Would you recommend a GH3 for event shooting?

S

snagglebit

New member
Hi Everyone,

I have been given a $5K-6K budget to upgrade my 3 camera kit that I use to record live therapy sessions for all day events (sometimes multi day). I also need to be able to shoot interviews as well. My goals (in order of preference) are:
  1. Portability (including international air travel)
  2. Small size (since I have to fit in 3 cameras w/ tripods, lights, audio gear all into a room with 40-100 people).
  3. Picture quality
  4. Price
I have discussed the GH3 with some of my peers, since it solves a lot of these problems. I was thinking of also purchasing a Zoom H6 to record from 2 lav mics and 2 wireless hand mics to go along. I think I would be pretty set.
My concerns are the following:
  1. How does the camera perform while recording all day? I would need to shoot in 3 hour chunks, up to 6 hours per day, with an hour break for lunch in between (maybe even do some quick interviews). Can the camera handle this?
  2. Batteries? What kind of battery life can I expect? Is there a corded option on it so I could plug the camera in? What is the recharge time on the batteries?
  3. Is focusing a total *****? I have to rely on non-photographers for help (we have a large volunteer base) and I would be worried about someone getting the shot, but it being out of focus.
I have also heard about the BMCC, but haven't had a chance to play with one or see it in action. Any referrals would also be welcome.

Thanks in advance
 
What are you using now, and what is the shortcoming that you want to upgrade?
Not that I use either, but you might want to look at either a more traditional video camera or if you prefer the large sensor aesthetic, a Canon 70D since it has reasonable autofocus. The video camera would only be limited in length of record time by its battery and media, while the 70D I believe still has the 30 minute limit.
 
I have a mish mosh.

Primary camera is a Panasonic ag ac-160 (great camera, but sooo expensive, and hard to transport), a canon hf-m500, and a canon t3i.

I'm moving to establish 3 camera shoots since they work better. Trying to color correct for all three is awful. Also, I am doing more traveling, so carrying all the equipment on a plane is getting more and more difficult.

Final reason, selfish me, I'm addicted to the "filmic look". I know that is a very retarded answer, since I need to be responsible to the client's needs, not my desire to eventually making that short film I've never gotten around to, but it is nice.
 
I'd be very weary of relying heavily on autofocus on any DSLR or large chip video camera (perhaps with the exception of the Canon 70D), especially if you're going to be relying on, as you put it, non-photography operators. The shallow depth of field could be more trouble than it's worth, you may be better off with a traditional, small chip video camera in that regard.

Battery power is good and reliable. The camera will keep going as long as it has power and space on a SD card to record on. No over heating issues to worry about. It does have a 30 minute recording limit however.

The GH3 is not a world-cam. So you'll be stuck with either a PAL model or an NTSC model, not both. If you're using this cam internationally as you mention, this may obviously be a problem.

BMCC for events? Lots of extra ergonomic, logistical and workflow issues to consider. The new Sony RX10 may be a better option.

Personally, I really like the GH3 and use it to cover events all the time. Great codec, low price, does 50/60p. However, shooting events with DSLRs can be tricky if you're not use to it. Have you also thought about lenses?
 
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