Oliver Daniel

I think it's quite obvious the Sony a7S has better dynamic range than the GH4, I just need to know first how well it grades in SLog2. (Any ungraded clips available?) I'm upgrading my camera and I'm torn between these two, but I can only get one and not both. The GH4 deserves more credit though in that Cinema5d post, when people say 'videoy' it makes me cringe a bit.

Thanks for the feedback guys. The GH4 is the one (plus I'll be using it for normal production work).... and if it's good... the upcoming LX8 to sit in my pocket for spontaneous moments. In the meantime we have just stuck to the GH3. :D

A friend has asked me to team up and create stock footage clips - not that I have any time but the whole model has left me interested and curious. I understand the how to sell it, what to sell etc, all been discussed and researched. Camera choice though... It's my thinking that stock footage should be future-proofed (shot in 4k) and have different resolutions available. Also that it would be most beneficial to shoot with both a pretty awesome camera (A7S, GH4) and a small compact for those spontaneous moments when stealth is required or I'm not carrying my main camera bag. The upcoming Panasonic LX8 looks great for that. The above all includes 4k, timelapse, and slow motion. Anybody else out there who sell stock footage, and what your camera choice would be and why? Thank you, much appreciated.

Cool, let us know if it arrives and that everything is ok. Still need a few more funds before pulling the trigger. :D

I shoot in a lot of awkward (but unique!) locations which are difficult to light... sure I light them up with all sorts of stuff but i really have to push the GH3 and this can cause some unwanted annoyances in the image. The aperture can almost be wide open, and difficult to focus with some lenses - so the a7S tools look to make this easier for me. Also I'd like to be able to get a shallower depth of field with some of my lenses for a few shots - purely a creative decision rather than for the hell of it like some do. Sure I can do some stuff with my GH3, I just need more to play with to get the look I want. Lastly, the GH3 hasn't stopped me doing any of my ideas. They always go ahead regardless. I just feel the a7S will give me more creative tools to get the look I want. Would be nice to be able to use a ridiculous wide angle as well. I love doing ridiculous things. The a7S seems ridiculous enough. :P

I don't care less what anyone says, I'm excited about the a7S as the full frame will be a great creative tool for the shots I want to pull off... and secondly, the dynamic range and low light will help me battle the issues I regularly experience with my GH3. I have ideas. Rolling shutter isn't going to stop those ideas from happening.

Cool, just wanted to check as the net can be a dodgy place. Seems a steal at the price advertised, I may go for it myself but need a bit more dosh. I've warmed to this possibilities with this camera now. Will be awesome I'm sure.

As I'm really interested in the a7S, I had a browse around for prices and came across this: http://panamoz.com/index.php/sony-ilce-7s-alpha-7s-a7s-full-frame-cmos-digital-camera-body-only.html They are selling the a7S brand new for only £1339.50 inc.VAT, if paid by bank transfer. This is insane, considering other online stores in the UK are selling for around £2099. Does anybody know anything about this website? Why is it so cheap? Anything suspicious or 100% definitely correct? Thanks!

The dynamic range on the a7S and low light looks incredible, however, as I'm 95% handheld that rather crappy rolling shutter is going to ruin a lot of my shots. I can't keep still. I need to jump into the action! :D ... So I'll hire the a7S when its on a tripod and its REALLY REALLY dark. It's no replacement for actual good lighting. I use lights kind of very very much because, that's what makes a dynamic picture, lights right? :P Can definitely see the cameras place in the market. (cave shooting! Right I'll stop with the bad jokes. The a7S does look great. Honest!)

I've used the 1DC before on a pro shoot and its definitely the 'worst' camera I've used because of the ergonomics. It's got a bolted on 4k option....and that's about it. Nothing that makes recording video an easier experience. The image was ok, the file sizes were not. I made a poor decision to use the camera. Canon on the other hand will be working on their next 'C' line of cameras and blow the water out of everything, besides the affordability. The low end will remain almost the same for video and photography features will improve.

Rolling shutter has never really bothered me that much. It started to bother me when I used the BMPCC a little, annoyed me when I used a RED Epic for the first time in 4k (then had to change my style to compensate which friends/clients didn't like) and then saw the A7S rolling shutter just then.....what would it be like in 4k? Probably far worse? So I think this is evidently the proper first time I'm bothered by rolling shutter. Can't change my style because thats what my clients buy into. So from the looks of it...... no A7S for me. I'll rent if it suits the task. Moving on... The Digital Bolex... I'll do my best with the request. Just got a long way to go in the process of everything. There is no need for manufacturers to put in global shutters when rolling seems to 'be fine.' The Bolex is a cinema camera so it makes sense. A7S is stills.... don't think they would have the 'S' in the name if it had global shutter. :P

I'm not one of those who writes off a camera because it has a rolling shutter. Most cameras can be stabilised enough to combat the issues you may face. I was a little alarmed at how bendy the footage looked with just a little movement on the A7S though. My GH3 copes well when I'm throwing the camera angle around as if it was a toy - I think this full frame sensor would struggle in that regard. The M4/3 sensor works better in that regard. Just from the experience of using a RED Epic though, fast and jerky type movements are very difficult on a rolling shutter in 4k, very skewed, so for that type of work I do (rock music video), global shutter is the way to go. GH3 does the job though. Not a fan at all of the BMPC 4k, but I'm a big fan of the Digital Bolex. Going to be testing one out for a big project in the pipeline.

The dynamic range looks incredible, but the rolling shutter looked terrible. I do a lot of 'jump in' handheld work, so I don't think this camera would be an ideal upgrade. Need to see more.

I make about 90% of my income making music videos, mostly with independent labels, PR and unsigned acts and I know a lot of bands... the effort these guys go to is absolutely immense and many of the tracks are much better than that chart nonsense the big labels stuff into our ears and brain until we are hypnotised or get into an almost violent, rebellious state of mind. This completely sucks. I'm fed up of this bullying in the music industry. Some band members I know are geniuses, but have to make do stacking shelves 8 hours a week in a pound shop. They get bit by the money men and get nothing in return. They either waste talent or steal their worth for their own greed. My music video was up for Best Music Video at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2014 (it didn't win), and the quality of the entertainment was incredible. The energy and desire form the playing bands was unreal - bands who have toured constantly, slept in the car boot and lived on instant noodles just to play and get noticed. But the way things are going, genuine bands/artists won't get this chance and we will forever be presented with the conveyer belt of manufactured, soulless rubbish designed to make the big wigs fat and the most promising musicians with nothing but their 8 hour shift in the local pound shop. This says it all.... my brother is a singer and auditioned for X Factor 'for a laugh.' He got through 3 rounds, but was then turned down as they couldn't see how he would benefit from the competition. We received sad news that his wife (my sister in law) was diagnosed with a life threatening illness. X Factor representatives called him regarding auditions for Britains Got Talent...he said he couldn't attend as he needs to look after his wife because of her illness. At the instance he mentioned it, they said he could go back in the process because 'he would get far and have great appeal.' My brother sniffed a rotten fish...and told them where to go. This situation with my brother was quite sick, and sums the music industry in a nutshell. The power of the talent shows is immense and they dominate so much of the industry. But they are soulless sods who are only interested in exploiting vulnerable people and trying to dominate the industry with diluted brain warping rubbish. Independent music needs protection and must find a way to triumph over this diabolical situation.

RX100 1st, I can hear the audio interference that plagues the BMPCC. Or is that a trick? ;)

I don't even have space for a dishwasher, but domestic issues aside, I have already decided I want a D16 because I have many ideas that would be fantastically suited to the use of this camera. Plus I'm dusting off some scripts for short films where the D16 will give me aesthetic power I really need to achieve the look I'm going for. Just need to save, or get the big job in! The reason I'm going for the GH4 and Atomos combo are the benefits of ProRes editing, more colour data to play with, the ability to punch in/re-frame camera angles for music videos, focus peaking, 96fps, better colour profiles and the stills function - as I also do promo photography for bands on the music video shoot too. It's a fantastic all-rounder - superb for what I do. Thanks for the critique. I personally don't like any of my own work after playing the same songs over and over, tweaking and tweaking. But beside that point, I would rather all the images in my reel be shot with a camera with a more powerful imager.... but I don't let the camera hold me back on my ideas and the visual I want to achieve. I have to do the best with what I have. In terms of the data, I'm fully aware that maybe I shouldn't push the codec in a way that some wouldn't dare - but when I weigh up the pros and cons of the final aesthetic, I go for it and "break the rules" a bit. Sometimes I feel flaws can give character. Sometimes I'm happy, a lot of the time I'm not. But if the client can't tell and the target audience gives positive feedback - then I don't care as much. A GH4 won't improve my content, but I will be given a more well rounded toolset to help withe the job - as listed above for Quirky. If I'm able to improve the overall aesthetic with the GH4, then that will be a lovely bonus! Also, this reel doesn't show any work I have done in the past year - the new one has been delayed and features videos shot on RED Epic & Blackmagic... the style is so different it won't quite fit in with my previous stuff and I have to decide which way to go about it, although friends prefer my GH3 stuff! What a world we live in!

Yep, the ready to shoot price is a huge difference. The 10 bit signal from the GH4 cannot be ignored. Also people forget that while full frame is a useful creative tool, it also has disadvantages. (Such as difficulty to focus, much more so in 4k). My curiosity though is the final out of camera image - the motion cadence, the highlight/shadow roll off - that little something that makes it more magical. (Digital Bolex has obvious reasons for achieving this.) I'll have to remain curious and wait for the sequel to the A7s. I'm going to get a GH4 - and if I've been really really good - a Digital Bolex. And a dishwasher.

I'm also very curious about the recording onto Ninja Star & Shogun. Could be an amazing package with the GH4. I think I bash my GH3 images to the brink with colour grading, so more power = happy Olly!

@Quirky.... I've decided to hold out for a GH7 because it will make me the best filmmaker in the world ever. Obviously. :p @jonpais ... Cheers for checking out my stuff, I appreciate the credit. I'm very content driven - the limited gear I actually own doesn't stop me trying anything out. @everyone else ... Thanks for the feedback on my "yawnful" question that will probably dominate forums, in countless varieties, for a good year. In truth, I've sort of all ready decided to get the GH4 - just very curious about this A7S. (Didn't enjoy the 1DC).

Try www.videoink.co.uk/musicvideoproduction I have a completely new site coming out in 2 weeks with a new look and loads more vids, but plenty to see there :)

@Quirky, I much prefer your 2nd post - your first is a bit naughty :-p Even though it's a question asked over and over, it will be an absolute bitch for some people to decide between the two, so it's worth an extra chinwag. I'm still happily shoot on the GH3 and no one complains. I still rent the FS700 for slow mo, even though I think the image is a bag of crap. Does the job for clients. I rented the RED Epic and everyone prefers my GH3 work. I started my business essentially with a canon 60d. When I changed to GH3, all my repeated clients were asking why there was a sudden jump in quality. Well, I was improving, but the camera definitely made a massive influence. So replacing my GH3 is a big deal. I do loads of music videos and edit in multi-cam, and my grading pushes the GH3 to breaking point. There is more power under the hood that I'd find useful with these particular cameras - my style of shooting would benefit hugely from the GH4/A7S. To be honest, I think the GH4 would suit me best. I've got loads of lights. Not planning to film buildings and trees. Probably more backsides of women with flamethrowers. And a time lapse of rotting cheese for a laugh!

Nice one, I will be waiting. There is no rush, I just like to plan out my decisions well in advance. I might rent them both first (when the A7S) is released and see what I find most fitting. I'd be GH4 all the way if it wasn't for the dynamic range/low light, 8bit or not. They are such important features.

Well I was about to pull the trigger on the GH4, but now I might wait to see more from the A7S. It could end up being a load of bollocks. :o

I'm sorry for asking the inevitable question, and it might be too early to say... but I'm trying to get my head around either owning the GH4 or A7S as my little workhorse. Bit of info... I make my trade making music videos (mostly bands), a few corporates and promotional stuff. I currently own a GH3 (that I use LOADS) and rent more expensive cameras for the bigger jobs. I'm not invested in MFT glass (besides SLR Magic 12mm) and love to grade. The obvious upgrade path for me is the GH4 (4k in post, slo-mo, etc)...but the A7S with it's supposedly awesome low light and dynamic range capabilities is making me think twice (these features are very important for my future work.) I was going to get a Shogun for the GH4 anyway so I'm not fazed by that prospect. Does anybody else do similar work to myself and what are your general thoughts?

Hello. Just for a bit of fun and knowledge, I thought it would be cool to share with everyone your favourite and least favourite item of gear, but with a tiny set of guidelines. You must own or rent this gear regularly, and yes, that's including the least favourite item! The reasons for your choices have to reflect the effect it has on your work. There are also headings for one for the future, which is something you are planning on purchasing and why (as above) and your wish. This wish has to sit in a current product line and be your realistic version of an improved product. So it goes like this: Favourite Item: SLR Magic F1.6 12mm Hyperprime This lens is in my kit everyday. Bought for £350 on eBay, it is frequently used as my wide angle choice on my workhorse GH3. As I make many music videos with rock bands, the F1.6 is excellent for low light when shooting in dark, derelict areas - even though the generator is powering a few lights. The lens is capable of helping create some unique looks with camera angles, as it has a macro ability...making objects close to the lens in focus on wide angles - with a 3D weird distorted, slight fisheye effect. It also produces crazy lens flares - sometimes i shoot a Dedolight into it from the side to get some beautiful characteristic features. So for my 'heavy on visuals' approach to music videos, it's almost perfect. Try a 'riff shot' with this lens (down the fret of a guitar), looks incredible! Least Favourite: BeSteady One 3-Axis Gyro Stabiliser A lot of my work depends on constant dynamic movement, so a gyro stabiliser is a no-brainer to me. I picked this up on Kickstarter, wary that there might be issues - but had no idea it would be so much. When it works, it's great! But it's very temperamental, screws come loose, the board vibrates, the software adjustments are unresponsive and acts like a choking crab with the slightest little nudge. It's my least favourite as I cannot rely on it to do the job. I've been constantly in touch with BeSteady who are going to "re-do" my unit - and hopefully I'll be onto Movi-like movements like some other BeSteady owners are achieving. One for the future: Panasonic GH4 Nope, as a GH3 user I haven't got one yet! But I will. I'm driving my videos constantly to raise the 'cinematic' levels, and those who say you can't do it on a GH4 are talking garbage. I can punch in on angles and re-frame in 4k (great for music videos), I can get slo-mo at 96fps (again, awesome for use in music vids), it takes great stills for on-set band photography and has all the improvements that makes things easier, better and faster than my GH3.(peaking,master pedestal etc) I'm colour grading mad too, as I find it SO important for the overall feel and atmosphere. I don't understand people who don't bother. So the upcoming Atomos Shogun MIGHT give me an absolute mini-powerhouse to finally have regular 10bit colour at 4k. Post will be heaven. Perfect tool. Wish: Digital Bolex 'Pro' Well, everyone wants the 'perfect' camera. I haven't used a Digital Bolex, but I've seen enough to confirm this is a very special tool. There is something so beautiful about the technology in this camera, and something so tangible, almost emotional about filming with it - from the 16mm imaqe to the vintage lenses. If I had the money I'd buy the current Bolex and film all my shorts with it, and some music videos - but I'd love to see a more souped up version with better low light, better slo-mo options and ProRes recording options. And thats it. It would be an ideal film camera for me as I would truly treasure it and put it to massive creative use. I thought BlackMagic would improve their current cameras, but they brought out the tank. (The URSA). For affordable, true cinema quality capabilities - the Bolex is the one for me. They listen.