Stab

Smallish sensor look (of wide-angle lens stopped down a lot) and a lot of greens (if not colorgraded too much like this on purpose)
Verdict: GH2 / G6

A used GH3. I'm sure you can get one for € 500,00 or less.
Video is much, much better than a 550D!

Check out one of my latest shoots with the GH3. I'm still impressed with what it can do and it is already 3 years old technology.

A used GH3. I'm sure you can get one for € 500,00 or less.
Video is much, much better than a 550D!

Check out one of my latest shoots with the GH3. I'm still impressed with what it can do and it is already 3 years old technology.

A used GH3. I'm sure you can get one for € 500,00 or less.
Video is much, much better than a 550D!

Check out one of my latest shoots with the GH3. I'm still impressed with what it can do and it is already 3 years old technology.

Holy shit this really shows how far technology has come already.
That 'cinematic' holiday video looks fantastic. Stunning even, when you think about it. It's a bloody phone which most people carry in their pocket everyday.
It's way more detailed than my Panasonic GH3. Much higher resolution, almost no aliasing... It's unbelievably good. The dynamic range doesn't even seem to be that much fewer either, maybe 2 stops at most. The only thing missing is depth of field and long lenses. If that could be digitally achieved, then everyone has a cinematic tool with them at hand.
Exciting but scary at the same time for us videographers and cameramen.

Holy shit this really shows how far technology has come already.
That 'cinematic' holiday video looks fantastic. Stunning even, when you think about it. It's a bloody phone which most people carry in their pocket everyday.
It's way more detailed than my Panasonic GH3. Much higher resolution, almost no aliasing... It's unbelievably good. The dynamic range doesn't even seem to be that much fewer either, maybe 2 stops at most. The only thing missing is depth of field and long lenses. If that could be digitally achieved, then everyone has a cinematic tool with them at hand.
Exciting but scary at the same time for us videographers and cameramen.

My advice is to buy a cheap camera and good lenses with that kind of budget. If you want to hold on for a better camera to come around, then why not buy a cheap camera for now to keep you busy and lenses that you will be able to use with the next-gen ultra 4000 camera that you will buy next year?
Get a used GH3 with a Speed Booster (or Lens Turbo if you're cheap) and call it a day. Many people get dragged into the 'upgrade my gear' race that everyone seems to have with all these new toys being released. But those won't make you a better cameraman. A GH3 with a Speed Booster will do everything you want and more. It's the only camera I use since the day it came out. It's rugged, the batteries last for ages, reliable, takes a Mic + headphones + external monitor, almost no moire and generally gives a great image. People who complain about the low-light capabilities of M4/3 simply don't use the correct lenses to do so. I shoot a Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 which turns into a f1.2 constant zoom with the Speed Booster.
Check below for my latest wedding film which features a lot of low-light shots. All done with the GH3.
 

A story that most of us will recognize, sooner or later.
I hate to be the one who will say it here, but it has to be said. This is a classic example of something 99% of the people on this planet have to go through.
There is no child on this planet who dreams about being a carpenter, garbage collector or street cleaner. Almost everyone aspires something like being an artist, a musician, a filmmaker, actor, having an own business, etc. If you ever watched Idols / Popstars etc you have seen how unbelievably many people sign up for such a thing, just hoping to be discovered.
If you ever type 'short film' on Youtube, you can see how unbelievably many people work on things and publish them just to get discovered. We are living in an age with endless opportunities and we are told about these so often that we believe we never ever have to work again because we are so special. The next generation will have to suffer from this even more.
You know why? Because to be able to make money with pure art, one has to be special. And special literally means that only a small percentage of all people can be it.
We are flooded lately with mediocre singers, songwriters, films, painters, 'artists' so much, that most people have enough of it. I think it is even harder to be special now that it was 20 years ago. 
Now, I'm not critizing anyone's skills here specifically, most of us simply don't 'have' it and will have to give up. When we are young we are dreaming big and chasing our goals, but when we reach our thirties and more and more responsibilities show up (house, bills, girlfriends, childeren), we have to make a mentallity change. We can just 'fuck around' anymore, we have to get a stable income. It's that simple.
It's easy to say 'follow your dreams!' Because deep down inside we would all like that. But unfortunately, money is more important than anything else to survive and most of us will need to let go. At least partially.
That's what I did. In stead of pursuing a career as a director, I am now running and expanding my wedding film company. I'm determined to be the motherfucking best wedding filmer of my country and at the same time make well sure my website is being optimized for Google search etc.
It's a good alternative for being a director of feature films in Hollywood. Is it as nice? No. Is it my absolute dream? No. Is it fucking 1000x better than working from 9:00 - 17:00 at Mcdonalds? Hell yes.
I think this is all just a matter of 'growing up'. When I was 17 I believed I would be the next big rock star at a young age. I thought I had incredible song writing talent and that it would just be a matter of time before I was discovered. Turned out I was very wrong and I was just one of the million musicians who think the same and write mediocre songs. Hence, I gave up pursuing that career and music is now just one of my hobbies.
It's hard, I know. But letting go and focus on your real skills and develop a sense of business are the most important things you can do in your life I think. That, and knowing how to communicate with people.
Good luck everyone. I still encourage everyone to go for it, but also to keep a sense of realism.

I shoot weddings with the GH3 and most weddings I only have to swap out the battery once! I'm talking about 10-14 hour working days here with the camera being turned on most of the time. It's amazing.

I shoot weddings with the GH3 and most weddings I only have to swap out the battery once! I'm talking about 10-14 hour working days here with the camera being turned on most of the time. It's amazing.

Good to hear! Good for you as well
I use the Sigma 18-35mm on the GH3 with the Speed Booster and I'm still amazed at the results after every shoot. When shooting a medium close from someone with this beast at 35mm, there is almost an 'anamorphic like' distortion / perspective thing going on. It's by far the most beautiful lens I have ever used. If it only it was a 17-50mm it would literally never come of my camera.

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Thanks JFR. First, would you mind editing your post and deleting the link that I've posted and you quoted? I just wanted to show it to you, not have it here online forever. Thank you very much. If people are interested in my work, they could visit my website http://www.cinematicwedding.nl .
The video you posted is indeed 'the next level'. Great looking footage, editing, grading, etc. But that is nowhere near 'run & gun' like we wedding filmers do. These shots are prepared and prepared well. They used lights, production design, etc. I'm sure most shots are done in multiple takes. This is more like a short film. Although I get your point, this isn't really a fair comparison.
When I bought my GH3 2 years ago, there wasn't an alternative that could shoot 1080p at 50 or 60 fps. There is now. Of course I will be upgrading along the way, but the camera is not my limiting factor at the moment. Neither in my creativity, nor in what my clients think of my films. Quite the opposite, they are often amazed by the 'clear image' and slowmo. Unfortunately, my business is not high enough ranked in Google yet to make enough money to constantly upgrade all my gear. As you understand, the camera is only one of the tools one needs to buy to make good films. 

And as much as I agree there are better camera's out there in terms of DR, colors and low light, the GH3 and GH4 are more than great alternatives. You are right that ISO 1600 is the maximum ISO one can use. We never go over it. But with a Speed Boosted f1.8 lens I've only once encountered a venue where it was slightly too dark and that was in the film that I posted here.
Anyway, will check out more work of Delivery Men. Cheers.

Are you serious? A GH3 + Speedbooster + Sigma 18-35 f1.8 (f1.2 with SB) is not bad in low light at all. Sure, there might be better low light camera's, but this isn't bad at all. Also, I need the 50p 1080p for slow mo and I simply like the current look I'm getting. At the time I invested in these camera's, C100's couldn't even do 50p/60p at 1080...
Many people don't take these Panasonic 'toys' seriously but I guess that's actually a good thing. 
By the way I forgot to mention that I need this wide angle mainly for the 2nd camera, in this case the G6, to record a wide view of the ceremony.
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Thanks JFR. First, would you mind editing your post and deleting the link that I've posted and you quoted? I just wanted to show it to you, not have it here online forever. Thank you very much. If people are interested in my work, they could visit my website http://www.cinematicwedding.nl .
The video you posted is indeed 'the next level'. Great looking footage, editing, grading, etc. But that is nowhere near 'run & gun' like we wedding filmers do. These shots are prepared and prepared well. They used lights, production design, etc. I'm sure most shots are done in multiple takes. This is more like a short film. Although I get your point, this isn't really a fair comparison.
When I bought my GH3 2 years ago, there wasn't an alternative that could shoot 1080p at 50 or 60 fps. There is now. Of course I will be upgrading along the way, but the camera is not my limiting factor at the moment. Neither in my creativity, nor in what my clients think of my films. Quite the opposite, they are often amazed by the 'clear image' and slowmo. Unfortunately, my business is not high enough ranked in Google yet to make enough money to constantly upgrade all my gear. As you understand, the camera is only one of the tools one needs to buy to make good films. 

And as much as I agree there are better camera's out there in terms of DR, colors and low light, the GH3 and GH4 are more than great alternatives. You are right that ISO 1600 is the maximum ISO one can use. We never go over it. But with a Speed Boosted f1.8 lens I've only once encountered a venue where it was slightly too dark and that was in the film that I posted here.
Anyway, will check out more work of Delivery Men. Cheers.

Are you serious? A GH3 + Speedbooster + Sigma 18-35 f1.8 (f1.2 with SB) is not bad in low light at all. Sure, there might be better low light camera's, but this isn't bad at all. Also, I need the 50p 1080p for slow mo and I simply like the current look I'm getting. At the time I invested in these camera's, C100's couldn't even do 50p/60p at 1080...
Many people don't take these Panasonic 'toys' seriously but I guess that's actually a good thing. 
By the way I forgot to mention that I need this wide angle mainly for the 2nd camera, in this case the G6, to record a wide view of the ceremony.
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Just wanted to say stab, that the video you posted was gorgeous! I could never be brave enough to do any wedding video and on the basis of what you just showed, if I were in the Netherlands when I got married, you would be top of my list!

Are you serious? A GH3 + Speedbooster + Sigma 18-35 f1.8 (f1.2 with SB) is not bad in low light at all. Sure, there might be better low light camera's, but this isn't bad at all. Also, I need the 50p 1080p for slow mo and I simply like the current look I'm getting. At the time I invested in these camera's, C100's couldn't even do 50p/60p at 1080...
Many people don't take these Panasonic 'toys' seriously but I guess that's actually a good thing. 
By the way I forgot to mention that I need this wide angle mainly for the 2nd camera, in this case the G6, to record a wide view of the ceremony.
​

Are you serious? A GH3 + Speedbooster + Sigma 18-35 f1.8 (f1.2 with SB) is not bad in low light at all. Sure, there might be better low light camera's, but this isn't bad at all. Also, I need the 50p 1080p for slow mo and I simply like the current look I'm getting. At the time I invested in these camera's, C100's couldn't even do 50p/60p at 1080...
Many people don't take these Panasonic 'toys' seriously but I guess that's actually a good thing. 
By the way I forgot to mention that I need this wide angle mainly for the 2nd camera, in this case the G6, to record a wide view of the ceremony.
​

I know you don't want to do it, but the best audio solution would be a wireless lav.  I don't think you'd be able to grab better audio with a shotgun in a big room.  You can use a shotgun such as the MKH-416, but unless it's close to the subject it's not going to sound all that great.  Cutting corners on getting good audio would be a mistake IMHO.  For what it's worth, I've used the Sennheiser ew100 without any problems for a few years.  Good luck regardless!

I don't know which business you are in and I understand there is a big difference between someone who is a DOP for feature films and someone like me who makes wedding films and shorts. The latter is much easier to get in to.
 
But you have to understand that video production is a line of work many people would like to get in to, 'if only it wasn't so complicated / expensive'. And the thing is, with current technology and forums / websites like these, it isn't anymore!
 
And the more people will realise 'hey I just need 2000 euro's and I can start a wedding video business?', the more people will do it.
And of course, talent plays a big role, so 90% of those people will stop after a year or 2 because they either suck at it or they can't get their business running. But 10% will continue and have succes in some degree. And 10% of an ever rising population can add up to a lot of future competitors.
 
And I'm not saying we should keep everything as a secret, I'm just saying that the more tips and tricks we share, the more we improve our competitors work. Being a good film makers is hard and requires had work, talent and dedication. I know that. But being a pretty good cameraman requires much less time and effort and with all these tutorials and easy plug-ins like filmconvert and simple tricks like 'use a 35mm 1.4 on a GH4 with Speed Booster' enhances someones work in a short period of time.
 
And I prefer my competitors to shoot an 5DM2 with a kit lens at standard ISO 3200, who has never heard of a ND filter or plug-ins to make your footage look better in an instant. Why? Because my footage will look better anytime, even if the other guy has the same or more talent for composition than I do.
 
Let me repeat again that this indeed only applies for 'easy entry businesses' like wedding films, corporate films and commercial stuff. But I guess that's where 80% of the enhusiasts aim for or are in at the moment anyway.

I think we should be happy that 'the masses' are still buying Canon because it is 'the brand to get'.
We, as enthusiasts and some even professionals, earn their living with shooting video's. I'm so happy that 80% of video shooters still shoot 720p on their Canon 7D / 5D. Why? Because my GH3 looks amazing compared to it. And my clients go 'ooeh' and 'aah' when they see my footage. Of course it is composition, grading, talent, etc. But the camera is also important.
 
So I say, stop spreading the word about Canon camera's being shitty. You gain nothing from it, but you take the edge, of us video makers who spent lots of time selecting the best gear carefully, away.
 
Buy Canon folks! Great reliable gear! Never had any problems with them!
 
Furthermore, even though your articule is spot on Andrew, it accomplishes nothing. It's like asking Sony why they don't release a Mac Pro competitor for less money. Clearly there is no interest from Canon in this market. But also, they will still sell the most camera's for years and years to come. And you should buy a Canon, because they are great!

In another topic about Canon's succes but failing to innovate, I wrote this post. I think it deserves it's own discussion. And it was pretty off-topic anyway.
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Most people don't spend days and days on the internet and websites like EosHD to compare specs and numbers. They go crazy even thinking about it.
 
They go to the nearest camera shop, ask for advice and try something out. Of course the seller says 'here is the Canon 7D, a great camera which we sell all the time'. The customer holds it (feels great!), trusts the brand and the seller, and walks out with the camera. Maybe he looks online for the best possible deal and have it send to him, but he's buying a 7D nonetheless.
 
And that is why Canon is still market leader, and will be for a while. Why do big film studios sometimes use a 5D or a 7D, but never a Panasonic? Because they feel like a toy, have no reputation, different color science, etc.
 
Canon is still the brand to get for everone who is not a nerd like us and spends much of their time on comparing camera's and specs. And the same goes for computers, TV's, car's, etc. People just want to buy something which feels good in the hand, looks good, has a good reputation and is recommended by others / sellers.
And that is why people still buy overpriced iMacs, 5D's, Samsung TV's with digital sharpening and 200 hz modes, etc.
 
But I will say once more, THAT IS PERFECT FOR US. Stop spreading the word! I tell you this is important!
 
Some, like me, make money from shooting video's... Most of us, like me, coulnd't have started this business 10 years ago because of the crappy quality of affordable camera's and computers. Now, everyone with 2000 dollars / euro's to spare can buy a GH4 + lens, download Premiere from torrents, make a simple wordpress website and call himself 'film producer'. Everyday more and more 'competitors' join our market.
 
And we all know that in 5-10 years there will be self composing, 10 bit 8K camera's with 20 stops DR that will focus themselves for 800 euro's in Wallmart... You know what this means for us 'professionals'? It means that you will have 10x more competitors than you have now.
Throw some 'self editing software' in the mix and there you go, almost everyone becomes a video maker.
 
Of course I am exaggerating, but I really believe we should all shut up and keep our secrets. I have learned a lot from the online community and I have given lots of knowledge back in the past, but I am not doing it anymore.
I want my clients to look at my footage and say 'wow that looks better than the rest' and book me. And of course composition and editing have to do with it, but the camera plays a big part in it as well.
 
So if you want to still make money in the (near) future, stop spreading the word about Sony and Panasonic. Stop talking about Filmconvert and explaining everything to people. Stop making easy tutorials for everyone to see.
 
Do you want a future where everyone makes video's which are as good (looking) as yours?
 
We are making it too easy for beginners like this. We are literally raising competitors which will hunt us in the future.
 
I have stopped and I ask you to do the same.
 
Praise Canon 5D's! Praise pricey software. Never give any tips and tricks for free. That is how you get rich.

I think we should be happy that 'the masses' are still buying Canon because it is 'the brand to get'.
We, as enthusiasts and some even professionals, earn their living with shooting video's. I'm so happy that 80% of video shooters still shoot 720p on their Canon 7D / 5D. Why? Because my GH3 looks amazing compared to it. And my clients go 'ooeh' and 'aah' when they see my footage. Of course it is composition, grading, talent, etc. But the camera is also important.
 
So I say, stop spreading the word about Canon camera's being shitty. You gain nothing from it, but you take the edge, of us video makers who spent lots of time selecting the best gear carefully, away.
 
Buy Canon folks! Great reliable gear! Never had any problems with them!
 
Furthermore, even though your articule is spot on Andrew, it accomplishes nothing. It's like asking Sony why they don't release a Mac Pro competitor for less money. Clearly there is no interest from Canon in this market. But also, they will still sell the most camera's for years and years to come. And you should buy a Canon, because they are great!

I think we should be happy that 'the masses' are still buying Canon because it is 'the brand to get'.
We, as enthusiasts and some even professionals, earn their living with shooting video's. I'm so happy that 80% of video shooters still shoot 720p on their Canon 7D / 5D. Why? Because my GH3 looks amazing compared to it. And my clients go 'ooeh' and 'aah' when they see my footage. Of course it is composition, grading, talent, etc. But the camera is also important.
 
So I say, stop spreading the word about Canon camera's being shitty. You gain nothing from it, but you take the edge, of us video makers who spent lots of time selecting the best gear carefully, away.
 
Buy Canon folks! Great reliable gear! Never had any problems with them!
 
Furthermore, even though your articule is spot on Andrew, it accomplishes nothing. It's like asking Sony why they don't release a Mac Pro competitor for less money. Clearly there is no interest from Canon in this market. But also, they will still sell the most camera's for years and years to come. And you should buy a Canon, because they are great!

I think we should be happy that 'the masses' are still buying Canon because it is 'the brand to get'.
We, as enthusiasts and some even professionals, earn their living with shooting video's. I'm so happy that 80% of video shooters still shoot 720p on their Canon 7D / 5D. Why? Because my GH3 looks amazing compared to it. And my clients go 'ooeh' and 'aah' when they see my footage. Of course it is composition, grading, talent, etc. But the camera is also important.
 
So I say, stop spreading the word about Canon camera's being shitty. You gain nothing from it, but you take the edge, of us video makers who spent lots of time selecting the best gear carefully, away.
 
Buy Canon folks! Great reliable gear! Never had any problems with them!
 
Furthermore, even though your articule is spot on Andrew, it accomplishes nothing. It's like asking Sony why they don't release a Mac Pro competitor for less money. Clearly there is no interest from Canon in this market. But also, they will still sell the most camera's for years and years to come. And you should buy a Canon, because they are great!