Panasonic Lumix GH4 Low light ISO trick that you may not know about

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Here is a quick guide on how to set up your Panasonic GH4 (or GH4R) to get better ISO settings for low light. It’s a little hack I found kind of by accident but it gives me more freedom when filming in low light, especially when I have to go above 800 ISO, but when 1600 gives too much noise.
I own a GH4 and a GH4R and before I bought it I knew that the low light capabilities were not great compared to other cameras like the Sony A7sII, I checked on forums and different videos explaining how to get the best profile settings to use in low light but I noticed that they didn’t have this feature implemented.
I’m often faced with the challenge of having to video in low light conditions such as a church or a dance floor when a wedding band is playing. Having the option to choose 1000 or 1250 ISO, even with a low light lens depending on how dark it is, means I can cut out some of the noise that would come with 1600. The low light footage that I can get looks a lot cleaner when I suddenly might have to bump up the ISO during recording, the increments don’t suddenly jump to a noticeable brighter setting anymore.
So here’s a recap of what to do:
Switch on your Panasonic Lumix GH4 (or GH4R)
Turn the dial to “Photo mode” (I chose “P”)
Go to the menu and the top submenu, find where it says “ISO increments”
Change from 1 EV to 1/3 EV
Exit the menu screen and return to “Movie Mode”
You will now be able to select different ISO levels
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[@Yew-Tyewbe]

Using a GH4 in 22 and this little gem of a tip will help massively. Thank you.

[@michaelandremovies]

Thanks for that! Still using the GH4 in 2020 and never knew about this.

[@FergbyFive]

Perfect. Just what I needed. I was getting so frustrated as it is such a big jump from 800 to 1600 and far too much noise at 1600! Thank you very much :)

[@recipiend5711]

oh man, this is amazing discovering. its very important. the other thing is people tend to do not learn and use the camera enough they only jump on youtube to post videos so that could be destructive for the product and make you feel like you dont have a good camera. thanks man

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+Thinka Deep No problem. I love the GH4, even though it can be poor in low light sometimes. Looking forward to the next model in the Lumix range and hopefully better low light capabilities

[@recipiend5711]

I use the 25mm f1.4. I dont know if you shoot in complet dark, i always add some light. My problem is to get a wide angle for the indoor shots. Do you have any idea

[@SullyCortez]

+Liquid Media Video Production supposedly the GH5 has a true super 35mm sensor...shoots RED size 5K... 10bit interal 4:2:2 and 12bit external RAW/4:2:2.... Can go up to ISO 1,408,120 and uses the same battery as GH4....5axis internal stabilization, and the ability to swap mounts from Nikon, to EF, to MFT....I really hope this is true... btw that is not true.... it now does appear in video mode with the latest VLOG update. You dont need to switch to photo mode anymore.... it allows 1/3 EV steps now natively without any tricks

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+Thinka Deep Well I always try to use some light, but never at a wedding. Even if the room is very dark I wouldn't use one because it draws too much attention to me from the other guests and I'm trying to remain anonymous. I've ordered the Samyang f2.0 to give me better wide angle and I'll post a review of that soon

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+Sully Cortez Yea and a price tag of just $999.95 haha

[@santulinks]

Thanks, just used this on the Panasonic GX8. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't adjust the camera in small ISO increments in video. Super useful, much appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

[@garynkiddgvm]

I just bought a GH4 , this isn’t a tip. This was essential! Canon camera natively do this. I didn’t even notice. This is a great way to fine tune your exposure.

[@thomas-hill]

This was featured a few years ago when the GH3 came out but useful for those peeps who didn't know about it.

[@tadobapictures]

Thanks for sharing this discovery! I am a G7 user and the same technic actually applies.

[@larbueno]

I don't believe that this is considered a "trick"!? It's something we should all know about our cameras. These 1/3 step increment settings are fairly standard if not completely standard on just about any camera that use interchangeable lenses and on Plenty of point and shoot/one piece cameras. UPDATE: I made my comment above and then read the comments. I had no idea so many were unaware of this setting on cameras. I wasn't trying to sound flippant in my response above, I guess I've just been in this business so long I took this information for granted. Why the manufacturers don't use 1/3 step increments as the default setting is beyond me? I'm glad so many of you found out about this information through this video.

[@retro-litetheater2331]

I found this ISO trick works on the GH3 as well. Thanks for this great treasure.

[@nagromat]

Fab!! I was wondering why I couldn’t get the smaller increments...! Nice one 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gothamoddisee]

This also works on the Lumix FZ2500. Really useful tip.

[@benjalockridge6247]

Just stumbled on this. Wish I had this for some low-light weddings!

[@greentokyo]

Wow!! I've had this camera for 2 years now and i never knew this lol

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+missingtear Every day is a school day! Keep learning and testing new things

[@brunofelixmusic]

That works with Panasonic Lumix G7, thanks for this brilliant tip.

[@anttiheik]

Are you Ser Davos from Game of Thrones?

[@Kombi-1]

??

[@mmeshots]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaa.

[@tristanpersaud6735]

I thought it was Liam Neeson trying to "lay low...light"

[@sdutango]

I'm amazed how many people don't read the manual or play around the menu completely before start using.

[@danhorne1513]

I wonder if this is because like the Canon DSLRs, the GH4 has certain native ISOs that minimise noise when shooting video (i.e. not raw still footage). For instance ISO 1250 is better than 125 on Canons (see petapixel.com/2011/05/02/use-iso-numbers-that-are-multiples-of-160-when-shooting-dslr-video/ ). Not saying that it's the same for Panasonics, but since the smaller increments are available in the photo and not video modes it may be the reason. As an aside, many of us GH4 users shoot stills - even more than video! www.flickr.com/cameras/panasonic/dmc-gh4/

[@hicnar]

My GH4 does not display ISO in the camera mode but "gain" in decibels is displayed instead. How do I get iso displayed in camera mode?

[@markrobinson8254]

great tip for a troubling low light shot I have the camera all tweaked but this could really come in handy didn't realize it could go that high of an ISO thanks

[@datamedicpr]

The Holy Grail of the GH4 thanks

[@ElvisChirinosJr]

On canon cameras, 1/3 stops introduce more noise than quarter stops in video (not photos), (for example 1000 ISO will yield more noise than 1250). Not sure how it is on a panny, but my guess is it's not good, and that's why they didn't add the feature to video mode

[@recipiend5711]

i think you should try and judge the result, canon and panny are different

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+Elvis Chirinos I did a little test with this and I couldn't find any difference in noise from from the 1/3 to full stop levels. Each increment would emit a little more noise each time. Thanks for asking though, it was worth testing it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTZhYGYqtyjo68

[@bharathsurs]

I already own an FZ1000 and am quite happy with it, except for the low-light performance in video mode, which really sucks.. Would you please post a video in low-light ( with your settings, in comparison.), as I have almost decided to buy a GH4, mainly because of its compactness and as there is no 20 minute cut-off during the music-videos that, I make.. Otherwise, the only option would have been the Sony PXW Z150, in an extra kit .. Low-light performance is really needed ! Thank you !

[@ValentinBoeckler]

i dont know why this is not working on my current gh4...also get no normal(under 400) unlocked iso settings. Any ideas?

[@venelinbakalov5945]

Awesome tip! Thanks for the heads up, it's great for videomakers to know where to find this setting!

[@ruff1draft]

When I purchase the GH4R I shall use this method. Thanks for the information. Shame this camera is not fully frame or APC. It would be better especially at the price point it is and the functionality off the camera and the great battery life.

[@krystofpoboril]

Thanks. Some of the features are not accessible form Motion Picture mode. If I wanted to turn my lens stabilization on, I first had to switch the camera into M mode, turn the O.I.S on, the back to movie mode and... BAM. Neither I understand, why these features are "hidden" in photo mode.

[@mrgood56]

I am going to start up making videos for youtube. Is this a good camera for this purpose. I mostly going to be indoors and in a studio setup.

[@SBVideoDonegal]

You will not find a better all-rounded camera for the price my friend

[@davehenderson9105]

I just bought one for that purpose

[@ll2nycell]

i love this camera. I got 2 of em.

[@RocketLR]

In my opinion, the next step from the gh4 is the Sony a7s II or a7r II :D One beautiful day i shall get me a sony a7 camera!

[@tabaresweddingfilms]

Instead of a Sony a7s II or a7r II, I would totally go for a Panasonic Lumix GH5, it is a deal breaker compared to the sony, it can perform 4k video at 60 fps and 1080 up to 180 FPS!!! for crazy slow motion shots, and has way better colors than the Sony family if you haven't, check it out, I own a Lumix G7, and I am super happy with it, check some of the video tests I have made with it maybe you like them.

[@rjhill7389]

Thanks for the tip...would've like to see you show some video in low light at ISO 1000/1250.

[@flyingmower]

Thanks for the tip, works on the Lumix FZ2000 and the FZ82.

[@David2222]

Oh yeah, I remember seeing this video a year ago....cuz when I just went to set it up...Le voila. Already done. Thanks

[@mediacake]

my friend! thanx a lot for this precious issue!!

[@AndreLLMedia]

thank you !!! i just got the G7 and coming form a canon that had the more increments this was bugging me thank you again

[@canturgan]

Mine was already set to 1/3 f stops when I bought it.

[@johnpaulsaluba9622]

Thank you so much! LIFESAVER! i thought i could only have 200-400-800-1600..etc.

Very helpful. Could you share the settings you recomend in standart and natural profiles? I just got my gh4 and there is so much confusión in youtube. I think whith the hippe the first videos about the color profiles are so biassed, and whith time profesionals like you seems to end up using natural and normal profiles. I just got to the party, six 4 or 5 years later and there is so much you cant teach about this camera.

[@CynthiaInahoro]

Hi, do you by any chance still have the gh4 lens? I broke mine and I can’t afford a new lens at the moment

[@Thenormies]

Wow. Thanks you for that! I had no idea.

[@judeangou]

The Normies

[@callan5323]

Great tip! You should show footage using the different ISO's.

[@bethyeschua]

If one's GH4 has V-LOG, and is shooting in V-LOG, then is this advice still valid?

[@springwater9981]

Hi, SUPER new to cameras! Would I go back and change it back again to the original picture setting when not filming in low light? Or once I've done this, just leave it at that forever and not worry about changing the setting back and forth? I'm only using this to film.

[@ResDog70]

Any chance you could shoot some test footage to compare? I'm curious to see if it suffers from the issue Elvis Chirinos mentions in the comments.

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+ResDog70 Yes i will do a test on this later, if he's right I'll upload the results and post them here too

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+ResDog70 Did a quick test on it today, looks like that only counts for canon cameras - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTZhYGYqtyjo68

[@johngriffin87]

Very nice catch! I just came across your video while playing with the camera. This will definitely be a useful tool in adjusting the camera. I have a GH4 and a G7 as a 2nd camera along with a handful of Lumix lenses. I haven't been busy enough to justify purchasing a GH5/s, but we'll see. In the meantime, there's still an awful lot about both of these cameras that I'm learning about and playing with. You can certainly get beautiful video from either one with proper setup and shooting technique.

[@silverlightphotoco]

Thank you! This is VERY important and is always the first thing I do with every camera I use😃

[@nandohobbit383]

complimenti per la scoperta che hai fatto.

[@iambilsy]

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!!!! This has helped me instantly!

[@youradica]

woah, works for the g7 as well! thank you!

[@guidorehme]

Sorry but what is so amazing on a total normal setting in the cam which you can set or not like any other setting in the cam? You can find it in the manual and if you want it you can use it. Can´t understand the hype of that setting which is one of tons in this cam! I mean not the feature it self, but it is not a secret or a hidden feature since the the cam was shipped the first time like Zebra or peaking or bracketing and so on.

[@SBVideoDonegal]

+Guido Rehme Well as you can see from the comments below not everybody discovered it at first, including me. After watching videos and reading articles online about the best low light settings to use on the GH4, I discovered every one were just using 200, 400, 800, 1600 ISO in their tests. Like I said in the video, this feature should be in the video settings but it isn't, and since 95% of people who buy this camera for video probably never use the photo settings often would never find this feature. Its just one one of the many great features but the rest already have videos and articles explaining how to set them up.

[@sandeepmates]

Thanks once again, I learned this from your video earlier but recently I reset my gh4 and couldn't find this hack or setting because now most of the time use my gh5.. my screen touch for gh4 has gone ..i can operate with buttons but finger touch doesn't work , tried all screen settings.. if you can help... Thanks

[@SBVideoDonegal]

HI Sandeep, sorry but I cannot help you. If your touch screen is broken you will need to contact Panasonic support o fix. Have you updated to latest firmware?

[@sandeepmates]

It’s not broken but kind of freeze only to finger touch otherwise.. operating properly with other wheels etc.. as if switched off to touch.. anyway thanks .. will contact Panasonic

[@jaykiriona]

Thanks man, brilliant discovery!

[@Technoane]

Also works for the Panasonic G7, thanks!

[@Pertamax7-HD]

Ok sir

[@SorinGociu]

gh4, gh4r review at the ending. well, how do i go there? i link in the description would be nice...

[@jaynailerz7304]

I don't get why people say the noise in gh4 is so bad but in the red cameras it's beautiful when the noise in the gh4 looks the exact same as the grain in red camera from now on if i get noise in my gh4 footage I'm going to say n the description all grainy shots were done on a red raven our epic and watch the stupid comments because from what I see if you use cine d keep the master pedestal at zero and don't over grade your footage there isn't much of a difference between an epic and a gh4 once it has a good lense like the 12 35 2.8 our the sigma is nice too with metabones but my favourite is 12 35 you won't go wrong with this camera and that's a fact.

[@martinsundstrmfordatagrafa4089]

Please try to use punctuation :) I had to read your comment about 5 times to find out where each sentence started or ended! I agree though: Noise is subjective. It's not as bad as many people make it out to be, and not just on the GH4, but noise as a whole is not a terrible thing. Depending on lighting conditions, the noise either takes on a grainy, aesthetic, gritty character, or the more annoying scattered RGB color noise that nobody likes. I think many forget that any decent footage on any camera should be well lit using additional lights.

[@jaynailerz7304]

Martin Sundstrøm for Datagraf and MedKom. First Congrads not a single coma our full stop you missed. You scored 100 percent fair play to you. I aggree that lights are the most important. All good cameras need lights to get a good cinematic image even the A7s. A good bit of advice is to have some kind of Denoiser in after effects our Final Cut Pro for the days when you really need it.

[@ttimeshow6415]

Martin Sundstrøm for Datagraf and MedKom You should really learn how to say more in less words. Your sentences ran on forever. I couldnt wait to get to a period.

[@jaynailerz7304]

creative captor I'm very fucking sorry maybe I should throw myself off a bridge would that make you happy.

[@mksundstrom]

creative captor- Says more about your ability to hold on to a thought, than it says about my grammar.

[@DjTallyIndia]

Amazing. That really helps a lot of people out..

[@adelinkuptv7926]

this was very helpful

[@iDealMedley]

how much difference does this make to the footages? is it less noise in high iso?

[@SBVideoDonegal]

well anything over 800 ISO gives noise with this camera but if you try to stay below 1600 it is manageable without needing any noise reduction in post. the highest I ever shoot with is 1250 ISO

[@ll2nycell]

in my opinion, it really depends on how much light you have. In mediocre lighting set ups, you can push it to 2000. If you have v-log, you might be able to get higher too. In really dark lit scenes, you'd probably want to stay under 1000, i'd also drop your shutter down to 30(won't be too blurry for video), but those 2 will only work if you're at a 2.8 or better aperture.

[@austinastray4444]

Thank you so much for this.

[@brunojam1]

lol Im 2 years late but thanks a lot. It wasnt life changing but it definitely made a difference.

[@sunlightfilms5222]

Fantastic....you are a genius .... I would have never thought of that...

[@joseafonso1872]

Thank you very much! Great video!

[@PeteWoronowski]

This is a great tip, Thank you so much! Cheers, Pete

[@RaeganScarlett]

Tysm!! This works for a G7 as well

[@LukeLifeCharms]

Woww i didnt know about this! Thank you so much!!

[@IanSebastianVlog]

Tutorial starts at 0:50

[@Lionfaceboi]

I mean if you want your footage to be filled with noise, use it on higher ISO. The gh4 is not built for high ISO.

[@chevypowertogo-9070]

hello Your not quite explaining in detail exactly what we getting in this described as an actual hack? =EXAMPLE, What are we gaining by doing this,=what is it adding that is not typically available in Movie Mode I we are vary interested, as it sounds as you may of made a great find here, my friend lives far away from me HE has the GH4 ..I Do Not he ask my help in Video chat to try and help explain your findings here and the (how to ) and what he will be gaining here that is not already in the Video ISO Menu already? PLEASE EXPLAIN ..ANd Thank YOU Vary MUCH

[@SBVideoDonegal]

Thanks for commenting, what this does is give you the ability to choose extra ISO stops in movie mode. when u first use the gh4 camera for video you can only select 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 ISO. With this setting you'll also get 320, 540, 1000, 1250 and more to give a better performance in low light conditions.

[@watermelonslice.s]

You - saved - my - life.

[@peterslavik5917]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing this , usefull for my gx80

[@Rave2YourGrave]

Nice discovery, is that a Derry accent?

[@SBVideoDonegal]

haha close, moville in donegal

[@SourceAwareness]

Thanks, Brother, you are a Legend!!

[@juliensoaresbrito4363]

Your video is very helpful. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS

[@Matituber]

You are a genius!!! thanks!!

[@dragonflymedia3979]

This is a great hack, just used it on my new G80, thanks

[@fiftyfivemill]

Great tip thank you for your knowledge appreciate you.

[@cess8566]

Is this for film or stills?

[@OAK77uk]

Thanks so much for this - brilliant.

[@LiveAudioWrestling]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@makemovieordie2154]

Super discovery! More flexibility. THANKS

[@alessiodemarchis3772]

Really awesome trick!! Thank you!

[@ProfessorDZ]

That is brilliant! Thank you!!!!

[@SBVideoDonegal]

No problem David, glad it helped

[@colinthecameraguy]

Well done that man!

[@UziMovie]

TO BAD THIS OPTION IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE GH5

[@tpstratton]

great tip!

[@southboundtraveler]

Nice one! Thanks for the tip!

[@besogociridze]

SAME ON G7, THENX FOR VIDEO

[@elb7032]

Thanks a lot! tried this on my G7 and it worked, should help in the future!:D

[@frenchstevenstark]

thanks

[@JosephPaul4real]

This is very helpful; thank you!

[@ngoninyembe338]

I did found it by accident too and its so amazing

[@ROOTSSchoolVT]

Thanks.

[@jeanvisuals967]

You a genius man i never saw this one

[@tc3imagery]

Excellent, thanks!

[@MattRobb]

Thanks alot

[@doverivermedia3937]

Very helpfull... thank you !

[@modenim]

Nice. Thank you very much

[@embracemydarkestfearband]

Thank you for this

[@d33d19]

Great - thanks for sharing!

[@fillintheday]

Nice tip! Thanks!

[@pivami]

Thank You for the trick....good luck!

[@SBVideoDonegal]

you're welcome :)