Preordered a GH-1, Changing my mind

J

Jackson Miller

Well-known member
Ok, so I preordered a GH1 and have read about it for hours and hours and hours. And I keep watching Mark D2 footage... and it is amazing. That plus phillip bloom thinks it is way better, etc, and I really want a good still camera. Now, I did search and read but I have a lot of questions. I am still not quite convinced, and this all comes down to a time thing. Convince me to get this before my GH-1 ships! I know for a fact that some of this could be answered with searches that I didn't do (though I did do quite a few), so I apologize if I ask these kinds of questions. I would appreciate if you could answer them because, like I said, I am SUPER pressed for time here. Thanks guys.

1) LCD: The lack of a flip out LCD is a major problem that seriously takes away from this cams versatility. Simple low angle shots are no longer easy or simple. Honestly this is a big thing for me. So, I am sure this has bugs other people. What do you do? I wouldn't be able to afford a monitor for a while, and even still, I want something more portable, and cheaper for when I don't have a full rig. So, any solutions? Any nice little 3 inch lcd's that aren't terrible for focusing? I mean, the actual camera's lcd isn't high def to begin with right? Or is it?

2) Batteries: how long do the batteries last while monitoring with the LCD? Give me at least an estimate. 30mins? an hour? How many am I gonna need for a day of normal narrative film making? 2 extra? 3? 4 more? Final thing, how much do they cost and are there any reliable and good third party batteries. I don't usually like the chinese ones unless they are very good.

3) Jello: How does this cameras skew/jello compare to that of the ex1? How does it compare to the canon vixias? It is still very usable and easy right? And normal pans are doable?

4) Format: So what is the bitrate again? I know it is h.264. How easy is the workflow with this? Does everyone pretty much convert to apple pro res first? I am on a mac?

5) Grading: How does it's footage hold up to color grading and color keying/greenscreening as well?

6) Remote: Do I really need one of these to do timelapse? Any place that I can get it for cheaper? I don't want to pay 100 bucks for this. Maybe a cheap chinese made one on ebay? I can't find one so far.

7) Lenses: Ah lenses. I could start a whole topic about this obviously and I will probably later (after doing more searches etc), but I will spare you for now because I am just trying to decide whether or not this cam is for me. So, I want glass that isn't going to cost me a lot, but will give me an amazing look for the price. How much is it going to run me to get a couple of these? For the gh-1, people get FD lenses on ebay for 50-150 bucks. What is the comparable lense for the 5DM2? Or, I might be willing to spend a BIT more for something a little nicer. but basically it would be nice to have at least one nice zoom lens, and 1-3 primes. I'd like to spend under about 700 dollars. Am I dreaming? Any good lenses you love off the top of your heads? (affordable ones!)

8) Best place to buy?: So, where is the best, cheapest place to buy this camera? I was hoping to pay 2500, not 2700. Any discounts etc? I heard about someone buying for a great place at the store Bestbuy... WHAT? In my experience, they are never the best place to buy. But if it means getting it sooner (and if the price is good), I may consider it.



Thanks guys. Please, please PLEASE somebody help me out and fill me in on these topics. Someone told you all of this, so help me out. In return, I know a lot about the GH-1 after all my reading, so if you have any questions... just ask!
:dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::):thumbup:
 
Only had mine for a few days but here goes. I was seriously considering the GH1 but resolution won in the end.

I've ordered some widescreen lcd glasses for stabilizer work http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=280345886126 they're only SD. The LCD is very high res and I find it much easier to focus with than my D90.

I'd say I'm getting at least an hour with live view activated but I haven't really timed it. there's a thread on cinema5d about 3rd party batteries.

jello hasn't been a problem for me but I'm used to D90 jello so I know how to avoid it. Mine is mounted on a steadytracker for handheld and on a miller fluid head tripod panning isn't a problem.

bitrate is 42Mbps. I'm converting to prores and cutting in fcp

doing some grading this week but haven't heard others complain.

FD lenses won't work. I'd go for nikon ai or pentax super tak smc M42 mount glass which are a lot cheaper than nikons. If you really want a zoom an old vivitar series 1 won't cost too much.
 
Entity said:
1) LCD: The lack of a flip out LCD is a major problem that seriously takes away from this cams versatility. Simple low angle shots are no longer easy or simple. Honestly this is a big thing for me. So, I am sure this has bugs other people. What do you do? I wouldn't be able to afford a monitor for a while, and even still, I want something more portable, and cheaper for when I don't have a full rig. So, any solutions? Any nice little 3 inch lcd's that aren't terrible for focusing? I mean, the actual camera's lcd isn't high def to begin with right? Or is it?
Click to expand...

Probably gonna need an external LCD. It's cumbersome to work with and yeah, you can get "used" to it, but it's still quite annoying to have to crane, tilt, bend to see the LCD.

Unless you're the type of shooter that can deal with having the camera up to your eye all the time, then get one of those eyepieces.

The LCD situation in comparison to the GH-1 is garbage.

2) Batteries: how long do the batteries last while monitoring with the LCD? Give me at least an estimate. 30mins? an hour? How many am I gonna need for a day of normal narrative film making? 2 extra? 3? 4 more? Final thing, how much do they cost and are there any reliable and good third party batteries. I don't usually like the chinese ones unless they are very good.
Click to expand...

Like 45 minutes. At least in my experience but I didn't time it. Battery life is garbage, and you'll definitely either need a third or an AC power adapter.

2 Hours on the GH-1, straight-up. Takes 1 Hour to charge the second battery.

Another Downer for the MKii on my end.

3) Jello: How does this cameras skew/jello compare to that of the ex1? How does it compare to the canon vixias? It is still very usable and easy right? And normal pans are doable?
Click to expand...

EX-1 is much more controlled. Jello is pretty nasty here but I guess, in its defense, not as bad as the D90.

Normal pans are doable if they're really slow OR you just don't care about slanting objects. The latter works best, you just have to kind of get over it and move on.

Again, EX-1 is much more controlled, GH-1 even more so IMO.

4) Format: So what is the bitrate again? I know it is h.264. How easy is the workflow with this? Does everyone pretty much convert to apple pro res first? I am on a mac?
Click to expand...

Whatever it is, it works pretty damned well. The shiniest part of the MKii is right here. But yes, you must convert to something else other than the H264. It's not pretty to cut with, at least not in FCP.

5) Grading: How does it's footage hold up to color grading and color keying/greenscreening as well?
Click to expand...

Holds up quite well, actually. But still shoot toward what you're going for in the end. Much better than the GH-1.

6) Remote: Do I really need one of these to do timelapse? Any place that I can get it for cheaper? I don't want to pay 100 bucks for this. Maybe a cheap chinese made one on ebay? I can't find one so far.
Click to expand...

No idea.

7) Lenses: Ah lenses. I could start a whole topic about this obviously and I will probably later (after doing more searches etc), but I will spare you for now because I am just trying to decide whether or not this cam is for me. So, I want glass that isn't going to cost me a lot, but will give me an amazing look for the price. How much is it going to run me to get a couple of these? For the gh-1, people get FD lenses on ebay for 50-150 bucks. What is the comparable lense for the 5DM2? Or, I might be willing to spend a BIT more for something a little nicer. but basically it would be nice to have at least one nice zoom lens, and 1-3 primes. I'd like to spend under about 700 dollars. Am I dreaming? Any good lenses you love off the top of your heads? (affordable ones!)
Click to expand...

Not dreaming, they just won't be all that great for 700.00. And, because of the technology you're more prone to see the flaws of sub-par glass MUCH sooner.

That said, cheap glass can add it's own flare to moving images. You just have to accept that it's cheap glass and that's pretty much it.

At least you have hoices.

8) Best place to buy?: So, where is the best, cheapest place to buy this camera? I was hoping to pay 2500, not 2700. Any discounts etc? I heard about someone buying for a great place at the store Bestbuy... WHAT? In my experience, they are never the best place to buy. But if it means getting it sooner (and if the price is good), I may consider it.
Click to expand...

I'd like to know who's getting them for under 2700.00. Not to mention adding CF Cards that are fast enough, etc etc to the prices. Someone direct me there as well.


Thanks guys. Please, please PLEASE somebody help me out and fill me in on these topics. Someone told you all of this, so help me out. In return, I know a lot about the GH-1 after all my reading, so if you have any questions... just ask!
:dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::):thumbup:
Click to expand...

If you want the best overall clarity it's the MKii.

If you want the best overall camera/tool it's the GH-1.

If you want my MKii, give it a week and I'll be selling it more than likely with my CF Cards etc for about the price of a new camera without all of that.

I just don't like it as a video acquisition tool, personally, but the image is awesome. I don't know if it's the lack of 24P, the Jello, the Fixed LCD annoyance or what but I just can't get into this camera.

Anyway, there you go.
 
there's plenty of good quality glass that's really cheap you just have to do your research. mflenses.com is a good place to start.

Are you serious Kholi? It's a bit big and clunky but 24p is coming and the jello is pretty easily controllable and you can always strap a 3" lcd to your wrist. The picture just looks so damn good that it's worth the other hassles. The true test was shooting dense foliage, the codec held up really well unlike that other dslr that shall remain nameless. The controls are so accessible it's like a dream come true.
 
squig said:
there's plenty of good quality glass that's really cheap you just have to do your research. mflenses.com is a good place to start.

Are you serious Kholi? It's a bit big and clunky but 24p is coming and the jello is pretty easily controllable and you can always strap a 3" lcd to your wrist. The picture just looks so damn good that it's worth the other hassles. The true test was shooting dense foliage, the codec held up really well unlike that other dslr that shall remain nameless. The controls are so accessible it's like a dream come true.
Click to expand...

That's your opinion.

I only answered Entity from a founded POV. MKii isnt a good all around video acquisition tool out of the box to me.

Im glad it works for you, though.
 
Kholi said:
That's your opinion.

I only answered Entity from a founded POV. MKii isnt a good all around video acquisition tool out of the box to me.
Click to expand...

No argument there, the GH1 is certainly more flexible but I decided higher resolution/dynamic range/less compression/lower light capability was more important to me. so far so good.....but man I wish they could squeeze all that inside a GH1.

Within 6 months I reckon we'll get it all in 1 cam.
 
squig said:
No argument there, the GH1 is certainly more flexible but I decided higher resolution/dynamic range/less compression/lower light capability was more important to me. so far so good.....but man I wish they could squeeze all that inside a GH1.

Within 6 months I reckon we'll get it all in 1 cam.
Click to expand...

Anyone who's top priority is image will want the MKii. Aside from Jello it's the best image, period.

My top priorities are presentation and usability, so there y'go.

Again, MKii rocks, just not entirely for me. Please take it as opinion, which is what it is. use what you want.
 
You mentioned that you're interested in using it as a still camera too. I'm not sure how much that factors into your decision, but the 5D is a pretty fantastic camera for stills, regardless of the video functionality. The competitive models from Nikon and Sony also start at around $2700 body only, and don't feature video. That's what you have to pay for a full frame sensor.

The GH1 is a decent stills camera, it's very close to the G1 when it comes to stills -- roughly, on par with an entry-level DSLR. By contrast, the 5D mark II is aimed at professionals and performs accordingly. There's no competition here, the 5D is in a different league completely, as far as stills are concerned.
 
Entity said:
3) Jello: How does this cameras skew/jello compare to that of the ex1? How does it compare to the canon vixias? It is still very usable and easy right? And normal pans are doable?
Click to expand...



The Jello is nowhere near as bad as some here make it out to be. Its nowhere near that of the D90, not in the same league. Yes there is jello with uncontrolled camera movements but again with wider lenses you can pan pretty nicely. No fast pans on anything above 50mm.
I can say the EX1 is much better in the non Jello department but again its just common sense here... for the best looking 1080p from a DSLR currently you have to give a little and you wont be let down:thumbup:
 
Entity said:
Ok, so I preordered a GH1 and have read about it for hours and hours and hours. And I keep watching Mark D2 footage... and it is amazing. That plus phillip bloom thinks it is way better, etc, and I really want a good still camera. Now, I did search and read but I have a lot of questions. I am still not quite convinced, and this all comes down to a time thing. Convince me to get this before my GH-1 ships! I know for a fact that some of this could be answered with searches that I didn't do (though I did do quite a few), so I apologize if I ask these kinds of questions. I would appreciate if you could answer them because, like I said, I am SUPER pressed for time here. Thanks guys.

1) LCD: The lack of a flip out LCD is a major problem that seriously takes away from this cams versatility. Simple low angle shots are no longer easy or simple. Honestly this is a big thing for me. So, I am sure this has bugs other people. What do you do? I wouldn't be able to afford a monitor for a while, and even still, I want something more portable, and cheaper for when I don't have a full rig. So, any solutions? Any nice little 3 inch lcd's that aren't terrible for focusing? I mean, the actual camera's lcd isn't high def to begin with right? Or is it?

2) Batteries: how long do the batteries last while monitoring with the LCD? Give me at least an estimate. 30mins? an hour? How many am I gonna need for a day of normal narrative film making? 2 extra? 3? 4 more? Final thing, how much do they cost and are there any reliable and good third party batteries. I don't usually like the chinese ones unless they are very good.

3) Jello: How does this cameras skew/jello compare to that of the ex1? How does it compare to the canon vixias? It is still very usable and easy right? And normal pans are doable?

4) Format: So what is the bitrate again? I know it is h.264. How easy is the workflow with this? Does everyone pretty much convert to apple pro res first? I am on a mac?

5) Grading: How does it's footage hold up to color grading and color keying/greenscreening as well?

6) Remote: Do I really need one of these to do timelapse? Any place that I can get it for cheaper? I don't want to pay 100 bucks for this. Maybe a cheap chinese made one on ebay? I can't find one so far.

7) Lenses: Ah lenses. I could start a whole topic about this obviously and I will probably later (after doing more searches etc), but I will spare you for now because I am just trying to decide whether or not this cam is for me. So, I want glass that isn't going to cost me a lot, but will give me an amazing look for the price. How much is it going to run me to get a couple of these? For the gh-1, people get FD lenses on ebay for 50-150 bucks. What is the comparable lense for the 5DM2? Or, I might be willing to spend a BIT more for something a little nicer. but basically it would be nice to have at least one nice zoom lens, and 1-3 primes. I'd like to spend under about 700 dollars. Am I dreaming? Any good lenses you love off the top of your heads? (affordable ones!)

8) Best place to buy?: So, where is the best, cheapest place to buy this camera? I was hoping to pay 2500, not 2700. Any discounts etc? I heard about someone buying for a great place at the store Bestbuy... WHAT? In my experience, they are never the best place to buy. But if it means getting it sooner (and if the price is good), I may consider it.



Thanks guys. Please, please PLEASE somebody help me out and fill me in on these topics. Someone told you all of this, so help me out. In return, I know a lot about the GH-1 after all my reading, so if you have any questions... just ask!
:dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::dankk2::):thumbup:
Click to expand...

Instead of going off-topic and dancing around the issues, I'm going to just give you the straight answers.

1) How much are you willing to spend on an external monitor solution? You don't have to buy a fancy Ikan, Marshall, Manhattan, or SmallHD. An HD monitor is overkill, since the camera only outputs 480p (VGA resolution) when it's recording. The best value that I've found is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SUPER-VISON...60337068439QQptZTelevisionsQQsalenotsupported

Buy a Tekkeon MP3300 battery; it provides four hours of battery life: http://www.buy.com/prod/tekkeon-lit...-li-polymer-portable/q/loc/111/201658262.html
Or get an MP3450 for five hours.

To get the best image signal, buy the HDFury to help you convert DVI to VGA: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=4559&seq=1&format=2

You'll need the following to connect the camera and monitor to the HDFury...

The LCD that I linked isn't bright enough for any usable amount of visibility in sunlight. You'll need to make your own shade out of cardboard for it.

2) I would say that the batteries last more than an hour. Maybe even close to two hours. Really, you should use live view as little as possible. This is to not only conserve battery life but also to prevent the sensor from overheating.

I recommend buying a couple of generic batteries as back-ups. You can get a pair, with their own charger, for well under 30 bucks shipped: http://cgi.ebay.com/2x-Battery-Char...28QQptZBatteriesQ5fChargersQQsalenotsupported

Generic batteries can't be charged by Canon's charger. Also, the camera cannot read any information from them, including the charge level.

3) The jello is going to be worse than true camcorders, including consumer-grade models like the Sonys and the Canon VIXIAs. Medium-speed pans are fine, but you need to be careful with any camera movements on longer focal lengths. The longer the lens, the more easily jello artifacts appear. Barely moving the camera on my 135mm lens causes skew. On the other hand, the artifacts can be well-controlled. I helped shoot a short that used the long end of a couple of 70-200mm zooms for the majority of shots. All (or almost all) of the shots were handheld. There was no distracting jello on the final product. (If you want to see it for yourself, please PM me.)

4) The codec is variable bitrate with an average of around 40 Mbps. This being H.264, it should be better than XDCAM. But for a pain-free editing experience, you really should batch-convert to an intermediate codec. Cineform NeoScene is a very good value. The best intermediate codec available is SheerVideo (http://www.bitjazz.com/en/products/sheervideo/), which is lossless. The files are huge (compressed only 2:1), but no codec is faster to decode or encode. It was actually designed for low-end, older computers. If you don't want to spend money on a codec, then the very best option cross-platform option is to use Avid's DNxHD codec, found in their free codec pack: http://avidtechnology.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/avidtechnology.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=77958

5) Only miniDV camcorders and the different versions of the HVX200 offer better chroma subsampling than 4:2:0 in models under $10,000, AFAIK. (Of course, the Scarlet should also do better.) But even 4:2:0 footage can be keyed fine. Take a look at this example: http://www.vimeo.com/2753772

6) You can program a TI graphing calculator to act as an intervalometer: http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-a-TI-Graphing-Calculator-into-an-Intervalomet/

7) On your budget, there is no better lens than the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8, which you can buy for $300-350. It offers performance comparable to the Canon 24-70mm L. Some photographers actually prefer it to the L because of the extremely close performance at a fraction of the price. For a telephoto zoom, the best budget option is the Tokina 80-200mm F2.8, which is also comparable to L-series glass. It can also be bought used for $300-350 for the non-Pro version. (Note: The non-Pro version's front element rotates when you pull focus.) Both these zooms are about as sharp as primes. The only reason why you'd want to have primes in addition to them is if you find particular lenses that are faster, offer better color and/or contrast, offer better bokeh, and/or focus a lot closer. On your budget, these might not be important benefits to have, so the money could be better spent on other equipment.

8) PROVANTAGE, which is where I bought my camera, sells the body for just $2531.26 plus very reasonable shipping: http://www.provantage.com/canon-2764b003~7CAN90UV.htm

I don't know of any other legitimate outfit that sells it for less. But please note that since it's a special order product, you shouldn't expect it to ship anywhere near as quickly as other places that carry actual stock. It could take several weeks. If getting the camera ASAP is important to you, then I suggest that you look elsewhere, or at least give PROVANTAGE a call to get an estimate for the delivery time frame.

Nobody is as helpful as I am. :thumbsup:
 
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