MrSMW

Tilt screen, 100% yes. It’s the flip out to the side I am not keen on. But, flip out to the side is still better than no tilt at all such as with all Leica bodies and the Sigma FP. I couldn’t switch camera system mid season, which is where I am right now and yes, do not actually that want to right now (but enjoy the hypothetical speculation!). I’m hoping that any future changes to my set up will be within the L Mount Alliance for the smoothest transition, but as above, any change has to tick min 3/4 of my criteria because at the moment, I am only checking 1/4 🤔🤪 There are more than 4 requirements however and my current system checks all my needs, so the above are just ‘future’ requirements.

I think if I was shopping today for a new system for my needs, I would also go for the R7 over the S5, purely for the much better AF. But then, I'd probably go for the Fuji XH2s over the R7 because despite not seeing any direct head to head comparisons between these two (yet), I think as a former Fuji user for 10 years, that ecosystem would suit me better. Other than the AF, all 3 would make for a great three way head to head, S5 vs R7 vs XH2s. Even better, I think I'd stick the Sony A7iv in that mix for a 4way, being that it's compact and the 'same size' as the 3 others and crops it's 4k 60p. Every single one of them would tick all my boxes for my needs except in two areas; the (tracking) AF of the S5 and the flip out screens that they all have. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaargh, I hate flip out screens on so many levels... Right now, the flippy screen 'issue' aside, I think I'd have to go Fuji because as a hybrid shooter, one thing annoys me with my current set up and that is shooting FF stills alongside cropped video. My next system, whatever it is, I would like the focal length to be the same when flipping between stills and video. Right now, I'm mostly shooting Lumix S1R's as my hybrid units, with 35mm f2 on one and 65mm f2 on the other. For stills, great. For video, great. But because I'm shooting pixel-pixel mode (no other viable option with the S1R's for my video work), then my 35mm is more like 50-55mm and my 65mm, something just over 100mm. I don't mind/actually like these longer video focal lengths, but would rather I had parity between stills and video when shooting hybrid on the same camera. My next system has 3 principal requirements: 1: Parity of focal length stills and video. 2: Tilt not flippy screen. 3: 3x identical bodies. 4: Good tracking AF. I could compromise on a single element, but not planning on switching anything from my current set up until a system that ticks at minimum 3 of my 4 requirements exists. As things stand, only the Fuji XH2s actually ticks the above box. If it only had a tilt screen...

Well that was it for me, but Fuji ‘S35’: I had some fun with an RX10ii plus RX100v combo that I used on a project in the Faroe Islands, but it was that time that also convinced me to go bigger than 1”. Carry maybe and I have never used one but I would have thought an extendable handle would make it better to hold/use?

I don’t know Kye but I suspect the overall decline in the volume of camera sales combined with the growth of mirrorless combined with the fact they had a bit of an ‘image problem’? Just guessing really but probably not far off the truth. It’s mirrorless and the phone today isn’t it..?? Where they spoiled it for me was when the superzooms began to takeover sacrificing fast apertures. That’s why I never went past the RX10ii because if I remember correctly, they went to lenses for observing debris on the moon that required a tripod. I always wanted (and still do!) a 35-70mm f2 version of the Fuji X100.

Also, the RX10 and RX100 models also use this sensor and the RX10 especially makes for a very valid camcorder alternative. I had the RX10ii and it was great for my needs. These so called 'bridge' cameras have all but died out I think though?

Well actually, there are 'other options'... I used a 1" camcorder for all my longer form static work for quite a few years, the Sony FDR AX100. My only issue with it was that it was a camcorder and therefore not 'sexy'. There was just something about it that I felt made me feel a little amateurish at weddings, especially the time when some guest turned up with some pro shoulder rig... I ditched it and went with the Sony ZV1 when that came out. OK, it's marketed as a 'vlogging' camera, but is tiny/discrete, has the same sensor, a faster lens and unlimited recording if using a power bank. It's AF is better, but it only goes up to '70mm'. This latter point is not an issue for me. I mainly use it as backup for ceremonies and speeches but quite often use the footage for the main productions if the backup angle works better...which it often does. (The backup angle is the one I generally cannot physically get to during ceremonies especially without becoming highly visible). I don't think I could go back to using a camcorder and certainly wouldn't pay big bucks for one, but I can see how they'd work for some.

Part of it was the not quite silver colour. It was/is one of those rare cameras that isn’t boring.

Doubt I’d ever use it for anything serious that might require ProRes, ie ‘work’. Well I will use it for work, but only SOOC social media. Never been in a pinch where I have had to use my phone and have a ZV1 for that purpose anyway. Nope, it’s simply a Swiss Army Knife that is more than a phone and more than a camera and though I have seen some pretty impressive stuff shot on a phone before, just not going to use it at that level even if I could. The only thing I’m less keen on is the size. I would rather have had a mini, but I’m more a tele kind of guy than a wide angle with 50mm+ being my preferred focal length. I do use wide and have 20, 24, 28 and 35 (mostly just 35) for various purposes, but more because I have to than want to for work purposes. I mean I could impose a “I only shoot at 52.5mm” FOV on my clients, but I’d then need to put myself in the category ‘pretentious tosser’.

Ha, quoting myself… Today I put my money where my mouth is and bought an iPhone 13 Pro. It replaces: 1. IPhone 8 Plus that is literally falling apart. Some of the rear internals are exposed and it’s only being held together by an armored case. 2. Not buying a dedicated controller for my Air 2S because they cost as much as a decent phone so… 3. Action 2 4. Any further thoughts over a ‘personal camera’. The simple reality is I have my phone with me 24/7. A bit sad, but that’s what it is, a personal and business tool for so many things… Phone, tv series and movies on the road (and I work away a lot) internet, e-mail, banking, video, photo, now with optical telephoto for the first time. It’s my book/reading library and zero transfer of stuff for social media because it’s mostly already in my phone. Yada yada yada… The best camera you have got is the one you have with you. Looking forward to seeing what it can do over the ‘old’ and knackered 8. I suspect, night and day difference…

Ditto and wish I’d gone that route towards the end of my film days rather than the more boring Nikon SLR route. G2 at the time I think… Today, I couldn’t be bothered to shoot film but I’d like one as a desk ornament. Or a 2022 digital version 🤩

Double post

Yes indeed and when that happens, is it the sellers fault, or that of the marketplace? I tend to be think the blame lies with the seller because if anything is desirable enough, it tends to sell itself. Panasonic have a perhaps critical issue…but of course we don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. And then not to be racist, but there is a certain Japanese approach to business that can sometimes hurt their image/sales, - resistance to do anything but a certain way. I suspect…or at least hope, there is going to be a next gen S line and perhaps something if not available, at least announced later this year. Will it be enough to turn things around for them, specifically their image? Depends on 2 factors: AF and to a slightly lesser degree, size and weight. Many folks will tolerate the latter as we’re not talking anything that significant in reality, but the AF issue (or perceived AF issue or however you wish to phrase it) I reckon will make or break them. Last Chance Saloon I’m pretty sure. I guess we’ll see some time in the future…

Which is what I should have been doing just over 2 years ago and then I’d be switching up 2 of those 3 bodies Spring ‘23. Covid killed that for me but I was already struggling a bit with the lenses. They have now fixed that for me. It’s an option for next year but I’m in no rush and no fixed plans so…

For me it would be just the 18 and the 56 plus the new (for Fuji) 17-70mm f2.8 paired with 3 bodies. Not the current version of the 56. It’s great for stills but not so hot for video…but a new version is coming. I’d like to see that matched against an equivalent R7 set up because they could be strong competitors? Not that I am seriously considering either as I am not in any position to change system and as mentioned various times, not seriously looking to change any time soon/this year (and a next gen L Mount based system would be my first choice) but instead, simply maintaining an interest in any and all options mostly on a hypothetical basis. The ‘struggle’ I have right now is as a solo operator, managing a 4 cam set up (for ceremony and speeches at weddings) though roll with just 2 hybrid units (handheld) the rest of the day other than tracking sequences where I use 3 with that third on a tripod. I could get to 3 units easily with the kit I have by simply dumping one of my S1R’s and using a single zoom instead of pairing each with a prime…but I really hate using zooms for anything that isn’t static on a tripod. ”Get over it” some might say but actually enjoyment of the craft plays a big part and after 20 years in the business, I still don’t like zooms any more than when I started. The appeal of something like an XH2 or R7 (or next gen L Mount or any other system) set up for me would be a switch to an identical 3 body system which is an extremely high priority for me when the time comes to change, which it will at some point. Right now I’m juggling: 2x hybrid S1R’s with their own unique ergos shooting 4K 30p, no VND and just shooting higher than 60fps when needed to control the exposure. 1x S1H with a cine prime with VND between body and lens shooting 4K 24p at 180 degrees. Different set up, ergos, weight…everything, even the position of the on/off switch all of which add up to a loss of workflow and speed. Having to think too much on a technical level… 1x S5 with zoom and lens VND shooting 4K 60p. Different again and have to manage things like a 30 min recording time and weaker battery life. Slows me down… On a 24p timeline at respectively, 80%, 100% and 40%. It works, but it’s a bit of a ‘Frankenrig’ approach that’s been built up over this season for the best end result. The compromise has been the operation. That is the bit I ‘need’ to change next time, so no (Kye), not interested in 6k, 8k or 64k. Not interested in change for any other reason than purely the mechanics and flow from a creative perspective, ie, the tools are getting a little bit in the way as things stand. I am warming to Canon for the first time however… Never been much interested in anything Canon before and other than some compact a decade or so back, never had one. The R7 is not perfect. I’d need to explore the video options more and flip out screen, aaaaargh, hate the things…but then the XH2 is also cursed with one so… Anyway, rambled enough, so I’ll shut up.

Nope. But I appreciate you knowing my mind better than I do myself Kye 🤨

That's pretty much the sum of it for me. I was maybe a little hasty moving to L Mount from Fuji and if Covid had not happened and things had been as they should have been, I probably would not and have soldiered on with Fuji. Almost 99% sure that would have been the case as I had sold off almost all of my kit and had a pre-order in for a pair of XH4's and a couple of new lenses. But Covid did happen and I did switch to an L Mount system and I am happy with it, - especially the output I get from it. However, it's a concern as a business user, - the stability and longevity of their camera division. I made a decision recently I would wait until the end of my season, so early Oct, this year. Then if a Series 2 S line is on it's way either with phase or a proven excellent tracking DFD AF system, I shall probably stick with L Mount but have some kind of reshuffle because although my 4 cam approach works, I'd rather switch to a 3 cam system and have all 3 cameras preferably identical. The only system that actually meets my requirements is a Fuji XH2s based on. Or possibly r or whatever the next camera coming this Autumn is like, but essentially they now have the bodies and the lenses that work for me and 2.5 years ago, they kind of didn't. Sony and Canon are both viable options but as much as I'd like Nikon to be, I don't think it is...but would have to check the latest spec etc, especially after firmware upgrades. A 3x body R7 approach could be my next best option after Fuji... But, I need to see what happens first with Lumix and Sigma body-wise towards the end of this year as that will be the deciding factor. I feel I am 'almost there' with my current set up, but from a logistical POV more than anything, not quite...

So you don’t think Panasonic cameras as a brand, have an autofocus related image problem, on-line, on YouTube and within the photography/video community? I’d say it’s their single biggest and perhaps only problem and yes, unless they address it, they will continue to lose sales. But no, before you ask, I do not have any data to back this up, just common sense logic. You just have to read the volume of folks either jumping ship (after “giving it a try”) or just choosing something else because of the majority negative chatter. Make a poll. Post it here or anywhere else and ask the question if you think Panasonic has an image problem (right or wrong) due to it’s AF and the overwhelming response would be, “yes it does”. Ask those who are not using Panasonic or were using, if they would, if Panny had great AF and I’d bet a large portion of the farm, much larger numbers would be all over it. They are also a somewhat frustrating company in that they do not encourage community. In fact they slam the door in it’s face. They put quite a lot out on their channel but then do not allow comments. They might put out a BTS of how something was made and the content of that BTS will be, “I shot it with Panasonic gear that really allows me to tell a story”, but that’s about the sum of it. And comments/questions/discussion/community disabled on that also. Beyond that, no idea what point you are trying to make, but in my own personal opinion, there’s more than a bit of self foot shooting going on with old Pannyboy…

‘Mr SMW enters the chat’. The problem with Panny AF is not the AF itself, but many (most) folks perception of it based on nothing but chatter. It’s the number one thing they must rectify because the negative press they get over it must be killing sales.

I was just reading about this new boy, out of curiosity more than anything because I was considering one early this year, but the lack of a tilt screen, no stab and poor battery life put me off. And then got slightly excited when I read that they added the tilt, bigger battery and gyro stab…but then aaaaargh, removed the ND! Oh well, back to my Sigma and next gen FF Panny dreams 😜

I’d personally rather see a Sigma FPv3… I like the image I’m seeing from out of BM cameras, but the rest of it, meh.

Another good option. I had one that I used for a year (personal use) for photo and video but replaced it with an RX100v which had the same sensor, a faster lens (at least at the wide end) and is one of very few cameras you really can stick in your pocket. I have used one to make entire wedding films...but it did tend to overheat a bit in the Summer of SW France so kept having to take breaks! I have the ZV1 which is essentially the same thing, just slightly more video-orientated and again, it's a great bit of kit. I use that for mostly video back up at weddings, - full length ceremony and speeches, on a tripod running off a power bank. Has not overheated once, even last week rolling for over 30 mins non stop, in direct sunshine, 40c/104f in the shade. But for personal use? Used it once. Phone every time and mine is only an iPhone 8 plus. Looking at a 12 regular size whatever it's called. Mini I like but doesn't have the extra longer lens and the 13 is still too pricey, but a refurbed 12 would suit me well I think. I'm not an Apple fanboy but can't be bothered to switch away from anything not Apple as I've had 5, 7, currently 8, ipad and now an M1 MacBook Pro. Keeps it all in house and tidy. I can't see me ever getting a 'personal' camera ever again. I just wouldn't have it with me when I wanted it, but my phone, always.

"help me choose a hybrid camera for amateur use - family and travel" So many seem to answer these questions as what they would buy rather than reading what the OP's actual requirements are... He's not shooting a Netflix series. He's not shooting plastic bags on the moon. He just wants something decent to document his life and kids. Personally...if it was me...I'd just get a decent phone and be done with it. Great video, great pics, great connectivity, have it with you at all times. But otherwise, one camera, one lens, not a unit for video and another for photography and then what happens if while in the park, you do get asked to shoot a movie because Villeneuve called in sick? I reckon nothing less than that new Arri is going to cut it...

Actually, I’m going to revise that figure for today to 50% of each as craft forms a part of marketing ie it’s much easier to market something if quality and desirable than it is a pile of poo. Not in all cases, but folks who are generally top of their game craft-wise, are usually pretty good at marketing that fact.

When I started out it was about 90% craft, 10% marketing/advertising. Today it’s more like 90% marketing and 10% craft. You still need the craft of course but if you are not being found in the first place…

I’ve never even been on a movie set (but if I could live my life over again, it’s a path I’d like to take) so only know weddings. Generally, any time I read about the stress of shooting weddings, it’s from folks that have only shot a handful. It’s all I have been doing for the last 22 years, the last 20 of which full-time, so like anything you literally eat, sleep and breathe, the actual process becomes second nature. Beside the basics, there are then really only 3 other elements: Firefighting. Dealing in real time with stuff that is not happening according to the planners spreadsheet. Shooting for fun/for yourself. Once the basics are second nature and providing you are not firefighting any given chapter, creativity can take over. Marketing. That is the biggest stress in weddings today, being found and being booked. But back on with the camera talk!