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I really fancy a GX85 now 🤔 If I was to do it, it would be to replace my Sony ZV1. But the thing is, the purpose I use the little Sony for is the one thing no Panny camera has and that is exceptional AF 🤪 Damn, I guess I can't do it then...

Hi All, Just contemplating adding a few bits and pieces to my lighting kit and was wondering about fresnel lenses. From what I've read (ie what is advertised) they actually increase the light output over the bare bulb by focusing it all on one place - does this mean a COB LED would give more output with a fresnel pointed towards say a 4x4 silk, than it would just mounting a softbox directly on to the light? Or am I missing something? I can see that being a big benefit, not only for getting the most out of the lights but also being able to put them further away from the subject where fan noise will not be a problem (while still having the diffusion nice and close to the subject). Anybody got practical experience with this?

In my experience of trying to maximize efficiency of lights, the answer is no. In your example, at the same distance if you used the fresnel vs softbox, the fresnel would produce a small hotspot which is totally useless for soft lighting. If you then moved the light with the fresnel back to cover the same area, it would be farther away and the intensity would greatly decrease. If I've learned anything about softlighting it's that nothing beats more power. The most effective way to get more soft light is to literally get more lights.

Specific use case for me John with trustworthy AF a must. I would rather it was not a Sony but I can’t find another camera that exists that meets my specific need which is as a faultless (or as near as) 4K 25p, unlimited recording limit, powered off a power bank, that sits on the hotshoe of the main camera as backup. The ZV1 is ridiculously good in that capacity. As you say, something like the GX85 I’d need to work around…and that would defeat the point of it’s specific purpose as a tool for my needs! But as a personal/fun camera, I’m still debating that one… I tried and did not like the ZV1 for anything but the role I purchased it for. Heart says either a GX85 with fast prime or X100V. Head says in 2022, trade the iPhone 8 for something better. I suspect the head is going to win this one…

Just have both. You can find a GX80 for $250 on the used market. IMO, AF is really important for Youtubers (and even then it's debatable). Sure, technologically speaking, it's great, but you're going to still have limitations with it. I think it's better to work around known limitations than hoping for AF to work (yes, even on Sony cameras).

Thanks, that's useful. The challenge of FF lenses is that the MFT is cropping in so immediately the lenses are at a resolution disadvantage because they're not being used as designed. Then they're aging designs, built to a price, are zooms, and who knows how much degradation might have occurred to specific copies etc. And then we pixel-peep at 4k (or more) resolutions, so it's hardly a fair fight!

No longer available, although the website will take your money. The person who designed and made these must either be dead or in hiding; I've never had any response and never received my order; I've heard the same from several other people. The best alternative I've found is Dmitry Shijjan's battery module, which will power the Micro for hours. See https://lavky.com/handmade/home-and-hobby/electronics-and-circuitry/18650-battery-enclosure/?product=UW590888 If you prefer NPF, I'd go for the Tilta NPF adapter over the plastic one from SmallRig; I have both and the Tilta is much better made. But mounting it on the micro can be tricky/awkward, which is why I much prefer using Dmitry Shijan's battery module. Congrats on getting your Micro! I have two of them and have no plans to buy anything else for video; the only drawbacks are poor low-light performance (these are cinema cameras, so that's par for the course; they're meant to be used in controlled-lighting situations) and those godawful buttons for navigating the menu. The One Little Remote, no longer made but likely still available on the used market, is a good way to avoid having to use the menu buttons, but you'll still need them to set date/time before every shoot. Note that you can't use the One Little Remote (without internal modifications) if you use Dmitry's battery module as it can't handle the voltage and will shut down your camera randomly while filming. You may still want to use ND filters in any brighter light situations, because you really don't want your aperture to go above 5.6 or 8 at the most; after that you start getting very noticeable diffraction softening. When I first got my Pocket I had been a stills photographer for decades and was used to taking landscape photos at f16 or even f22; I quickly learned that it doesn't work on small-sensor cameras like this, my images got very soft and not in a good way.

Got back from my trip and the GX85 had arrived! (In fact, it was delivered about 45 minutes after I left, but all good). To greet it, all the trendy MFT gear had a welcome party, including: GH5 GF3 OG BMPCC BMMCC 7.5mm F2 12-35mm F2 12.5mm F1.9 14mm F2.5 14-42mm kit zoom (not really trendy, but came as the BMPCCs +1) 15mm F8 (also not really trendy, but came as the BMPCCs +1) 17.5mm F0.95 42.5mm F0.95 Helios 58mm F2 on M42 0.71x Speedbooster An honourable mention that also couldn't attend is the 28mm F2.8 m42 lens I've just ordered as it's still in the UK, but I'm hoping that combined with the M42 SB it will make a great compliment to the Helios. The FD70-210mm F4 got drunk early, fell over and rolled away - lucky it's tough as nails! All audio equipment declined, being too finicky and claiming it didn't want to be seen with any "vintage" equipment. It mumbled something disdainful about poor quality but all I heard was "8-track". So many great combinations here, but the most notable ones are: Standard travel kit: GH5 + 7.5mm + 17.5mm + 42.5mm (FF - 15mm/35mm/85mm) Combined with the 1080p 10-bit 24fps and 60fps modes and the 2x digital zoom function, this setup can work pretty quickly and in almost any environment (two days ago I was shooting wide open in a cave in torchlight) Low-fi pocket setup: GF3 + 14mm (FF - 28mm) The only video mode is "auto everything" and so it features very short shutters (which stabilises wonderfully in post), softer image quality (which looks very cinematic!), nicer colours that it has any right to have, and with AFS it's easy to use and was, at one time, the fastest (mirrorless?) AF available. It's also shooting with a single prime, so comes with all the artistic integrity that that brings. Most anticipated setup: GX85 + 12.5mm + 28mm/SB + 58mm/SB (FF - 28mm/43mm/90mm) Small and not attention-seeking, but a stabilised set of fast vintage primes with nice 4K which can be cropped into in post if required. It's a very appealing thought to be able to look through the viewfinder and be recording gorgeous, dare I say "cinematic" images, but just look like a happy-snapping touristy dorky-dad. I should buy a sling bag to keep the lenses in and to sell the whole tourist thing. Minimalist "nice" setup: GX85 + 7.5mm + 12-35mm (FF - 17mm/26-77mm) Small and not attention-seeking, the 12-35 will be very fast to work with and can get almost every shot, and the 7.5mm can get those grand wides when required. Setup will also be very small, with just GX85 + 12-35mm + wrist-strap, and only 7.5mm lens and a couple of spare batteries in the pockets. Very streamlined! Potentially I could put my Tiffen BPM 1/8 on the end as well and get a bit of flaring in there too! Thinking of camera and lens combos makes me much more excited that it really should 🙂

Also @PannySVHS I recommend buying an NPF Bridge for the camera so you can use Sony NP-F batteries with the camera without adding too much bulk...

The last 18 months have changed me completely as well. No more traveling because the company “is remote first”, no more creative minded colleagues, it’s all about process and numbers. All Zoom meetings are to the point, no more laughing. Dealing with 9 hour time difference (USA HQ) The 2 years before that was helping my wife with her rehabilitation after she suffered a stroke. Which was hard with a 1.5 year old and a 7 year old. We were back in the Netherlands coincidentally (we came back to NL for friends and family) when it happened, and so I decided to immigrate back not knowing whether she was going to recover and be able to speak and walk again. The immigration causes all kinds of financial challenges (taxes, insurance) which cost me close to $100K in the end. These events - rehabilitation, lockdown and now isolation shook me to my core. It changed me. I feel completely burned out. Life has gotten more “bare” and I have to find myself again, find what I truly care about. Connect with people, build something new. Add on the fact I’m 41 and probably having midlife crisis at the same time (proof: I drive a Tesla!), and the party is complete. Sorry for the long story - what I’m trying to say is that your personal struggle resonates with me and I want you to know that many people around me including myself have severely struggled the last 2 years. Social media didn’t help either; it has created a fake lens of the world, especially the last few years. It’s like 99% of the people are acting or presenting a version of themselves, instead of being themselves. Things will get better, but as you said you may have to force change. Whatever you choose to do next, I wish you all the best. Never, ever give up the values you live by. Take care.