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Went to Manchester for the firs time (at 60!) and it's very photogenic - I will definitely be returning (with a tripod).

So many helped spread the false news that Civil War was shot entirely with the DJI Ronin 4D. Instead, the main camera was a Sony Venice. However, the 4D was used especially in the combat scenes, and they also used an A7S3 for one particular scene. I found this interview (with lots of behind-the-scenes footage) with Civil War DOP Rob Hardy very nice.

As far as the FX30 goes - well it's an excellent little camera. Very easy to use, produces a nice image and with the latest update even has shutter angle! A few of the lower light shots needed some NR adding in Resolve, but nothing outrageous. For the video above I didn't use Cineprint. CST, NR, Balance, Contrast, A dab of Film Look Creator then out through the DVR Kodak 2383 D55 LUT, via a CST to Cineon.

I get it, but here’s the thing, while Panasonic’s marketing for the S9 does mention the casual shooter, the features they’ve packed into it are clearly aimed at more advanced users. That’s where the confusion comes in. Panasonic seems to be trying to appeal to both casual users and professionals, but the camera’s actual design and capabilities are more aligned with the needs of the pros. It’s a bit of mixed messaging. They’re promoting it broadly, but in reality, the features go far beyond what most casual shooters are looking for. The launch only added to this confusion by targeting the wrong lenses and reviewers, which didn’t align with casual users. So, while the marketing might say “casual,” the S9’s functionality clearly points to a more advanced audience. And that brings it to another frustration. Panasonic’s split between MFT and L-Mount. Instead of unifying their systems, they’re pushing L-Mount for full-frame, which leaves Micro Four Thirds users feeling a bit sidelined. It would’ve been smarter to find a way to make L-Mount lenses compatible with MFT bodies via an adapter. Sure, there are technical challenges, like the difference in sensor size and flange distance, but companies like Metabones have shown that it’s possible. If Panasonic had figured out a way to bridge the gap, it would have been much easier for users who are invested in both systems. Instead, we’re left juggling two separate ecosystems, which doesn’t feel necessary when both could benefit from more seamless integration.

Ideally Panasonic should have two "flagship" products, one for enthusiasts to eat up and another for influencers to love. I guess they hoped the S5mk2 and S9 would be that. But the S5mk2 wasn't an S1Hmk2, and the S9 is a little too pricey. Fujfilm is dominating the influencer segment with their X100 series and now the X-M5. A new X-H3S could see them run away with the enthusiasts end of the hybrid shooters segment as well. I could say similarly for Sony too, the likes of Sony ZV-E10 + Sony ZV-1 + Sony ZV-1F have seen Sony be very popular with the vloggers / "influencers" / social media "content creators". While of course with the Sony FX30 / FX3 they've been crushing it for the more serious enthusiasts / semi pros. I agree.