GH2 Thoughts on the Panasonic FZ150 vs. GH2?

C

cut2052

Well-known member
Panasonic makes a "mega-zoom"/fixed lens compact camera that does full HD/60p/28mbps:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz150/mainparts.html

Specs:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz150/specifications.html

Here is a comparison of FZ150 vs. GH2, where they declare the FZ150 the "winner" (although I think this is a value comparison, being the FZ150 is only about $400):
http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-FZ150-vs-Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GH2

The FZ150 only does full HD/28mbps @ 60p, it doesn't do 24p. It can do 30p @ 1280x720. I've watched the available videos online and downloaded one with an MTS file. The quality in these videos seems to be suffering. The thing is, I went back and looked at my videos from when first owning a GH2 where I had everything on auto and set to 60p; the quality from that GH2 footage looks exactly the same.

The FZ150 shares many of the manual control features; Creative Video mode, manual shutter, aperture, etc.
So, what I am wondering is; do you think these FZ150 samples of the (limited number online) videos are a matter of everyone using auto and not delving into the manual functions? Or do you think the FZ150, due to its lower class, may be inherently crippled in comparison to the GH2?

I know it can never be a GH2, still wondering others' thoughts on this cam.


Here is an FZ150 video:

Click HD on player to get HD:

http://vimeo.com/29360195
(downloadable MTS from Vimeo)
 
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For me, no 24p is a deal breaker.

For the nitrate of the encoding, you may not see it as is, but you will see it in specific situations and in the editing room for color grading.
The fixed lens also limits you on what you can do.

The sample shots are probably controlled as much as possible.

You basically answered all your questions yourself.

Go with the one you like, I would stick to the GH2 as it is so much more versatile.
 
Phenixone, thanks for the reply...

I agree, the GH2 will always be a better choice.

To clarify, I mean "versus" specifically in the full HD/60p mode. Is there any potential in the FZ150 or will it always be crap on any setting?

It has a good feature set for something that's only $400, including an articulating screen and viewfinder.
 
Getting to 1080p24 from 1080p60 is easy. Just sample the footage in your NLE at 0.4x. The result will be the same as if it had been recorded at 24p (disregarding codec bitrate loss to the dropped frames and as long as the shutter speed is above 1/60s). I have a feeling this thing is a bargain for $400, but that the sensor is likely more noisey than the GH2 sensor.
 
That "comparison" is the worst I have ever seen. They say the GH2 selling points are it is thinner and lighter.
They should also mention the FZ150 gets the whole image in focus too...unlike that lowly GH2.
 
I'm looking at the FZ150 as a 1080/60p pocket "C" cam for my GH2 and GH1 A and B cams. I had been looking at the HX-9V or HX-100V, but the FZ150 is the only P&S super zoom in its class with an external mic jack and fully articulated LCD - sort of a GH2 "mini-me" ;-)

Bill
 
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cut2052 said:
Panasonic makes a "mega-zoom"/fixed lens compact camera that does full HD/60p/28mbps:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz150/mainparts.html

Specs:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz150/specifications.html

Here is a comparison of FZ150 vs. GH2, where they declare the FZ150 the "winner" (although I think this is a value comparison, being the FZ150 is only about $400):
http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-FZ150-vs-Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GH2

The FZ150 only does full HD/28mbps @ 60p, it doesn't do 24p. It can do 30p @ 1280x720. I've watched the available videos online and downloaded one with an MTS file. The quality in these videos seems to be suffering. The thing is, I went back and looked at my videos from when first owning a GH2 where I had everything on auto and set to 60p; the quality from that GH2 footage looks exactly the same.

The FZ150 shares many of the manual control features; Creative Video mode, manual shutter, aperture, etc.
So, what I am wondering is; do you think these FZ150 samples of the (limited number online) videos are a matter of everyone using auto and not delving into the manual functions? Or do you think the FZ150, due to its lower class, may be inherently crippled in comparison to the GH2?

I know it can never be a GH2, still wondering others' thoughts on this cam.


Here is an FZ150 video:

HD version:
http://vimeo.com/29360195
(also downloadable MTS from Vimeo)

SD version:
Click to expand...

OK, If you need to do smooth, tight zooms as in the example video, then stick with the FZ150. You simply can't do that on a GH2 or any other DSLR at present spontaneously handheld. If you can trade that ability for a completely different style of shooting at considerably more expense then you'll prefer the GH2.
 
Thanks for the replies...

I think what I may be taking issue with is the in-camera processing in the test videos.

The FZ150 has the ability to adjust Contrast, Sharpening, Saturation and NR just like the GH2.
Probably would look a lot better if toned down.

I downloaded the MTS file from this video and it looks very good inside (click HD on player to get HD):

 
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bonobored said:
OK, If you need to do smooth, tight zooms as in the example video, then stick with the FZ150. You simply can't do that on a GH2 or any other DSLR at present spontaneously handheld. If you can trade that ability for a completely different style of shooting at considerably more expense then you'll prefer the GH2.
Click to expand...

You can now with the 14-42mm and 45-175mm X lens, they have powerzooms
 
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