GH4 Panasonic GH5 coming in 2017

Landon D Parks said:
My problem with the GH5 is that the improvements are not worth the cost over the GH4. The main draw is of course the 4:2:2 10-bit internal, but that has some issues. There is already websites finding some issues with the internal recording, not to mention the fact that its currently maxed at 150mbps recording. Yeah, 400mbps all-i has been announced, but who knows how good it will be - if it ever comes, and its still going to be in a crappy AVC/MP4 format.

A better option is my opinion is still a GH4 with an Atomos Ninja Flame. For around $2,200 total (cost of a new GH4 + Atomos), you get a camera capable of 10-bit 4:2:2 at ProRes and DNx post-ready quality, the ability to monitor v-log with a lut, high res 7" 10-bit HDR screen, and all the scopes and meters we need to be happy. Slap a $160 Tascam DR-60 on there, and you have a full-fledged production-ready 4k camera. With the GH5, for $2,000 - you get a GH4 with minor upgrades - no external screen, same crappy AVCHD/MP4 recording, limited scopes and graphs, tiny tiny screen, crappy audio solution relying on internal audio recording...

Basically, I see no advantage to a GH5 to someone looking to get a GH5 without currently owning a GH4 (about the same cost for a GH4/Atomos), and I certainly wouldn't recommend an upgrade from the GH4 to the GH5 - I'd say get an Atomos and have a better production camera setup.

I own a GH4 w/ vlog, Atomos Ninja Flame, and Tascam DR-60 Mark II, and I can tell you - the quality of the image off the recording at DNxHD 220x is stunning, as is the audio quality. I fail to see what a GH5 would offer to me.
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My sole reason for getting the GH5 is UHD 60P. Nothing else. It will be an improvement over my Sony FDR-AX1. Always used on a tripod, fixed and have ordered the XLR unit for audio. Will not use Vlog and if I need 10bit will get an Atomos Inferno. Everyone has different reasons for getting cameras for particular features that meet their needs. As you will see to get UHD60P the other camera options are really expensive. By the time one gets batteries etc the GH5 is likely 5 times less costly as the closest competitor, FS7 with the cheapest set of accessories. A wonderful camera but not in my price range.
 
Ned Kelly said:
elucidate, not sure what that means to be honest. Why buy a camera that hasn't been realised if you're not happy about it.
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means to make clear his thoughts, which I think is a good thing on a discussion forum - let others know your thoughts on a matter, even if you've already made your decision, as I may help them make their own.

Steve
 
Landon D Parks said:
I own a GH4 w/ vlog, Atomos Ninja Flame, and Tascam DR-60 Mark II, and I can tell you - the quality of the image off the recording at DNxHD 220x is stunning, as is the audio quality. I fail to see what a GH5 would offer to me.
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Fair points. But as a counter argument, what you get with the GH5 over the GH4 is non-crop 4K, a stabilized sensor, and the wonderful promise of 6K anamorphic capture. Not to mention waveforms and scopes. I would say for some that is worth the extra $400 price difference (at launch).
 
I don't know where the price is from, but its more than $400. Launch pricing on a new GH5 is $2,000. New, a GH4 can be had from Amazon for just a tad over $1,000. If you go with the international version or a slightly used GH4 - it's even less than that.

Yes, the GH5 is certainly an improvement over the GH4 - but I would encourage people to ask themselves this: do they need a stabilized sensor, or 4k 60p? If not, would it not be more pertinent to get a better overall setup with a Atomos and a GH4 for about the same price as a stand-alone GH5? While the GH5 has some improvements, it will not gain you anywhere near the same quality of image or audio as the Atomos will - no matter how much they try to cram into the internal recording.

Also, the ProRes and DNx formats playback much smoother than the MP4 codec. On my computer I can;t even playback a C4K file in MP4 off the camera without it stuttering. I had no problems playing back the DNxHR 220x files from the Atomos in real-time.

Certainly not trying to sway people from buying a GH5 - just putting some thoughts out there about rather its really the best upgrade or new purchase route.

Honestly, get a GH4, Atomos Ninja Flame, Tascam DR-60, and the Panasonic 12-35 and a35-100 lenses and you'd have a tough system to beat.
 
Landon D Parks said:
do they need a stabilized sensor, or 4k 60p?
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For me and I am sure also for others the answer is yes to both, once you have seen the advantages of IBIS with a stabilized lens for run and gun you will not want to ever go back and 60p opens the door to 4k 24p slow motion or shooting action.

The camera is certainly not perfect, 10 bit may unfortunately turn out to be mostly marketing, the dynamic range, if at all, is only marginally better but I think that the GH5 is currently the best practical exchangeable lens handheld camera that money can buy. If you need better quality setup time and flexibility become a real negative factor. By the time you are ready to shoot the bird already has flown unless of course you have actors and a team who get paid to be patient.
 
And then add improved auto-focus (faster and controllable focus tracking) along with the focus transitions to the 60p & stabilization, it seems pretty attractive to these 61 yr old eyes.
 
Even if all you consider is pure PQ, ignoring the countless other improvements, the GH5 offers materially better color reproduction, noticeably more detail, much improved high ISO performance, better quality VFR, etc., etc.

But, no let's make a decision based on: MORE BITZ!!! IZ DE BITZ BAD BITZ???
 
Yeah no kidding, the GH5 feature set is years better. If all you look at is bit depth and codec numbers, maybe the GH4 is equivalent, but what kind of artist looks at a camera like that? GH5 is literally a game changer in the ways I use it most. Every shoot this past month I've been on with GH4 I'm dreaming of GH5... all of it's upgrades will make a massive difference to me in the areas that matter most to the process.
 
adaptation said:
Still no news on metabones usability for EF lenses?
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This is getting somewhat worrisome, Metabones is usually quick with announcing updates but this time it is all silence.
Sure the camera is not officially out yet but still I consider this a very important thing, if there happens to be an issue we should be made aware of it.

I believe that if, and I am not saying they did, Panasonic made some changes to "protect" their own MFT line of lenses it will be bad for Metabones but also bad for Panasonic because I suspect it will influence whether GH4 users with EF lenses will continue to use Panasonic.
 
Cary Knoop said:
This is getting somewhat worrisome, Metabones is usually quick with announcing updates but this time it is all silence.
Sure the camera is not officially out yet but still I consider this a very important thing, if there happens to be an issue we should be made aware of it.

I believe that if, and I am not saying they did, Panasonic made some changes to "protect" their own MFT line of lenses it will be bad for Metabones but also bad for Panasonic because I suspect it will influence whether GH4 users with EF lenses will continue to use Panasonic.
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Note that at least some non-zooms work fine. As often as Panasonic shows off the GH line coupled with Speedbosters or 3rd party anamorphics, I think it is highly unlikely that they would purposely do anything to thwart compatibility.
 
Cary Knoop said:
This is getting somewhat worrisome
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Suggesting now that their products will work would be like suggesting that a software application working on a Windows Beta will definitely work on the release. With the Vista beta to release changes you now never see anyone suggestion compatibility until actual release. Give them time to get real production firmware devices in their hands before they pin sales on something working. What kind of chaos would be generated if they claimed 100% right now, and then when the cameras hit the streets nothing worked? Many of you would be out for blood. They make a business at this, they will work it out and you will have something eventually unless Panasonic got really crafty and actually blocked the electronic boosters. I'm guessing you are hearing anything because they either aren't allowed to have a beta camera, or there is a new feature that has been opened up that they are trying to implement. I'm guessing the latter.

You could also change to manual lenses and not worry about the electronics, plenty of options for high end manual only lenses.
 
Regarding Panasonic trying to protect their own glass, no. The platform is based on openness and they know full well speed boosters are one of the primary things that keep them a competitive option.

It will absolutely work. The question is when and how much (ie will any new hardware be required). To answer those two (important) questions your only safe option currently is to wait and see. I'd assume there will be news by or in early April.
 
Color correction isn't the greatest, but impressive images. The 10bit makes a big difference in the banding alone and the stabilization will allow us to be handheld in many situations where previously we had to be on our gimbal.
 
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