Cameras, cameras, cameras. (Page 1 of 2)

I would add poor-ish light sensitivity and lack of high frame rates to the cons list. But it's really about what you're going to be using it for, and I can't speak to that.

If I recall, the BMPCC records compressed raw, and I'm not sure how comparable it is to ML raw in terms of color information (could be negligible). My brother (videographer) had a 5D III for a while. He shot one project in raw. The workflow was rough but man, the end result was gorgeous. He recently sold it and bought a Sony a7s. Good decision in my opinion.

To me the GH4 you sold seems more enticing than the BMPCC, since you won't have it any better in the lens department, and the 4k downscaled probably looks just as nice as the BMPCC raw. Also no swapping out batteries every 20 minutes. However, the more natural filmic look of the BMPCC is a huge plus that is often overlooked.

Of course, the BMPCC is much cheaper, and if you're getting a good deal on one it might be worth going for. Also, ProRes out of the box is a nice workflow bonus.

My thought is if you are getting a new camera for video in the prosumer price range, Canon is a no-go. They don't seem to care about that market, and never really have. Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic, etc. are the ones leading innovation.

tl;dr

As stated, I did own a GH4.
4K is nothing more than resolution, but the lack of moire is a good pro for that camera.
The footage is 8-bit, though, which doesn't appeal more to me than a 6D. Same compression, different name.

Sam: I'll agree that Canon isn't where it's at in the prosumer price range. With the addition of Magic Lantern, yes, but then it really needs to be a 5D3 in order to get 1080p. The Traveler part 2 was shot using a combination of 5D/6D footage, using raw, but it wasn't shot in 1080p. In order to get continuous shots, we had to use a weird resolution(1728x786, with a 2.2:1 ratio). The reason for this is the pure amount of data that needs to go to the memory card. For instance, the 5D mk 2 maxes out the memory bus speed at 75 mb/s, whereas the 6D uses slower cards in general(SD), and the same resolution is possible, but only for limited bursts, which is why it was B camera when we filmed the short.

The 5D mk3, however, maxes out at about 140 mb/s, so shooting raw isn't a problem at all.
But it's an expensive piece of equipment, especially when you need glass for it as well. You don't get a $3000 camera and then attach $100 glass to it. You just don't.

The BMPCC deal I'm looking at will get me the camera, 4 batteries, a metabones speed booster, a voigtländer 40mm f/2 and a cage. It's going for about $1500, which is a REALLY good price.

Also, GH4 can record 10 bit color if you pipe it out to an external 4k recorder like the atomos shogun (which doubles as an excellent monitor). The usability (interface, battery-life, ease-of-use, aftermarket support) is tops, and Panasonic is continuing to push updates (like their just-added anamorphic support) that extend the feature-set of the camera. Blackmagic's interface is garbage in my opinion, and it's just not worth the hassle. There's enough things that go wrong on set regularly that I need to at least be able to count on my camera to do what it's supposed to do.

Unless you're trying to step it up and shooting on an Amira or a Red Epic, I think the GH4 is the way to go, and you should spend the extra money on your other gear (lights, lenses, stabilizers, remote follow-focus). Camera is only part of the equation.

bullet, how does the GH$ do with long recordings like weddings and lectures?  Does it tend to overheat after a given period of time?

Doesn't overheat, but stops recording at 30 minutes. It has a function to start recording at that instant, but I'd recommend not using it at a wedding, as that missed second can be quite crucial.

EDIT:

I'm also planning to make a more elaborate thread about cameras in here, to help more people figure out their perfect configuration, and to get insight from all of you, so stay tuned. It's also going to work as reseach for another article

Last edited by Tomahawk (2015-05-15 18:29:42)

Canons max out at 12 minutes, because of Fat32.

Modern Canons (my experience is with 6D and 5D MkIII) will keep recording until 30 minutes, creating multiple split files that will stitch together seamlessly, no dropped frames or audio.

If I recall, the 30 minute limit is due to a European tax law. If it can record over 30 minutes, it's considered a camcorder, and is taxed (higher) as such. Really dumb.

Is anyone out there pushing for a change of that law? I'd love to see it go.

There are common laws that all European Union members apply. That's kinda the point of having an European Union, really.

EDIT : turns out Sam just might be right about the 30-minute limit: Why Digital Cameras Have a 30 Minute Video Recording Limit.

Last edited by Saniss (2015-05-16 13:52:22)

I know. Doesn't mean EU laws don't exist, they just don't apply to you 

I don't know whether that changes anything to Canon, though. The 30-second limitation seems worldwide.

Last edited by Saniss (2015-05-16 17:26:00)

Laws still apply.
But yeah, that's just silly.

Any updates on this Tom? Was just doing some dreaming and looking into Blackmagics cinema line, and remembered this thread.