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Camera choice/strategy
At the risk of getting laughed off of the forum, I’m going to ask a “What would you do?” question.
I’m wanting to add a video-centric camera to my established still images practice. (My now-vintage HPX170 has been a great intro to video for me, but the small sensor and its limitations have me ready to upgrade even though it’s 10b422 in camera) The Nikon D850 is a fantastic camera for me for stills, but of course the camera’s video features are lackluster. My likely projects will be low-key personal projects and easy-going small client interview or educational projects. Maybe some well-lit greenscreen. No narrative film work. Events possible but not likely. Budget is important here; hence I’m considering (used) a GH5 or 5S, or a C100ii. I like the GH5 4k, codecs and features but less keen on M43 format, af issues and DSLR ergonomics. I love the C100 form factor, features, s35 sensor and af. Picture generally looks very good but codec is thin in camera, and of course capture is 2k. Everyone’s needs differ of course, but how would some of you think about this choice in 2021? What am I overlooking?
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11 Replies
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Get the used GH5 with a used Metbones M43 to EF speed booster and you’ll have S35 capabilities with M43 to fall back to if you need lighter and longer lenses.
If you want to have a more traditional video camera form with 4K S35 options you may need a bigger budget.
Perhaps a used Sony NEX-FS700R could work for you.
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Such a personal choice. My partner loves her GH5, I replaced a Sony that recorded great pictures because I hated the DSLR ergonomics. Shooting with a small Canon camcorder that shoots like a film camera/super 8/camcorder. It’s always a pleasure to pick up.
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There will be a few second hand Blackmagic Pocket 4k & 6k cameras with the release of the new Pocket 6k Pro. The basic 6k is amazing and has EF mount. I have a 4k which is MFT plus I have a speed booster EF convertor to use the same lenses as my BM Ursa Mini 12k. If you want camera form factor there are also plenty of Ursa Mini G1 & G2 cameras out there second hand. Brilliant pictures and a on the shoulder form factor with an excellent viewfinder.
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I have a GH5 and a GH5s for work (Video Producer at a large company). I love the video quality, and seems to have decent ergonomics for a DSLR. Only two issues:
1) It’s not a full-frame sensor, so there’s math involved when choosing the lens length.
2) The auto-focus is unusable. Even with a stationary target, it will go focus-hunting at random times. I tend to leave it on manual focus, and program a button on the back to quickly let it try to auto-focus. Then I wind up focusing with the focus ring.
But I do like the GH5 image.
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Hadn’t thought of Blackmagic. Thanks, the Ursa Mini is worth consideration at least.
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I actually prefer less than FF sensor – MFT and S35 are both perfectly good for my needs for now. And yeah, AF is a concern with the GH system – i have to give some thought to that feature’s priority for me. Do you sometimes wish for a different form factor in your work situation? Are you doing interviews and such, or b-roll and documentation? And do you work with camera screen or external monitor?
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There’s a GH5 with booster available right now for 1k and seems like a really good value. It raised the form factor and AF question for me; hence the post. Might turn out to be the best intermediate step for me given current budget.
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The form factor really hasn’t come into play. There are times when I prefer the full ENG-style camera for certain parts of my job (I’m a former news/sports photog), and I have a Sony F800 XDCAM for that, if needed. But that’s rare these days.
I do use an external monitor/recorder from Atomos when doing interviews. Great to have a larger screen for my aging eyes.
Much of my work involves interviews, getting shots of employees doing their jobs helping customers, and b-roll of heavy equipment outside. Aside from the auto-focus issues, the GH5 handles it all.
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I would agree with Craig Seeman. Get the GH-5 and save your money for glass. Glass is recyclable (you can use high quality lenses for the rest of your life) and makes more impact to the image than any camera sensor could. Switching to M43 made a big impact for me in most all aspects (size, weight, money, quality, value, etc.).
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Personally, I would pick up a Blackmagic 4k or used 6k. The Panasonic and Sony cameras in this price range are fantastic, but their respective capture formats aren’t as robust or easy to edit as Blackmagic raw and Prores.
Shawn
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