John Matthews

Here's the original video. Of course, this is for testing purposes only as I don't usually shoot like this. I just wanted to see how stable I could make the G7 and see how fast it could reacquire focus once in a settled position. What I learned is the smaller you make the AF box, the faster continuous will reacquire focus. I just went from subject to subject, placing the framing where the focus point was. I doubt the footage of my Panasonic VX980 would have been better, just WAY noisier.

57 minutes ago, ac6000cw said:

I skipped over the G7 and went from G5 to G6 to G80, but I shot some of my favourite footage with the G6 in Standard profile at 1080p50 (28Mbps AVC) - the highest quality it could shoot. There was definitely something about the image that those older 16MP sensor cameras had, which seemed to have got lost in the G80 (despite it having nominally the same 16MP sensor). But eventually I decided I could live with the size and weight of a G9 and entered a whole better world of image quality and stabilisation performance...

I never did try the G6, only the GH2 (a camera I still have and has served me very well with countless hours of live streaming). The G9 is a whole higher tier in Panasonic world. I never did have the GH5/s or the G9, but every time I see their output, I'm usually impressed if in the right hands.

1 hour ago, ac6000cw said:

Comparing the G9 and my recently acquired S9 - I think 4k50p on the G9 is much less prone to aliasing/moire and the sharpening isn't overdone, but the stabilisation is better on the S9 (as is the dynamic range handling in difficult conditions). Otherwise, which one I might choose to take out would depend far more on lens choices and overall kit size/weight for what I was intending to do - either can produce excellent video (my abilities are more the limiting factor!).

Unfortunately, the S9 is off my radar due to it being immediately dismissed for not having a viewfinder, hot shoe, and shutter... or proper pancakes. I'd rather have a G100, but like the S5ii, the S9's video is very nice. Concerning the moiré, I really thought my G7 would resist moiré more than my G100 or GX80 or even my S5, S5ii right now, but sadly, even with its OLPF, it doesn't- just blurrier moiré maybe. :-) I never saw moiré on the GH6 though. I'm sure it does, but I think the pixel density is such that it handles it very well, maybe out-resolving most lenses and therefore making the lens an OLPF.

1 hour ago, ac6000cw said:

(Straying away from Panasonic, if I was forced to choose just one camera to keep and use out of my current collection, it might be the OM-1, but only because it has a blend of abilities that fit my preferences and needs combined with 'good enough' video quality).

I constantly go back to older cameras. The OM-1 sounds great and I've found that even the e-m1 ii is good enough for my needs at 25fps. I can pick one up for roughly 450 euros right now- crazy. 

What I like about the G7 is the fact it has a chunky-ish grip. I don't think I've ever had a camera so easy to hold at only 410g. I've had smaller cameras like the GM1 and GX800, but the ergonomics are rather horrendous for everyday use. The G7 feels much better than the E-M5ii in the hand too, a camera I purchased twice for its 415g of travel friendliness. 

8 minutes ago, MrSMW said:

Cropping in post. That’s what I see and like about 8k.

8k for the sake of 8k though, not interested.

Same for me with stills and high megapixel cameras. Some say they don’t need 50-100mp and I don’t either, not for the sake of having more, but I do like it because it allows me more reach from smaller or less lenses. I can carry a single 28-105 and ditch the 24-70 + 70-200 combo.

Yeah, I understand. Also, you're a pro, not me. Yes, 8k for cropping for your locked-down shot makes a lot of sense. You can unlock all kinds of creative option like simulated panning, zooming, alternate shots. I shot a couple of weddings and used a lot of crops in 4k for a HD final video. This is the only application of 8k that I personally think is useful. Of course, you could do the same with 6k.

5 hours ago, newfoundmass said:

It's a reminder that we're very lucky and have also probably hit a wall when it comes to image processing when a 2015 camera still looks so good 10 years later. 

The limitations are definitely there. We've seen so many overhyped minor improvements—most of which can be overcome with solid technique.

Take 10-bit vs. 8-bit, for example. I’ve seen endless comparisons on the topic, but none of them really sell me on the concept. Sure, I’ll shoot in 10-bit if it's available—why not—but do I actually need it? Did I really need to upgrade just for that?

Then there’s 32-bit audio. Again, I might use it—but mostly out of laziness. It’s not something I need.

IBIS is trickier. It seems practical, especially since most alternatives involve adding weight. But these days, nearly every YouTube video uses a camera with IBIS, and honestly, the look is getting stale. It still beats shaky footage, sure, but it’s become the norm when it should be more of a “just in case” feature.

Continuous AF in video? Cameras now focus faster than I ever could at f/1.2—but then again, why are we even shooting video at f/1.2? With all the AI, it feels like cameras are making more and more decisions for us—too many, in my opinion. You look at the screen and it’s all over the place: body, face, eye, face again, back to body, airplane, cockpit, no—face again, someone else's body, then the eye. Is this really what we want?

And what about viewing limitations? The human eye maxes out around 300 dpi—when you’re young. I still don’t see the point of 8K. Plus, where are we actually watching this content? I’d guess 90% of the time it’s on a screen smaller than 20 cm. Who’s noticing the detail on that? As for audio, there has been progress—people are using earbuds more, and they sound far better than the tiny speakers we used to rely on.

Maybe when you put it all together, it is an improvement. But here we are in 2025—ten years after the G7 launched—and I’ve learned how to work around most of its limitations. Sometimes, knowing the basics still takes you further than all the latest tech. I guess I shouldn't spend so much on camera gear- let the noobs and pros do that.

1 hour ago, Andrew Reid said:

EOSHD ProColor looking great 😉

Much nicer than the Panasonic profile on the S5 II

Yes. Even in mixed lighting, it looks great. It was cloudy outside and I had 3000K lights going at the same time I filmed this today. The first time I did it, I left the G7 on sunny WB- it still looked great, but then it was too far of match with the S5II. I'll try to post the actual video tomorrow.

People might laugh at me, but I don't care. I've been doing some walk-around filming with my G7 and 9mm Leica versus my S5ii and the kit lens. I'm absolutely dumbfounded how little the differences are.

Here are my settings:

Panasonic Lumix G7 - 4k 25fps (EOSHD ProColor Settings, with minor tweaks), super-fast stabilization in Final Cut (InertiaCam- smoothing (.1), continuous video AF on with it's small box in the center (yes, that's right and it didn't really hunt), A Mode, Auto ISO, handheld only,  AWB

Panasonic Lumix S5II - 4k 25fps (Stadard profile), no stabilization in post (but had IBIS on), continuous AF  (mode 2), small box in the center, A Mode, Auto ISO, handheld only, AWB

I kid you not, the images were very similar, minus the color which seemed better on the G7 to my eye. After stabilization, there was little difference.

Here are some stills:

It would appear the 2015 G7 is still the little engine that could. It weighs a whopping 540g less than the S5II and kit lens. I could add the 14-140, the 25 f/1.4 and perhaps a recorder or mini tripod for that difference.  This is where M43 needs to go in the future: small, excellent value, with great features like 4k, PDAF, IBIS, 10 bit h.265, with a proper shutter and hot shoe. Even the previous generation(s) from 2015-2018 have so much to offer.

Am I wrong in saying the S1ii the only hybrid camera in the industry with 60fps open gate?

20 hours ago, mercer said:

1. Official Arri LogC profile - it's even embedded in the metadata, so FCPX reads it as Arri footage. For someone who will probably never shoot with an Alexa, I must admit it's a stupidly cool thing...

I have a question about this. If you use it on a GH6 and later upgrade to a GH7, does it still work or do you have to purchase it again? I guess the value of the GH6 would be slightly more in this case, but it would be better to be able to uninstall and reinstall on a different body if you upgrade, rather than paying 200 euros every time you upgrade.

4 minutes ago, mercer said:

I've read that they are good. I had no problem with them the first time I owned one, I had a problem with the chroma noise that the DR Boost produced in the shadows. I bought it this time because it was so cheap and I wanted to be able use Arri LogC. It really is a phenomenal camera though. Now I just need to figure out my lens situation with it. I've been shooting full frame for so long, and I have a small(ish) collection of vintage lenses that the price of any good m4/3 lens annoys the hell out of me. I've been using a 7artisans 24mm that is pretty good for what I paid for it. But I need something else.

I also had the GH6 for about a year, but I'm really considering getting one again. I'll probably do like @kye and use that 14-140 most of the time. I'm still debating in my head though. The problem is simple- there are just so many old smaller "good enough" cameras, but nothing small and modern that can do 4k120 in the system. The G9ii is the smallest.

On another note, I'm not exactly how MPB decides to offload cameras sometimes. One day, there're 20 GH6 bodies and the next day none. 

Just now, mercer said:

I love the colors on my cheap GH6... oh wait... I'm using the Arri LogC profile...

I thought the GH6 colors looked so good and a big step up from the previous generation. I've been eye-balling one (965 euros, brand new with the 25mm f/1.7). That's a crazy deal.

9 minutes ago, Simon Young said:

There is a reason the Sony Venice and the Alexas have dedicated teams who only work on producing the most effective OLPF possible.

Yeah, those aren't hybrid cameras and the intended user isn't here in this forum IMO (maybe the use ones). However, I would like to see a S1ii pitted against an Alexa shooting Arri Log. That would be interesting!

The A9iii is roughly double the price of the S1ii. However, the R5C is not only less expensive than the S1ii, it seems to be more cinema oriented. I still be you'll have moiré with it though. Still, you're dealing with Canon, something I don't want to ever do personally. I think Panasonic, like what they did with their DFD shenanigans, are just hoping processing and software will "fix" moiré.

Personally, I cannot believe, in 2025, we still don't really have AI options to fix it. We can basically make a whole film with only AI, but can't fix moiré in post simply and easily with the push of a button. Go figure.

I don't see why an FX3 would even enter the conversation with a S1ii- one is a hybrid, the other not. No one would seriously take photos professionally with an FX3; they would with the S1ii.

5 hours ago, newfoundmass said:

I don't think Lumix gets nearly the credit they deserve for everything they throw into these cameras. You could argue that they almost put too much in. The codecs, frame rates, and aspect ratio options could be considered overwhelming by some folks. 

 

No kidding. Let's also remember that all their L-mount lenses have breathing compensation built in. Also, many of their lenses are rather inexpensive, representing very good value. Even with a "high" priced body, it'll still be competitive with the lenses factored in.

13 hours ago, Simon Young said:

No OLPF, tons of moiré and slower readout than the much cheaper Z6iii (with excellent n-raw). Thanks but no thanks.

The S1H with an OLPF and Netflix approval also had moiré in some cases. It's more a function of distance to the repetitive pattern and readout mode. Basically, some are better than others in certain situations, but none are perfect.

7 hours ago, ArashM said:

I'm guessing there is no point comparing pricing between brands until all of them raise to counter tariffs... (sigh)

 

I agree. It's the wild west right now, making it hard for anyone to make a purchase decision. Still, the S1ii is easily worth it in my opinion, several hundred cheaper than the A7Siii which was a video-only camera (and there's significant inflation since then). This camera will sell well.

3 hours ago, kye said:

The 14-140mm allows you pretty much to shoot whatever compositions you can see.  There were a few shots that required longer than 140mm, but by the time I add the in-camera zoom to get a 1:1 crop in C4K it's at 179mm, then stabilising in post makes it more, and then I can crop in post further, so that pretty much covers it.  

I'm really looking forward to trying this lens. Come to think of it, I've only have camcorders with superzooms. On the G7, I won't have any options of 1:1 except in 1080p, but I'm going to try it. As a companion lens, I'm getting the 42.5 f/1.7. The whole setup will be completely new for me.

3 hours ago, kye said:

In terms of the screen vs EVF, it's really a toss-up.  

Last summer cured me from not having an EVF as I went down to the beach on sunny days and it was absolutely impossible to see the screen on the GX800 or on my VX980 camcorder. I ended up buying, then selling, a E-M5 iii to finish the holiday. I actually liked NOT having to decide between the EVF and the screen, but when you can't see it, the camera is rather useless.

17 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said:

Had Panasonic used the same strategy in the M43 days, they'd have been bringing out 2x crop DSLRs with moire.

The GH2 and the hacking community seemingly launched the GH3 before Panasonic knew which end was up. Times have definitely changed. There's no reason to hack anything on current cameras as they're all great. The urgency has become story, composition, lighting and the edit.

4 hours ago, newfoundmass said:

I see so much negativity towards Lumix right now, but the S5ii X is my favorite camera I've ever used despite my criticisms of it, I was very impressed with the S1Rii when I used it for a day, and I think the S9 is a very compelling option especially if Lumix creates smaller lenses like they've said. 

I've even seen more YouTubers switching to Lumix cameras; while that isn't important to me, it's a sign that they are making some headway.

I'm not saying people's criticisms aren't valid. If they aren't the right tool for you then they aren't the right tool, but people are writing off cameras based on specs instead of actually using them. 

Maybe these S1 successors will suck. It's very possible. But as of now, no one who has actually used them has said anything, nor have they made their way into the paying public's hands who can give an unbiased review. 

You're very right. Read what people say and Lumix anything is DOA. Nevertheless, people will buy them, actually use them and give their opinions. Also, all the cameras are so good and I'm struggling to find meaningful things that would really improve something. Sure, internal ND's would be great, but I'm sure there are all kinds of technical issues with that. Now, we've got HQ magnetic ones that aren't that bad at all. Rolling shutter performance is the biggest hoax for the vast majority of people buying the cameras. All of the nth degree stuff- just go out and shoot what you have. Better yet, downgrade and make it a challenge.

5 hours ago, kye said:

So the answer is to find the elements you like, position yourself so that they are lined up, and then zoom in to get the composition you like most, like the below for example...

That really speaks to me. I've also heard it being described as the scene being a "menu" and you need to take something on it, only the most interesting parts. The 14-140mm does that nicely. 

With the GH7, are you finding yourself using the EVF more or the tilt-up screen for most of your travels? I'm guessing the EVF.

1 hour ago, ac6000cw said:

Yes, having been a happy user of the 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 for over a decade (I'm on my 2nd copy after my 10 year old original got too much dust inside), it's a great travel/everyday lens.

Problem is that Panasonic don't make a modern equivalent of the GX85/GX9 to create the perfect travel combo for video with Dual-IS and no-crop 4K...

Yes, I hear you, but I look at my countless videos that I've made with Panasonic cameras (GX7, GX85, GH6, G100, VX980, GX800, GM1, GX880, S5ii and GH2) and I think they look great. All the things people say about getting nth degree AF, IQ, and resolution are really just small potatoes in the grand scope of thing. The thing is I get MORE satisfaction out of a camera that is a slight challenge to make intentional choices rather than a camera filled with AI choosing for me. I feel like spring cleaning is on the horizon, getting rid of crap I don't need and trying to back to the essentials. I want more in-focus, not less. I want more tripod shots, not less. I want easier in post, not harder. I want less megapixels, not more (BTW, as those around me get older, more megapixels is not doing them justice). Finally, I want fewer variables, not more.

I'm so impressed with what @kye has been doing. He's really capturing some nice compositions and looks.

27 minutes ago, Simon Young said:

Yes but that's is what the S1ii is supposed to deliver, the 50fps 4k. But it's a piece if shit if it suffers from the same moiré that plagues the Z6iii and the s5ii anyway. And supposedly for 3500 euros 🤣

All cameras will suffer from moiré in some contexts even with an OLPF. There are numerous examples of this. Also, the Z6iii had way bigger problems at launch (shadow-flicker gate). Higher megapixel cameras, in general, will have fewer problems with moiré in my opinion.

There are so many fine shots here. On the point of the 14-140mm, I've just picked one up with a G7 (yes, getting back into M43 because it's so much fun). I've seen so many great shots with it, not so much because it's a super high IQ but simply it's such a nice lens for composition, especially for travel.

Here's another set of clips from James Morrissey with his GH2 (I still have mine too):

7 hours ago, fuzzynormal said:

Anecdotally, I'm not experiencing it getting better in my neck of the woods.

I understand. It's going to take some time for this. If they actually start taking away food stamps, financial aid, medicaid, and other help. Then it'll become "real" for them- sadly.

44 minutes ago, MrSMW said:

Or the opposite which is if there was something you needed to buy, if the possibility existed, to have done that a couple of weeks back, but selling anything in the near future might actually be to your benefit because if used prices do increase?

 

Yes, the used prices might go up just as much as the new prices, making it a wash. Except when the prices eventually fall when sanity kicks in (but that might be giving too much credit to some).

2 hours ago, Ty Harper said:

Already seeing used cameras going up in prices in my neck of the woods. Specifically the R6 MKII, which has been going for around $2K CAD used for a while, is now going for $2700-$3K CAD. 

Clearly, if you have a camera to buy, you should have already done it. New and used prices will probably go up by 10-30% or more. Fortunately, I already have 2 cameras that work great. I hope to potentially wait out this presidency. The crazy thing is I bet there are countries, businesses, and individuals everywhere who are going to try the same. I'm trying to imagine if companies like Canon, Nikon, or Sony are going to just cut back production or simply stop. You'd be insane to have a company right now and continue just like before. They need money coming in. Are Asia and Europe enough of a market for them? Maybe, but there are tough times ahead.

I just read that computers and phones from China are now exempt from the tariffs. Anyone think cameras will also get on that list? Maybe I'm mistaken, but I don't think there's an actual camera maker in the USA.