DBounce

No, there are more people today taking pictures with a Samsung smartphone, that can also take pictures. No one refers to a smartphone as a camera. They call it their phone. And in any case, this comparison is not between as Samsung phone vs a camera... I already did that shootout, and in some respects the phone was better. But that said I would not consider it my goto tool for video, on a real project. It's mainly used out of convenience. As a former NX1 owner, I can tell you it was a great camera. The touch screen /UI was far and away the best I have used. The camera felt balanced. And I have many great pictures from it. As a video capture device it was capable. Though I found it had a tendency to crush the black levels. Lens selection was somewhat inflexible. And frankly build quality was subpar for it's place in the market. In the end I left that system for the Sony α, then later I turned my attention back to Canon (still great btw), and most recently I have been exploring the GH5, which might be the best of breed to date. There can be little doubt that if Samsung had been determined to own the market they could have. They have the tech, and I would have put a NX1MK2 on my short list of must have cameras. It's a shame that Samsung bailed on their user base. I know I will never trust them again in the camera space, and I am certain I am not alone in this thinking. The take away here is none of this matters. Better, worse... Samsung no longer makes enthusiast cameras. And if they ever come back, they are going to need to do something to assure users that they are in it for the long haul.

Well I agree, but more importantly is why do we both feel that way? What was done differently to make the one scene feel more "cinematic" than the other? If we can nail that down we will be one step closer to pulling off the look.

I have some very recent experience with this setup. And honestly while those lenses work great on full frame, full sized DSLRs, they feel cumbersome on the much smaller GH5. I'm getting rid of my MBSB and investing in M43 glass. If I'm going to put up with extra size and weight it will have to be for something like anamorphic. Other than that, there are smaller and easier to wield options.

Great work! Love them both. It's very inspiring to see what this little camera is capable of. Does anyone know the anamorphic setup in the first video? I am very interested as the astetic look really pleasing.

Ok more screwing around with the GH5... I have discovered the VFR settings... Oh boy, this ones got me thinking Also so playing with VLog with some grades:

Well if he's not answering before he's taken any money... good luck getting an answer once he has it. This kind of customer service should be a red flag to anyone looking to do business with a new company. If the SLR Magic Range Finder was worth a dam, I would get that. But as luck would have it I'll just have to wait on the Orion Series.

I really like what your doing here, but I'm holding off on ordering. Truth is I've been trying to get hold of the folks over at coredna@transferconvert.co.uk but they never reply to my emails. Are they still in business?

Agreed, but this was as much a test of the MBSB, as it was the GH5. More to the point, at $650, is the MBSB a smart investment for GH5 owners with lots of Canon glass, or is it better to invest in new native glass?

I thought of both of those lenses... but are you impressed with SLR Magic? I've seen many subpar lenses from them. It makes me bit skeptical of them. Voigtlander is better regarded, but how is the focus breathing? And most of the test that I see on these lenses shooting video they are stopped down to f2. These are low-light test of the lens... so are they not sharp until f2? The Veydras are sharp across the range, and because they are "real" cinema lenses focus breathing is very good. Colors are consistent across the range also. How do the other two compare in these regards?

You have taken the words from my mouth. I can confirm after a few hours of playing around with the GH5, that it is totally self defeating to use my Canon glass on this body. Whereas, on the large Canon body the lenses feel right. This is not the case on the much more svelte GH5. I tested several lenses today. The most comfortable from the Canon line-up was the 16-35mm F4 LII, but there is little point to fitting such a large and slow lens to this body. I'm thinking the MBSB is a mistake for the GH5. That said something for walk around would not be a bad idea. Something like the 12-40mm 2.8 II?

I just picked up a GH5, and still getting the hang of it. But so far I love the size, quality and weight of it. I'm really looking forward to using it on some projects to see what I can do with it. I am looking to do some anamorphic stuff with it though, which is counter to the size/weight equation. But I do not think there is a way to get around giant anamorphic lenses, not for true anamorphic anyway. But that aside, I can agree with the GH5 being a solid choice for small run n gun style shooting.

Here is some test footage. The focus is not great on the Veydra in this shot. Keep in mind that it is the exact same lens that the frame grab is from, so it is definitely capable of some sharp imagery. I did several grades throughout the video to test out V-Log. Once I get an anamorphic setup I'll definitely be looking to get something like this for desqueeze.

I plan to get the entire set of Veydra Mini Primes, but first I needed to be convinced, so I tried the 16mm by itself. I like the 35mm focal length so on M43 this is a pretty close equivalent. I will not pay good money for poorly built lenses. My gear must be built to last, I don't like surprises when I'm traveling with my kit. That said I do like the look of the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH, and I hear plenty of good things about it. My real questions is does the MBSB make sense on M43? Does it undermine the whole "keep it small" mentality?

Here's a quick and rough FOV test, using again the 24-70mm f2.8 on both the 1DXMK2 and GH5. It seems the 1DXMK2 has a very slight advantage in FOV, but nothing anyone would notice. It's honestly near enough as make no difference. After reading the post about ditching larger bodies for smaller ones, I really thought it might be worth a try. I am enjoying both cameras. They are very different, but both great tools. I never hoped to get usable autofocus from the GH5, its just that going back to conventional/nonworking autofocus after being spoiled by the 1DXMK2 is a bit of an eyeopener. Canon colors rock out of the box, but even with the heavy weight codec, it cannot compete with a 10 bit camera with a modern light weigh codec. I truly cannot wait to see what the new 400 Mbps codec brings. I plan to add a wireless follow focus to the GH5, for use on my gimbal and shoulder rig. I am debating weather it makes more sense to buy the SmallHD Focus, or the Atomos Inferno, as I am unconvinced that the added size and weight are worth the 4k 60fps 10 bit that it offers. As for motion cadence, I do like the motion cadence of the Canon. It looks pretty good to my eyes. However, I think the GH5 will be equally good and perhaps... hopefully even better in this regard. They are both fantastic cameras.

As I write this I have just taken possession of a brand new Panasonic Lumix GH5. My initial thoughts are that it feels good in hand. Almost everything seems well thought out... save for the display button inexplicably located on the handgrip, which ensures it will be pressed inadvertently when handling the camera. I did not expect for the GH5 to match Canon's amazing autofocus... and it did not. Stepping away from the 1DXMk2 and using the GH5 really highlights the value that DPAF brings. It is such a powerful tool and makes even a ham-fisted user look like a pro. The 1DXMk2 is built to last. If you drop this thing you worry about the thing it hits, not the camera. While the GH5 is very solid, if they get in a fight, I know which one my money would be on. So how do the two compare as cameras?My first pictures were good. And I am certain that after some time with the camera I will be able to get near enough to the imagery that I get from the Canon 1DXMk2. But... if size is not a detractor... the 1DXMk2 is going to be my weapon of choice. There, that's it. No follow up needed. Put this one to bed. The GH5 is good. I can see the potential from only a few clicks, but the 1DXMk2 has mojo. I cannot explain it any better... there's a reason it cost 3x the money people. So why would I get the GH5? Well I needed it, because I clearly remember the 1DXMK2 takes subpar video... meaning the GH5 was a much needed purchase. So to reenforce this premise I set out to conduct exhaustive testing, pitting the two camera's back to back... using the same lighting conditions, F-Stop, and with the help of a brand new Metabones Speed Booster XL .64 (MBSB)... the same lenses. Well that was the plan, but by the time the testing got underway, it was getting pretty late... so I may have made a few mistakes... but the overall results should still stand... mostly. I lit the set with my Apeture light storms bi-color. And opted for a warmer setting. 3600k. First up was the 1DXMk2. I popped on the ubiquitous Canon 24-70mm f2.8, and shot it wide open. Then I switch to the GH5 and shot the same scene. But for good measure I also shot again with the GH5, but this time using a Veydra Mini Prime 16mm T2.2, again wide open. The Canon lens while I recall thinking of it as a medium size lens on my 1DXMk2, seemed large and unwieldy on the GH5. Was it the added weight of the Speed Booster? I don't really know, I just know it seemed a little self defeating to use this lens on an otherwise much smaller camera. So now to the moment of truth, Finally back in the editing bay... em my couch... I was now able to view the footage on my computer. Prepared to see just how superior the GH5 would look, I imported the clips into FCPX. Again the Canon would be first. I hit play... And once again was reminded of why I bought a 1DXMk2. The footage looked great. Perfectly exposed... perfectly in focus, even though I was in front of the camera and had to trust the 1DXMK2 to get the take properly. The Neutral profile produced... well glorious Canon colors. The video looked wonderful. The GH5 would have some big shoes to fill. I dragged the GH5 clips to the timeline and viewed them. The first clip was shot using the MBSB and the 24-70. All settings where the same save for ISO, which if I recall was slightly higher on the Canon. I have to tell you that the framing was off. I'm going to blame the fact that is was late, and filming yourself is hard without reliable autofocus. Well I'm just gonna come out and say it, I feel the Canon crushed the GH5. The lenses hunted away the entire time on the GH5, never settling down even when my face was detected. So the shots were never really perfectly in focus. And when I switched to the Veydra Mini Prime, frankly I missed focus. In the end I feel that it's me that failed on this shoot, not the GH5. Why do I feel this way? Well the autofocus is all Panasonic... I'm not taking the wrap for that. But the resolution and clarity with the manual lens was my fault. I know this because earlier I had shot some handheld video and pulled a frame, and that frame was tack sharp, using the same Veydra Mini Prime. Grading, I did not grade the Canon footage. I think the Canon footage is best colored in camera using a picture profile. I did however grade the bejesus out of the GH5 footage... and it did not break. I think it did great, especially considering this is the 150mbps codec. I walked away very impressed with the results, and frankly pretty excited about the creative potential of this little (I'm coming from a 1DXMK2) camera. Here is my intermediate conclusion/not conclusion: The GH5 is going to surpass my 1DXMk2 for video. It captures sharper, more detailed and more gradable footage. To my eyes the GH5's footage felt more cinematic also. Granted that my be subjective. The size is good, but I am left wondering if I should ditch the MBSB and only use M43 glass? As a amateur creative, I think we are lucky to have so many great options to help us share our vision with others. I plan to do more shooting with the GH5, as I can see the potential it has. From what I can tell, both are powerful tools. If you cannot tell your story with either of these cameras, it's you that is the bottleneck. I have only begun to explore the GH5, so I will follow up later with anything new that I learn. I am still on the fence with the Atomos Inferno... while I'm sure it would help when pulling focus, I do not like the size/weight. I am really excited about the prospects of getting into anamorphic shooting, but again size and weight are compromises that I would need to make. Feel free to post comments or questions. Video to follow... These frame grabs from GH5 shot in V-Log, shot using Veydra Mini Primes 16mm show to latitude of V-Log, as well as the potential of the GH5/Veydra Mini Primes combination:

Raw can save your ass in recovering blown highlights or shadow detail... but so can controlling light. Provided you are doing that, I believe the GH5 will have the latitude to correct any mistakes you make. I think raw is really about saving you from your mistakes. However, ideally, nothing would need correction in post, as you would have controlled your set. So you need to assess what you are shooting and your lighting skills. That said, the useability of the GH5 will be something you utilize every time you handle it. For myself, I picked up the GH5. Never considered a 5DMk3 as I want to be able to work fast and efficiently. It arrives today, so my opinion may evolve after some shutter time.

Well hopefully the new 400 Mbps codec will fix this also. Not that most would every need such an extreme grade.

Just ordered a GH5, V-Log Update, two spare batteries, hotshoe audio adapter and a 16mm Veydra mini prime (wanted to try one before special ordering the full set). I'm hoping that this kit will deliver the image quality that I demand in video. If so, I'll pick up a second GH5 for a B-cam. I'm not sold on the IBIS yet... mainly because I would need to use Panasonic lenses, and that is not really a direction I want to head in. Also I changed my mind on the Metabones. I want to keep this system as light weight as possible, so the Metabones + my Canon lenses, seems... well, like a step in the wrong direction. If this setup works I will ditch my Letus Helix Jr and opt for one of the new 45˚ angle one handed gimbals. Lastly, I plan to add a Silencer Air remote follow focus. So I guess I'll have to let you know how that works out. I'm pretty pumped about this system. I believe this should come pretty close to the promise of the DJI OSMO Pro but without the compromises.

Was thinking of getting a set of veydra mini primes. Any thoughts?

I have largely kept out of this one. But as I patiently wait for the Canon C200 my thoughts have also turned to the GH5. With the pending 400Mbps codec and 10bit, this camera looks to offer compelling features for a nice low price. I could easily snag two of these little beast and some lenses for the same money. But perhaps even more compelling is the mobility that the GH5 affords when striped down. Even my 1DXMkII becomes heavy in normal use. Granted it is worth the weight for stills, and I love the images I get from it. But for video I have to wonder if the GH5 is not the better of the two. 10bit makes a real difference. One that is apparent after editing some V-Log footage from the GH5. Those file can be pushed further than my 1DXMkII files. And we are talking less than a third the size. I am impressed with this camera. Also it would seem the GH5 represents the easiest path to anamorphic filming. Granted, most of the lenses I have seen that are "cough" affordable, look like garbage. I will give you that the Orion Series by Atlas looks pretty nice, but at $18k for the set... let's just say it's doable, but not without some thought. I guess the point is, I can see real benefits to the GH5. Frankly, save for lowlight performance, Panasonic have in many ways surpassed the competition. If Panasonic can get their act together with better AF (maybe int the new firmware?) they will be unstoppable.

While the pocket has a great image, it was not exactly wonderful to work with. I would choose the GH5 hands down and never look back.

It's definitely crushed. But nevertheless, I do like your work. Would love to see the non-color-corrected footage.

To my mind the C100 is more suitable if 1080p is your thing. I have high praise for the NX1, but Samsung bailed out on that system, and when they did... so did I. As for the cinema5D review, well the camera is not out yet. So I understand why they could only review it under Canon's watchful eye. But I see no reason why it could not still be impartial. From what I could see of the footage it looks pretty dam good. If I were a betting man, I would guess there is a C200 in your future also. Before being too harsh, lets first see how the actual retail camera pans out.

Well I prefer my cameras be reliable, and with the continued overrheating problems that this and other Sony cameras are experiencing, I think that leaves them out of contention for as an option for many serious users.

But is the GH5 in the same league as a Stills camera as the 1DXMK2? I think not. There really is no perfect camera. Also are we certain that the C200 is not weather sealed? I have seen video with it being used in the rain... see below (2:33)