Panasonic G7, G85 or GH4? B Camera for GH5 Dilemma

[@AlexMinor]

Unless you're doing lowlight work, the G7 is your best bet. Since you only need your B Cam for lockdown shots, it's the clear choice. The image is a little bit better on the GH5, but it's not so dramatically different that you'll be able to tell which is which unless the lighting is really bad. If you need it to be an "in case something happens to the GH5" cam, go with the G85. The G7 has limited time, the G85 is unlimited, but it will seperate your recording into a second file at around 2 Hrs. The lowlight on the G85 and GH5 is neck and neck. They are both a step up from the G7. The GH4 is absolutely HORRIBLE in low light. Gets super noisy after 800 iso in lowlight. I have an extensive review of the G85 on my channel if you're interested. It's my main cam.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Thanks for the input, ALXMNR! I ended ups getting the G85, and I'm very happy with it. It has already surpassed my expectations. And you're right, it does a good job of hanging in there with the GH5. I'll be sure and check out your G85 review. And thanks for watching!

[@ive595]

I would be interested to hear your views now in 2020 considering the huge discount on the GH5 now. I swapped my G80 and FZ2000 for a GH5 in December 2019 and now I’m in the position of wanting a B camera, at the moment I think I’m going to save for another couple of months and get another GH5, at £1000 here in the UK it’s a stunning camera for the money. Also matching up the colour science of different cameras was one of the reasons I got rid of the G80 and FZ2000, using 2 GH5’s will negate that problem.

[@carlculpepperimages]

If I were in that situation now, I would definitely be aiming for a second GH5. I have really enjoyed having the G85 as a backup/b-cam to the GH5, and I still think it is amazing for the price (even cheaper now than last year). But, yeah, it would be extra convenient to have a matching pair of GH5 bodies. If you can swing the price, I would certainly recommend that second GH5 now. Another interesting option would be the even more affordable G9, now that the video features are very close to the GH5 (with a notable exception being the G9's record time limit). Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@offgreed]

@@carlculpepperimages yeah, have this dilemma also, and just can't figure it out - going full speed with second GH5, or (actually slightly more expensive) G9 (which also have internal 10bit v-log, but 80MP photos as a bonus), OR go on a budget and just take G7 and setup both cameras to cinelikeD.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Off Greed with the most recent updates and price reductions, the G9 and GH5 are closer than ever. Two things to consider: the GH5 has unlimited record time (very helpful for long takes like interviews and events - I need this a lot for my style of shooting). The G9 has a 30 minute record limit, but the extra photo features could potentially enhance your stills photography (the 80mp high res feature might be nice for landscapes, etc.). With the currently reduced prices on these two cameras , I would definitely try to get either over a G7 now if you can swing it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mauricelamain1978]

i can't effort a gh5 now, i have the g85 and a g7 as b cam, pretty great price for two cams that have 4k

[@carlculpepperimages]

Absolutely! The G85 stands as a great camera on its own merits. And I have been very happy with it since I got it. I see lots of excellent video shot with the G7, as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@udappkuma]

Just passing a comment to let you know that 0:05 - 0:28 is my life for the past 30 days.. Still can't decide whether to go with G85 or GH4

[@carlculpepperimages]

I absolutely understand... it happens every time I buy a new piece of gear. If it helps at all, I did eventually decide on the G85, and it has proven itself to be the correct choice for my needs. I've been very impressed with it. It's like a mini GH5. I just went through that process all over again when picking out a drone. I guess it never ends... haha!

[@The-Logician]

Why not consider a second GH5? I know price on GH5 is much steeper, however consider the benefits: All cameras are identical so file types, camera setups are identical, so no having to remember what camera is set to what, ability to transfer camsets, no having to worry about 4K cropping, etc. If the A camera goes belly up for whatever reason, then you are just back to one camera instead of out of business. If you are doing this just for fun, then I understand the hesitation on cost ( I want to get a second GH5 at some point) but if you are doing it to make money, bite the bullet and match your existing GH5.

[@carlculpepperimages]

That would be the ideal solution, indeed.

[@sztygowski]

Or GH5S?

[@carlculpepperimages]

Yes,, that would be a killer setup. Had to keep it under a grand, though.

[@jacksp8de]

G7 and more lenses since you already have a GH5.

[@jacksp8de]

Btw you can unlock the G7 for unlimited recording

[@carlculpepperimages]

That would be a good strategy, for sure. I went ahead and got the G85, though. And I've been really happy with it so far. I really think all these cameras are winners. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment!

[@KKM13200]

GH4 has better battery life than the Gh5. They share the same battery. If you're going to be shooting low light get some fast glass and hope for the best.

[@carlculpepperimages]

That's good to hear about the GH4 battery life. And I hear ya about the fast glass. I'll probably use the Panasonic Leica 25mm 1.4 a lot on whichever body I get for the B-cam lock down shots. And I'll definitely be hoping for the best... LOL! Thanks for watching and thanks for the advice!

[@KKM13200]

CCI I just saw your video snow day in Atlanta. Small world, I live 20 minutes south of Atlanta

[@carlculpepperimages]

That's awesome... I grew up in Monroe County (between Atlanta and Macon)!

[@KKM13200]

Buy my GH4

[@KKM13200]

I've recorded something like an 90 minutes with my GH4 non stop.

[@carlculpepperimages]

Awesome!