Cinegain

Good to hear! Might make the 12-35mm f/2.8 great again ( ). Yeah, I went with the comparable Olympus, because I figured, if I'm going to get the E-M1, I might as well go for the kit and save me some casheroos on the stunning lens and not get the Panasonic. Then when the 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO came out, had to get it. Especially because of its rectilinear design and quality of the lens (over the Panasonic counterpart). Still would like the 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO with teleconverter as well, but you know... 1500 bucks and I already have the Panasonic 100-300mm that I actually quite like. Great thing though is now we have a bit more freedom with the built-in stabilization. We can pick glass as we please.

Quite a bit of difference in focal length. The 42.5mm is much more restrictive I'd say, but is great as a portrait lens for example. With 30mm you're in more of a general purpose area doing a bit of everything rather well. Both have a great look to 'em though, so I'd say mainly it's focal length you've got to think about. Don't actually know about the Sigma, but the Panasonic 42.5mm isn't too terrible to use for close up shots (macro) either. Plus, before we had OIS primes restricted to Leica, now there's Lumix ones, with OIS, including the 42.5mm, so that's a real blessing. If you have a 25mm already, maybe you can skip the 30mm for now and go for the 42.5mm. If you already have a 50mm, then maybe get the 30mm. All depends what you can use the most and lends itself for your kind of shooting.

True, but cars don't magically slow down either. @Grimor, great news! Matt Frazer and the Panasonic US team always show they listen and care. Then they'll have to pull some strings to actually get something going overseas, but they really come through for us! I think they're the main reason we've seen features added on the GH4.

I saw the D5600 should be near announcement the other day! http://nikonrumors.com/2016/11/06/nikon-d5600-camera-to-be-announced-next-soon.aspx/ Yeah, it would definitely be nice to e.g. have a body with the focus motor built into it though. And maybe a mode that I believe is called 'tripod mode', where you can use the contrast based AF or just MF without the mirror flipping anyways (which the D5300 does in liveview). Not sure about 4K. Think they might pull a Canon T-series on that one (keeping it 1080p). How they use their sensor is really some of the best examples of how it's done. That's why I have the D5300 in the first place. It's just silly good. For stills on a whole other level. Also, the video looks very organic and natural and like you already noticed, great dynamic range as well. But... it isn't very nice to use. That's my gripe with it. Mirrorless has way more bells 'n whistles and Panasonic is just killing it with the video features... I wish the next Nikon was an APS-C mirrorless one. Something like the Samsung NX2 might have been...

Look closely, it's a DIY job. Very nifty! I also like the HDMI cable supplied by Pilotflly!

Yeah, that was appreciated, looked good. Coincidentally I saw a shot taken with one in this weekend's line-up at 43rumors: http://www.43rumors.com/weekly-43rumors-readers-pictures-roundup-122/ that looked really nice. Just snagged the 1 remaining stock one from Amazon UK. I've gotten curious! -- dispatched; arriving the 17th

Interesting. I have the 19mm and other 30mm from Sigma as well, the f/2.8 EX DN ones (they were a hundo each back in the day because they (with grippy focus rings) got replaced by a newer version). Can't fault them optically, one of the dang sharpest out there and man, that price. Unbeatable. Built/mechanically... has been kinda meh, but you know. It's like a candywrapper around a tasty and fancy chocolats. In the end it's just about the taste and making you want to have more of it! Wouldn't hurt I guess to swap the f/2.8 out for the f/1.4. They ask around 399 EUR for one around here. I can get it from Amazon.co.uk for 279 EUR (excl. shipping, but there's a 'buy a 40 GBP giftcard, get 6 GBP credit'-deal anyways, so even less than 279 in the end). Cash in on the f/2.8 and then the f/1.4 is starting to look light a mighty interesting addition, especially if it really is as good as some say it is. I have some manual or vintage glass that's f/1.4 or faster, but otherwise, I guess I'm currently limited to native electronic M43-mount of f/1.7. Could be interesting paired with the GX80/G80, this one. -- ooh, and congrats on the Panaleica. That's like the holy grail one. Still find that pretty dang pricey for a single focal length lens (I've only spent that kinda money on a zoom), myself, but yeah, that look tho!

Yeah, pick your poison, indeed. Time for the Lytro pocket cinema camera and liquid lenses to hit the market already.

Yeah, looking at the footage shot, it doesn't look like the gear is holding you back from the actual experience. The camera is just casually there, sorta speak. But the Sigma is a beast, true in performance as well, but the size and weight is not to be underestimated. I'd only really use it in combination with a cage/rig/tripod (and indeed boosted). But if you think it's manageable for you, then by all means! But maybe see if you can borrow one from someone for a day... might change your mind for using it on hikes 'n trips like that. Think the Panasonic might be a good bet, especially because of the OIS. If focusing with the 20mm works for you, this should too? I personally opted for the Olympus one, because it also matches up really well with the E-M1 and I indeed like that MF-declutch with hard stops, the built quality and the optical performance/look; trade-off was: no OIS and it's a heftier piece of equipment as well. 7-14mm is brilliant too with its rectilinear design, great for landscapes and has come down in price quite a bit since I got it at launch. But on a Panasonic body, that smaller lens, correction and OIS could mean the Panasonic 12-35mm would be well suited. Though I'm not sure if that micro jitter issue is still there?

Speaking of improvements (didn't feel like opening a whole other thread) and carrying bigger loads, ha, now here's a nifty idea! ~ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/firstsparkgear/daisho-turn-your-camera-gimbal-into-a-shoulder-rig | http://www.firstsparkgear.com/daisho/ ( via ) Reducing two major problems of handheld (pistol grip/dual handle) stabilizers... all the heavy load on your arms, creating muscle exhaustion and up/down bouncing movement. Not too shabby.

Great stuff, man! Cool footage, fun edit! Nice job on the sound as well, btw. 3:53 timelapse was stunning! Agree with going wide! I had the 25 and 42.5mm with me in NYC. Ended up using the 12-60mm for just about everything. Be careful with that Sigma. It's a beaut, but I wouldn't really use it handheld. Dual IS (2) works like a charm btw when you throw an OIS lens in front. It's like monopod-mode or something (for handheld camerashake, not necessarily replacing a gimbal stabilizer any day soon).

Yeah, Olympus = photographer's brand first. So most of these folks enrolled in the Olympus Visionary Program, they might know how to take picture or two, but... video... maybe not so much. That's also why nothing looks like make-up was applied in post to make it look extra pretty. Often photographers have a more realistic approach as to what the footage should look like. It's more about capturing the moment and not messing with it too much. Photographers also think very practical, so rather than using an ND filter, they probably up the shutterspeed. Everything considered, in video that might quickly translate to a boring tv-esque look. Indeed it would've helped to have more people who actually know video well do something with it, because even with the older E-M1 and E-M5 Mark II there were some talented people that knew the strong points for video and the weaknesses and shoot and grade accordingly, creating some sweet stuff. I never understand these companies and how they choose to promote their video functionality, they sometimes do a pretty lousy job at showcasing its potential, a shame, really. Neways, that said... they're bringing out a top-of-the-line camera that needs to be current for the next two or three years, atleast! So they've equipped it accordingly: And the reported: So, yeah, it probably really is that good.

Think it's mostly that people are realizing buying a GoPro doesn't make you a surfer, cliff jumper, wingsuiter, extreme snowboarder, etc. And for whatever they do use it for their current action cam will suffice and they're not too interested in upgrading. Did see one guy in Chinatown getting frustrated at his HERO5 on a selfie stick for not obeying his voice command 'GoPro, take photo', so there's still some people buying 'em, I guess. Do think they are THE action cam to go for and I have two GoPros myself that come in handy every now and then, but I think the demand has come down and the competetion got more attractive, so it's just a tough position to be in. Offering a whole system around the GoPro was supposed to get things back on track, but I'm not sure how many people will actually get into that sorta thing. The great thing about the GoPro is that it's easy to take with you, mount and operate. Don't see that many people going about their day with a quadcopter and handheld gimbal stabilizer. I like the fact that the new GoPro e.g. offers a touchscreen and is waterproof without a case and has a fairer price than the previous models, but I was kinda expecting some more improvements in the imaging department. Can't tell much difference with HERO4 specs/footage. That is a bit of a shame, since competition is getting stepping up the game considerably with each release... for less money too. And if GoPro wants to remain THE go-to brand, they need to have class leading specs and quality. Still like 'em though. There's something Canon about them. Small incremental updates, but the picture looks pretty sweet right of the bat, little bit thicker with pretty colors.

I like the Fujifilm, but Olympus has always been good with color too. Plus the new E-M1 Mark II has insane speed for stills. Does feature dual card slots as well, but then has that vari-angle touchscreen. Comes with 4K and a flat profile. And does feature the 5-axis in-body stabilization, something the Fuji lacks; then features both mic-in and headphone jack to really make it a nice allrounder. What's not to like? Well, people are complaining about the hefty price tag 1999 USD/EUR, 1849 GBP. There's some seriously capable glass out there; albeit also with a price tag. The 7-14 & 12-40mm PRO zooms for example. 75mm f/1.8 is like the crown jewel for portraits (I always enjoy the shots taken with one on the weekend showcases over at 43rumors). Use one of them all manual f/0.95 lenses and enjoy sensor stabilization! If you don't really need the APS-C sensor and Fuji mojo, I'd definitely consider that one. Can't wait to see more from this camera. Or... if you can live with 1080p, maybe the Nikon D750. Or like mercer did, go with the D5500 even. Those always grab great stills and nice bits of video. Just hope you enjoy using an optical viewfinder. I'm no fan, so I do love the sensor performance of my D5300, but I don't really enjoy shooting with it at all. That flippin' mirror drives me flippin' mad. I'm a mirrorless-kinda guy I guess.

Not much at all I bet (also, this isn't a Sony, so this is going to be top of the line for another 2-3 years, not months). But you can expect a free battery grip, that's something they always seem to do. -- Here's a cool Geizhals graph that shows the E-M1 not really moving the initial 3/4 yr.

Pretty sure that info was out around the original release at Photokina. The GH5 is the mystic one wrapped in a mist of secrets...

Well. Yeah. Then there's that. But I like fullframe, I really do, the look, the performance. But it's just not me, primarily for size reasons. But also... go buy yourself the A7RII or 5DmkIV... and then add a couple of quality lenses. Now that really is going to set you back some proper casheroos! Suddenly a top end 2000,- body and a 1000,- lens doesn't sound that out of line for going pro. But yeah... ヽ($_€)ノ

@JB, sounds good. They've also told me that it 'will produce great video and is just ideal for video making. Also C-AF will not be a problem. I hope you stay tuned until the offical launch', so that got me pretty curious (though not taking their word for it)! As you said, the E-M1 is just lovely for stills, you could probably go out with a little shoulderbag and have the 7-14, 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO and 75mm f/1.8 in there and you're set for some serious shooting! For those who are hybrid shooters, that are actually more filmmakers, there's the GH-series if you want that LOG, 10-bit output, advanced slowmo, anamorphic mode, TC, etc. But now, the primarily stills hybrid shooters can have something really impressive stills wise, with insane speed. Thing before was... if you shot a video with the E-M1, it wasn't on the level its stills were. I was hoping that had finally changed (because the E-M5 Mark II didn't really). And now the E-M1 Mark II has the vari-angle screen. The headphone jack and everything. It has become a proper allround tool for video shooting. Just all depends now on the quality. I was afraid Olympus was going to put such a stills focus on this, that it wouldn't even get 4K. That it was going to be riddled with aliasing/moiré and compression junk... or have a weird crop or something. If they manage to just pull off nice video... like a Canon, Nikon or Fujifilm would for example (they don't have incredible GH-line features either), then I'd be a happy camper. And people need somewhere to go... so the flagships are always going to jump, that's just going to push the prices. I'm glad that's one of the reasons with Panasonic the G80/85/81 and GX80/85 for example are a thing. With Olympus you've got the E-M5 and E-M10 lines. But with the up in quality and prices in lenses, to get the most out of it, you need the body that extracts everything out of those puppies; no concessions. Unfortunately that means with each flagship prices are going up instead of same or down. That's also something you must've noticed with the other brands that drive innovation (like Sony). But... if it delivers... I'll cough up the dosh and upgrade my E-M1 to a Mark II. But... that's a stills camera gone usable for video shooting. There's still the GH4 that's like the ultimate tool for video with all bells 'n whistles. The GH5 is a little further along the way, but it will also have a significant up in price. But it will have some sick features that you can't deny. I'm already rocking multiple cameras. I either go out and have the deciding factor to be taking stills OR video and pack accordingly. But it's nice that you can take solid video with a stills camera and that you can take stills with a primarily video camera. Or sometimes I want to pack light and discrete... well, the GX80 with 20mm f/1.7 covers that. I don't see having choices as a burden. If anything, it gives me more freedom.

It's like watching people fight for their Playstation or Xbox throwing shade at eachother. I be like... let 'em fight it out, I'll just play on PC.

True that. Although I've got to admit... it does show that DJI really has some experience with their Phantoms, Inspire, Zenmuse, Ronin & OSMO. GoPro seems a bit more like 'uh, what can we do that makes the Hero5 more interesting to buy?' and in turn putting a system together from scratch to go with that camera. That ends up me kinda liking the Hero5 for what it is... then again, action cams is their field... but liking the Mavic for just about everything else. Maybe one of the companies should buy the other already. For the time I'm still not convinced by any of it, so... I'll just wait 'n see what the future holds. Maybe there's a third party (Yuneec, 3DR or something) that will come out with a smart 'n compact HERO carrying platform. Or maybe Xiaoyi/YI having a go at a m4/3 aerial platform.

The drawback for me is... it's EF mount and the only thing by Canon I've ever had is a Powershot SX1 IS and A1300. Maybe a handful of printers too. Though... speaking of Canon. If you want to have a gimbal and sweet AF... maybe just get one of those with Dualpixel AF and let it do its thing. Maybe a 1080p one, if you don't absolutely need 4K. I think everything else is just cumbersome. Either stick with fixed focus or go Canon. And maybe your phone's screen is too small, maybe instead of Huawei, try the other one: Xiaomi, their latest one is radical! http://www.mi.com/mix/

Guess I got lucky then, not sure why there would be such a massive gap between first units and follow up stock. @Jazz, yup, one of the reasons to ditch a G7, GX80/85 and go with this puppy! They did some wicked things to the FZ2000/FZ2500 as well. Giving it 4:2:2/10-bit out even. So you still know some segmentation is going on. Canon has set a bad example. Luckily for us, segmentation with Panasonic means a lot of different cameras, not overpriced DSLRs and a cinema range to go to from there. X70 sounds interesting too! I've been thinking going with a Ricoh GR II for some shots around the city/cities. Even more basic than a LX100 you could say. And the APS-C sensor should help with the still image quality. The Ricoh isn't really perfect though, so the next best thing seems that X70. Though, regarding video it's probably not all that.

It's almost 31.10 though, so you could either wait a while for prices to drop, or jump on a decent deal right now (in case of UK Digital a free 64GB Panasonic card, 12-60mm and battery grip for body only EU prices).

You mean, like... Not a big user of the app myself though. Guess you meant something more refined? There's the Aputure DEC system for EF lenses.

I wholeheartedly agree. There's a couple of things. Dynamic range, depth of field (and sharpness harshness front to back) , and codec/bitrate which really give it a smartphone look. That's the areas they really need to improve in! The Cinema4K app helps a little here. Think it's a little gimmicky to say 'I shot this whole thing on just a smartphone'. Well, what was the reason behind it? 'Well, uh, it makes it instantly more impressive, no?'. Yeah, not sure it works that way. And it might be decent or good. But wouldn't it have turned out better with some more production behind it? And the things that are shot, weren't shot with 'just a smartphone'. Didn't they have like quite elaborate set-ups for it? I don't know. I don't think I'll be shooting anything meaningful on a smartphone any day soon. I'll still go for that dedicated camera option.