Reading mode: Light Dark

An awesome problem to have! Question for GH2 video pros...

Go to last post
M

MikeRVA

Well-known member
Messages
118
Reaction score
4
Location
US
My GH2 arrived today along with an email from my employer authorizing an accessory budget of $1750. I'll produce a few videos for the office, but the stuff is mine to use however I like. Nice!

Likely use:
Promotional videos for office
Street photo and documentary type video
Cinematic stuff for fun

This is my short list of lenses in order of preference:

1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6
3. Samyang 35mm F1.4
4. Canon 85mm F1.8 Canon FD
5. 50mm F1.4 Canon FD
6. Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm F1.4 ASPH Lens | H-X025
7. Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5

Any suggestions?

Shotgun Mic
Rode?

Any suggestions for a low weight rig? Something I can move around a night market with if necessary?

Thanks!

Mike
 
What kind of videos are these? Are they meant to show people or machinery? Are they meant to be artistic or informative? If you need artistic then by all means get the super fast glass and go to town.

If they are meant to be informative then I would just get the sharper m4/3s lenses(14-140mm, 25mm, 14mm F2.5) and a decent video light.

Get several batteries for sure. Give the new firmware a try. Pay close attention to the changes for auto focus if you are going to use AF at all. The AF improvements are significant.

The super high bit rates will be meaningless for you if you are just going to re-encode the video. The new 1080p @ 30 FPS mode is excellent for semi low light with a relatively smooth frame rate. Mix in some 720p @ 60 FPS for slow motion and you can make some really nice videos.

Oh yea the 25mm F1.4 should be at the top of your list and not the bottom. It is the best m4/3s lens I own and I own a lot of them.

--
GH2, GF1, & ZS3 Sample movies
http://www.youtube.com/user/mpgxsvcd#play/uploads

GH2 Setup Walk through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROQbbiiO2I

http://vimeo.com/user442745

GH2 Pictures
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/4222674355/albums
 
mpgxsvcd said:
The super high bit rates will be meaningless for you if you are just going to re-encode the video.
Click to expand...
This is false.

If you take a low bit rate video and re-encode it, it will end up looking a lot worse than a high bit rate video re-encoded to a lower bit rate.

There is a reason why pros want to start with the highest quality video possible.

There is a reason why people start with RAW files for images even when the final output will be jpegs.
 
Go over to dvxuser.com and read through what other people are doing with the GH2. You can get a lot of good ideas. For example, most people record video seperately if they can.

Also, there are lots of cool sliders and other things there to check out.
 
Who said anything about low bit rate video? 1080p @ 24 FPS and 24 mb/sec is not low bit rate by any stretch of the imagination.

You seem to equate high bit rate with RAW. They have nothing to do with each other. The hack does not enable RAW which would be highly desirable. It enables excessively high bit rates with questionable benefit.

Yes there are definitely ways to push 24 mb/sec past its limits. However, those are not typical shooting scenarios. On top of that if you just hack it mildly(42 mb/sec) you can’t tell the difference between it and the excessive bit rates.

To this day no one has posted unedited footage where you can tell the difference between 42 mb/sec and any of the higher bit rate variants. However, I have posted screen shots and videos that show the are the same.

If you would like to prove that the extreme bit rates are any different then I am all ears. I would love to be wrong on this one.
Everdog said:
mpgxsvcd said:
The super high bit rates will be meaningless for you if you are just going to re-encode the video.
Click to expand...
This is false.

If you take a low bit rate video and re-encode it, it will end up looking a lot worse than a high bit rate video re-encoded to a lower bit rate.

There is a reason why pros want to start with the highest quality video possible.

There is a reason why people start with RAW files for images even when the final output will be jpegs.
Click to expand...
--
GH2, GF1, & ZS3 Sample movies
http://www.youtube.com/user/mpgxsvcd#play/uploads

GH2 Setup Walk through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROQbbiiO2I

http://vimeo.com/user442745

GH2 Pictures
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/4222674355/albums
 
1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6

That would be my 1st and 2nd choice also. I have the Nokton and plan on getting the 12mm F1.6 or 12mm F2.0 Oly.
 
mpgxsvcd said:
Who said anything about low bit rate video? 1080p @ 24 FPS and 24 mb/sec is not low bit rate by any stretch of the imagination.
Click to expand...
Set your camera to this "high" bit rate, video some trees full of leaves, and then pan. You will end up with a mess.
mpgxsvcd said:
mpgxsvcd said:
impressions of 42Mbit 1080p on the GH2 are:

Noise now has a lovely film like fine grain, much more organic and less electronic looking
Noise smears far less detail
Low light performance is just better all round

Less compression appears to have helped with banding on gradated tones, looks closer to 10bit than 8bit!
Significantly better than the high bitrate MJPEG mode especially in low light
Colour seems improved, I am getting some beautifully rich tones out of it

Detail has increased and is much more solid looking, even with heavy camera movement
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Again, this is not up for debate. Its like the "theory" of gravity.
btw, are you a Creationist?

(I forgot you also said the new firmware was a HUGE improvement for noise reduction)
 
mpgxsvcd said:
What kind of videos are these? Are they meant to show people or machinery? Are they meant to be artistic or informative? If you need artistic then by all means get the super fast glass and go to town.

If they are meant to be informative then I would just get the sharper m4/3s lenses(14-140mm, 25mm, 14mm F2.5) and a decent video light.
Click to expand...
They will be interview/testimonial video for the companies website. The 14-140 came in the kit and I imagine it will handle the office videos.

My efforts will likely be 20% office and 80% whatever I'm into at the moment. Mostly street photo and artistic video.
 
I have tested the high bit rate hacks vs. 42 mb/sec and 24 mb/sec with trees at dusk and high ISO. There can be slight artifacts for 24 mb/sec with movement. However, they are far from significant. With 42 mb/sec they are non-existent. Same with the higher bit rates. I will try to post the footage this weekend.

The only times I have seen issues with 24 mb/sec are with grass blowing in the wind over water. Going to 42 mb/sec will resolve that issue. However, there are not that many times you ever encounter that scenario. Hardly worth giving up reliability for that.

If you are panning fast enough to get compression artifacts then I would say your panning technique is the bigger issue instead of the compression.

Nope! Did you really think I was?
Everdog said:
mpgxsvcd said:
Who said anything about low bit rate video? 1080p @ 24 FPS and 24 mb/sec is not low bit rate by any stretch of the imagination.
Click to expand...
Set your camera to this "high" bit rate, video some trees full of leaves, and then pan. You will end up with a mess.
Everdog said:
Everdog said:
impressions of 42Mbit 1080p on the GH2 are:

Noise now has a lovely film like fine grain, much more organic and less electronic looking
Noise smears far less detail
Low light performance is just better all round

Less compression appears to have helped with banding on gradated tones, looks closer to 10bit than 8bit!
Significantly better than the high bitrate MJPEG mode especially in low light
Colour seems improved, I am getting some beautifully rich tones out of it

Detail has increased and is much more solid looking, even with heavy camera movement
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Again, this is not up for debate. Its like the "theory" of gravity.
btw, are you a Creationist?

(I forgot you also said the new firmware was a HUGE improvement for noise reduction)
Click to expand...
--
GH2, GF1, & ZS3 Sample movies
http://www.youtube.com/user/mpgxsvcd#play/uploads

GH2 Setup Walk through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROQbbiiO2I

http://vimeo.com/user442745

GH2 Pictures
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/4222674355/albums
 
I do believe in gravity though. I can feel it, measure it, and see its affects. However, I have no idea what causes it.
Everdog said:
Again, this is not up for debate. Its like the "theory" of gravity.
btw, are you a Creationist?

(I forgot you also said the new firmware was a HUGE improvement for noise reduction)
Click to expand...
--
GH2, GF1, & ZS3 Sample movies
http://www.youtube.com/user/mpgxsvcd#play/uploads

GH2 Setup Walk through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROQbbiiO2I

http://vimeo.com/user442745

GH2 Pictures
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/4222674355/albums
 
I just got a GH2 as well.... if I had 1750 to spend I would go this way if video was my priority

20/1.7 - not that much slower/wider than the 25/1.4 and much more compact - 350

Oly 45/1.8 - 400

Rode Videomic Pro - 250

Audio-Technica’s PRO 88W wireless lapel mic -150

a hand held audio recorder - 150 - recording audio separately is very useful

Decent tripod and a fluid video head - 200

a small tripod or gorilla pod to hold the microphone off camera

a variable ND filter for those days you want shallow DOF in bright light - you will be shooting at 1/50 or 1/60 all the time

anything left then maybe a legacy 85mm and adapter

oh and just picked up this book which is good

DSLR Cinema: Crafting the Film Look with Video By Kurt Lancaster

cheers

K

--
if you really must see my photos then try
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinparis2007/
 
Well if you are looking for a low weight rig, you didn't exactly choose the lightest alternative. For low weight, I'd replace the SLR Magic 12mmby the Olympus 12mm F2.

Also : why both 25mm ? I'd go for the Panasonic (it is fast too at 1.4 and lighter than the 0.95 Nokton). .

I'add the Olympus 45mm f1.8, it is a wonderful lens sharp and with nice bokey.
MikeRVA said:
My GH2 arrived today along with an email from my employer authorizing an accessory budget of $1750. I'll produce a few videos for the office, but the stuff is mine to use however I like. Nice!

Likely use:
Promotional videos for office
Street photo and documentary type video
Cinematic stuff for fun

This is my short list of lenses in order of preference:

1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6
3. Samyang 35mm F1.4
4. Canon 85mm F1.8 Canon FD
5. 50mm F1.4 Canon FD
6. Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm F1.4 ASPH Lens | H-X025
7. Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5

Any suggestions?

Shotgun Mic
Rode?

Any suggestions for a low weight rig? Something I can move around a night market with if necessary?

Thanks!

Mike
Click to expand...
--
rrr_hhh
 
MikeRVA said:
My GH2 arrived today along with an email from my employer authorizing an accessory budget of $1750. I'll produce a few videos for the office, but the stuff is mine to use however I like. Nice!

Likely use:
Promotional videos for office
Street photo and documentary type video
Cinematic stuff for fun

This is my short list of lenses in order of preference:

1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
Click to expand...
No.
MikeRVA said:
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6
Click to expand...
No. This is a low quality, gimmick lens and of no use for what you describe.
MikeRVA said:
3. Samyang 35mm F1.4
Click to expand...
No. Just a weird focal len. Its long for video being unstabilised.
MikeRVA said:
4. Canon 85mm F1.8 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Too long and unstabiliised for video.
MikeRVA said:
5. 50mm F1.4 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Same as above.
MikeRVA said:
6. Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm F1.4 ASPH Lens | H-X025
Click to expand...
Maybe.
MikeRVA said:
7. Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5
Click to expand...
No. Just use the wide end of your zoom.
MikeRVA said:
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Get the 14-140. It may not produce those dramatic shallow DOF shots that you seem to be after. But, it will get the job done. After this, you need to spend money to improve the audio and other aspects.
MikeRVA said:
Shotgun Mic
Rode?
Click to expand...
Maybe a high quality lapel mic for talking. High quality external audio recorder that can tap XLR conference mics.
MikeRVA said:
Any suggestions for a low weight rig? Something I can move around a night market with if necessary?
Click to expand...
Get a tripod as well.
MikeRVA said:
Thanks!

Mike
Click to expand...
 
Jogger said:
No.
No. Just a weird focal len. Its long for video being unstabilised.
No. Too long and unstabiliised for video.
No. Same as above.
Maybe.
Click to expand...
The OP said
Jogger said:
Jogger said:
Promotional videos for office
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
For most video you either want to use a tri-pod, steady-cam, or slider. For Office type videos it will be mostly tripods. I personally love building homemade sliders. They really add to production quality.
 
Jogger said:
MikeRVA said:
My GH2 arrived today along with an email from my employer authorizing an accessory budget of $1750. I'll produce a few videos for the office, but the stuff is mine to use however I like. Nice!

Likely use:
Promotional videos for office
Street photo and documentary type video
Cinematic stuff for fun

This is my short list of lenses in order of preference:

1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
Click to expand...
No.
Jogger said:
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6
Click to expand...
No. This is a low quality, gimmick lens and of no use for what you describe.
Jogger said:
3. Samyang 35mm F1.4
Click to expand...
No. Just a weird focal len. Its long for video being unstabilised.
Jogger said:
4. Canon 85mm F1.8 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Too long and unstabiliised for video.
Jogger said:
5. 50mm F1.4 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Same as above.
Jogger said:
6. Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm F1.4 ASPH Lens | H-X025
Click to expand...
Maybe.
Jogger said:
7. Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5
Click to expand...
No. Just use the wide end of your zoom.
Jogger said:
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Get the 14-140. It may not produce those dramatic shallow DOF shots that you seem to be after. But, it will get the job done. After this, you need to spend money to improve the audio and other aspects.
Jogger said:
Shotgun Mic
Rode?
Click to expand...
Maybe a high quality lapel mic for talking. High quality external audio recorder that can tap XLR conference mics.
Jogger said:
Any suggestions for a low weight rig? Something I can move around a night market with if necessary?
Click to expand...
Get a tripod as well.
Jogger said:
Thanks!

Mike
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Interesting take. I was trending towards these lenses because they are recommended at eoshd. I have the 14-140. What do you suggest for low light and/or cine effect?
 
rrr_hhh said:
Well if you are looking for a low weight rig, you didn't exactly choose the lightest alternative. For low weight, I'd replace the SLR Magic 12mmby the Olympus 12mm F2.

Also : why both 25mm ? I'd go for the Panasonic (it is fast too at 1.4 and lighter than the 0.95 Nokton). .

I'add the Olympus 45mm f1.8, it is a wonderful lens sharp and with nice bokey.
Click to expand...
I plan to get one 25 or the other. The PL25 is certainly smaller and cheaper. The Nokton is dreamy. The pl25 + $500 towards something else or Nokton? Tough call.
 
It depends entirely on what you mean by "re-encode", what your output destination is, and what your end-use is. It's certainly possible to edit high bitrate video and re-encode it at equivalent bitrates without losing the advantage you've gained over the default video.

I agree that the extemely high bitrates aren't of much use for most purposes, but if you are doing green screen or match moving work then they are beneficial. If you are producing footage for HDTV or Blu-Ray then higher bitrates are worthwhile. OTOH, if you are producing for more compressed Youtube, Vimeo, or SDTV then they are not worth it.
Everdog said:
mpgxsvcd said:
The super high bit rates will be meaningless for you if you are just going to re-encode the video.
Click to expand...
This is false.

If you take a low bit rate video and re-encode it, it will end up looking a lot worse than a high bit rate video re-encoded to a lower bit rate.

There is a reason why pros want to start with the highest quality video possible.

There is a reason why people start with RAW files for images even when the final output will be jpegs.
Click to expand...
 
I would (and did) absolutely choose the Nokton over the PL for video. Manual focus is much more useful, the extra speed is useful, and closer focusing is useful. I really hate AF for video, and I also really hate MF with fly-by-wire focus (haven't tried Oly 12mm, though).
MikeRVA said:
rrr_hhh said:
Well if you are looking for a low weight rig, you didn't exactly choose the lightest alternative. For low weight, I'd replace the SLR Magic 12mmby the Olympus 12mm F2.

Also : why both 25mm ? I'd go for the Panasonic (it is fast too at 1.4 and lighter than the 0.95 Nokton). .

I'add the Olympus 45mm f1.8, it is a wonderful lens sharp and with nice bokey.
Click to expand...
I plan to get one 25 or the other. The PL25 is certainly smaller and cheaper. The Nokton is dreamy. The pl25 + $500 towards something else or Nokton? Tough call.
Click to expand...
 
amtberg said:
I would (and did) absolutely choose the Nokton over the PL for video. Manual focus is much more useful, the extra speed is useful, and closer focusing is useful. I really hate AF for video, and I also really hate MF with fly-by-wire focus (haven't tried Oly 12mm, though).
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. amtberg. Is the Nokton practical for run and gun filming?
 
Jogger obviously has no clue about shooting video. The Nokton 25mm is probably THE best video lens for MFT. Super fast, super smooth focus, and excellent close focusing make it a dream video lens. For similar reasons the 12/1.6 is an excellent video lens.

The 14-140 is a decent choice for those rare occasions when you might want AF and you're shooting in decent light, but that's about it.
Jogger said:
MikeRVA said:
My GH2 arrived today along with an email from my employer authorizing an accessory budget of $1750. I'll produce a few videos for the office, but the stuff is mine to use however I like. Nice!

Likely use:
Promotional videos for office
Street photo and documentary type video
Cinematic stuff for fun

This is my short list of lenses in order of preference:

1. Nokton 25mm F0.95
Click to expand...
No.
Jogger said:
2. SLR Magic Noktor HyperPrime 12mm F1.6
Click to expand...
No. This is a low quality, gimmick lens and of no use for what you describe.
Jogger said:
3. Samyang 35mm F1.4
Click to expand...
No. Just a weird focal len. Its long for video being unstabilised.
Jogger said:
4. Canon 85mm F1.8 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Too long and unstabiliised for video.
Jogger said:
5. 50mm F1.4 Canon FD
Click to expand...
No. Same as above.
Jogger said:
6. Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm F1.4 ASPH Lens | H-X025
Click to expand...
Maybe.
Jogger said:
7. Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5
Click to expand...
No. Just use the wide end of your zoom.
Jogger said:
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Get the 14-140. It may not produce those dramatic shallow DOF shots that you seem to be after. But, it will get the job done. After this, you need to spend money to improve the audio and other aspects.
Jogger said:
Shotgun Mic
Rode?
Click to expand...
Maybe a high quality lapel mic for talking. High quality external audio recorder that can tap XLR conference mics.
Jogger said:
Any suggestions for a low weight rig? Something I can move around a night market with if necessary?
Click to expand...
Get a tripod as well.
Jogger said:
Thanks!

Mike
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top