GH4 Video and Audio Related Questions for the Panasonic GH4

L

lsquare

New member
I'm really interested in getting the Panasonic GH4 for shooting videos. I have a bunch of questions to ask and I'm hoping that they can be answered.

1. I know there are a lot of microphone options out there, but how many mics does a person really need? I know I don't need any lavs right now. I'm looking to shoot mainly landscape, cityscape, seascape type of videos and the occasional gathering of friends. I'm just a serious amateur that's been shooting stills for a long time and looking to enter into the world of videography. After doing a bit of research, I have my eyes set on the Rode StereoMic X. It's also been recommended that I get the Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic for recording dialogues. So for my first set of questions, what is the difference between a stereo mic and a shotgun mic? In what situations would one mic be preferred over another? In general, how many mics do you guys bring with you?

2. It's often been said that the cameras' onboard sound recording isn't very good. An external recorder like one from Tascam is recommended. Why? It seems like more bulk and I'm trying to limit the amount of weight that I have to carry when I travel. If I do get an external microphone like the Rode Stereo Mic X, am I not using it to its full potential when plugging straight to the GH4 via a 3.5mm cable? Will I need a pre-amp in addition to an external audio recorder?

3. I've also considered the Zoom H5/H6. The H5/H6 can record audio to an SDHC card and also output to the camera. How will the H5/H6 connect to the GH4? Will I still need an external recorder like one from Tascam if I get either the H5 or H6? With the H5/H6 connected to the GH4, will video and sound start recording the second I press the shutter button on the GH4? Or I'll also have to press the record button on the H5/H6 to record the audio separately as the GH4 can't activate the sound recording simultaneously?

4. Does anyone know if I can change the aspect ratios for stills and video from the Lumix app (iOS/Android)?

5. Does the 4K Photo Mode work with an external video recorder like one from Atomos? I know videos recorded internally is 4:2:0 and externally is 4:2:2. I know it's not normal to shoot videos with the 1:1 aspect ratio, but I'm under the impression that the 4K Photo Mode with its ability to pick the aspect ratios essentially allows me to shoot videos with any aspect ratio that I want with sound. Right?
 
I can't answer all your questions, but will give it a try since I had these same issues myself.

1. From what you've described you should get on fine with the Rode StereoMic capturing atmospheric sound. You could also use it to capture on-camera dialogue if you are to the subject (3ft or less). If you are doing interviews a Rode NTG-2 on a mic stand or boomed would be ideal. The difference is in the the pickup pattern of the mics (think of it as focal lengths...StereoMic is a wider pickup..35mm equiv...and the NTG or similar shotgun would be more of a 85mm equiv).

2. The pre-amps on the camera aren't that great. Meaning you'll get a certain amount of hiss when it is quiet. Also, to adjust the gain (sensitivity of the camera) you have to go through the menu system which takes a lot of time and can cause lots of movement while you are recording. Yes it adds bulk and extra work. You DON'T have to do this if you are just using it casually. You don't need an additional pre-amp since you will be using relying on the pre-amp of the recorder and not the camera. I would not recommend TASCAM because if something goes wrong with your recorder their customer service is atrocious. I had a new DR-60D and it uses cheap XLR inputs and two of my cables became stuck within the first week of use.

3. The Zoom (h4n, h5, h6) offerings are the same as the Tascam (DR40, 60D, 70D) offerings. They are both recorders. With both systems you can record on the units and simultaneously feed the signal into the GH4. If you use an external recorder with the GH4, you will have to press record twice (once on the recorder and the GH4). That is one of the downsides of dual recording. Your setup will look something like this mic -> recorder (h4n, h5, h6, some tascam POS) -> GH4 (via its 3.5mm)

Dual recording with external recorders/mixers for casually shooting is a pain. Honestly, for what you're doing just get the Rode and call it a day. You would only need all the other junk for paid work, talking head interviews, etc.,

Russ
 
If you're a hobbyist, I'd repeat the advice stick with a quality directional mic that plugs into a 3.5" TRS jack (Sennheiser MKE400, any flavor of Rode Videomic, lots of others, even Panasonic's MS2). Shure makes the 'LensHopper' DSLR mic that integrates an audio recorder... it's a nice backup, and you can just roll audio for the entirety of the event.

The GH4 is actually fairly decent for a DSLR, audio-wise... and you don't have to go to the menu to modulate recording levels, you can easily do so while recording via a 'slider' on the touch screen. As with most recorder setups, get the mic output nice and high and then set the camera as low as it will allow. For lots of small professional jobs, I just use a Sennheiser wireless receiver or Rode VMP straight into camera, and leave it at that... set the VMP at +20 and the camera at -12dB, and it's generally good to go.
 
1. I recommend not buying a mic just yet. Give the onboard audio a go and listen for yourself if it's up to snuff. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

2. See #1

3. See #1.

4. I still use a flip phone.

5. Don't know.
 
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