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Panasonic GH1 DSLR 1080p24 HD 12MP 17.3x13mm sensor


Peter J DeCrescenzo

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Two PL lens mounts and a anamorphic lens used with the GH1:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=170756

http://prolost.com/blog/2009/5/9/would-you...your-mount.html

 

Number of seconds 'til a JJ Abrams-style Star Trek no-budget tribute short complete with ghetto flashlight anamorphic lens flares appears? 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... :-)

 

Concerning other lenses & mounts, see:

http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?sh...st&p=281726

 

Philip Bloom has some hot fun in Joshua Tree with his GH1 fitted with a PL mount and various lenses:

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/05/12/panaso...-and-pl-lenses/

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UPDATE 6/10/2010: Vitaliy Kiselev's (AKA "Tester13") "PTool" firmware modification utility software for Panasonic Lumix Micro Four-Thirds cameras (AKA "the GH1 firmware hack") essentially transforms the DMC-GH1 into a whole new camera, image-wise. The improvement is _HUGE_. Plus, the hack adds useful new capabilities in addition to "merely" increasing the recording data-rate. Refer to post #53 for more info:

http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=37701&view=findpost&p=325618

 

=============

=============

 

I posted the following on DVXUser.com, but I thought I'd post it here, too.:

 

I think the GH1 is almost perfect for high-end digital still camera consumers and for some pro photo & video applications, too. But I think the GH1 could "easily" be so much better. So, here's my list of features which I think should/could be added to the GH1 (possibly via a firmware update) or be featured in some future "GH1B" or "GH2" model. These are my opinions only, presented in order of their importance to me.:

 

- Full-time live video output: Full-time live _composite_ video output (including during recording) would be acceptable, but only if the cam's internal video recording quality is also increased (see below). Full-time live HDMI video & audio output is preferable. If full-time live HDMI-out is implemented I'd "settle" for leaving the cam's built-in recording quality as-is because using an external device for high-quality HDMI recording would be an option. The GH1 isn't a DSLR, it's really a video camcorder, and virtually every video camcorder ever made has had some form of full-time video out. There are many, many good reasons for this. Full-time live video-out is not a crutch. It's a _normal_ part of many (but not all) video productions. Among other things, many clients expect & are more than willing to _pay_ for full-time live video monitoring on-set, and many crew positions depend on it, too. Is it absolutely necessary in every production situation? No. But in many/most, yes.

 

- Allow audio auto-gain (AGC) to be disabled: It would be preferable if a GH1/B/2 user could adjust audio recording levels on the fly, but I'd "settle" for allowing switching the mic jack to line level input for use with an optional external mixer.

 

- Full-time live _audio_ out via the included USB-to-RCA cable: Preferably full-time live line-level audio output should be implemented along with the other items listed here, but it's really independent. The line-level audio out could be used with an optional audio mixer, headphone amp or other equipment to enable monitoring audio during recording.

 

- Full-time headphone audio output: This is a no-brainer. Even most consumer users have earbud headphones! All pro users use them when recording "important" audio, right? Unfortunately, adding a headphone jack to the GH1 means modifying the cam's case design, but this should be relatively easy for Panasonic to do. However, I could live without a headphone jack _if_ full-time live line-level audio out was available via the GH1/GH1B/GH2's USB-to-RCA cable.

 

- Flash-band CMOS artifact workaround: Panasonic offers this workaround as a firmware update for the HPX300. If something like this could be implemented in the GH1/B/2 I'd be willing to pay for it.

 

- 1080p24 recording quality improvement: I don't care how Panasonic improves the GH1/B/2's 1080p24 video recording quality -- they don't have to improve it all that much anyway -- as long as it's compatible with most popular NLE software & devices such as BluRay players. AVCHD, MJPEG, whatever, just give us somewhat better-looking 1080p24 and I'll withdraw my request for full-time live HDMI video out, but _not_ for full-time live composite video out for monitoring.

 

Most of the changes I've listed here would require little or no change to the GH1's form factor, case, or button layout. Most could possibly be implemented via software/firmware changes or minor hardware changes. In other words, these changes might not cost Panasonic much to implement and may offer them a nice return on their investment.

 

IMHO these changes would greatly increase the value of the GH1 (or GH1B or GH2) for many professional video and digital cinema professionals.

 

Importantly, implementing these changes won't interfere with the GH1/B/2's primary mission in life: Selling as many cameras to as many "high end" digital still camera consumers as possible. Many of the feature changes I've listed above will increase the cam's value to these consumers, too; e.g.: no one is going to complain if the camera works better for little or no increase in cost.

 

===

 

Because of the issues listed above I'm hesitant to buy a GH1 as it exists today for my personal & professional use. But my thinking on this may change ... I gotta think about it some more ... :-)

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Just an FYI: Panasonic Japan is scheduled to begin selling a GH1 "body only" configuration in Japan on June 12th:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n...history_state0=

 

For June 12th the schedule lists both "DMC-GH1A" (w. kit lens) and "DMC-GH1" (body only).

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Peter, I just got a DMC-GH1 directly from Japan. No switching to English menus! Is there anyway to change the firmware to the English language version?

 

Robert

 

 

At least one GH1 is now in the Los Angeles area of CA. It was purchased retail in Japan and hand delivered to the US. Its US owner, named Kholi, who now frequently posts about it on DVXUser.com:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=169564

 

Japan-sourced GH1 cams have on-screen menus and documentation in the Japanese language only. They don't allow switching the GUI to English. Kholi can't read Japanese, but despite the challenge he seems to be making progress investigating the cam.

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UPDATE 6/10/2010: Vitaliy Kiselev's (AKA "Tester13") "PTool" firmware modification utility software for Panasonic Lumix Micro Four-Thirds cameras (AKA "the GH1 firmware hack") essentially transforms the DMC-GH1 into a whole new camera, image-wise. The improvement is _HUGE_. Plus, the hack adds useful new capabilities in addition to "merely" increasing the recording data-rate. Refer to post #53 for more info:

http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=37701&view=findpost&p=325618

 

==========

==========

 

Peter, I just got a DMC-GH1 directly from Japan. No switching to English menus! Is there anyway to change the firmware to the English language version? ...

 

To the best of my knowledge, Panasonic sells GH1 cams in Japan featuring Japanese-only on-screen menus.

 

Installing the current firmware update does _not_ change this, but does address certain other issues. See:

http://panasonic.jp/.../dsc/index.html

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Just an FYI post to include some recent GH1-related links. Note: When available, view the "HD" versions of the online videos.

 

- DP Byron Shah, Jason Ensler and the folks at Birns & Sawyer shot a test demonstrating the GH1, Red One and 5DM2 cameras. The GH1 & Red One were shooting thru cine lenses, with the GH1 using Illya Friedman's Hot Rod Cameras PL mount:

http://vimeo.com/5981422

 

Byron has posted information about this shoot on Illya's company website:

http://www.hotrodcameras.com/2009/08/02/lu...-dp-byron-shah/

 

- Kevin Cartwright recently posted a brief test using a Cooke Speed Panchro 18mm Ser. III lens mounted on a GH1 using a Arriflex Standard to Micro4/3 adapter from Hawkpeng:

http://vimeo.com/6198539

 

- Manny Crisostomo used a GH1 to shoot a nicely done piece for a newspaper website:

http://vimeo.com/groups/gh1/videos/5860184

 

- Jeffrey Nee shot a short film with a GH1 while waiting for his new baby to be born:

http://gallery.me.com/jeffnee#100091/Expec...p;bgcolor=black

 

- Julian Davies shot portraits of folks on the streets of Oslo:

http://vimeo.com/groups/gh1/videos/5929436

 

Many other GH1 examples can be found on Vimeo & YouTube.

 

Audio input & microphone tests:

 

- Ozpeter has posted results of some informal tests of the GH1's internal and external microphone performance (including MP3 audio files). Despite the GH1's automatic audio recording level feature, it can record relatively clear-sounding stereo audio. This will be useful for scratch or reference recording, and as Manny's piece demonstrates, adequate for some program audio, too.

 

This first test compares the GH1's built-in mic to a few different external mics:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1...mp;postcount=12

 

In his second test he discovered the GH1 apparently supports "plug-in power" (similar to phantom power) -- an undocumented feature -- which he demonstrates with a pair of external lav mics:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=177740

 

Meanwhile, I haven't bought a GH1 myself -- yet -- rolleyes.gif but I'm enjoying "keeping an eye on" it and related developments.

 

I hope the above info is helpful.

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The Hot Rod PL mount adapter for the GH-1 is available exclusively from Abel Cine Tech. Now available for rent as well.

 

http://www.abelcine.com/store/product.php?productid=1001600

 

Mitch,

 

A little confused here. Does this PL mount adapter allow you to use PL mount lenses on the GH-1 in their normal focal length? Or is there some kind of multiplier? Is there any issue with the back side of the PL mount lens contacting the mirror in the GH-1 or is the GH-1 not like an SLR with a mirror for the viewfinder? And finally, does the GH-1 have a full size 35mm sensor, like a Nikon D3?

 

Thanks for any and all info.

 

Best,

-Tim

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Mitch,

 

A little confused here. Does this PL mount adapter allow you to use PL mount lenses on the GH-1 in their normal focal length? Or is there some kind of multiplier? Is there any issue with the back side of the PL mount lens contacting the mirror in the GH-1 or is the GH-1 not like an SLR with a mirror for the viewfinder? And finally, does the GH-1 have a full size 35mm sensor, like a Nikon D3?

 

Thanks for any and all info.

 

Best,

-Tim

Tim, as it says in the title to this thread, the sensor on the GH1 is 17.3x13mm, which is a bit smaller than the RED One sensor. The Hot Rod adaptor is purely mechanical, with no optics within. So the field of view on a given lens will be a little tighter on the GH1 than on a Super-35 film camera.

 

There are no issues with physical clearances of any kind for the lenses and the camera. The GH1 does not have a mirror as it uses an electronic viewfinder. One of the great design features of the Micro 4/3rd format is that it is so shallow a flange depth that there are adapters for just about any other lens mount available.

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Hi,

 

I just wanted to add that I got one of Ilya's adapters from Abel,and it's a truly professional piece of kit,and a no brainer if you already own PL mount lenses. It turns a little consumer level camera into something really quite enjoyable to use,and so long as you work within the limitations of the codec,it can yield some quite surprising results. Although the sensor is slightly smaller than S35,the FoV and DoF characteristics are very close. I was shooting a commercial last week on the RED, and just out of interest set up the GH1 as a B cam.

I was very surprised at the results,as was the DIT and the editor.

Check out the links in Peter's post,I might not want to shoot a feature on it,but you could shoot a TVC without any problem.

 

Tom.

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Just an iPhone shot of the rig,18-50 RED zoom (I'm quite pleased to have found a use for it).Arri matte box and follow focus.

I Know it doesn't look like it,but it balances very well.

The cost of the GH1 and PL Adapter is about the same as a 5D MkII body.

 

Tom.

post-36009-1252024876.jpg

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Not a big deal ... I'm just curious: Coming from a video production background, where I'm generally familiar with how video equipment is marketed & sold, I find Panasonic's handling of GH1 sales in the US to be quite odd.

 

post-3440-1252599488.jpg

 

For more than 2 months (!) the GH1 has been essentially unavailable from reputable, conventional dealers in the US. There are occasional reports online of users acquiring a unit here or there, but for the most part the camera has been in back-ordered status from sources such as B&H, Abel, Adorama, J&R, Amazon, Crutchfield, and others. Panasonic's Direct Sales website has displayed the "backordered until Sept. 2009" message above for more than 2 months -- and it's now Sept. 10th!

 

Oddly, the GH1 is reportedly much more readily available in other parts of the world.

 

Is this sort of thing more common with DSLR cameras than it is with video cameras? Or is it more likely just a random manufacturing/marketing quirk that occurs from time to time?

 

My wishful thinking (hope) is that the delay is actually caused by Panasonic doing a major re-engineering of the GH1's firmware to address the cam's few weaknesses, but I admit this is just wishful thinking on my part. And it doesn't make sense since the cam is somewhat more available outside the US.

 

I suppose the most likely explanation is that demand for this camera in the US has outstripped supply. Still, it seems odd to me the way it's played out.

 

Of course, out of the blue the GH1 might magically become available in large quantities here the minute the Canon 7D starts to ship in the US ... icon1.gif

 

Anyway, just my curiosity -- I'd be interested to hear other's take on this.

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FYI: The elusive Heineken commercial shot with a GH1 is finally available for viewing:

http://www.psyop.tv/o.php?id=103|0

 

There's a recent discussion about it here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=183058

 

If I remember correctly I believe this was shot with the intention of it being distributed via the web only (not broadcast).

 

EDIT: The scene with the extreme close up of the guitar (about mid-point in the commercial) was shot by securing the small GH1 to the the guitar player's left forearm so the cam moves in sync as his fingers slide along the guitar's frets.

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FYI: Chad Peacock created this very nice short film, "Looks Like Rain", 90% of which he says was shot with a GH1:

http://vimeo.com/6605591

 

Stick with it ... IMHO it gets better & better as it goes along!

 

If possible, watch it in HD, and turn up the soundtrack. :-)

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I worked with the GH1 with the Hot Rod systems PL mount and Zeiss Compact primes. I haven't seen the footage, but I wasn't happy (as an AC) working with the camera. No live preview. Focusing on the small LCD was a PITA.

 

Good things: Small, lightweight. You can shoot tons of footage on the cards (not hundreds of gigs), and no noise from the camera.

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I worked with the GH1 with the Hot Rod systems PL mount and Zeiss Compact primes. I haven't seen the footage, but I wasn't happy (as an AC) working with the camera. No live preview. Focusing on the small LCD was a PITA.

I saw a cut of it in 1080P ProRes, I thought it looked great. Did the lenses tape out? Were you able to focus reliably with a tape measure? That's my main concern. The build quality of the Hod Rod adapter is pretty darn good, I wish Illya would make a PV version for the 7D.

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I try to be fair in describing both the capabilities and weaknesses of these new video-capable DSLRs as I learn about them.

 

In addition to all the "good" news I've posted about these cams, in case you've missed it, see my post here:

http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?sh...st&p=286515

 

... and especially my recent posts on DVXUser.com (do a search for posts using my full name "Peter J. DeCrescenzo"):

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/search.php

 

Good shooting, everyone!

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Quick! Download this Quicktime file before it disappears! :)

 

This video was shot by DP Glenn Przyborski for broadcast using a Panasonic DMC-GH1 "DSLR" in 1080p24 mode with various manual SLR lenses (the video was down-sampled to a quarter-size 960x540 H264 Quicktime file):

http://www.przyborski.com/HD_movies/B-Roll...0x540_H264b.mov

 

Glenn describes the footage and why he decided to return the Canon EOS 7D he also bought:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1...mp;postcount=95

 

P.S.: Here are Barry Green's resolution chart tests results for both these cameras: They only resolve 600 lines more or less (mostly less), and the 7D also generates impressive false-color moire/alias artifacts:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=187165

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=186334

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FYI: If you're in the US and considering buying a GH1, and if "today" is close to 12/4/09 or thereabouts, you might save a lot of $ by reading this first (new lower pricing):

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1...amp;postcount=7

 

YMMV!

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After much looking at blogs and message boards and youtube and vimeo tests

I decided to go for a GH1 over other video DSLR cameras.

 

There is so much conflicting information and brand-loyalists sharing opinions.

In the end, I went with the footage I was most consistently impressed with,

and the camera that fit my needs as of right now..

 

even though, there is good and bad clips for every camera of this type and everything looks good during "magic hour"..

I think I seriously strained my eyes watching video after video after video of people focusing on a flower then on the trees in the background...

 

 

grabbed it from Dell, btw

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even though, there is good and bad clips for every camera of this type and everything looks good during "magic hour"..

I think I seriously strained my eyes watching video after video after video of people focusing on a flower then on the trees in the background...

 

This isn't flowers but I used the GH1 and think I made the right choice. I think you will be happy with the GH1.

http://www.vimeo.com/8624285

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