LUMIX GH5 or Canon-Nikon dSLR for Safari? The choice is EASY
Photo Moment - January 09, 2017
Today's PhotoJoseph’s Photo Moment will be in answer to YouTube viewer Paul's question “I was about to invest in a DSLR (currently have a couple of Panasonic Bridge cams). My interests are nature/wildlife photography and I am off to South Africa in September 2017. But this camera excites me. Would this be a good buy for me ?” — this is gonna be fun to answer
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S PHOTO MOMENT:
LUMIX GH5 (pre-order): [B&H - http://jal.bz/LUMIXGH5]
Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens [B&H - http://jal.bz/2jma6cq]
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens [B&H - http://jal.bz/2iwK7zd]
Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens [B&H - http://jal.bz/2jaJwnF]
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Asph. Lens for Micro 4/3
[B&H - http://jal.bz/2jma6cq]
VIDEOS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S PHOTO MOMENT:
LUMIX GH5 First Look!! - https://youtu.be/BXiHKGRT3UA
Hey Joe yes lowering the iso was a virtual impossibility in that light and resulted in low shutter speeds making moving animal shots impossible.
I've been a photographer for 40 yrs and teach photography so trust me when I say it's terrible in low light.
As another on here said the actual max aperture at 400 mm is closer to f12.
I've been a photographer for 40 yrs and teach photography so trust me when I say it's terrible in low light.
As another on here said the actual max aperture at 400 mm is closer to f12.
As a side note I got the FZ2500 and it's a killer camera but again very limited in low light. Cheers.
My experience in Africa on safari with the Panasonic GH5 and PanaLeica 100-400mm lens was less than optimal unfortunately.
Panasonic cameras are phenomenal with a set of features that is truly incredible - 4k video, 4k high speed shooting @ 30-50 frames per second, electronic and mechanical shutter, depth from defocus autofocus system, focus stacking processed in camera and some very nice art modes if that's your thing too.
However.........................
I found the image quality in less than great light ie around sunrise/sunset, was terrible sorry to say and the camera was always pushing that iso upwards of 6400 all the time and of course with the smaller sensor this is disastrous for image quality.
I was attempting to image some Cheetahs chasing down an Impala ( late afternoon light ), the lens maxxed out at 400mm ( 800mm fov ) and made the grass look like a cartoon - shocking and completely unusable.
This was repeated when trying to image Hippos at distance early in the morning unfortunately - very disappointing to say the least but I kind of expected it.
With normal light levels the combination really shone although when pushed sharpness was lacking at maximum zoom.
All in all I was very disappointed in the GH5/ 100-400mm combo and often found myself desperate for my Nikon 35mm/ F2.8 lens equipment - I really kicked myself for leaving it behind.
I would love to rid myself of the extreme weight of my Nikon 35mm equipment especially after spinal surgery, but I missed a lot of shots in Africa and need to return now at great cost just to get the once in a lifetime images I captured but can't use and that is incredibly frustrating but a good excuse to go back!.
In summary I'd say the Panasonic GH5 is a very good camera but it's small sensor is a severe limitation in anything other than optimal lighting , unfortunately most of the best images tend to occur in less than optimal lighting.
Panasonic make some great cameras currently but they are in no way any match for Nikon/Canon 35mm DSLR equipment I really wish they were able to replace my heavy gear but they simply cannot compete in low light imaging.
Panasonic cameras are phenomenal with a set of features that is truly incredible - 4k video, 4k high speed shooting @ 30-50 frames per second, electronic and mechanical shutter, depth from defocus autofocus system, focus stacking processed in camera and some very nice art modes if that's your thing too.
However.........................
I found the image quality in less than great light ie around sunrise/sunset, was terrible sorry to say and the camera was always pushing that iso upwards of 6400 all the time and of course with the smaller sensor this is disastrous for image quality.
I was attempting to image some Cheetahs chasing down an Impala ( late afternoon light ), the lens maxxed out at 400mm ( 800mm fov ) and made the grass look like a cartoon - shocking and completely unusable.
This was repeated when trying to image Hippos at distance early in the morning unfortunately - very disappointing to say the least but I kind of expected it.
With normal light levels the combination really shone although when pushed sharpness was lacking at maximum zoom.
All in all I was very disappointed in the GH5/ 100-400mm combo and often found myself desperate for my Nikon 35mm/ F2.8 lens equipment - I really kicked myself for leaving it behind.
I would love to rid myself of the extreme weight of my Nikon 35mm equipment especially after spinal surgery, but I missed a lot of shots in Africa and need to return now at great cost just to get the once in a lifetime images I captured but can't use and that is incredibly frustrating but a good excuse to go back!.
In summary I'd say the Panasonic GH5 is a very good camera but it's small sensor is a severe limitation in anything other than optimal lighting , unfortunately most of the best images tend to occur in less than optimal lighting.
Panasonic make some great cameras currently but they are in no way any match for Nikon/Canon 35mm DSLR equipment I really wish they were able to replace my heavy gear but they simply cannot compete in low light imaging.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Certainly in low light at 400mm f/6.3 you’re definitely going to be pushing the ISO. If I were there, I’d be using manual ISO, getting the shutter and ISO as low as possible, doing my best to shoot with a steady hand and/or track moving subjects, and of course shoot RAW so I could maximize noise reduction in software later.
if price and weight are only things that matter.. why don't use $300 smartphone?
Please tell me that is neither a serious statement nor a serious question.
I'm lamenting the degradation of the word "safari" to mean, "Any act of Western tourism, when performed in Africa."
+Daryl Davis That is a pretty loose use of the word! Glad you found the channel; welcome and thanks for the support! Hope you love your GH5 😁
+PhotoJoseph Unfortunately, yes. A true safari is a trek, and you're hunting your food along the way. That devolved into any African hunt (I'd planned to do an African hunt several years ago, but went to Vietnam instead: the hunt's still on my bucket list). Then we got the so-called "Photo Safaris." Now I see "safari" used--seriously, not in a jesting, marketing sort of way--to describe shopping and bar-hopping.
Anyway, I've been binge watching your videos since I discovered your channel last week. I'll be popping for a GH5, and I've just ordered your GH5 course.
Anyway, I've been binge watching your videos since I discovered your channel last week. I'll be popping for a GH5, and I've just ordered your GH5 course.
gh5 is ages behind mark IV in photo mode. it's closer to a phone camera than a dslr in terms of photo quality. but u prefer to compare size and weight) take a phone for shoot. it's even lighter and smaller. and cheaper too.
Ypu can have a look at the pictures: http://olegasphoto.com.ua/index.php/test-i-obzor-panasonic-lumix-gh5-dlya-foto/ the article is only in russian unfortunately.
And where are the results of this test? Look, if you feel the 5D Mk III or Mk IV is superior to the GH5, that's fine. I'm not going to debate that because there are clearly advantages and disadvantages to both platforms, and biases aside, I can easily find faults and benefits of any camera. But to call the GH5 "closer to a phone camera" is pure fantasy. I can only you assume you tested the GH5 with the lens cap on.
well, I've just tested the gh5 against 5d mk3
and to be fair, the comparison should be with a APS-C TYPE body (Nikon D500 for inst.) and a Sigma 600mm. Then it becomes much closer in regards to Size and prize. Weight still is much better on mft side though... :)
QUESTION: wow... thats exactly my topic. What would you say for safari about Fuji XT2, Olympus em1 mk ii vs. GH5 for Safari?
+m0nztam0nk Thanks, and good luck on your decision! Good news is you really can't go wrong on any of them.
Joseph Linaschke thank you for your honest and insightful answer! I will wait until release and see what the comparisons say. I do believe, that after all reviews I'll probably have to decide whats most important for me: stills vs. video. But again, thanks for your opinion and for pointing out some of the flaws of some reviews. Love your channel, and love, that youre always transparent about being biased and all that!
+m0nztam0nk OK, first off… I'm biased. I want to make that clear. And I've never used the XT2 or the EM1 Mk II. That said… you can pry my GH5 from my cold, dead hands. The camera is amazing.
That said, I'm sure you won't go wrong with ANY of those cameras, because I know they are all fantastic.
The autofocus in the GH5 is phenomenal, and potentially better than anything else out there. But THAT determination is up to independent reviewers (which I am not). Once the GH5 actually starts shipping, I'm sure you'll have 1,000 comparisons you can read. But if/when you do start reading those, keep this in mind — the GH5 has a whole new autofocus system with specific controls never seen before in any camera. Because of that, no one is used to it and no few know how to control it. We've seen this already in many early reviews. If you read a review about the AF in the GH5 and they a) dismiss it as poor AND b) do NOT talk about the custom AF settings, then look for another review. They haven't taken the time to understand what it can do. If YOU want to understand it, watch this video https://youtu.be/6PyqWrztPkc and you'll see what I mean. YES it's more complicated (which is unfortunate) BUT it gives you power and control you've never had before.
I will leave it at that. Enjoy ;-)
That said, I'm sure you won't go wrong with ANY of those cameras, because I know they are all fantastic.
The autofocus in the GH5 is phenomenal, and potentially better than anything else out there. But THAT determination is up to independent reviewers (which I am not). Once the GH5 actually starts shipping, I'm sure you'll have 1,000 comparisons you can read. But if/when you do start reading those, keep this in mind — the GH5 has a whole new autofocus system with specific controls never seen before in any camera. Because of that, no one is used to it and no few know how to control it. We've seen this already in many early reviews. If you read a review about the AF in the GH5 and they a) dismiss it as poor AND b) do NOT talk about the custom AF settings, then look for another review. They haven't taken the time to understand what it can do. If YOU want to understand it, watch this video https://youtu.be/6PyqWrztPkc and you'll see what I mean. YES it's more complicated (which is unfortunate) BUT it gives you power and control you've never had before.
I will leave it at that. Enjoy ;-)
Joseph....... I currently have a nikon d7100 and I struggle with low light pictures. I am looking at getting something different and i am not brand loyal to anyone as of yet.
My Question for you is, do you think moving to the GH5 would give me better low light performance for pictures? I am going to be doing portraits, landscape, and astro photography. I also want to start doing video as well and time lapse.
Will this fit the bill? Every review so far is all about the video on this camera, and I understand this is marketed towards the video side of things but I would still like to take stunning pictures as well and worried that this might fall short as no one is talking about the photography side except you.
Any insight would be great....
Thank you
My Question for you is, do you think moving to the GH5 would give me better low light performance for pictures? I am going to be doing portraits, landscape, and astro photography. I also want to start doing video as well and time lapse.
Will this fit the bill? Every review so far is all about the video on this camera, and I understand this is marketed towards the video side of things but I would still like to take stunning pictures as well and worried that this might fall short as no one is talking about the photography side except you.
Any insight would be great....
Thank you
+QuickShotSims I'm already planning to do all of those, so just keep watching!
Joseph Linaschke . That would be awesome. If you could do a few low light shots, landscape shots, and portrait shots that would be awesome. Can't wait for that video. I watched the conversation videos so my astrophotography question was answered already.
Thanks and keep up the great video's
Thanks and keep up the great video's
+QuickShotSims I can't compare to your Nikon but I can say that the stills are fantastic and I'm super happy with them. I'll be Doing. Ore tests next week once I get the camera again.
I just ordered Leica 100-400mm but my friend has Canon 6D with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 which costs $1400, cheaper than Leica... Sure it weights 2x more than Leica but IQ (AND THE BOKEH) will be not better on Leica. I think we should compare apples to apples.
Unfortunately GH5 ⅓ weight increase is worrying me a lot... m43 was supossed to be lighter than than DSLR or Sony FF... :( but it is not !!
+CATWALK Compare the GH5 to a similarly equipped Canon (well, if one existed!) and this is still considerably lighter and smaller. Don't forget the lenses too; that's a big part of the weight difference.
Thoughts on the Panasonic FZ-2500?
+Howard Chud Minimal experience. Played with one at Adobe MAX last year but haven't shot with one. I was really impressed with its predecessor, the FZ1000. This has better specs all around so should be great, but that's about all I can tell you sorry.
All I have to say is, bigger sensors matter and nothing anybody says will change that fact.
No, but i have the next best thing the 5DSR. I would rather use the 5DSR than the GH5 for wildlife for the cropping factor. But would lose out in fps.
But I get that your answering a query and trying to find the most economical way to get into wildlife photography.
Instead of using the 5D mark IV against the GH5, the 7D mark II would have been a better comparison. Similiar megapixels, fps and price. Also lenses you are able to use would be cheaper and lighter.
But I get that your answering a query and trying to find the most economical way to get into wildlife photography.
Instead of using the 5D mark IV against the GH5, the 7D mark II would have been a better comparison. Similiar megapixels, fps and price. Also lenses you are able to use would be cheaper and lighter.
+clickonmike So you shoot medium format?
Hey Joseph, this site might make it easier to do size comparisons: http://camerasize.com/compact/#698.626,682.286,673.626,ha,t
Hi Joseph, quick question, if you had to pick one good overall lens, would it be the lumix 12-35 or the leica 12-60, and why ???
I'm mostly curious about image quality.
Really nice channel btw, I just subscribed and can't wait for the part 2 of the GH5 video with Sean ...
I'm mostly curious about image quality.
Really nice channel btw, I just subscribed and can't wait for the part 2 of the GH5 video with Sean ...
+brice lehmann 12-35 for sure. Faster (2.8) and lighter weight. Not as long of a reach but if rather have the low light / shallow DoF performance. And thanks!!
Thanks for your replay ,, i need cinematic lock lens because I do the musical Veedio Albm
waiting for your replay ...thank you...
waiting for your replay ...thank you...
Hi, me Prakash, going to buy GH5 .Normaly i do musical Veedio Albm and stills ,can you sagest any Panasonic Lance in low budget .
+Jaya Prakash All Panasonic lenses are relatively low cost. If you're buying a GH5, get a good lens to go with it. The 12-35 f/2.8 is my favorite general purpose lens.
equivalent of 24-70 2.8 FF should be 12-35 1.4 MFT... no..?
Forgive me if this was mentioned in your video or in the comments (I did not see/hear mention of this) - how about EVF lag?
I gave up on the GH4 as a serious photo tool for action photography after my first job with it shooting hula dancers in a studio (with studio strobes) for a client ad campaign. I seemed to be just a hair behind the beat with the GH4. Over 50% of the shots hit the discard pile where I know I would have had way more keepers if I had shot the job with my D3s.
I can only assume the GH5 will improve in this area, but EVFs will always have some amount of delay compared to OVFs. The delay was bad enough in the GH4's EVF that two years later, I sold my two units with a little over 200 shutter trips, as they ended up being dedicated for video.
Tracking with continuous AF was also not a particular strong suit with my GH4s. Perhaps good enough for most uses, but not up to my benchmark D3s. I'd really want to give that a workout on the GH5 as well before buying.
Compelling point about the lens options vs. DSLR glass. But, the Sony RX10mk3's 600mm plus Clear Image Zoom, which gets you out to 1200mm effective, looks quite impressive. Not sure how it works or if it's really just a fancy name for a crop, but in video anyway, it's impressive (allowing my 18-105mm kit lens to actually behave like an 18-210) without noticeable drop off in quality.
Not hating on the GH5. Even though I just divested myself of almost all my m43 gear, I'm planning to rent a GH5 to test when my local rental house gets it in stock.
I gave up on the GH4 as a serious photo tool for action photography after my first job with it shooting hula dancers in a studio (with studio strobes) for a client ad campaign. I seemed to be just a hair behind the beat with the GH4. Over 50% of the shots hit the discard pile where I know I would have had way more keepers if I had shot the job with my D3s.
I can only assume the GH5 will improve in this area, but EVFs will always have some amount of delay compared to OVFs. The delay was bad enough in the GH4's EVF that two years later, I sold my two units with a little over 200 shutter trips, as they ended up being dedicated for video.
Tracking with continuous AF was also not a particular strong suit with my GH4s. Perhaps good enough for most uses, but not up to my benchmark D3s. I'd really want to give that a workout on the GH5 as well before buying.
Compelling point about the lens options vs. DSLR glass. But, the Sony RX10mk3's 600mm plus Clear Image Zoom, which gets you out to 1200mm effective, looks quite impressive. Not sure how it works or if it's really just a fancy name for a crop, but in video anyway, it's impressive (allowing my 18-105mm kit lens to actually behave like an 18-210) without noticeable drop off in quality.
Not hating on the GH5. Even though I just divested myself of almost all my m43 gear, I'm planning to rent a GH5 to test when my local rental house gets it in stock.
Thanks - I've seen a couple of different interviews with the Panasonic guys regarding the GH5. The jabs at Sony were on point (I shoot both, so I'm familiar with their shortcomings). As you suggest, we'll know better when we get our hands on the cameras. Nice channel BTW - subbed.
+Kūlia LLC EVF lag is a question for part 2 of the big GH5 interview with Sean Robinson from Panasonic. Have you seen part 1 yet? Be sure to subscribe so you see when it is released. Short answer though is "I don't know… yet" :-)
One thing worth considering though for wildlife - PDAF. Phase detect auto-focus should in theory deal with keeping that rampaging lion in focus whilst it's running towards you :). The EM1 and EM2 (as far as I remember) are the only m43 bodies that implement PDAF. I'm really interested to see how well the GH5 deals with similar moving subjects as they have put a lot of work into their autofocus system that hasn't been getting major press headlines (faster readout, faster processing, processing of more data and vector tracking in particular).
I have a GH5 on pre-order but specifically for wildlife the EM1/EM2 are worth thinking about.
I have a GH5 on pre-order but specifically for wildlife the EM1/EM2 are worth thinking about.
+Fost Personally (my sponsorship by Panasonic aside) I would wait on buying any high end MFT camera until the GH5 comes out and independent reviewers get their hands on it. Olympus had a new top end body coming this year too, right? 2017 will be a very good year for MFT.
Well I do admire the fact that you said from the start that you're paid by Lumix which is a huge plus . Also I admire the fact that you admit full frame camera give you better resolution and in general are better for photography than M43 cameras. I do admire that you said all micro 4/3 are great not just Panasonic which is a plus again.And yes I do admit that Micro 4/3 are lighter cheaper though not as cheap some people might think especially when you start adding up lenses . So the question remains...is it a Micro 4/3 better for travel? Well yes and no...Depending on what you do and how great or fantastic and reach your pictures you want to be. If you're an enthusiast like most people yes it make sense not to go nuts with a full frame body and full frame heavy lenses and expensive as well but go with something light and easy to get around like a GH4 or GH5 but if you're serious in your photography I would still suggest a full frame camera would give you the best results. Another huge factor comes in play when you're into videography as well. Well in that case is only one winner which is GH5 since Canon will not provide anywhere close to what Panasonic offers as video so far..who knows what the future brings. Again I appreciate that you're not a wolf in a sheep clothing like many others on Youtube.
Hi Joseph.
[Disclaimer: I use the Nikon D810 and the GH4, though I have a strong photo/video split in use, which is for which should be obvious.]
Great, thorough, analysis. It seems that a slightly more complete answer to Paul Ost's question would include a comparison with an APS-C DSLR, specifically the Nikon D500 or Canon 7DII, both in the same price range as the GH5. The main wildlife lens to pair this with would be the Sigma 150-600mm, Tamron 150-600mm, Nikon 200-500mm, or Canon 100-400mm lenses. All of these are in the general price range of the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm, $1000-2050, though they are 1.5x to 2x heavier (since they are "full frame" lenses).
The D500/7DII could be paired with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ($800) and Sigma 50-150mm f/1.8 ($1100) lenses for fast glass in the "wide to tele" range, before getting to the super-tele range of the specialized lenses. Add a light prime (35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8) for the occasional "travel light" mission for about $200 more.
The total price is between $5000-6000, in the same range as the GH5 setup. The biggest benefit over the GH5: better autofocus performance, especially beneficial for a wildlife photographer. I have experience with the D810 and GH4, and the AF systems in the D500 and GH5 are better, but since both have improved, my experience might have some validity. Basically, the operational speed with the AF for moving subjects is significantly better on the DSLR. I can select my AF point faster and the focus is acquired faster, especially in lower light.
I think there are two reasons to prefer the GH5: if size and weight is a significant concern, and if video will be a big component of the use. The size and weight benefits of the GH5 really come into play with the lenses, especially the primes. And while the D500 is very good at video, there is every reason to believe that the GH5 will be one of the top 2-3 video producers in this form factor.
[Disclaimer: I use the Nikon D810 and the GH4, though I have a strong photo/video split in use, which is for which should be obvious.]
Great, thorough, analysis. It seems that a slightly more complete answer to Paul Ost's question would include a comparison with an APS-C DSLR, specifically the Nikon D500 or Canon 7DII, both in the same price range as the GH5. The main wildlife lens to pair this with would be the Sigma 150-600mm, Tamron 150-600mm, Nikon 200-500mm, or Canon 100-400mm lenses. All of these are in the general price range of the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm, $1000-2050, though they are 1.5x to 2x heavier (since they are "full frame" lenses).
The D500/7DII could be paired with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ($800) and Sigma 50-150mm f/1.8 ($1100) lenses for fast glass in the "wide to tele" range, before getting to the super-tele range of the specialized lenses. Add a light prime (35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8) for the occasional "travel light" mission for about $200 more.
The total price is between $5000-6000, in the same range as the GH5 setup. The biggest benefit over the GH5: better autofocus performance, especially beneficial for a wildlife photographer. I have experience with the D810 and GH4, and the AF systems in the D500 and GH5 are better, but since both have improved, my experience might have some validity. Basically, the operational speed with the AF for moving subjects is significantly better on the DSLR. I can select my AF point faster and the focus is acquired faster, especially in lower light.
I think there are two reasons to prefer the GH5: if size and weight is a significant concern, and if video will be a big component of the use. The size and weight benefits of the GH5 really come into play with the lenses, especially the primes. And while the D500 is very good at video, there is every reason to believe that the GH5 will be one of the top 2-3 video producers in this form factor.
+Anand Mehta And if the GH5 is as fast or close to it… then there ya go!
Yes, I agree that you don't need 1DX speeds, the same for me. But if someone is taking a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip, I would suggest 1DX speeds for them, or close to it.
+Anand Mehta Fair enough. I'm as suspect as you are of the claims (unofficial claims mind you but those are the rumbles from those who've used it), but am certainly hopeful. Any improvement is welcome and I don't need 1DX speeds but obviously would be thrilled to have it. Tracking motion in video recording is my #1 hope. Fingers crossed!
Usually it's Sony who tries to say that their AF system is the "fastest on the market", but nothing beats the Canon 1DX-II, with the D500 being the closest competition from Nikon and probably second best overall. As you said, we'll have to wait and see what the independent tests show, but I'm willing to bet that the D500 will win. There are already plenty of "dog running at me" examples of its focus accuracy. :-)
+Anand Mehta great thoughts, thanks. Only one correction… the autofocus on the GH5 is supposedly massively, massively improved and potentially the fastest on the market today. Independent tests once the camera is available will tell the truth of course. Entirely new system. Check out my long Conversation video with Sean Robinson on the GH5 (also on this YouTube channel). In another interview he did, he claims that with his dog running towards him, he fired stills at 9fps and every single one is in focus. That's freaking amazing.
I will say from experience, you are going to enjoy your trip and shooting much more with the huge weight savings a setup like the GH5 will give you. Besides, that's what the trip is all about anyway, fun and getting great photos. Struggling with all that heavy FF gear for days on end will drive you crazy. I love the speed I can move with MFT cameras, even when carrying a small travel tripod it's great.
The lumix Leica 100-400mm is phenomenal and a favourite of my lenses especially for safari.
+Fotodust Pictures Great to hear, thanks!
Great video! This is a very powerful reason to buy Panasonic M4/3. I did a similar comparison and have pasted it into the comments of several Youtube videos. I think the most important consideration is the size and weight of the lenses. I have a GH5 on order!
Canon 70-200mm = 1,4790 gramsPanasonic 35-100mm = 360 grams
Tamron 24-70mm =825 gramsPanasonic 12-35 = 305 grams
Tokina 16-28mm 950 gramsPanasonic 7-14mm = 300 grams
Nikon 800mm = 4,590 gramsPanasonic 100-400mm = 985 grams
I've heard Panasonic reps at CES say the GH5 will come with free V-Log upgrade for pre-orders. But I'm not finding this anywhere else. Did they mispeak?
Canon 70-200mm = 1,4790 gramsPanasonic 35-100mm = 360 grams
Tamron 24-70mm =825 gramsPanasonic 12-35 = 305 grams
Tokina 16-28mm 950 gramsPanasonic 7-14mm = 300 grams
Nikon 800mm = 4,590 gramsPanasonic 100-400mm = 985 grams
I've heard Panasonic reps at CES say the GH5 will come with free V-Log upgrade for pre-orders. But I'm not finding this anywhere else. Did they mispeak?
+John Packard Nice list! As to vlog for free that's a mistake to my knowledge. It'll need to be purchased.
Hi Joseph, I have nothing against the Panasonic line up of Cameras. I recently purchased a G7 and the 12mm-35mm f 2.8 mark 1 lens. It's great. It's light as you pointed out in this video. But I think one point you really minimized in your talk is the shallow depth of field and bokeh of full frame cameras. I sincerely believe it really comes down to that one issue. If one truly needs shallow, shallow depth of field in ones shooting, then a full frame is a must. The effective true aperture of the Leica 100-400mm f4-6.3 is actually f8-12.6 at 2x crop. That's the minimum aperture. f12.6.
I like the M43 format. I am interested in getting the GH5 when it's released. But if one truly wants shallow depth of field, then full frame is the way to go. Otherwise, the M43 with a 20MP sensor with no anti-aliasing filter should do pretty well -- especially in daytime bright light.
I like the M43 format. I am interested in getting the GH5 when it's released. But if one truly wants shallow depth of field, then full frame is the way to go. Otherwise, the M43 with a 20MP sensor with no anti-aliasing filter should do pretty well -- especially in daytime bright light.
***** Hey, that would be REALLY awesome if you did some testing and objectively compared the Canon 85mm f1.2 on a Canon FF camera with the Nochticron 42.5mm f1.2 shot with your GH4. I would LOVE to see actual test shots/results between the two. Awesome idea Joseph! Love it! :-)
Thanks for the info Lance. I'll look at the article; I understood there was a difference but wasn't sure if it was calculated the same way. I would encourage you to check out the Nochticron. I too own the same Canon lens you're referring to, and it's great glass. I should put them side by side someday and see what the real-world difference is.
***** I'm not going to try and convince you that you need FF for shallow depth of field if you feel your needs are met by the M43 and good prime lenses. That is fine. For me, I don't intend to use the M43 system for portraits where I want really shallow depth of field. It is all relative. I have the Canon 85mm F1.2 that I love for the shallowest of depth of field. There's nothing on a M43 system that can match the bokeh that the Canon 85mm f1.2 can produce. But if one doesn't need that kind of shallow depth of field, then the lighter weight of the M43 system is well worth it. That's why I purchased the G7 and will most likely purchase the GH5. I don't want to lug around massive lenses when I'm out and about adventuring and shooting.
Regarding effective aperture, it's pretty much the same as effective focal distance. You multiply by the crop factor. On the M43 system, it's quite simple as it's 2x. So for example, your Nochticron 42.5mm f1.2 is effectively a 85mm f2.4 lens for the M43 system. You multiply BOTH the focal length distance as well as the aperture number by 2. For marketing purpose, all manufacturers list only the focal length equivalent but not the equivalent aperture number. Honestly it's quite misleading -- but it's done by all manufactures. I only recently discovered this myself. Here's a pretty good explanation by dpreview: https://www.dpreview.com/articles/2666934640/what-is-equivalence-and-why-should-i-care
Again, I'm not going to argue that you need FF if you are satisfied with your M43 system. You're the professional making a living with your system. While I did go to photo school back in the 90s, I'm not making a living off of photography so I won't try to convince you otherwise. I do want to point this out to people who many not know that there's a aperture crop factor and equivalence as well when comparing FF to M43 or APS-C sensors. As I acknowledge above, I only recently found this out myself.
Regarding effective aperture, it's pretty much the same as effective focal distance. You multiply by the crop factor. On the M43 system, it's quite simple as it's 2x. So for example, your Nochticron 42.5mm f1.2 is effectively a 85mm f2.4 lens for the M43 system. You multiply BOTH the focal length distance as well as the aperture number by 2. For marketing purpose, all manufacturers list only the focal length equivalent but not the equivalent aperture number. Honestly it's quite misleading -- but it's done by all manufactures. I only recently discovered this myself. Here's a pretty good explanation by dpreview: https://www.dpreview.com/articles/2666934640/what-is-equivalence-and-why-should-i-care
Again, I'm not going to argue that you need FF if you are satisfied with your M43 system. You're the professional making a living with your system. While I did go to photo school back in the 90s, I'm not making a living off of photography so I won't try to convince you otherwise. I do want to point this out to people who many not know that there's a aperture crop factor and equivalence as well when comparing FF to M43 or APS-C sensors. As I acknowledge above, I only recently found this out myself.
+Lance Guilin Yes you'll get slightly less-shallow depth of field on M43 however to say you need to go full frame to truly get shallow DoF simply isn't true. My portfolio is full of images with great bokeh shot on LUMIX gear, especially with lenses like the Nochticron 42.5mm f1.2, the 25/1.4 or 15/1.7. One of my favorite lenses is a Chinese-made 25mm/f0.95 with superb optics.
I hear this argument a lot. You own one general purpose LUMIX lens. Try some of the faster Leica glass and I think your opinion will change. YES it's true effective number may be effective numbers (how do you calculate that math anyway; I've heard these number comparisons before but never understood how the math was done) and side by side there's a difference. But no one is looking at numbers when admiring photos on your wall.
Oh and I have plenty of shots from the Zoo of animals with bokeh shot on that lens Leica 100-400. Would I have MORE bokeh with the $13k 800mm Canon? Sure. Worth it? Hell no.
I hear this argument a lot. You own one general purpose LUMIX lens. Try some of the faster Leica glass and I think your opinion will change. YES it's true effective number may be effective numbers (how do you calculate that math anyway; I've heard these number comparisons before but never understood how the math was done) and side by side there's a difference. But no one is looking at numbers when admiring photos on your wall.
Oh and I have plenty of shots from the Zoo of animals with bokeh shot on that lens Leica 100-400. Would I have MORE bokeh with the $13k 800mm Canon? Sure. Worth it? Hell no.
I agree. If you compare lenses from different systems you should use to crop factor to multiply aperture too. Aperture is the ratio between focal length and the diameter of the opening.
(MFT) 12-35 f2.8 = 24-70 f5.6 (FF)
(MFT) 45 f2.8 = 90 f5.6 (FF)
(MFT) 100-400 f4-6.3 = 200 - 800 f8-12,6 (FF)
(MFT) 12-35 f2.8 = 24-70 f5.6 (FF)
(MFT) 45 f2.8 = 90 f5.6 (FF)
(MFT) 100-400 f4-6.3 = 200 - 800 f8-12,6 (FF)
Geez Joseph. A 5 minute commercial up front... I checked FB, Twitter, Instagram, made coffee and still had to mute her... 5 minutes is an eternity.
You should be able to skip all ads after 10 second or so… were you not seeing the "skip ad" button?
There already is a less video-centric 20MP body; the GX8. That was the first 20MP body Panasonic shipped. I don't know what's next in the line-up after the GH5 though.
There already is a less video-centric 20MP body; the GX8. That was the first 20MP body Panasonic shipped. I don't know what's next in the line-up after the GH5 though.
Interestingly, as I refresh this page, the ad that runs is the typical, skip ad after 5 seconds, but the first time on the page, it was one of those 5 minute infomercials ... I guess, the secret is to just refresh the page and hope for a better ad. I am just sitting down to watch. GH5 is very exciting, but the whole lens lineup is getting very strong now. Still just loving my GX85 for travel and street. Trying to decide if the GH 5 is the way to go, or will Lumix launch a less video centric 20 Mpx body ? I have this year to think about it.
Dennis, what are you referring to… the ad that runs before the show starts? I have no control over what ad runs. You can skip it after a few seconds though.
Great vid. I'm renting an Olymus EM 5. So excited to see if I can shoot all my needs and sell my Sony gear. The new FE lenses are getting way too big to consider it a lightweight system for me. I think I can use all the Leica/Panny glass too!
That's right, you can use all Panasonic glass on the Olympus system. Yet another great advantage.
Thanks Joseph. You have certainly given me something to think about.
Yeah we had some issues going live this morning… shocker!
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