pannumon wrote:
Quantum Target wrote:
properly lit, framed, color balanced, etc. Of these, focus would seem to be the only part that would possibly be harder. I can't imagine that you are saying the G85 AF performs poorly at 4K and acceptably at 1080p! Makeup? Plastic surgery for 'talent'?
I think I did not write that AF is worse on 4k than on 1080p, but I do now: AF speed
can be a lot slower when shooting 4k instead of 1080p. Both 4k video and AF require a lot of processing power. For example, look at this post:
I didn't understand your earlier comment to be about AF performance. I am under no illusions here. True, AF is more critical at 4K but in several other comments in this thread suggest that G85 & 4K is not a 'viable option' - my paraphrase. I should not use the camera in 4K because _________, is equally an assertion that the G85 is a 'dog' - I should look elsewhere. When Panasonic added 4K to this design they also added processor power, firmware, tightened electromechanical specifications, etc. to support it. In doing so, those improvements can reasonably be expected to improve 1080 performance as well. That improvement can not credibly be used as a 'proof' that 1080 should be used and 4K should be avoided. It may be Panasonic may not have succeeded in implementing 4K well enough to satisfy some or many users. My stated interest is in users experiences that correlate in some way to my use case.
It all depends what you need, and a tiny bit what you want. Maybe this post will give you some perspective.
I have G7 and it's a great camera, and I expect G85 to be even better. I usually shoot 4k, although I don't know why. There are almost infinite combination of choices that you need to take into account, or then just experiment and learn. I like your approach about thinking all the possible aspects, but in reality, you need to try and see what works best for you. Video is another world compared to stills photography, and there will be many surprises you need to deal with. Don't expect to get it right straight from the beginning.
I used to shoot with 180° shutter speed (half of the frame length, 1/50s for 24fps and so on) with all manual, but nowadays I think it's much safer to do it the easy way, and shoot video in an automatic mode. Manual mode gives the best results, but it is not good if you have a camera standing on a tripod and someone turns on additional lighting (without you noticing).
My plan is to try to limit variability in lighting and if at all possible leave camera on auto to handle exposure. There shouldn't be too much in the way of hot spots to create problems at first. WB set and lock at start. Existing lighting is fairly good in terms of temp and CRI. The variable would be if we start using Power Point. This could cause hot spots and color casts. If this becomes an issue I think it won't be too hard to make a few adjustments. Having a competent remote control implementation was a top priority during previous phases in the selection process and Panasonic seems to lead in this area. The only way it could be better is to open the API so devs could do things like Magic Lantern for the G85. I would be wary of using ML in production without lots of testing but it is a way to get features that are tremendously useful when the manufacturer isn't interested. Better of course to have all you need and want in the OEM firmware and as far as I can tell, what we need is there.
From what I have understood of your needs, it is not so important if you shoot 720p or 4k. Before that choice, make sure that you have the basic things covered: for
I agree except for the 720 V 4K part. Yes, I could use the G85 to shoot 720 (I assume) if that is what you mean. Whatever I buy has to function capably at the full baseline requirement of 4K though.
example lighting and decent audio. Some small remote microphone that you can put on your shirt/jacket sounds like a very reasonable investment. Perhaps the easiest way is to get an external recorder with small external microphone, and put the external recorder in your pocket. This adds additional steps while recording and post-processing, but it's simple (and stupid) method that works. Most importantly, be sure that you have a backup recording the audio (great audio is useless if the cable was not connected properly, or if you forgot to turn the microphone on or if the battery was empty or...)!
I have done a lot of large event audio and am a stickler on this one so I don't have any worries here. Initial plans are head worn mic (have it, used it) - not over 1 ear - but over both. [ I have seen so many videos where the mic is flying off the side of the speakers head totally out of control...] Into a body pack transmitter the receiver will be jacked into the main camera. Well aware of frequency, channel, international limits, diversity reception etc. etc. One thing many people get bit on is that they assume 2 antennas = diversity reception. Many receivers aren't. Often each antenna is for a separate receiver / audio channel.
I like that the screen on the G85 displays audio levels but don't like the limited resolution of the 'meters'. Since I will have access to the audio from the receiver, I have the option of external processor, recorder, and VU display at camera. Haven't worked that part out yet since I know I can use external recorder (has WIFI interface too so I can monitor and control) but I want to avoid that step if possible. I expect camera will encode audio (it is just voice) more than well enough for our use. I have thought about splitting that mic to supply an audio recorder but would only do that at camera. I know, probems with the RF chain now become additional single point failure nodes but 2 boxes on the speaker are just not an option. Neither is a shotgun or other fixed mic. Off camera sounds must be avoided and the head worn is the best way to get that done. Usually the setting will be relatively informal so a pause for audio issue shouldn't be a problem. In reality, this should never be an issue for us.
Two cameras is great to have so that you can change the angle between your presentation. However, this will take considerable amount of time in post processing, unless you do it really quick and dirty (still just importing, exporting, uploading and watching the video through ONCE will take several hours).
Agreed. I have made it clear that I won't be doing anything fancy or creative for each video. We need consistent look and no distracting transitions minimal to no text overlays etc. The intent is to do a stock intro (very very short) trim to start, appropriate transitions between angles and trim end and whatever the stock tail is called. I am trying to achieve a workflow of no more than 3 hours for 1 hour video. Less as I am more practiced. I am not too worried about the import and render parts. Import should take less than 30 minutes. Render at worst can go overnight but I don't intend to fiddle much with grading. Spend the time and effort on the front end to get exposure and color correct and only do camera switching in post. I will have to see how my workstation handles 4K (should be ok) and assuming it is, I won't need to mess with proxies and other workarounds. Most of that would take more time on the front end but the pre processing does not have to tie up my time so that should be ok. Upload times, another launch and leave process, would be under 1.5 hours.
I also do hope that we will be able to improve our workflow to reduce the time needed for all those things not seen - like camera and light setup. These benefit from careful thought before buying your gear etc. and I am doing that now as well.
How much would it cost to hire a company to make a video of your presentations (let's assume they would not need to travel)? Only a small fee would be coming from the "rent" of the equipment they use, and most of the costs would be from things you need to do on your own. My purpose is not to scare you, but the same applies to you (unless you have free labor).
This isn't really an option. I have the technical knowledge, can develop quickly enough or already have the needed skills, and since this isn't going to take time from my day job, my labor is 'free'. We should know fairly quickly If our time estimates are way off. If they were too optimistic, we will re-evaluate.
All-in-all, I would suggest you to just get the camera(s) and some audio equipment and perhaps some lights*, start playing around, gather knowledge from video forums, download free Da Vinci Resolve or some other video editing software, try to do some basic editing, give your presentation, try things for real, go play around with the camera once more, gather more knowledge, give another presentation, try to avoid the same mistakes again and so on. After some months or years, you'll start feel confident.
That is pretty much the plan. We are very nearly at the "get the cameras" step since nothing I have found out is a show stopper for the G85. DR is our preferred NLE package but I do need to get the Workstation. That isn't yet available but I can still work on getting lighting options worked out - basically all the capture stuff. About the time we are ready for our first trial run I should have the workstation set up.
*or just get/rent one camera first.
Don't think I can but will be checking.
All that being said, it does not matter if the video does not look very good in the beginning,
We feel that we need do our best to put out a good to high quality video (technically speaking) from the start and I believe we can. No doubt there will be room for improvements but I am hoping that the average person will barely notice them.
as long as you have some video (and audio!). Do not worry about the small things, try to get the big things somewhat right at first.
I get what you are saying. My approach is generally a mix of what you suggest and the opposite. It comes from a lifelong battle with ADD (no H). Regular review of the big picture while dealing with the details has worked well for me most of the time. Perceptible progress, setting and achieving landmarks is as you suggest is immensely helpful and encourages all to keep pressing toward the goal. My biggest difficulty with those intermediate steps is that the things I see that need improvement can overwhelm the value I should see in the intermediate steps.
Thanks again for your remarks.
QT
