GH5 Seriously can't decide. Two gh5 or gh5+gh5s

G

Greg Hughes

Active member
I'm really really struggling with a decision folks so any input would be greatly appreciated.

I already have the gh5 with the x2 anamorphics from Slr magic. I'm looking to pick up a second camera but for the life of me can't decide what would be better?

I just don't know if the high price of the gh5s is worth the extra money. I can get a gh5 for around 500 cheaper than a gh5s new!
 
You haven't told us what is tripping you up in your decision process other than $500. The outstanding differences are IBIS vs better low light performance. Is it that you want both those features and can't figure out which one to give up?
 
It's generally the ibis vs low light. Because all of the anamorphics need stabilisation when hand held... I'd hate to regret getting the gh5s and have it stuck on sticks for every shot.

Also having 2 identical cameras on set is less of a headache... I'd hate it if I had to adjust both to slightly different settings to match in post. But at the same time... If there was ever a situation I needed the low light.... I'd kick myself not having the option..
 
Ryan Glover seemed to suggest that IBIS had trouble with anamorphic. That said, IBIS is an incredible tool for me. I always shoot well lit, but IBIS allows entirely new creative possibilities.
 
Sage said:
Ryan Glover seemed to suggest that IBIS had trouble with anamorphic. That said, IBIS is an incredible tool for me. I always shoot well lit, but IBIS allows entirely new creative possibilities.
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There was trouble before they added the IBIS anamorphic settings, now they work great. Though, I don't find myself using IBIS at all during narrative work, It's great for getting handheld B-roll and for certain music videos shots, but I can't have a narrative take of an actor ruined because I moved the camera a little too quick and the image jerked around like it can with IBIS.
 
ryancglover said:
There was trouble before they added the IBIS anamorphic settings, now they work great. Though, I don't find myself using IBIS at all during narrative work, It's great for getting handheld B-roll and for certain music videos shots, but I can't have a narrative take of an actor ruined because I moved the camera a little too quick and the image jerked around like it can with IBIS.
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Ah, I didn't know, thanks for the update

With IBIS, the motion can't be too chaotic. There are some situations when my stabilization method can't touch it (really cramped spaces and guerrilla style)
 
Do you need IBIS or stabilization? Can you afford the additional bulk and clumsiness of a gimbal for the times you want stabilization on both cameras? If not, then go with two GH5. You most certainly will kick yourself when you have that low-light situation. But then, in a short while, there will be used GH5s on the market (there's already an EVA-1 for $500 discount) and maybe another $2000 will come your way. Of course, the gimbal is another $750.

Just pretend the GH5s never showed up. Don't forget, there is a GH6 on the way and a bunch of other wonderful cameras you are going to wish you spent your money on.
 
I have a feeling the gh5s will drop in price faster than the gh5. It just seems too specialised. I never shoot in situations where I'm struggling for light. I almost use lights for everything. Some of the videos I have seen look slightly noisy.

I think I'm going to go for another gh5.... If I paid 10k for the anamorphics I might as well make use of the dedicated ibis with 6k.
 
Can’t decide if I want another GH5, or a GH5S that I’d mostly relegate to work on sticks, & HFR in subdued light, so I’m going to rent the new camera to test if it fits my needs.
 
ThemGH5S vs a GH5 is more than justmIBIS or Low Light, while both are important considerations, the 5S is more than just a low light camera, it has a video specific sensor, with multiple aspect framing, which keeps a constant AOV over the different formats. It also has improved color over the GH5, and is just at home in normal light as it is low light with its dual Native ISO design.

Never mind the 5S can record 60 Fps at 4.2.2: 10-bit and has higher recording dats rates, all resulting in improved IQ.

Most pro video cameras do not have a IBIS sensor anyway, and using IBIS or the lack of it, as the main criteria of s choice, is not always the best idea.
Cheers
 
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GH5+ GH5s is a no brainer for me. I always liked to have a low light camera and having one that matches the GH5 in color is fantastic. IBIS may be a need for you though.
 
Paul F said:
Don't forget, there is a GH6 on the way and a bunch of other wonderful cameras you are going to wish you spent your money on.
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Yes, but I suspect that the GH6 is going to be a continuation of the GH5 not of the GH5S. In other words, I don't believe the GH6 will have the low light capability of the GH5S. My suspicion is that Panasonic will leave the GH5S to provide the low light capability for those who sorely need it, and can't get it from their regular GH line. So the GH5S will be around for a long time yet, while the GH line will continue with GH6, GH7 etc. Bottom line: the GH6 will be a better GH5, not a better GH5S. YMMV.
 
If you shot the gh5 along side the gh5s... Do you feel that they have a slightly different look? People say colours are richer and an overall better image.... But Paul Leeming said its the exact same!

Conflicting statements are what's throwing me. If the eva1 is dropping 500 already.... Then surely a gh5s will be the same price as a gh5 in a couple of months. Especially after NAB?

I think renting it might be a good shout. No point in buying the camera without using it.
 
I'm thinking that the s is a success and Panasonic will continue the s line and keep adding video-centric features. Imagine a GH6s with ND filters.
 
Denny16 said:
ThemGH5S vs a GH5 is more than justmIBIS or Low Light, while both are important considerations, the 5S is more than just a low light camera, it has a video specific sensor, with multiple aspect framing, which keeps a constant AOV over the different formats. It also has improved color over the GH5, and is just at home in normal light as it is low light with its dual Native ISO design.

Never mind the 5S can record 60 Fps at 4.2.2: 10-bit and has higher recording dats rates, all resulting in improved IQ.

Most pro video cameras do not have a IBIS sensor anyway, and using IBIS or the lack of it, as the main criteria of s choice, is not always the best idea.
Cheers
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GH5S cannot record 4k 60p 422 10bit internally
 
I think both would be your best bet. The colors do not seem that far apart. From Eric Naso's comparison it would seem to be a little tweak in post. Having both would be two useful tools with a little different specialty. The difference is more like $700 with B&H's new pricing. $100 off the XLR unit if you add one too.
 
aalleexx said:
GH5S cannot record 4k 60p 422 10bit internally
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You are correct, my mistake, I should have written can output 50/60P at 4.2.210-bit. Internal 4.2.2 10-bit recording is capped at 30p and below. Thanks for the correction.
Cheers
 
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