Panasonic GH5s vs Blackmagic 4K

[@MTobin1000]

What's impressive to me is that your five year old Black Magic is still kicking some serious butt with your cinematography endeavors. It was clearly worth the hefty price tag..

[@christophershivers6257]

a cinema camera should not degrade after five years lol

[@AndrewJFann]

I just saw this post two years later. I still have a BMPC4K EF and I use it frequently. The GH5 is very limited file-wise, just like any DSLR or mirrorless. However, paired with an Atomos external recorder and a 400 mbps write speed to an external drive, I have to admit that the results are pretty astounding. Having to make the decision between the price points for each, I think the BMPC4K is the clear winner, but you lack the slo-mo options. Even without that, it's still a great option, even in 2020.

[@crisrocchi2722]

I own both, however the GH5s is the one I use the most. The BMPCC4K is great on set, but for run-and-gun work there is no comparison.

[@Moriarty2007]

Also Blackmagic Production Camera 4k have a global shutter, that's the best feature of this camera!

[@tracksideentertainment557]

I bought a GH4 back when I wanted a BM and couldn't afford it. Now that I can afford a BM, I bought a GH5S and never looked back. To see the cameras in some practical action search Live on the Riverbend. I began shooting the show with just my GH4. Now I use the GH4, my GH5S, a Sony A7SII and sometimes if need be a Sony FS7. The GH5S is the clear leader in nearly every regard. Much like the BM, the FS7 gives me a more naturally cinematic image but the light and color features pale in comparison to the GH5S. Hands down the best general/multi purpose camera I've ever shot with.

[@mondobytes]

Good to see you back.

[@Scope25]

I'm still rocking my BM Production camera 4K, and I love it!

[@ellarpc]

I love my GH5s. But it's true. Blackmagic cameras have the film look and feel. I've always thought that and lusted over them. But the work I do for most of my clients the Blackmagic cameras never really hit the mark for me. That being said. The pocket 4K sounds like it can be the best of both worlds. Btw I rarely film faster than 60p and when I do I end up not using the footage. Thanks for the comparison video. I always love to see Blackmagic footage.

[@Holtenstein]

You should be using the Metabones XL not the Ultra with full frame glass. Then you will have only a 1.18x crop. 10 bit 4:2:2 into the Atomos in ProRes HQ is 1700mbps. RAW would be nice.

[@Holtenstein]

Oh and Vlog native ISO is 800 and 5000. Try NDing up or down.

[@PromoMoviescomau]

Much prefer the colour and 'feel' of the BM.

[@stanlymanly2]

Your exposure test is flawed. The only thing you are changing is your aperture and its not in a real world situation or proper exposure steps for comparison. Test the different Native ISO's of the GH5s vs the few ISO's the BMPC4k has. Compare them in 1-3 stops over, under and perfect exposure then see how each one behaves in terms of Dynamic Range, Noise and detail recovery. The adjustment of your aperture doesnt do either sensor any justice when there was no basis to why you would overexpose to the point there's nothing there. No one is going to film completely blown out then try to recover the image. That doesn't make sense. Put it in a situation where you overexpose to save detail in the shadows or under expose to save the highlights then in post bring up or pull down the exposure to bring out what you're trying to salvage.

[@initialfocus]

That is all a very good point. I kept both cameras at ISO 400 as I’ve seen that is their best noise to DR ratio. My mentality behind this test was more of a “whoops” idea when people choose one wrong setting (in this case aperture) and don’t see on the screen that they’ve over exposed and how much they could bring back in the detail. That being said I do agree with you. I will do my best to create better tests going forward. I had to return the GH5s within a couple of hours before filming the test so I rushed that part. Appreciate the insight and the comment!

[@brois841]

initial focus, the point is that ISO 400 may not actually measure out to ISO 400 in both cameras. You'd need to normalize for indicated differences and then test.

[@TheFirstCause]

This is exactly my situation. I have the Production 4k, it is great for essentially everything for me... aside from low light. I don't actually care about slow motion so the camera has been great aside from that low light. To me paired with a good lens it looks WAY more film like and cinematic than most of the smaller cameras. The A7Sii, GH5s have tempted me because of the low light abilities... but they still look so video'ish. I've been mostly waiting for the Pocket 4k now but the wait list is massive so I might grab one of ebay which I imagine will be an option pretty quickly.

[@initialfocus]

Couldn’t agree more man. LOVE the look I get on my Production 4K over the other cameras. Although this week I’m getting the RED Raven as a rental and now I’m really going to be sad looking at anything else I’m sure.

[@davidlongenecker9414]

I'm honestly surprised by both.. great cameras. I'd say the "upgrade" isn't worth it... Gh5s does have slowmo so I think that is the defining factor. Do you need slowmo? If not, don't worry about upgrading. If you need slowmo then it might be worth it

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Yeah, that just goes to show a camera is more than its specifications. There is an intangible aspect that almost no one talks about. I'm afraid we live in a time when technical specification has replaced art form. I think Blackmagic and Canon understand this and most everyone else is just selling specs.

[@initialfocus]

Totally agree! been thinking comparing the URSA Mini pro and Red Raven for over a year and although Raven obviously has REDs amazing look and abilities. For a third of the price the URSA Mini Pro has that “feel” you talked about that I really like.

[@BlackWarriorLures]

initial focus Yeah, boy, I'd love to have a Ursa mini. Wish they'd make an Ursa Nano, a M43 version of the mini.

[@initialfocus]

Have you not seen the new Pocket 4K?! Basically a M43 version of URSA Mini. Fantastic specs and price. Sample footage looks great

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Yes, I have. I'm trying to figure a way to buy it! I meant some thing with internal ND filters and a form factor like the Canon C100 or something. Yeah, I'm totally stoked about the new Pocket.

[@ErikThureson]

agree. the intangibles are equally important and in some cases more important 👍

[@brois841]

Just wanted to say I like the way you grade your video's... everything just looks so rich! Output from both cameras looked awesome.

[@initialfocus]

Thanks so much! Created some of my own LUTs I usually use. Love color grading.

[@FilmedbyFresh]

I am really interested in the new BMPC4k coming out, are you planning on testing ?

[@initialfocus]

Oh absolutely. Especially after seeing the sample footage I am very intrigued. Too bad with how inexpensive it is the pre order list is probably absurd and their track record for quick releases isn't so great so we'll see!

[@FilmedbyFresh]

@@initialfocus glad to see you uploading again bro 👊🏾

[@EdStarkey]

I own the GH5S. If you throw a black pro mist filter on, the footage will lose some of the video-ish quality. I'll also concur that it's truly shocking how much detail can be recovered from 10-bit V-Log-L footage on the GH5S! There is one thing I hate about it though: It makes my GH4 into a paper weight, as the quality is sooooo much better there is no way for me to match the footage in post!

[@DrSagarPalmistry]

Most Clients dont care about bit rate and the tech specs, the gh5s is more than capable of most of what you can throw at it. Also if your a one man band, you can work with a smaller gimbal etc. and save yourself a lot of trouble. Think of your spine from a long term perspective. The blackmagic would really shine when its used on a slightly bigger production, also in conjunction with other cameras. Also you are reaching its limitation where you do not have slo motion etc. there is a whole new curve the gh5s brings there. maybe have the new bmpcc 4k as a second camera too!

[@initialfocus]

I go back and forth on this very point often. And a lot of the time I’m sure I’d agree. But I like to create the best possible quality I can and if that means more work on my part I’m okay with that. That being said I have a sharp eye on the new pocket 4K that could hopefully change the workflow to be easier!

[@DrSagarPalmistry]

Yes thats the best of both worlds to be honest. and SLOW MO!! in raw on the bmpcc4k :) but hats off the panasonic for putting together the gh5s.

[@Photographicelements]

Get the BlackMagic Pocket 4k as a second camera to stay within the BlackMagic ecosystem, to use for slow motion & low light, as as being much lighter & compact. I would never replace the BlackMagic Production Camera 4k with the GH5s for the data rate, like you mentioned, and the larger Super35 sensor. The GH5s is an amazing camera & I believe has better highlight roll off than the BlackMagic Production Camera 4k. Also, in January 2019, Panasonic will release their Full-Frame S1 video camera, and in 2020, an 8k camera, as well as an improved S1 (the GH5s version of the S1). I would still get the BlackMagic Pocket 4k as a second camera; (it has a data rate of: 544MB/s (4352mb/s), improved from the 1.6Gb/s of the BlackMagic Production 4k Camera).

[@BapiMishraEntertainment]

Sir what is the actual size of Ir cut filter(blue) using in black magic design 4k Production cinema camera ef mount

[@SuchetB]

Two of my favourite cameras.😊

[@dominiccole]

Hey! Try filming in ISO 800 in daylight conditions. It has more dynamic range at ASA 800 and it actually records detail in the superwhites, which means that you can pull back some clipped detail which results in a way nicer roll-off. The BMPC has such a harsh hightligh roll-off at ASA 400 because it just cuts off at IRE 90. AT 800 ASA it does not cut off which is why many people regard 800 as the native ISO. Give it a try! In well lit scenes ASA 800 is clearly superior!

[@level6visuals363]

U get more noise at 800 iso though

[@muricaman1161]

A compromise would be a used Ursa Mini which is about the price of a GH5. But really, internally stabilized Panasonics are just sooooo cool. GH5 would be siyock. Or you could just spend 3-400 on a GX85, get a ton of GH5 features on the cheap in an even smaller camera.

[@dakotabook04]

I shoot with a GH5 and love it. People worry about the crop sensor but man, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the price range. Especially with a metabones to canon for some nice low light action.

[@Akasacarafilm]

I made a feature film with a single BMCC 2.5K + a single GH3 Combo through the course of 2014-2017. BMCC for "film section" and GH3 for "mockumentary/news section". These are two brands that actually listen to film maker. I'll take these two any day over anything Canon has to offer.

[@SoloArts]

Damn! What the hell makes any BM camera way more cinematic??? I suppose that the guy who find the way to emulate it on GH5s will rule the low-end cinema production world! But for now, any time I try to urge myself that Sony or Lumix or anything else looks almost the same cinematic as BM, it works only till I look some BM footage again... Kind of magic...

[@junejhunkie]

Coming from a red camera experience if clients dont have the budget for the red my go to is the ursa mini 4.6 there’s no going back down to dslr for me (7D, 5d III). But i do understand the need for the slow mo. Which i shoot a lot myself. Canon eos R looks promising or the new pocket cam from BM.

[@brandonowens9952]

Hey man this was posted a little while ago but I just picked up a GH5s and man I am so happy with it! Even straight out of camera it’s really really impressive and even though there’s no RAW I don’t really miss it because the footage is so flexible. Also keep in mind that you can grab a ninja & unlock ProRes 10bit @ 60p. I have a RED Raven and for certain shots there’s no comparison but for most stuff I just prefer how easy the GH5s is...

[@initialfocus]

Very accurate.......if that Raven is too much a burden on you, I would be happy to keep if nice and safe for ya ;)

[@DiegottlosenCharmeure]

some people think they are such talents in that section, but compare a MFT sensor rolling shutter sensor without raw to a s35 sensor with global shutter raw... the only legit concern in this "review" is that the blackmagic does not manage to get 60fps in 1080p, other than that, nothing in this video shows real expertise.

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

You use the term "stop down" to open your aperture. At first I thought I heard it wrong. When you change from f5.6 to f4 or f2.8 you are not "stopping down" you are "opening up" the aperture. Stopping down would be changing from f5.6 to a higher number such as f8 or f11, ect. It is confusing to the viewer. I agree, the BM is disappointing in this video. I am trying to decide between the two and clearly the GH5s won out here.

[@BurgmanChile]

"it doesn't even shoot 60p in 1080" not sure why most people think that filming crap in slow motion makes it automatically cinematic and buy rigs only to shoot 12,000fps. cinematography is way beyond slow motion but what do I know. if you have cash, get the 24,000 fps camera.

[@ricardoucr]

Burgman Chile many current awesome movies/series don't even have slowmo.

[@MaxMRasmussen]

I mainly run and gun. When you do that a whole day you really need the gear to be light weight and small. Even a small gimbal can be very heavy. Slomo is one of the easiest ways to get some non shaky footage that still has some motion in it. It is simply very practical for some types of filming.

[@BurgmanChile]

that's true, I have issues myself with that, I don't rock any gimbal I shoot mainly with tripod or hand held. my kit is small as I carry it all in a tank bag in a motorcycle most of the time, a 5d, 24-105 and a rode as luxury item.

[@sasca854]

Slow motion is a tool and sometimes it sucks to not have a tool in your arsenal. Is what it is.

[@brandonowens9952]

People certainly rely too much on slow-motion, but it is a very important tool in any filmmakers kit... If you’re on a budget you have to decide how important it is for you. But eventually everyone gets the multi-tool lol 😂.

[@artofduke]

It really comes down to who and how you use any camera. There is amazing stuff shot on an iPhone7.

[@tomcypher3864]

Great experience vid, but, finally, it's a lot about how camera performs when it is properly exposed. What do tou think of new BMPCC4k?

[@gregclark13]

Arri still has a better cinematic look like you say . But I believe an external recorder like an atomos would push gh5s ihigher 240 FPS. 4K . A professional grader would probably again take it another step, too.

[@genxtechguy]

With an Atomos Inferno ... you can record uncompressed output (from GH5s) at 10bit 4:2:2 C4K (yes cinema 4k) at up to 60fps ... captured to ProRes HQ ... not quite raw, but pretty amazing quality for post and color grading.

[@initialfocus]

Yeah I read about that. Pretty amazing!

[@Ben-rz9cf]

To me i am more concerned with whether the BMPC4K compares to the new pocket 4k since it has the new GH5 sensor.

[@Simon-cr6ej]

The look of your videos is really cool! Lightning and color grading looks very organic! Do you mind to share what's your secret? I mean, how do I get there from the standard settings of my GH5?

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

Do you recommend the Panasonic GH5s or Fuji XT3 for video features only and low light ?

[@sebastianasian]

I wouldn't use Cinematic camera for an event shoot like that. They won't appreciate that cinematic color. No auto focus, terrible for low light. there is no reason for it. Oh, you can show BMPC first to impress them (people get impressed by its unique design. GH5s looks like cheap tourist camera) and use gh5s later :)

[@lboymusic]

What about Auto Focus performance? Is it so bad as Panasonic cameras? Is it decent like the Sonys? Thanks

[@fourth1000]

Never trade any blackmagic product for a Panasonic product. Color science blows Panasonics boring look away.

[@lamurcribb985]

I hate that term

[@sasca854]

fourth1000 Give it a rest.

[@fourth1000]

Brett the Behemoth give it a try!

[@bernzeppi]

I also hate that term, it’s a marketing term. It’s like saying I like Boeing’s gravity science better... dumb.

[@fourth1000]

Bernie Zelvis well invent a new term to discuss the same thing. if not..... oh well.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Wow! To be honest both cameras did very well it all depends on the look you’re seeking. I’m pleasantly surprised to see black Magic’s footage look so great

[@initialfocus]

Agreed. It’s definitely held up over The years!

[@LoverOfTech]

Been a while dude👏🏿

[@initialfocus]

That it has! Happy to be uploading again! Thanks man 👍🏼

[@andytee88]

Are you going to try out the BMPC4K? frame rate on the spec sheets looks interesting

[@initialfocus]

Absolutely. Very excited especially after seeing the demo footage.

[@andreasplata]

I'm working for almost a year now with the GH5 and I love the camera. Before you buy it, wait a little. This month blackmagic is releasing the BM Poket Cinema Camera. www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicpocketcinemacamera I would try out that beast first, before making a final choice. I think I'll buy it as my second. These days they released first recordings. And the specs are amazing. So be patient. You've waited 5 years! ;) cheers.

[@garricksantos]

I appreciate the overexposure testing. All the reviews never really touch upon that subject. It's usually only about low light. Thanks!

[@initialfocus]

Appreciate the appreciation lol. I never really care about low light performance. I mostly do commercials so lugging around lighting gear is second nature to me. I have no need for 25,000 iso from a A7sii haha. Clipped highlights is my kryptonite. I can’t stand it. Noise in modern cameras are rarely too terrible to be unusable. Terrible highlight range kills any footage in my opinion.

[@ErikThureson]

Interesting comparison, good work. 👍

[@dennisolof9994]

Rent the new "black magic" lineup of cameras and see where that takes you. Nice to see that old black magic was worth the investment as it still holds up to the more modern equipment. Of course over time the limitations increase as technology moves on.

[@MrCameon12001]

what music is that playing behind the video? I like that song. Can you tell me what song is that?

[@Lazznovoa]

As someone on the fence, this video was helpful. Although I might hold off a bit more until the final polls are in aka reviews.

[@exinexi]

Rent when needed and try them all before you make up your mind. I was sure I'll get the sony a7iii with a focal reducer to use medium format lens, but they all keep coming with new stuff, so no clear winner yet.

[@datalaforge]

Were you able to shoot with the ALL-I 400Mbps codec on the gh5s?

[@initialfocus]

Yup! The comparison shots on the second half of the video were shot in the Cine 4K 400mbps

[@makharacinesy]

Why not use both ?

[@TheBromie]

what about the new black magic pocket cinema camera 4k thats coming out

[@DsideAnarck30]

the BMPC 4Ks workflow is just too much, not talking about the raw workflow, only the internal sound quality, you have to use an external audio recorder everytime then sync in post.

[@initialfocus]

Depends on the mic of choice. I’ve found I can use my Rode Lav mic and record internally and the quality is fine for any use I would use a Lav. For short films or professional work I would record separately no matter what

[@nordfresse]

I am sorry, but I think shooting YT reviews in cinemascope is just a little bit overdone. Whats wrong with the good old 16:9 format?

[@initialfocus]

I could give the usual answers like it fits better on newer phones that have 18:9 aspect ratios, KZbin also supports pretty much any new ratio. But really I just love the look. Don’t really care if everyone else does it or not. For me (not so much in this video) I love to use it to push compositions. My dream is to do a absurd project in 4.00:1 which has only ever been used in the 1927 Napoleon film. Listen I get it, it’s overkill. Just like KZbinrs filming in 8k but it puts a smile on my face so I’m most likely going to continue to use it until I regret it or move on to whatever I like better:)

[@Halovice]

bm 4k has better color depth and a global shutter that makes a beautiful cinematic image. image wise you can't compare the 2 these cameras come from different realms. this comes a from gh5 owner since the gh2. the gh5 kills most cameras in usability and versatility and if you really know what you are doing you can put out some great images too. in conclusion the bm4k is old but in paper beats most modern cameras.

[@initialfocus]

I’ve since upgraded to the Pocket 4K from my Production 4K. Love every aspect of this camera EXCEPT for the damn rolling shutter. I agree with you 100% global shutter is such a huge difference.

[@js_filming7701]

What do you think about the new Pocket Cinema Camera 4K? Maybe a good upgrade for you ;)

[@initialfocus]

Love what I’ve seen so far! Would love to get one but I’m sure based on the price there’s a billion pre orders and BlackMagic doesn’t have the best track record for pumping out tons of product haha

[@js_filming7701]

Yeah.... But i HOPE! I hope i´ll get mine in time... I think Blackmagic is learning from our user experience, otherwise the BMPCC4K wouldnt be what it is now.

[@ricardoucr]

A badass camera! I preordered mine already. With the metabones ultra the crop factor is pretty close to a super35.

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

bro if you get twixtor its good in converting your footage in slow mo do a search on youtube for blackmagic magic cameras i know because i have the program

[@andrzejwawer6241]

GH5S is not so bad. Just sensor stabiliser GH5S Mark 2

[@yurednaxela]

Your 5 year old Black Magic shoots 4k? Isn't it just 2.5K?

[@initialfocus]

The original one was 2.5K. Around 6 months or year later they released the 4K option. Same exact body and design, just shoots up to 4K

[@yurednaxela]

@@initialfocus And how much they add up to the price point from the original? Thanks

[@telfer3388]

That aperture test was fundemantally flawed, has no real life aplication and is just plain silly. (google ND filters) This is the first time i think i see someone doing something like this in order to test a camera or compare cameras with one another. And then You are dissapointed that RAW cant bring back an image that is overblown to the point that there is nothing at all showing in the image. I dont think you understand how cameras in general but also lenses/apertures etc work.

[@zyxyuv1650]

Get rid of the BlackMagic 4K, replace it with a new Pocket Cinema 4K, and keep the GH5S. Problem solved.

[@developerscafe2567]

I think this tests are a waste of time, today even a iPhone camera takes a great footage, so is not about the camera anymore stops etc, it is about what you know about lightning, settings, history etc.. so stop comparing cameras and start learning about the things you can't(don't have to) buy...

[@initialfocus]

I think you make a great point. People definitely need to focus more on the camera they have and how to best use it. I know plenty who have older cameras who create amazing stuff because of their knowledge on lighting, composition etc while others who may who fancy REDs don’t know anything and expect to make the next cinematic masterpiece. That being said cameras still have technical differences and for those who are trying to buy a next camera I do think it’s important to be able to see those differences.

[@dathofilms]

Who else thinks GH5 can not come close to Sony?

[@initialfocus]

I do like Sony but the only hard part is you can usually tell when it’s Sony. From back when I used the A7sii and edited other Sony footage it’s very hard to make it match other cameras. So if you love the Sony look you’re going to love it but if you dislike the look but love the cameras you’ll have a harder time. Thankfully I think all modern cameras are getting to a place where the differences are minimal and multiple looks CAN be achieved. Just my perspective, no disrespect to you or Sony at all.

[@dathofilms]

thats a very accurate comment.

[@snejkafilm7400]

gh5 destroys sony all day everyday. I have latest a7III, gh5 has sharper slow motion, a7III have chroma noise all over with log while gh5 holds up very well.

[@A10Jedi]

The Panasonic doesn’t even touch the black magic. Stop trying to talk yourself into a new camera

[@spiro9210]

Too much talking and not enough substance. Too many talking heads everywhere on YT. Moving on.

[@galocascio]

exaggerated Wide

[@MichaelWeizenfeld]

BMPC 4K has worst DR ever, end of story) Also colorimety on the GH5S is better than BMPC