MurtlandPhoto

Micro four thirds is in a much worse place than it was when the GH5 first came out. We all know how evolutionary, if not revolutionary, it was at launch: internal 10 bit 422 up to 4K30, 8 bit 420 at 4K60, IBIS, flip screen, etc. etc. We were willing to overlook its faults (AF mostly) because it was amazing in so many ways. The unfortunate truth is that other camera systems have completely caught up and overtaken the GH5. Even Panasonic's own full frame S5 presents a way better value proposition. As @newfoundmass highlighted above, the highly influential Youtube segment has largely stepped away from the GH5. I think it will take a complete showstopper camera in order to bring them back. My personal wishlist that I think will do the job:

6K30p and 4K120p 10bit 422 internally, ProRes Raw or BRAW externally, IBIS, Full V-Log, Dual native ISO, GREAT AF, similar build/ergonomics to GH5 but with better battery life.

Additionally, I think they need a few tricks up their sleeves: webcam functionality through USB C, wireless monitor through mobile app, fancy flip screen from S1H.

I love my 1/4 Pro Mist. It has such a pleasing look that cuts through the clinical sharpness of some of today's cameras. That said, the 1/4 strength can be overkill in certain situations when light sources enter the frame. So, for a more subtle effect that probably has broader uses I recommend the 1/8 strength to start.

1 hour ago, IronFilm said:

If only the DVX200 had a MFT mount then you could have paired it with the Panasonic 14-140mm for when you need a big 10x zoom, or a 25mm f1.7 when you need better lowlight performance, or a 60mm f2.8 for pretty headshot interviews, etc

I think AF was the primary reason Panasonic went with the integrated lens there. I sooooo wish they made an interchangeable lens version alongside it. 

On 1/13/2021 at 4:29 PM, MurtlandPhoto said:

I told myself that I wouldn't make any major investments in 2021 and instead just let it ride with the gear I have already. Well, that thought didn't even last two weeks as today I bought a used Ursa Mini Pro G1. 

Update: I’m completely loving the UMP and feel I made the right choice to buy. I’m going to need to sell some stuff to offset the cost, but the value it adds to my kit is extraordinary. Woo!

19 minutes ago, Thpriest said:

Just bought an A7iii. Not because I really want it or rate it. I had a last opportunity to discount VAT (IVA here), the camera with a 50 1.8 cost 2100€ but with a 400€ cashback from Sony. Then discounting the VAT it comes in around 1350€. Why the A7iii? Because I have a new client and they only use Sony so hopefully it means more work (I've been told that if I had had a Sony I would have had several shoots in October and November). I just informed them of the purchase and they've just confirmed the first shoot of the year, so seems a good choice. Seriously thought about the A7Siii but I don't think this year is the time to splash out.

To finance this I have sold my GX85, Sigma 18-35 1.8 and a Sigma 50-150 2.8. I'm also selling a Canon 18-135, 2 Voigtlanders and 2 Edlekrone sliders. This will give me enough to purchase a Tamron 28-75 2.8 or a Sigma 24-70 2.8 for the Sony. I might well sell my 10-25 1.7 Lumix as well if I like the Sony enough.

Sometimes you've got to jump on a good deal and it seems like you made a smart move. I'm hoping my purchase of the UMP was made under the same sort of rationalization. Admittedly, as it's out for delivery today I've felt both relief and remorse haha. If I choose to keep it, I'll have to make similar steps to finance it, probably meaning selling my Nocticron and BMPCC4K to at least take a chunk out of the cost. Best of luck to you in the coming year!

Things are in constant flux, but it does seem that productions in my region are amping up albeit with some good restrictions to keep people safe. I've spent the last 18 months or so making some major changes to my camera kit to adjust for COVID times and less work, but then right at the end of 2020 I got a bunch of work that shifted things back the other way. I told myself that I wouldn't make any major investments in 2021 and instead just let it ride with the gear I have already. Well, that thought didn't even last two weeks as today I bought a used Ursa Mini Pro G1. 

I've already got in my kit: BMPCC4K, BMPCC6K, Panasonic GH5, and Panasonic G9. I've been missing having an actual production camera after selling my C100 Mk2, so I don't feel horrible about this buy. But, I can't help feeling I jumped the gun a bit lol. 

Anyways, anyone have thoughts? And, what are your camera owning goals in 2021?

I myself recently upgraded my tripod to the Flowtech 75 with E-image GH06 head after using a set of Slik 700 Pro DX legs with various heads for about a decade. This was the most satisfying purchase I’ve ever made; no regrets. It is a complete quality-of-life upgrade. My pans and tilts have never been smoother and setting up my tripod has never been easier. I’ll benefit from this upgrade on every single shoot. Since you just bought a new light, can you say the same about an additional light purchase? Or, like me, could you see more benefit from a new tripod? 😁

Seems like an interesting alternative. I love FilmConvert and have used it for years. Some advantages FC definitely has are a massive list of supported cameras as well as years of good reputation.

On 12/7/2020 at 4:40 AM, Anaconda_ said:

Is there a difference between Set To Frame Size and Scale To Frame Size?

I've always used Scale

In Premiere, scale to frame size does some calculations to best scale the footage to the timeline resolution, but it is not optimized for doing any sort of keyframe scaling afterwards. Set to frame size is much better for that. It's a confusing thing to explain, but basically if you're going to want to do anything beyond just filling the frame then it's better to use set.

Original HD footage on UHD timeline. Notice the scale is at 100.

Scale to frame size. Now notice the scale is still at 100.

Set to frame size. Now notice the scale is at 200.

Scale vs. set use different methods to interpolate the frame to the desired size. Scale uses a method that sort of locks the picture in and results in poorer quality should you deviate from the initial setting. Set uses a different method that better allows for flexibility of resizing later like for digital zooms and reframing.

9 hours ago, Anaconda_ said:

 

Google drive has it built in, for free. But the processing is ludicrous. Over a week now and still 'processing'. I also uploaded 2 other videos in the same codec and only 1 is actually viewable right now. Such a shame.

Anyway, the screenlight tip is perfect. Great quality, individual links and passwords for each recipient and even custom expiry times for each link. There's even an option to overlay the viewer's IP address and time of day over the video to deter screen recording.

The search is over, the result is better than expected and free for 1 project at a time.

See above about screen recording.

Awesome! I'm glad you found the solution you need.

I think the free requirement is what will make this difficult. You're looking for a solution that uses systems to ensure only the people you send the link to will be able to view. To make the tracking coding work so that only John Doe at JDoe@Email.com is the only person to open that link means that some sort of web service is going to have to house that data to check against; something that you'll be hard pressed to find for free. Not to mention the need to maintain good video quality, which many free services just can't do. 

I think it's either be flexible with the free tools, or pay for the functionality you seek. 

1 hour ago, EphraimP said:

Yeah, probably. Just checking to see if there was anything else. 

I'd love to know how the C70's DIS and autofocus stack up, not that I expect autofocus to be quite that of the mirrorless.

I'd add better battery life for the C70 if you consider that as part of form factor

11 minutes ago, EphraimP said:

What makes the C70 form factor better, other than the internal VND, mimi xlrs and more buttons, if anything?

Ummm.. I think you just named the reasons.

Very excited about this!!

I've been wrestling with the idea of selling my C100ii since I've loaded up on too many cameras. I also have a GH5, G9, BMPCC4K, and just bought a BMPCC6K. The issue is that while there is a fair bit of overlap in many of these cameras, none of them have the total package of the C100ii—the ND's, Dual Pixel AF, built-in dual XLR, EVF and flip screen, fantastic low light, incredibly light but still quality codec, dual card slots, battery life for hours, etc. etc. etc.

At the end of the day if you can afford to keep the C100 and still get the BMPCC4K, I think you'll find value in having both. It's still a fantastic camera that especially now has a second wave of prime usage in livestreaming. 

This is truly amazing testing @Andrew Reid! I was honestly skeptical in the very, very beginning that Canon could possibly fake the camera overheating as a means to cripple it and protect the cinema line. But, wow. Using their own tools and measurements shows the damning truth. Your test results should be used as exhibits A-Z in a class action lawsuit. Truly sad that Canon thought they could pull this $hit.

18 minutes ago, BTM_Pix said:

It certainly does feel like there has been a "hang on, maybe we could add...." moment post launch of the Mini Pro that they could have had prior to it.

I think both products are valid as not everyone needs the ISO facility and the multi-view and master recording of the Mini Pro was an upgrade worth having over the original Mini.

But it just doesn't sit right that the two pro variants couldn't have been announced at the same.

I feel I'm stuck. I ordered Pro and waited about 6 weeks for delivery. I actually built a little segment of my business around the functionality it gave me. Now, the ISO version presents me with a super useful and sought after feature I've wanted since I got the Pro, but long after I could return the Pro. Also, I can't really even dump the Pro in favor of ordering the ISO since I need it for my work now. 

Choice is great. I just wish I had this choice when I ordered the Pro! 

I have to admit I'm a littleeeeeee bit salty over this new ISO version. I definitely feels like a feature they could have thought to add to the Pro at the time of launch. Getting too segmented with this weird release schedule is a way to start pissing people off. This should have been put out in tandem with the Pro.

I'm seeing so many "Is the BMPCC worth it in 2020?????" Youtube videos lately. It seems every year there's a resurgence of people realizing how amazing that little camera is. I still regularly (well COVID hasn't helped) use it as a B or C cam. The footage is so thick with a wonderful grain structure natively. Sharp, but not sharpened. I decided to film a little test today with my new flapjack light. The BMPCC footage cleans up so well and looks amazing when superscaled.

5 hours ago, Márcio Kabke Pinheiro said:

Yeah, but my question was about the other makers. Why they not choose other supplier? If BM can finance a newly developed custom sensor for a camera that will generate less revenue than a regular camera (even with the 10k price), why the others still uses Sony sensors?

Scale might have something to do with it. The larger camera manufacturers need more sensors on demand (or at least consistently) to keep up with their larger production runs compared to say Blackmagic. We've become accustomed to BM having supply chain issues because it's a sort of quirk of the company, but notice we don't see any of the major players really having the same issues. Not saying is just sensors, but maybe the principle applies across the board.

Has anyone worked with the test footage yet? I've been playing around with it a bit and it seriously runs smoother than 4K ProRes in Premiere on my machine.

4 minutes ago, hijodeibn said:

the only Clown I see is the one shooting stock footage, and happy about it!!!

Okay now we know you're trolling. Enough. 

Just now, hijodeibn said:

so the target is also wrong, medium/big companies have the money to rent an Alexa, why they will pick up this new boy in town?, and the rest, SOLO shooters, we have many other best options out there, a waste of time, except for fan boys and STOCK FOOTAGE SHOOTERS!!!

It's okay @hijodeibn. You're in a safe space now. Tell us where BMD hurt you.

Seriously man your beef with a camera company is hilarious. 

8 minutes ago, hijodeibn said:

really?, there are much better tools for the job, C200, C300, etc, nobody needs this except fan boys!!!

Feel free to move along friend. Others can use tools you don't personally like.

1 minute ago, Andrew Reid said:

Interesting.

But why?

I know you didn't ask me, but I see great use for this cam in stock footage and 4K interviews.