fuzzynormal

Does it need it? The OP is kind of a hypothetical question to begin with. Maybe the conversation should be meandering.

I've traveled to over 60 countries. There are rual neighborhoods in my home state of Michigan that easily match the shit-hole-ness of the third world.

I don't disagree, but for a neophyte why not get out there and be creative first, let the solutions follow the ideas? I did my time to learn the craft tech stuff back in the day. Loved doing so. But also had visual ideas, wondered what was the best way to do 'em, analyzed other stuff that was similar, then did the same. BTW, these suggestions are all for folks that are doing it for themselves, not being paid. You best have a clue if someone is giving you a check. That's just being polite and a decent human being. If you suck at something, don't take someone's money. On the other hand, they're really not THAT more expensive than impressive old glass and boosters...especially in the 25mm range -- They're smaller, and they do look really good stopped down @f2. As you know, good glass is good glass. You pay for it.

They're okay. I have the 25mm and the 45mm specifically for shooting a doc I'm working on. Those are the two focal lengths I'm using for the whole film. Basically I got 'em for the low-light capacity and shallow DOF during interviews. Yes, they're better than an old f1.2 Canon and a speedbooster...but not by much. In fact, I find the flaws of boosted old glass rather awesome, tbh.

Sure, you can do that. If you want to be awesome at making cat videos. (Street scenes are hardly ever awesome) If that's what you want, no problem. It's fine. If you really want to make films and movies however, TRUST ME: Do. Not. Wait. Just go do it and try your hardest. Don't let ignorance about technical details slow you down. To hell with ignorance. A little naïveté can be a blessing! Never think you can't accomplish a scene or shot simply because you don't have the best "x" on the market. Compelling stuff can be made with the "y" stuff you already have. The simple ambition to go out and make real stuff will leap frog you over everyone else on the planet playing with their cameras rather than being filmmakers with their cameras. I don't know. Maybe you just want to experiment with gear. Most here are the same, including me. All I can tell ya is that in filmmaking solutions follow creativity and not as often visa versa. All that said, start with a cheap LUMIX M43 cam, a cheap Chinese speed-booster, and three cheap f2.8 manual prime lenses. 24mm, 50mm, 85mm. --Outboard audio recorder with a decent boom mic (and operator), and a modest collection of Aputure LED lights. That's more than enough and more powerful imaging equipment than most of the masters of cinema from the mid-20th century had at their disposal.

Find a scene in a movie that you really like... and that is generally regarded as a legitimate cinematic achievement. I'd suggest a talkie scene from an earlier Kurosawa film. When you really see how subtlety in angles, camera motion, and blocking work, it's a revelation. Break it down shot by shot. (Or maybe it's single shot!) Analyze the light, the motion, the focal lengths, the acting, the blocking... ...and recreate it with a small crew and cast. I think emulation is a great way to quickly learn the techniques and craft. All this nonsense about the technical nuances of modern hybrid cameras is not going to matter until you grasp the fundamentals. hot tip: and when you master the fundementals, the camera and/or specific lens choice matters even less than "normal." --and it's very minimal to begin with. Youre not going to be solid out of the gate, but failure is learning. Also, once you start filming your scene, get off the Internet completely and concentrate on what you're trying to do.

I don't doubt your results. Panny's IS ain't perfect and frustratingly unpredictable at times, (I've found their dual IS disappointing) but wanting it to work flawkessly on a gimball is a false expectation, I think. IS is designed to handle shake as the camera remains stationary. If you move the camera around the acceleration/deceleration momentum can cause dramatic shifts as the IS makes over corrections. This is typical with Olympus IS as well, which is generally considered the best available.

This thread is insane.

I run it hot, actually. However, on my next interview with the ew100 receiver, I dialed the output db down -3 more and did like that audio better. The internal GH5 input is set at -12. I've had trouble in the past with hybrid-camera pre-amps being noisy/hissy if the signal is too thin. FWIW, if the audio clips a little bit (emphasis on little) in places I tend to correct that in post with iZotope's audio Rx. Granted, this is far from an ideal solution, but I've decided running slightly hot on the input is preferable to the alternative, which is too much noise on voices that can go quiet during emotional moments. Anyway, this is a similar issue I've delt with across brands/cameras. When I'm doing mission critical work I use an external recorder anyway...or hire a sound guy. moral of the story: just use better stuff when you need a better result. Right now I'm dabbling in a no-budget personal project, so it's not demanding.

To be clear, no pun intended, the title if the thread is: "The GH5's audio sucks balls both with and without a mic" --and this clip is with a mic. The Sennheiser ew100 lav, actually. Its running directly into the mini plug mic input on the GH5.

Here's an example I shot today. Judge for yerself if you think it's decent enough: TEST_.mp4

It's certainly not crazy to be meticulous and try your best with what ya got. But on a website for aspiring filmmakers, but mostly hobbyist, it makes sense that attention is applied a little too much to a single thing, the camera. Many here are locked into what cameras do or don't do because, perhaps, they don't need to have a well-rounded approach to a production. Also, it's just fun to talk about technical crap. For me, the more important things are not camera specific. As you know, I love playing with cameras, but to funnel the majority of my attention through what apiece of gear can or can't do can be distracting. (unless that was my specific job) Sometimes, for instance, a good prop and production design is more integral to success than whatever sensor you happen to be using. Blocking, lighting, cinematography...um, the actual acting...one's ability to be a decent director...so much more important on a narrative. If you got yourself or a crew that excels in that, you'll be fine regardless of what you're shooting with. Interestingly, I think camera/sensor/lens decisions might be MORE important these days on documentary, where controlled situations are not part of things and the crew is very minimal.

Hey, I saw this at the cinema...so what are we really worried about? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCdRFMp8Xwo

Man, I love how hobbyist and non-pros are equipped way better than me! --a guy making a living at this stuff. I don't know. I find that sort of cool in a way.

What's about "Occam's Razor"? Why or why not for some of this stuff? Thoughts?

Don't misunderestimate the power of Asia KFC.

I think this is a very viable model and good info. The thing to realize here too, is that the movie is okay, nothing special at all; meandering and narratively frustrating, but it's about a thing people are curious about, so they're willing to drop a few bucks on it. These sorts of niche markets are everywhere. Also, FWIW, I talked with the producer of this film earlier this year, https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/first_girl_i_loved/ and he was very encouraging about the self-distribution/marketing paths that currently exist for smaller films. The cliff note gist of that chat was essentially: "DIY niche online marketing with a budget" -- and, if you have a decent product, that'll generate enough sales to get things into the black. His essential sales avenue for that flick is iTunes.

I used the EM5II for walking around street style shooting. Loved it. Learned to work well enough with the IBIS to mimic dolly shots. It's truly great for grabbing b-roll on the move that looks like it's not handheld footage.

Not particularly interested for myself. However, I think it may have a market. For instance, as a kid growing up near Detroit, I've always felt that car companies that are willing to create premium models of their product were ahead of the game. You'd lust after a GT40 and admire it, knowing you'd never own it, but respecting the Ford brand because it could make something so bad-ass. Besides, if cameras can have a enthusiast's marketplace, why not stuff like this?

Bastards.

"Two Shits and a Popsicle" is my next t-shirt.

Truer words were never spoken.

I love the feel and use of EM5II, so I'd willingly endorse Olympus cameras for doc filmmaking. And if IBIS matters to you, you can't do better. I currently own a GH5 and would switch back to Oly if I wasn't in the middle of a client gig that requires 4k 60p.

Not me. I'm brutal and discriminating to all footage. Don't care where it comes from or who shot it, me included. If I'm not willing to cut, then I'm not editing.

Yes, I have a Haida x64 (nd1.8) for this lens. Not great, not bad. It's not completely color-neutral, but it's also not obnoxious either. Better than the greenish tints from Tiffen and not warm-ish like a B&W. (which I actually like) FWIW, you're not going to get a budget ND that's color-neutral. I've often debated about buying a serious pro-level set of 4x4 filters and a universal matte-box thingy so I can use the same set across my entire range of lenses, but that sort of rig just doesn't fit my shooting style. The other option is to buy a set of 77mm filters and then just use a bunch of step-up rings for your various glass sizes. Of course, doing this would then require a french flag for blocking sun glare...so trade-offs all around. At one point I even though about buying a cool chinese mount adapter that loads small 52mm filters between the camera and behind the glass. Maybe an option if you're invested in a specific set of lenses like eos/nikon/pentax/olympus/etc.. Not a terrible idea. Variable ND's are convenient, but I'm just not a fan with the color shifts. Regarding a 1.8 ND, I will say that on a sunny day x64 is not enough to allow wide open f.0.95 shooting @100 shutter speed. You'd need something stronger by about 3 stops.