US customers - the cinemartin monitor may be coming from overseas (unless it's being sold in the US somewhere). Not sure if there would be any additional fees/costs if so.
I recently purchased this one, but haven't used it yet:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1261736-REG/feelworld_fw760_7_ips_ultra_thin_full.html
Can't compare it to anything, but it's cheap too, lol.
I recently purchased this one, but haven't used it yet:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1261736-REG/feelworld_fw760_7_ips_ultra_thin_full.html
Can't compare it to anything, but it's cheap too, lol.
Thomas Smet
Veteran
Adding a loupe to the GH4 makes a massive world of difference. Not only is it 100x easier to focus with but a loupe helps block out sunlight and allows one to focus on just the image instead of everything else around them. A loupe also gives an extra contact point for stability.
I wouldn't be caught dead shooting with a DSLR without at least a good loupe attached to the camera.
http://kamerar.com/products/qv-1-m-lcd-view-finder
This is the one I use and it works with my Honu cage as well. Pulls off instantly via a powerful magnet or can flip up quickly to use the touch screen.
I now use an Atomos Ninja Blade and miss using the loupe but I plan on getting a GRID loupe for the 5" Blade very soon.
I wouldn't be caught dead shooting with a DSLR without at least a good loupe attached to the camera.
http://kamerar.com/products/qv-1-m-lcd-view-finder
This is the one I use and it works with my Honu cage as well. Pulls off instantly via a powerful magnet or can flip up quickly to use the touch screen.
I now use an Atomos Ninja Blade and miss using the loupe but I plan on getting a GRID loupe for the 5" Blade very soon.
rob norton
Veteran
The GH4 peaking is not perfect but people also need to spend an inordinate amount of time learning their own tools. I shot a few interviews where, according to peaking, the eyes and nose are both in focus but the footage showed the nose was in fact sharp, rather than the eyes. For me, during interviews, the solution is to punch into their eyes and focus without the peaking. Things like focussing on their eyes versus the frames of their glasses, or knowing that a nose has more peaking lines than it should and as you nail critical focus on the eyes, while the nose peaking remains, it's slightly less intense etc. These are all exercises that help us learn the camera. It doesn't happen overnight but knowing when to trust the camera and when to take things into your own hands helps immensely.
joe12south
Veteran
Sorry, i linked to the wrong model: http://www.cinemartin.com/monitors/7inch/loyal/lt/
With a native resolution of 1080P @ 7", you can focus pretty confidently, even without peaking.
joe12south
Veteran
Loupes are great if you're working exclusively as the DP. If you're trying to simultaneously direct talent, not so much. I very often am both director and operator (and grip and everything else) and in those cases, I really appreciate the dSLR form factor and flip screen or external monitor.
NorBro
Major Contributor
You may see this date bounce around a bit as the weeks go by...currently says 30th.
Andrew Stone
Veteran
The GH5 has an OLED viewfinder doesn't it? I haven't used one of the GH cameras but I have a Sony a7S. The OLED viewfinder on the Sony is remarkable and you can easily focus with it. Does the GH4 have an OLED viewfinder?