Test footage of GH2 on top of an AF100 w/Lumix 14 - 140mm on both

And there's a right way to say that. And a wrong way. If Mr. Goetz's test footage wasn't up to par, he can be told that without words like "absolutely awful" and "horrible"; a simple message (even, dare I say it, a private message) of "I don't think that video does either camera justice and would dissuade me from wanting to buy either; maybe you should re-do the test under more controlled conditions" would probably have accomplished as much good, and none of the bad, don't you think?

Yes sir. Apologies again and thanks for your great work.
 
Hey Phillip,

To avoid doing the whole test again - try this - Convert your files to Cineform using HDLINK and then using Cineform Firstlight ( Part of the Neo family of products ) correct the white balance, gamma, exposure, stauration etc between the clips there. It is my go to app for fixing discrepencies between cameras and it is amazing. If you do not own them download a trial copy of Neo HD Cineform and it gives a two week trial I think.

If you cannot be bothered - send me a link to the original AVCHD files and I can do it for you. Thanks for the test.

I disagree with trying to fix this test footage. White balancing properly and using proper settings will give you much better results than just color correction. The issues with the test aren't fixable in post, especially considering it's supposed to be a comparison test between the two cameras. If you want a proper comparison, both cameras need optimal setup to get real results.
 
This might be a little off topic but I've been thinking that many of us will be getting early-run AF100s within the next few weeks.

Perhaps we can start a thread or two and compile a list of tests other users (who won't be getting one right away - or want to see one under specific conditions) would like to see.

I'm sure we can't all be doing tests all day for every possible situation, but together we can all contribute something to create a little "library" of AG-AF100 tests. I suggest this, fully aware that some testers might take a horrible ribbing, but hopefully we can keep it civil and pleasant and all help each other to get the best out of our combined talents - preferably learning a lot on the way. I'm well aware that as my island of knowledge grows that shore of ignorance grows with it.

Just a thought. I'd be willing to complete any tests I can (time permitting) once the camera arrives.
 
*/start rant

The 'problem' with mosts tests that are posted to boards like these (and especially lately around here) is that every armchair critic steps forward and carries on about how the test wasn't done properly, and if they had done the test it would have been done correctly… You then also run into the problem of people asking for very specific tests that suit their style / type of shooting:

'I like to shoot underwater shots of giraffes swimming in the murky Zambezi river during the last full moon of October… So your test means nothing to me - Can someone please do some tests for me before I buy the camera?"

Our cameras will show up this week, all the DP's and AC's that I work with will stop by the studio and we'll test the cam's in the situations that we hope to use them in. Work out the settings that work for us and make notes. Not sure if I'll post anything here; the only people I need to impress are the clients who sign the cheques. I will offer written advice when I see fit, but the current tone of this board has put me off participating.

*/end rant
 
*/start rant

The 'problem' with mosts tests that are posted to boards like these (and especially lately around here) is that every armchair critic steps forward and carries on about how the test wasn't done properly, and if they had done the test it would have been done correctly… You then also run into the problem of people asking for very specific tests that suit their style / type of shooting:

'I like to shoot underwater shots of giraffes swimming in the murky Zambezi river during the last full moon of October… So your test means nothing to me - Can someone please do some tests for me before I buy the camera?"

Our cameras will show up this week, all the DP's and AC's that I work with will stop by the studio and we'll test the cam's in the situations that we hope to use them in. Work out the settings that work for us and make notes. Not sure if I'll post anything here; the only people I need to impress are the clients who sign the cheques. I will offer written advice when I see fit, but the current tone of this board has put me off participating.

*/end rant

Good rant heavyG! It does seem the current mood and tone is a bit off, and does not encourage participation of many.
 
Our cameras will show up this week, all the DP's and AC's that I work with will stop by the studio and we'll test the cam's in the situations that we hope to use them in. Work out the settings that work for us and make notes.

Actually, it would be cool if you posted a new thread when this occurs and gave us a run down on what all your AC and DP friends thought of it. Looking forward to it.
 
Actually, it would be cool if you posted a new thread when this occurs and gave us a run down on what all your AC and DP friends thought of it. Looking forward to it.

Might do if time permits, I may even ask the Toronto / GTA members of DVX to stop by and play.
 
'I like to shoot underwater shots of giraffes swimming in the murky Zambezi river during the last full moon of October… So your test means nothing to me - Can someone please do some tests for me before I buy the camera?"

:grin: Good thing I wasn't drinking anything when I read that

Actually, it would be cool if you posted a new thread when this occurs and gave us a run down on what all your AC and DP friends thought of it. Looking forward to it.

+1 ...and we'll try not to feed the Trolls
 
Just having the cameras in your possession is not a green light to conduct such an anticipated test. If it's not done correctly people will be pissed. If you don't have the time to properly conduct such a test just let it go. Or invite those who are capable of putting the time in to do so. I'm just going off of my own excitement when I 1st read your initial post of this thread. But after seeing it I must admit I was really disappointed. Props on getting your hands on both though. Look forward to seeing some more controlled footage once you find a proper amount of time to do so.
 
Might do if time permits, I may even ask the Toronto / GTA members of DVX to stop by and play.

And I'd be willing to do the same with Montreal members. Perhaps a few charts and a chroma key setup. People could bring any lenses or accessories they want to test.
 
This test showed moire in the gh2 shot at the window blinds and no moire with the af100. This was a helpful test.
 
'I like to shoot underwater shots of giraffes swimming in the murky Zambezi river during the last full moon of October… So your test means nothing to me - Can someone please do some tests for me before I buy the camera?"

heavyG is now an official "Underwater Giraffe Member" :beer:
 
HD version: Test footage of GH2 on top of an AF100 w/Lumix 14 - 140mm on both

HD version: Test footage of GH2 on top of an AF100 w/Lumix 14 - 140mm on both

DVXUSER henryolonga offered to look at the source files. I shared them and he has them now. Additionally, I have uploaded the video to Vimeo in HD. I used the 3 way color corrector and made a couple notes in the video as to where and how. I edit in FCP.

http://vimeo.com/18040657

One week ago, Tuesday, our first GH2 arrived unexpectedly. It had cropped up in a warehouse. Two days later, we had an AF100 demonstration at our shop (Thursday, December 16), and time was extremely short. People came to see the camera and would have been quite bothered for me to just walk out with it. Because the GH2 had just arrived earlier in the week, no one had spent any time with it yet. When there is down time I'll grab a camera and go through the settings but with prepping for the show we did Thursday, there was no time. We didn't confirm the AF100 would even be coming to our shop until Wednesday morning, the day before, so that gave us little time to plan and invite folks. I was only able to try to get both cameras on auto iris and 1080 24p and that was it. AF100 was 3200K indoors and then I did a manual white outside. GH2 should have been on auto white. I thought about doing some color correction in post, but I thought people would not like that. I have done that in this version and we've upgraded to Vimeo plus to allow HD uploads.

The event at our shop was attended by two full University of Texas film professors, one of which mentored Robert Rodriguez despite Robert's dropping out of film school there. The only reason I know that is because Santa brought me "Chainsaws, Slackers, and Spy Kids: Thirty Years of Filmmaking in Austin, Texas" and it said so. It was released by the University of Texas Press March 1, 2010. Thursday I talked to the director and producer of WINNEBAGO MAN (http://winnebagoman.com/) and filmmakers who have outstanding experience. When the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii needed twelve tape based DVCPRO HD cameras they called Texas Crew, who was represented three fold at the show. Lee Daniel, DP of SLACKER and DAZED AND CONFUSED emailed me the day after and said that he had hoped to have come. There was no lack of talent in the room, just no time -- and cameras no one had ever used before. My biggest take away from the AF100 is where the ON switch is. Luis Caffesse lives in Austin, where I am, and is a DVXUSER moderator. He came by the shop Wednesday, the day before the AF100 event, and watching him try to figure out the GH2 was wild. There are so many consumer features on it. Luis had a shoot during the show Thursday and could not come to our show.

Thanks watching and for reading this. Your comments have lead me to want make something as opposed to making just anything. We are all a part of using web video to power global innovation. Side note: My masters work was on radio, http://www.lp-fm.org/. In the past week the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 – passed the U.S. Senate. That took 10 years... Onward!
 
Thank you for this new version. Now it is much better. All I can say is that for the money the GH2 rocks. Thank you again for your efforts.
 
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