sanveer

I saw that post of Michael Ma (If you were to design a Canon 5Dc, what specs would it have?), and was surprised that nobody thought of something similar, on the lines for Panasonic. Since Eoshd has a Huge Panasonic fanbase (including your truly), we should Help Panasonic decide the Future of Cameras, based on the needs of customers, price range, available sensors, available codecs and ones to work on, color science etc etc. We could Consolidate the Discussion, as we go along. If someone Does Not like Panasonic Cameras, please ignore this discussion, instead of ranting about some other camera being better, or wanting APSC or FF sensors etc etc. 1. One of the biggest issues (not Huge TBO), with Panasonic Cameras, including the ILC Flagship, the GH series, is that the codec could be better. Canon uses such an excellent version of H264 on many of its camcorders, and the C-line as well as so many cameras cameras. I don't understand why Panasonic cannot tweak their codecs on their range of cameras to get similar output. Atleast 8 bit 4-2-2 on the GH5 internally with a higher bitrate (in the 250-350Mbps range), and other cameras (they could charge a $99 for 4-2-2 and higher bitrate option). 2. Users found the skin tones on models before the GX85 having orange and purple casts, especially for lips etc. Do users of the GX85 still find this, an issue for jpegs? Also, are the jpegs from Panasonic almost as good as Olympus now? 3. If 1 Inch sensors can resolve upto 20MP in cameras like the FZ1000, the RX10, RX100 etc series, then M4/3 sensors can should easily be able to resolve in the range of 27MP. What is stopping them is the fact that Sony makes sensors according its own specifications, and manufacturers such as Panasonic, merely pick up these sensors off the shelf, thereby limiting their choices. Either Panasonic dictate what sensors it needs, or have them made by another manufacturer. 4. Better Log profiles. Like the VLog needs to be improved, and it should be on All Panasonic Cameras (atleast some version of it). As a matter of fact, I feel, Panasonic should release a Firmware Update for some kind of Log Profile on the Panasonic GX85. Let people pay for it, if Panasonic doesn't want to give them for free. 5. I am not sure why Panasonic isn't working on having accessories that can sit on its hotshoe, and add features like external sound recorders (like the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter Kit). Or improve that Yuck Ugly looking YAGH interface. 6. I believe that Panasonic cameras have almost reached the limit at which they can focus and shoot photos. Though, I feel their low-light handling could somehow be better. Atleast usable upto ISO 6400. 7. Since Crop Factor and Low Light have always been an issue due to the smaller sensor, Panasonic should concentrate on working with Sigma, Leica and others, to make Full Frame Equivalent of 24mm. 35mm, 50mm and 100mm lenses at f.95, f1.2 and f1.4. Four of Each. These kind of lenses are essential, especially where one cannot or does not want to use a flash. What do you guys think?

I had said this long ago, but I guess Panasonic has/ had its reasons. Panasonic needs a better codec to handle video. Like a 4-2-2 version of H.264. They should probably add 4-2-2 internal on the GH5 and get it to the $1999-2499 price. They could add some good preamps and better low light to justify the price increase. Also, they need Codecs of upto 200Mbps on all interchangeable lens cameras Including the GX85. And Log Profiles on All ILCs too. And try and explore accessories for the Hot Shoe Mount, like Sony's mic attachments on its A7 series. Also, Panasonic needs a Lot of f1.2 and f1.4 lenses, especially with Auto-Focus and Stabilization (including 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 100mm Full Frame Equivalent). The f1.2 line could be Premium Lenses and have more stops of stabilization (like the Olympics 300mm f4). Also, I believe that the M4/3 sensor can Easily handle 27MP resolutions, if the 1 Inch sensors can do impressive 20MP resolutions. A lot of the M4/3 limitations are due to the fact that Panasonic outsources its sensors (and also doesn't specify it's requirements and only picks up sensors from the shelf). Either Panasonic starts telling Sony to get serious about the M4/3 lineup or find a new sensor maker or makes its own sensors. And obviously the fact that Panasonic wants to protect an Imaginary C100 kind of range that it has (DVX200?) May be one of the reasons it's not bringing a 4-2-2 codec on the GH5. I think a price increase could justify it. The GX85 is an excellent camera for the buck. It does resolve a Lot more detail than other 16mp Panasonic cameras and I suspect it is as much for the lack of shutter shock as it is for the lack of an anti-aliasing filter. Though only the Olympus and Leica Primes may help you notice the difference in resolution in large prints. The Panasonic Zooms (like all kit zooms) are average lenses, on which you won't be able to notice the difference.

Thanks Jase.

I remember you writing on another thread, that you used a Tiffen Ultra Contract Filer. What is the filter strength, and thread size (in mm). Also, what is the film convert feature that you are using? Also, which lens have you used? When zooming in, the depth of field seems pretty shallow (not extremely shallow thought).

I am not sure I noticed any jitters on this one. There were a few shots handheld (including some handheld panning). Are you referring to those ones? Also I am curious, have you tried comparing Panasonic's jitters with those of other cameras in exactly the same conditions? I am genuinely interested, because I feel that some of the GX85 videos have jitter, but those exist because Auto-focus has been left on AFC mode.

Everyone always says that the Panasonics underexpose, and that Panasonic should address that. Shane Hurlbut tested the GH4 for VLog and it is his belief that for maximum latitude, it must be underexposed by 1/2 stop (though he recorded externally and he must have measured the exposure almost clinically). That's probably what the camera does by default, and the 1/2 or so stop of under-exposure helps in post work. If the 10-bit 4-2-2 is true, then Wow !!!

Excellent camerawork, thought I suspect it is not a GX85/ 80/ 7 markii.

Hi Andrew, I am looking forward to your next part on the GX85/ 80/ 7 markii. If you could please test: 1. Image sharpness with a lens like the Leica 42.5mm f1.2 or 25mm f1.4, especially on comparing it with the GX8 and GX7 would be great. 2. Some high photos from sporting events or any high speed action would be great. Especially compared to other Panasonic or Olympus cameras. 3. Video recorded into Blackmagic 4k Monitor would be greatly appreciated. I am curious as to how well it holds (and grades), including the mic preamps on that one. And, how it compares to everything else on the market.

I have NEVER really figured this one out. Nikon images seem to be far more acceptable to heavy grading. I suspect that the 14-bit is limited to ML, and for photos, most Canons are still 12-Bit. Some serious f@ckup with Canon's image processing team. Also, I am curious whether the Panasonic Cameras (especially the 4k ones) will be able to handle RAW (Atleast 12 bit), with a hack. I don't know why, but I find that the Panasonic cameras seem to have a lot more potential than the Canon ones. IMO.

hahahahahahahaha It IS true.

VERY likely. Like Olympus was contractually prevented from having 4k video on their cameras. I think Panasonic should Hurry Up with their Sensor Development or just pick up a Sensor Maker. The camera world's dependence on sensors and other companies is bad for everyone.

Thanks for the reply Parker. I like smart people use their research skills to outdo gear limitations.

I also noticed that a lot of people who are testing the GX85/ GX80/ GX7 Mark ii, are using the Auto Focus Continuous for Video. That is causing some of the jump in focus, and making things worse. Apart from the suddenly and jerky pans.

The GoPro seems to have a more Gradeable video, thanks probably to Protunes. But, the lack of stabilization is really disapointing.

3 Questions: 1. Which FetHead did you exactly purchase? A link would be useful. 2. Are you using battery or XLR power for the NTG-2 3. What is your recording set-up? I asked because this article (http://chromonaut.ch/2013/boost-zoom-h4n-recordings/) stated that the XLR may not work with the NTG2 (Maybe he was not using an External Recorder with Phantom Power). Also, there are (atleast) two versions of the FetHead: 1. Triton Audio FetHead Phantom: http://www.zenproaudio.com/triton-audio-fethead-phantom and 2. Triton Audio FetHead Thus, the questions above. Thanks

GoPro is dying. I bet my money on Xiaomi on putting the Final nail on the coffin. Considering the abyssal level of innovator at GoPro, they probably deserve it. Sad for the investors and shareholders.

Nice video. And, what's with all the Vitriolic in the Forums? Have the Admins gone on a sabbatical? Can some members be banned for a few days?

I am mildly offended. Andrew posted the article "After" I mentioned the Review bit (of the GX85). You could check the time for both. Or simpler still, just ask Andrew. The word is clairvoyance, not AdSense. hehehe

hahahahahahahahaha

yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Thanks a Ton Andrew

Actually Andrew got busy trying to save the site from the sex toys and chinese viagra ADs. hehehe I think another review is around the corner, and I suspect its the Panasonic GX85/ 80/ 7 Mark ii. Also, I realised after Andrew mentioned, that since most people in Film and Video think of things mostly from their perspective, other could chip in, and maybe (if it sounds good to other people too), EOSHD could become a Platform for Collaborating/ Crowd Sourcing. The actors, director, cinematographer, sound guy etc could be in the same city, and the Writer, Musician etc could be in another city (or country or continent). It could be a interesting collaborative effort. What do you guys think?

hahaha. Those are bad bokehs.

Not footballs. Those are well rounded bokeh. On the voigtlanders the bokeh's aren't very pleasing to the eyes. I am guessing its a mixture of the number of lens elements, as well as the shape of the lens aperture control ring.

I saw that one last night. Nice review. And, so many hidden features. I can imagine 5k Photo Modes (pre-burst, post focus etc) easily covering most photography needs.

Don't the bokeh on the Voigtlanders look very curious. Like very ugly teardrops.