Oliver Daniel

4k will bs useful for most at some point. It's a bit like saying 'there's no point in a 16bit codec, the general public can't tell the difference.' More tools = :)

A sort-of top specced iMac comes in at around £2700 and the starter Mac Pro £2499 for UK prices. Obviously they will offer options to soup up the Pro machine,which will be more money. Its all about the return on the investment really.    I think I'm going to wait and keep out a keen eye on what the peeps say. This computer world is barmy. 

Thanks for the kind advice so far! Really appreciate it.      The Mac Pro does seem beastly. I don't understand them as much as I do an iMac, and I would definitely prefer that over the cylinder-tower -dustbin due to overall cost, considering the need for a decent Thunderbolt array and displays. Which one? Pegasus? Lacie 2Big?   I don't plan to do 3D stuff, I have no interest in it apart from creating graphical titles or processing plugin effects in a few keyframes. Any serious VFX work gets outsourced and always will do.    My focus is heavy, highly stylised colour grading with a cinematic edge. Having raw and 4k power is definately something I'd rather have than not. So if a top spec iMac is more than capable then I'd prefer that. Compression will only get better, so I thing a model like this will have more longevity.   Thanks for the heads up on tutorials also Axel, will definitely do that!    When it comes to programs such as DaVinci, what is the major difference for my use, between the Lite version and the full version? 

Just to show you an example of the work I do and how far I've pushed it, here is my showreel:      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0eo6BDuUGQ     In the showreel, I was the camera operator, the DOP, the editor and colorist of every single video you see here. All 8-bit cameras on FCP7 and FCPX.   And I want to push this further now with more power behind the hood!! 

Cheers for that information, its much appreciated.    I know sod all about graphics cards, I try to read into it but totally switch off. When it comes to cameras, I'm engrossed like a beast!   My work is very serious, pro-level stuff. I've got clients paying in the thousands for their videos on a regular basis (of those thousands I see only a fraction, expenses and all), and I get by with what I have now, but with progress comes a time when you need to step up another level. Its a personal artistic thing mostly, besides from the fact I'm trying to attract bigger clients!    I'm interested in 4k only for its downsampling to 1080p and re-framing options. If the GH4 rumours are true, I'll likely buy it - so if anything, I would give 4k a go. But its not that important really. More interested in awesome 1080p and 10 bit grading (and a bit of raw)   I'd like to know if anyone could be kind enough to advise me (again, I won't go PC, its like changing back to Y-fronts, it wont happen) Could I boost up my current Mac (and to what cost) Or would it be worth buying a new iMac or MacPro (what would an investment an a MacPro mean for me? Longevity? Power?)   Cheers

I am an iMac User, and I currently edit music videos for a living using Final Cut Pro X, which is a near perfect editor for (usually) fast turnaround videos. I get by using many plugins to help with looks and grading.   I regularly use the GH3 and FS700, but find myself using more footage each day from 10 bit cameras. I have not shot raw yet, but I intend to use it as a tool when needed in future.   My work usually requires heavy colour grading for strong, stylistic shots (with great results on 8bit!) but as I'm getting better at grading and more interested in colour, I find my hardware cant even keep up in FCPX, let alone anything like DaVinci Resolve, which I intend to learn and use in the very near future.    My business intends to keep using cmas such as the GH3 for lower end, simple work - but we are going to invest in 10bit + in Q1 2014 as we aim to bring our strong visual artsy style into the cinematic. (we also have allsorts of grip equipment to achieve such shots and a BeStedy gyro unit coming!)   I have enough computer tech to get me by and make basic decisions on hardware. As some of you guys are more computer-technically knowledgable than me, I need some advice about upgrading/buying new hardware to support heavier post work.    My current Mac (model 27 inch, 2011) spec is: 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5 12GB 1333 Mhz DDR3 RAM AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1024 MB 1TB HD   I know thats pretty crap right now for what I want to achieve, but I do get by currently and get some great, distinctive results. Its been successful so far!   Before anyone says, I'm stubborn or won't ever consider using a PC as I've been hypnotised by Apple. I'm open for using Adobe Premiere as I know they have added intuitive features (better multicam and controls), but I'm Apple all the way. No PC.    I know the Mac Pro has been announced, but don't have the knowledge to know if its worth the money over say a souped up iMac.    For upgrade or new Mac (budget aside but not ridiculous), what would you advise me?    Thanks in advance.     

Now this sounds absolutely awesome! Please be true.    I love the GH3 and its brilliant ergonomics and functionality. These are important factors that the BMD cameras severely lack. They create beautiful images but are a complete pain in the ass.    I see the AG-GH4 as the ideal camera with current technology. 4k can be down sampled to 1080p for a better image, and also offer choices in post with framing.    From my professional experience with BMD cameras (not hobbyist), I see them only as a serious film narrative tool. I think the AG-GH4 takes the best of all worlds (on paper that is).    The only thing i don't see is high frame rates...surely this will be added at lower resolutions? (120fps please?) That addition would make it one of the best cameras on the market.   So an announcement at NAB 2014 maybe? Wonder what BMD have up their sleeve? (absolutely no firmware updates but 67 new cameras hehe)

4k ...... Well that was inevitable. But Panasonic have a massive opportunity to make a big impact on the market with the GH4. Just 4k isn't attractive, as many don't need it. I just hope we see: 1080p 10 bit 422 ProRes recording 120FPS at 1080p Better dynamic range and low light Although I think raw would be an awesome addition, this is probably asking too much. If they did include it, even at 1080p - this would be pretty much the ultimate camera. Full Frame it isn't, but Super 35 is absolutely fine and you can get this pretty much with a Speed booster. I hope Panasonic do this. Please do.

These forums are like a warzone sometimes. Poor D.L Watson for sharing his work on the GH3, I don't see anyone else coughing up and showing their jpeg-like masterpiece eh?    I think D.L should go out and make a Zack Snyder inspired masterpiece with an iPhone 5s, like of some ninjas chopping up mangos or something and grade it in Resolve while hanging upside down. Or you could get a raw camera, sit on a bench and get a really shallow focus shot of a leaf.    Oh, and the 7D footage sucks a bit. Doesn't matter though. It's a Grandpa now in camera years. 

These are very attractive cameras, they have a lot going for them.   On video terms however, AVCHD is a bit of an annoying codec. Deal breaker. Next move.... Mr. Camera Company...

  Spill the beans then.... a bit of spillage won't hurt will it? 

Funny that people are complaining that their cameras have a bolted on video feature which they don't have to use.   The world has gone mad for the 9,043,345,546,987,321,3456th time! 

    So its definately been more than 2- 3 weeks..... spill!!!

  Note my sarcasm.... ;)

  I think you summed your post up with the word amateur Because the 5D is a perfect camera for amateur filmmakers who want to play with professional equipment and don't need to worry if it all goes tits up. But please don't sex up the camera Fanboys are so tiresome.       Well yes that sums it up. The BMCC isn't made for 'amateurs'. Neither is the 5D3 for that matter, especially if you consider it a raw shooting camera.   Don't waste time arguing on this. Just shoot with the camera you have and be happy with it.  No camera is any good without content to actually shoot. Make content. Be happier. Then be really happy when you can shoot with an Epic, because you made content before that rocked!    It's so much more impressive when someone says 'Wow! You shot THAT on an iPhone! Killer!!' compared to 'So that's what the Epic can do. Beautiful footage.'   The iPhone user was very happy when shooting his content. The Epic user is a seasoned professional. Both are the same person. Both, very very happy. 

Buy a GoPro instead. That does 4k at 15FPS. Available right now. Someone said it looks better than the RED Epic with Dragon sensor  ;)

CVP says 30/11/2013

EOSHD is right. What a time wasting argument.    Some of us come on forums like this to learn, and discussions like this just makes that process damn confusing.   Wrong information should be deleted.

Nothing beats getting the features straight out the box. Thats why I have a GH3 - not much messing around with a lack of features or hacks.    Blackmagic cameras are unfinished. Raw on 5D requires hacking, which I cant trust for a pro project. I just want my cameras working flawlessly without hacks, with decent features, straight out the box.   Panasonic and Olympus (I expect) are definitely ones to watch for video innovation. As for Canon, they are trickling out features because they want to make loads of money. Filmmakers are a tiny part of their target market in DSLRs.   I've personally put Canon on the backburner. I would love Panasonic to release a high end GH camera with 10bit ProRes and 120FPS. Anything on top would be a bonus! 

  I think you missed my point.    Very well done to Andrew for his blog. Its a decent source of information.    I'm sure the majority of us get on with it, enjoy the new advancements in technology and how that will help utilise our creativity. But there is a minority who don't really grasp that just because they can't shoot in say, raw, because their camera is 'shitty' h264, that they can't make a film.    My point is, don't hold back - because if you do, you may do forever and never be happy with what you have.   Just be happy - shoot your films - and keep doing so, whatever you have. Just do it. Now. 

With all this talk, I shot a series of very-very mini shorts on my iPhone and loved it. They were graded using apps, but remained unedited. I tried out some quirky ideas for the shots to get something interesting going.   I showed a few family and friends who loved them. The fact it was shot on the iPhone actually enhanced their experience...'you did that on an iPhone? Thats so cool!'    The general public don't care what you shot it on really, they are just looking for entertainment and something captivating. You let things like camera specs get in the way, then your filmmaking career should I say, I'm afraid you might as well forget it. 

I'm currently editing a music video with the BMPCC. I had some major concerns about the camera when using it on the shoot, but the image quality really is pretty fantastic. I shot another music video then with the BMCC, again, fantastic image. Very similar. Went back to my GH3 after the shoot, and although the image off the BMPCC is much more lovely, It didnt stop me liking my GH3 any less. Its just great to have the options for the right shoot.

@ScreensPro does have a very valid point.    I stand by something I always say. The really creative guy with his iPhone 5 will make a better film than the guy who is a whizz on the RED Epic but has very little in creative ideas.    @EOSHD has a very valid point.    If you have access to a camera with better specs, its worth your time making your masterpiece with that. Image quality is a massive asset.    @BurnetRhoades -  I'm not too sure.   In the right hands, the GH3 is a very capable camera that can deliver fantastic images close to cameras priced 6 x its value. To just sideline the camera for its supposed inferiority is perplexing seen as its predecessor shot the cinematically released Upstream Colour with great results. Just shows its the hands and the brains rather than the sensor and specs.    I understand this is mostly a technical forum, but its a shame that we see a huge lack in discussing the craft of filmmaking rather than how many mbps camera 1 shoots compared to camera 2 on forums.     The camera is one piece of a jigsaw. The craft and creativity is everything else.  ;)

I wish we could have a modular camera system, where we could essentially tailor the camera features for ourself by purchasing options (frame rates, codecs, etc) to attach or upload to a starter-body.   This will never happen of course.

I've used the Wooden cage, and it's crap. Only my opinion like. You might like it.