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AF/MF...either way, if it ain't in focus video-wise, it won't be in focus as a still. From experience, ie, I have deliberately shot video (4k 50p APSC crop S5 flat profile) with a view to also pulling the stills of the same footage and the results were mostly 'good' on average. Some instances, they were great. Tried the 6k 25p mode and the quality was mostly higher still and I think if someone was more 'results focused' than 'craft focused', with something like a Z9, the results would be superb. And by 'craft focused', I mean that I am not sure whether I would be happy no longer being a photographer... Can it be done? Yes and I'm surprised more are not doing it. Should it be done? Personal choice more than anything.

The most challenging part is just getting used to manual focusing. It can be intimidating at first, but it's really not that difficult. It's pretty easy with focus peaking and with cameras that allow you to set the focus to linear so that you can repeat focusing consistently (a very underrated feature of the S5 after years of using the GH5.) Manual focusing is such a rewarding experience, at least it is for me. I like that feeling of control.

Since I'm here... I may as well post a couple shots from my newest copy of the Nikkor 35mm 1.4 lens on the FP. I've owned a few of these over the years and always make the mistake of selling it. With the uptick in prices, I thought it would be out of reach... well patience pays off and I was able to find one for a reasonable price.

The discussion is a confused mess, with the usual tropes about 4K resolution, compression artifacts, etc. Almost nothing on the key advantage of HDR - extended dynamic range with 10bit color. That advantage can be seen at 480 bps or FullHD or 4K. It can be seen on most high-end phones, on m1 MacBook Pros and on most new TVs even at most-common internet bitrates. Arguing for limited dynamic range is really stupid.

I moved from m43 just because I don't see this kind of camera in the future. In Panny camp, do not see another GX model, maybe a Gxx at last. Looks like they plans for m43 is niche video, GH6 and vlog cameras. The last lenses releases indicate that too. In Om Digital camp, only probably a O-M10 (but if they do the same move of the O-M5, and package a E-M5 MK III in a E-M10 body, plus mic input and with PDAF, could be a VERY interesting camera). But their future is unclear - and they are betting heavily in the wildflife / adventure crowd. A GX9 with pdaf, better EVFand mic input would be a perfect camera for me. But I doubt that t will exist.

What shutter speed do you usually use when taking photographs? If beyond 1/50 I would get a black magic for video and a dedicated stills camera for photos. It’s all about trade offs and what you’re willing to accept, also it’s nice to be able to shoot in portrait mode. I like having two systems as I feel it’s two different ways of thinking about image capture. Good luck

I wouldn’t say they ruin the quality of the light but they do indeed change the characteristics a bit. Consider this - when you’re looking into the source from a slight angle there will be less surface area visible witch leads to a “harder” feel of the light hitting your subject. Not always bad though, and I don’t see any hotspots (except what to expect from an harder light) only slightly more defined shadow areas. This is where makeup can help a lot of you want a look that’s a bit more punchy but stay out of trouble with shiny areas. So - consider it’s a tool to both reduce spill in a quick and easy way with the slight change in characteristics and then use the knowledge to create the moods you’re aiming for. And like PPNS says - if you want to keep the softness use good old cutters and flags. Happy new year!

If it’s stabilised or even faster shutter speeds needed!

R5C

I am biased as an L Mount user, but S5 for me also. As a former XT3 user, I was going to go XT4 for 2020...until Covid changed my plans and trashed my year so my pre-orders were cancelled. At the end of that year, I went S5 over the XT4 or Z6. Why? Combination of factors but the components that were a priority to me added up to S5 over anything else. Not exactly 'dirt' cheap right now, but can be had below 1000 'Your Currency' used and only going to get cheaper still now that the S5ii is arriving in Feb 2023. I looked at the XH2s recently and considered the Z6ii and the Canon R6ii and out of these it would be a tough call but having seen the spec of the new S5ii, for me that would be my choice. For a new/latest piece of kit, otherwise used, an S5. As things stand, pretty sure I'm going to be trading my S5 and S1H for a pair of S5ii-x's in the new year because it makes sense for my needs. Maybe even my S1R's also for another, but ideally going to wait and see whether a replacement for the S1R is going to appear because for my stills needs, they tick all the boxes and it's just the video side of the hybrid equation where they don't. Fabulous 5k footage, but not 50p without going to 8 bit 4k.

1. 8k 2. 6k 3. 4k No ND but crank the shutter speed into the hundreds if not thousands as needed. I have considered it myself and it works but the question is, could I be bothered for my needs and the answer was and still is, I think I’d lose some of my photography soul personally by doing this… Right now, my first choice if I was going to do this would be the Z9.

There are so many variables with lenses it’s hard to say and I have found at times some lenses have been better or worse than others for no seemingly explicable reason. My own Panny f4 24-105 for instance has been reliable on some jobs and then every now and again, is not. All day long, ie not just in some particular lighting scenario. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 is more reliable for stills but less so video compared with the Panasonic 85mm f1.8 which is the opposite. I don’t worry about it. The quality and reliability is more than good enough for me.

I would say, if you're not a pixel peeper, then absolutely. Motion though might be a problem, depending on your shutter speed. Here are some stills I took from a pro-wrestling event I filmed on the 3rd that I used for promotional purposes on social media. These are from 8-bit 4K 30p video files using a 180 degree shutter angle shot on the S5 with zero editing outside of the watermark. We don't have a professional photographer taking photos (a lot of pro-wrestling events of this size don't since it's not in the budget) so we use stills like this instead. Obviously they aren't perfect, but for social media they are more than adequate, and depending on the shot a 4x6 print would be fine. Static subjects will of course work even better! It should also be noted that 4K & 6K photo modes on Panasonic cameras are essentially just video files that allow you to pick a frame.

I think a lot of folks would go with the FX30 over the A7IV because it's more video focused and won't overheat. It's a very compelling option if you're not obsessed with full frame.

The X-T4 has IBIS, but it's not very good. If you decide to go that route I'd honestly probably just get the X-T3 since there wasn't much different between the two outside of that. I'm biased, but I'd go with the S5. I prefer the look of the video out of the three, and it takes very good photos too.

With pixel count being 24MP it does not seem to me it might be the same sensor as used in the Sony A7iii, Lumix S5/1/1H in its different alterations, this time with PDAF like the A7iii. What the all have in common is rolling shutter of around 21ms in FF and 4K 60p for S35 crop only. I like the form factor though and swivel screen and full HDMI. Maybe I will trade my S1 in for it and finally give the great sensor some good running for its money finally. I only used the S1 on three small paid gigs over the last two years, for a short and as C cam for another short. I have no personal connection with this camera. With my Gx85 it´s the opposite. It is dear to my heart. Maybe the S5ii will be a good substitute for my S1. Just that 22ms rolling shutter is a bit unpleasant compared to filming with the GH5 with its 15ms. 15ms is good enough for me, 22ms sometimes a bit challenging. So with a better rolling shutter the S5ii would be a no brainer for me, if image quality is the same as S1 in theoriy and practical use and abuse as well.

Some things that I've noticed just now. - Saw no photos of the card slots, but someone remembered that ProRes should mandate the use of CF Express cards; this could be one difference between both models (SD Cards only for the S5II, CF + Sd for the S5IIX. - The camera have active cooling. You can see vents underneath the front hump of the EVF and on the sides of it.

HDR is great! Rec709 has very limited dynamic range. HDR gives you the dynamic range that these newer sensors with log gammas can capture. What is the point of having 14 stops of dynamic range if you can only see 5-6 stops? Most newer TVs are capable of displaying HDR video, most top-end cell phones do so as well (on OLED screens!). Anyone who does not have a device that can display HDR video is simply using old or cheap equipment. If you are serious about video, you need to step up (and it is not expensive). And many of not all of original serials or movies produced by Prime Video, Netflix or AppleTV+ are HDR. Anyone who claims they do not know anyone professionally shooting film or video who delivers in HDR is just telling us he or she is in the second, third, or fourth tier of professionals. Which is an odd place for snobs to inhabit. Producing HDR video is hard, but it is worth it.

I've been meaning to comment on this... I think these look great. I've always read that this sensor needs a ton of light, but I've always liked the look of slower native lenses on the OG cams. As you may remember, this is a lens I've wanted for the BMMCC for awhile. Stick it to f/5.6 and it seems to be a nice little set up with OIS. Since this is a power zoom, does it work like a camcorder lens... can you zoom all the way in, grab your focus and then zoom out?

Marginally…in some cases. Some of the Sigmas are in fact better! I do think L Mount has one of the strongest lens lineups available now with perhaps only Sony having stronger? Not including old(er) ef Mount. If the new rumored AF is good, then ladies and gentlemen, I would suggest we’re going to have an extremely strong system.

Arent you just describing a p6k pro?