Jim S, or anyone else with experience with my issue:

I have a problem I've been going round and round with, I'm hoping you can give me your take on how I should shoot with my cameras.

Here's the thing:

Camera 1 is a GH2. I can shoot 1080p 24fps with my monitor on, or shoot in 720p without it.

My (2) GH1s shoot 1080i or 720p.

If I shoot without my monitor, I can have matching footage so to speak, as all three camera can be shot in 720p.

But I would like to shoot with my monitor, which would mean an added step in the conversion process of rescaling. Considering I shoot up to three weddings a week, this prospect of added steps to the workflow is not pleasant, not to mention the GH2 footage is 24fps to boot.

The simple solution would be to shoot without a monitor, but it is SO hard on my eyes.

Another option is to shoot with the GH1s in 1080i 60fps) and the GH2 in 1080p 24fps. Then I would simply deinterlace the 1080i, right?

No matter how I shoot, it will all end up on a DVD 90% of the time.

At this point, the simplest thing appears to be to give up my monitor and shoot in 720p, but before I commit to this workflow I wanted to get some feedback.

I will likely replaced the GH1s with GH2s at some point, but for now this is where things are at.

I really don't know how the various options affect the end product, so this is the largest problem.

If you shoot without a monitor you might consider get a Zacuto viewfinder. Using one makes it much easier to frame and focus. It will magnify the lcd screen and keep light out.
If I had to do things quickly as you do I wouldn't be without one.

Jeff
I believe the GH1 in 1080 mode only shoots in 24p inbedded in a 60i stream. The GH2 I believe shoots in either 1080p24 or 60i.

Gordon

Gordon, you're right, I have it wrong. Damn this is confusing.

Gordon, thanks for your help, I don't know how I missed it.

So the question remains, I'm a bit more at a loss!

As you allude to, mixing frame rates in a project isn't a good idea. Converting 24 fps to 30 fps usually results in visible 'judder'. In scenes where there is little motion, it isn't very noticeable. Your idea of shooting with all GH2 cameras is the best solution because the footage from all cameras would be the same. The footage between a GH1 and GH2 differs in other respects as well so your projects may have that 'different camera look' in others ways also. So all you have to do is pick some more money off your money tree for a GH2 body. ;-)

Thanks for the feedback Jim F onn the Zacuto, and Jim s for this last post.

My original plan was to shoot 1080i with GH2 and then downconvert to 720p with HD link. Your guys thoughts? Will it hold up?

I just received an upgrade from neoscene to hd link, so I can do that if I wish.

Down converting to 720p with HD Link will look great. Anything you can do to avoid frame rate conversion is worth doing.

Jim, I've really been foolish, I forgot again the camera shoots in 1080i 24p when using the monitor and 1080i is not an option.

It really is of no use to use the monitor for my weddings.

I seriously am concerned about my memory. I can't keep track of anything lately. I spoke to a customer last week who called and I had no idea who they were, and they had been to my house three weeks prior.

I mix footage from those cams all the time. Just make sure the frame rates are the same. Zacuto loops will indeed save your eyes. But Zacuto isn't cheap, there are other affordable solutions, personally I like a loop with magnification. I use a DIY solution.

Jim S, with the right lens combination, the GH2 and GH1 are indistinguishable, shooting modes aside. My best footage from the below clip was from the GH1, because it had the better lens, IMO. Take note of the brides dress at the house, and the buffet shot, which were shot with the GH1.

Unfortunately the Canon 50mm (at 100mm equivalent) is so long it is barely useable when handheld, but the images that do work out are very nice.

GH2 & GH1 Wedding Clips - Slow Motion Test - Miguel's Wedding - on Vimeo

If you shoot without a monitor you might consider get a Zacuto viewfinder. Using one makes it much easier to frame and focus. It will magnify the lcd screen and keep light out.
If I had to do things quickly as you do I wouldn't be without one.The Zacuto viewfinder costs half as much as a GH2 & is only going to enlarge the pixels of the LCD. The EVF of the GH2 itself will be higher resolution. I don't normally like using a viewfinder but the GH2 one is very good indeed.

It's true, but on the other hand big, defined pixels pixels make focusing easier for me. ymmv. The EVF is indeed awesome and I love it to death, but for long event type shoots, I think the big fat Zacuto style loop has a place.

One thing I'm waiting for is a nice eye cup for the EVF. That will make things better.

Yeah I was think the same thing about having an eye cup for the GH2 viewfinder too.
Wonder if anyone will make one.....at least something that will block out more light when using outside.

What about a hood for the LCD, anyone using one? Sony makes one that I used for the FX1000, it was very helpful.

Ii wonder if this would fit/work. It looks cheap, but who knows.

Delkin Devices eFilm Point & Shoot Mini Pop-Up DU3.0-M B&H

If you shoot without a monitor you might consider get a Zacuto viewfinder. Using one makes it much easier to frame and focus. It will magnify the lcd screen and keep light out.
If I had to do things quickly as you do I wouldn't be without one.

There is one on ebay that is from Hong Kong that is made for the GH1, and GH2 for $65. It is 3X mag. and is held on with bands, much like the 1st Zacuto.

The Zacuto is the hood for the Lcd.

Jim, Have you used the Zacuto on a GH2? Would not the sticky frame prevent the lcd from closing when the lcd is against the camera for protection?

Norm

Ii wonder if this would fit/work. It looks cheap, but who knows.

Delkin Devices eFilm Point & Shoot Mini Pop-Up DU3.0-M B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/441822-REG/Delkin_Devices_DU3_0_M_eFilm_Point_Shoot.html)

I would never glue anything to my LCD frame. I use the Hoodman HD300, which straps on with velcro straps. Not the most elegant solution, but it works (pictured here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45061726@N00/5439368387/lightbox/))

It's $25 (free shipping) at Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/HNHD300VIDEO.html) and $20.89 (free shipping w $25 order) at Amazon (note that Amazon has the wrong picture).

The 300 is a little small for my GH2's LCD, though. If I had it to do over again, I might try the Hoodman H-400 at Amazon for $20.50 with free shipping.

I have been thinking about getting a $399 GH1 as a backup cam. I am just starting out doing event videos, and this issue would be a problem for me too. I guess I'll need to wait until I can earn enough money with the GH2 to buy a second one. Thanks for blazing the trail, Jeff.

Jim, Have you used the Zacuto on a GH2? Would not the sticky frame prevent the lcd from closing when the lcd is against the camera for protection?

Norm

Yes it would if you place it face down against the camera. I leave the Lcd facing out.

So, I'm curious, and I mentioned this in my wedding thread...I have a Canon XHA1 and a GH2. The XHA1 shoots anamorphic 1080i (1440x1080) and the GH2 shoots full raster/square pixels at 1920x1080i/p. What is my best bet matching these two cameras? Should I shoot at 1080i60i since that's the only matching setting between the two? Even then the GH2 has more lines of resolution (1920x1080), so is that a problem?

Patrick, I could be wrong, but doesn't it actually shoot full 1080, but only outputs to 1440x1080? Some cameras, I've read, have this situation, but you can output via a piece of hardware to full 1080? If this is the case the hardware is expensive though, and not feasable for you probably.


Anyway, I would go with 1080i FSH mode, it will be the closest match, I suspect.