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Panasonic GH5, GH5S and G80 cameras - discussion

Yeah, it is the classic combo. I use the Canon mount version.

H.264 is a terrible acquisition codec, you're right. But I've never really had any codec-related quality issues from the GH4 or GH5 that I've been aware of, so it's a bit of a non-issue really. It just works really well at the bitrates they implement. I even tend to transcode to an intermediate codec for editing (CineForm) then master out to finishing codecs from there. Never had any problems.

There's no problems generating shallow depth of field when required on a MFT sensor. You need the right glass though. Either something like the Sigma range we were just mentioning (there's also a 50 - 100mm f/1.8 to compliment the 18 - 35mm) with the SB , or, if you want to keep things native, and therefore lightweight and compact, something super-fast like the Voigtländer range that open up to f/0.95 !

I should be able to raise a fair chunk of cash by selling some of my existing kit. I presume shops try to give you as little as possible citing market conditions. I’m sure I’ll get more selling privately through eBay but the last time I used that to sell a small laptop a few years ago the buyer totally tried it on (with PayPal holding the money until it was resolved) and it took months to resolve; which won’t help me upgrading quickly.
Do you have any advice around this or is it as I say above pretty much?
 
I should be able to raise a fair chunk of cash by selling some of my existing kit. I presume shops try to give you as little as possible citing market conditions. I’m sure I’ll get more selling privately through eBay but the last time I used that to sell a small laptop a few years ago the buyer totally tried it on (with PayPal holding the money until it was resolved) and it took months to resolve; which won’t help me upgrading quickly.
Do you have any advice around this or is it as I say above pretty much?
Actually no, as I'm a bit of a hoarder who hasn't really ever sold much on. That will change soon as my GH4 is gonna have to part-finance my camera upgrade. Only thing I've been told is that the part exchange deals are a waste of time, and that you're best off selling privately.
There's quite a few experienced sellers in the wider photography forum though I think.
 
I did try to sell a D600 a fair few years ago in some camera shops and they just all gave the ‘its a buyer’s market’ schtick whilst stroking their chins and offering a bag of sweets for it.
Less hassle though than the private market.
 
I've never used them, but they look like a good option.
The thing is though, they're at the cheapest end of the cine lens scale (that doesn't mean they're cheap though obviously), which shows up in reported traits like focus breathing, etc.
Secondly, do you really need the benefits of cine lenses? They look good, but your paying for features like common set sizes so film crews can mount them quickly, and other things you might live without.

I'd probably go for the voigts over those, but there's nothing wrong with them.
 
Any opinion on Veydra lenses? Their aperture isn’t as wide but they’re designed specifically for film rather than photography.
Here's a recent screengrab by a guy called Jon Pais you might have come across. Does a lot of portrait video, and uses the Veydra cine primes a lot on the GH5:

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Here's a recent screengrab by a guy called Jon Pais you might have come across. Does a lot of portrait video, and uses the Veydra cine primes a lot on the GH5:

View attachment 135119

That’s pretty good! I reckon I’ll be upgraded to the GH5 by the beginning of June. The money I get from old kit will mainly go towards some kind of lens ... I can’t predict how that’s going to go at all so I’ll probably get a Panasonic 25mm prime at the lower end, or the metabones adapter with Sigma lens at the wishful thinking end of the scale.
 
The native lenses are so convenient for the mft format, and definitely the way to go if you want a compact, lightweight system, but the fly-by-wire focus just kills it for me. I'm old school manual focus all the way, and I need proper responsive focus rings. It's a shame because they are all good lenses, including the 25mm (there are two versions I think - both great at each price point).
 
The native lenses are so convenient for the mft format, and definitely the way to go if you want a compact, lightweight system, but the fly-by-wire focus just kills it for me. I'm old school manual focus all the way, and I need proper responsive focus rings. It's a shame because they are all good lenses, including the 25mm (there are two versions I think - both great at each price point).

I didn’t realise the manual focus was lacking on the native lenses (which I need given the GH5’s autofocus isn’t the best for video). Just panicking that I won’t raise enough funds to upgrade properly so was looking at alternative lenses.
 
I didn’t realise the manual focus was lacking on the native lenses (which I need given the GH5’s autofocus isn’t the best for video). Just panicking that I won’t raise enough funds to upgrade properly so was looking at alternative lenses.
They do have a manual focus ring, but it works in an electronic, rather than mechanical fashion. It means that the focus responds in a slightly less predictable way. Some people don't mind it. I can't stand it. Maybe go into a shop and give it a go and see what you think.
Some of the Olympus native glass has a clutch mechanism, which disengages the focus-by-wire and lets you switch to fully manual focus :cool:. I haven't tried this yet, but I think it's all the Olly lenses with the 'Pro' designation (and yes, that means they are more expensive :facepalm:).
 
For clarity - stuff like the Voightlanders and Vedras are native MFT, but have proper mechanical manual focus, rather than focus-by-wire.
 
For clarity - stuff like the Voightlanders and Vedras are native MFT, but have proper mechanical manual focus, rather than focus-by-wire.

These are the ones I want (or ultimately the megabones adapter with those Sigmas) - I’m sure I’ll manage it but I have something I need to film in July which is the pressure. I also want the audio adapter, the Rode wireless mic (although that can wait) and I like the look of the ZACUTO Z-G5C GH5 Cage to hold it all together.
 
They do have a manual focus ring, but it works in an electronic, rather than mechanical fashion. It means that the focus responds in a slightly less predictable way. Some people don't mind it. I can't stand it. Maybe go into a shop and give it a go and see what you think.
Some of the Olympus native glass has a clutch mechanism, which disengages the focus-by-wire and lets you switch to fully manual focus :cool:. I haven't tried this yet, but I think it's all the Olly lenses with the 'Pro' designation (and yes, that means they are more expensive :facepalm:).
I don’t mind the focus ring on the PanaLeica 25/1.4 but it is definitely a digital control that imitates a physical one. I mean that’s a good place to put it but I can’t use it without relying on focus peaking - I never get a feel for where I am.
 
For clarity - stuff like the Voightlanders and Vedras are native MFT, but have proper mechanical manual focus, rather than focus-by-wire.

Oh and daft stuff that you never price in like a variable density filter and something to aid white balance on location (or to aid it in post, even).
 
The GH5s is undeniably the better of the two especially if you want low light performance. Crucially for me is that it’s a lot more expensive plus doesn’t have IBIS, which I desire.
 
Well I’ve bought the Voigtlander (the old model not the mk II) and should have the GH5 in a fortnight. No idea what to do about memory; SDD’s are the cheapest option but will add weight plus where to put it? So looks like I’ll have to get a UH-II card, but they’re pricey as fuck.
 
Well I’ve bought the Voigtlander (the old model not the mk II) and should have the GH5 in a fortnight. No idea what to do about memory; SDD’s are the cheapest option but will add weight plus where to put it? So looks like I’ll have to get a UH-II card, but they’re pricey as fuck.
Which Voitlander did you go for? The 25?
 
So, I picked up a GX80 this weekend, which I will use as a b-cam and backup body. It's small and light, and packs a punch both stills and video-wise. Also has IBIS, which is handy :cool:.
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Also snapped up a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 to get started with it. Not a fan of the focus system, but all my other lenses are Canon mount, so I needed something to get up and running with.
 
I’m in dire need of a variable ND filter. Went out with the Voigt in bright sunlight and it was over exposed yet wouldn’t stop down any lower. :D
Shooting video on any lens you end up needing a VND at some point. 180° shutter at 25FPS = 1/50 second. That's quite a long exposure in bright sunlight, or if you want a more open aperture. ND is a must really. I use the Tiffen VND, but I'm thinking of getting some fixed ND's too.
 
The GX80 is turning out to be a really cool camera to use. The IBIS is really useful and well implemented. I think a smaller sensor size seems to suit IBIS better.
I'm often finding myself picking up the GX80 for quick cutaway shots and the like, when the GH4 is sitting all kitted up right next to it, which I did not expect! Will make a good companion for the GH5S (which is really just missing IBIS).
 
The GX80 is turning out to be a really cool camera to use. The IBIS is really useful and well implemented. I think a smaller sensor size seems to suit IBIS better.
I'm often finding myself picking up the GX80 for quick cutaway shots and the like, when the GH4 is sitting all kitted up right next to it, which I did not expect! Will make a good companion for the GH5S (which is really just missing IBIS).

Why not just get the GH5 then?
 
Hmmm... so now Panny are going to announce a full frame camera in around 3 weeks time. The plot thickens...
So I’ve heard. I’ve not heard _why_ though. I can see why Nikon and Canon have, but Panasonic has a good niche already that’s not being so cannibalised by Sony and Fuji (as far as I know, maybe I’m wrong and their sales are tanking).

Also, while Nikon/Canon users can use their old lenses with adaptors, you won’t be able to do that with m43 lenses, so it would basically be a whole new system.
 
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