Lumix GH1 Good Enough for Commercial Production
 

Just bought a Lumix GH1 for professional production. Anyone else doing this too?

Shot a Spec Subaru Legacy car commercial last week, 60P, stock 14-140mm lens, ND grad filters + polarizer:

'It Clarifies' Production Blog • Spec Subaru Legacy Commercial

No stranger to using 'consumer' cameras for commercial production (used HV20 uncompressed for promotional video in 2007 - 'Your Future Is Business' HD 35mm SDI 4:2:2 on Vimeo ). Other than the fact the GH1 looks consumer (which doesn't help for client confidence) and the audio limitations (can't monitor, no levels, poor pre-amp) and the lower-end codec, I believe that the GH1 will serve well.

Would love to hear what everyone thinks about this.

Amazing and nice work. I will be purchasing Canon and the gh1 as my backup..

T

Thomas, which Canon video camera have you purchased as your main camera? What kind of work with it are you intending on doing? Cheers!

Just shot a documentary with the GH1...
 

I used the built-in audio system to record from the wireless lav mic too! Little audio control, but it worked for the project. The piece, when shown, won the 'people's choice award' at the venue; everyone marvelled at how clear/crisp and beautiful the image appeared! I was absolutely impressed with the camera on production day - aside from little audio control, the image control was fantastic and I didn't need anything more. The histogram and focus-enchancement option were more than enough, especially with all the options to toggle shutter and ISO. And it was fun to shoot with!

Lumix GH1 with a Sony EX3
 

Christopher,

Thanks for that. Great video and very useful to see someone shooting stuff not too dissimilar to (some of) what I'm doing commercially with my PMW-EX3. My business is doing well and I'm now looking hard at the idea of getting a Lumix GH1 to supplement my Sony EX3 for those kinds of shots that are hard/impossible to get without expensive (and big!) adapters and also to provide me with a good second Cam in certain corporate video interview etc. situations....so it's good to see at least one person using this little cam commercially!

I like the idea of buying a second HD video capable camera....seems a much better way of spending some money than on a Fujinon 0.8X wide angle and Letus for the EX3...and potentially much cheaper! Something like a GH1 or Canon 7D and some extras will open up more flexibility and creative options for my video work and give me good stills capability as well, and probably for a lower cost. Means I would get to use my Rode Videomic and Stereo Videomics again! (with a 3.5 to 2.5mm adapter lead to enable plugging into the GH1 I believe - pity about lack of audio monitoring though).

I've read a ton of reviews the last few days on here and all over the web and the GH1 is looking a very strong contender.

About the only thing I'm still a little concerned about is the relatively low bit rate AVCHD format - I'm editing on Macs (mostly) so it'll need transcoding to ProRes etc. I've been spoilt...and so have my commercial clients... by the superb XDCAM EX Codec but having been initiated on HDV a few years ago I'm carefull about how I shoot anything with high motion detail anyway so I guess I'd just treat an AVCHD format cam as I do my little Sony HC1 - thinking all the time about what I'm pointing it at and how. Obviously, I'd use the EX3 for the bulk of the material capture anyway. Most of my clients want a Std Def DVDs and some also want 720p HD (usually WMV or Quicktime) so I think it'll be fine as I believe the 720p mode (50p) on the GH1 is OK/relatively smooth... from what I've read and seen (as best one can on Vimeo et al).

I'm also looking hard at Canon 7D as the other alternative Video DSLR choice....but currently leaning heavily towards the GH1.

By the way, I think I'll probably pass on the 5D MkII for cost and, more importantly, lack of 25p to match my (PAL) EX3 ...and the current lack of flexibility/manual control which would frustrate me having been so "spoilt" by the EX3...I know a firmware update is coming next year for the 5D Mk II (but that's too far out for my needs). The 7D is a much nearer comparison/competitor for sure and as my reading around has found, many have not found it an easy clear cut decision. It really depends on ones own specific needs. Of the current crop of VDSLRs the GH1 seems to offer the best flexibility, ergonomics and intelligent design for MY needs (albeit it still has a few little niggles... as does any cam)...but I've yet to make my final choice.

Anyway. Enough rambling! 2 Questions:

Q1: Your thread is probably the best place for me to ask if anyone is mixing a GH1 with EX1/EX3 in commercial work. Anyone?

Q2: Corporate clients usually look suitably impressed when I get my EX3 rig etc. out. I'd imagine they might look equally happy if I got a Canon 7D out instead or as well....maybe the odd raised eyebrow and a question like "but I thought we were doing a video, not stills?"...but how do they react to your little Lumix GH1???? Do you get the "you're going to shoot video on THAT?...it's so small!" type questions or "what make is that?" type stuff?

Please don't missunderstand - I've never been a brand snob and will use the best tools for the job I'm doing (that my budget allows) and for me designed in flexibilty and, near enough, full manual control is really key, even above price - which is why the GH1 is on my short list and the Canon 5D Mk II is not. The GH1 is after all a Panasonic and they make good kit - full blown video cameras included - but "Joe Public" probably won't know that!

I'll continue to agonise on which direction I'll take but in the meantime I'm just being curious and would love to hear real world experiences from others using this little cam for video in the business/corporate/commercial environment. Thanks for reading such a long post!

Andy,

I’ve only ever shot in the 60P mode with the GH1 – I’ve read that it holds up better codec-wise, which is a potential bonus. The main reason I shoot at 720P 60P is the option to slow it all down later.. too cool to pass up. Also, the 4:2:0 isn’t apparent at all. The three years prior to the GH1 I was shooting 1080P 24P at 4:2:0 (and editing ProRes) and it was a pain to re-encode everything with a blur-then-sharpen of the chroma to get rid of the colour-jaggies. Not a problem at 720P with the GH1!

I’ve had little problems with the GH1’s codec – I do always take more than one take of B-Roll shots, as a safety for that reason, amoung others (force of habit). I’ve noticed the occasional hic-up with the codec, but again, I have more than one take and I’ve always had options.

I wouldn’t ever suggest using a D-SLR as an live-event recorder – I’d stick to a proper ENG camera for that. I’ve never had the camera overheat/crash as I’ve read has happened to Canon 5D MkII owners, but then again, I’ve never rolled for more than 35 minutes and 44 seconds (which is handled fine).

The video controls on the GH1 are great for what is primarily an 'SLR' – it’s well thought out as far as a camera that does video is.. ! It’s not an ENG, but it does a lot (far far more than the 5D offered when it was introduced). The few things for the wishlist: zebra, audio level’s shown, and HDMI/video out. But I’m coping very well without.

If I had a collection of Canon prime lenses, and didn’t own the GH1, I’d go for the 7D. But I’m a Nikon guy, and the GH1 was the best option value-wise – and I’ll continue to use it till I see a Nikon unit that bests the GH1’s value and does video. This is only the START.. I imagine we’ll be seeing Scarlet-killers this year, and so it’s going to be a wild ride.
I have a matte box, French-flag, carbon fibre rails, and a mic mounted on the camera so it’s hidden and certainly doesn’t look like it’s just your average D-SLR, but there have been comments on it’s size ;) I wish I had more doo-dads to build it up to main that ‘pro’ look that clients really do need to feel to trust you. So far it’s so new that no issue has come of it, but we’ll see.

I’d say, buy for value now, not the long term. With the GH1 I can buy any adaptor for any major lens maker, which is awesome. With the 7D you’re going to have to go Canon. Who knows .. the next Nikon might offer something that’ll make it a 5D killer ;) Either way, it’s going to be a fun ride.

I match GH1 with primes very nicely with EX1 and Letus.

Q2: Corporate clients usually look suitably impressed when I get my EX3 rig etc. out. I'd imagine they might look equally happy if I got a Canon 7D out instead or as well....maybe the odd raised eyebrow and a question like "but I thought we were doing a video, not stills?"...but how do they react to your little Lumix GH1???? Do you get the "you're going to shoot video on THAT?...it's so small!" type questions or "what make is that?" type stuff?

An interesting compromise (or is it deception?) is to show off a "real" camera --whether it's working or not--to the client as proof of your gear cred, and the shoot on the GH1 without them knowing.

You can also turn it into a plus--in my case, I had to get a Japanese version since there USA ones were so scarce.Talk it up as the next big thing. You're ahead of the curve.

Finally, don't make your gear's impression solely dependent on your camera. Good lights, grip, audio, and TIGHT CREW make a much bigger impression (in my experience) on client than camera.

GH1 as a Professional Camera
 

Rob,

Whenever I brought out the GH1, with a Mattebox and Rails it was still obvious it was small – especially when swapping lenses. That said, usually my assistant or I would explain how the technology in this camera three years ago would only be available in an $80,000+ video camera. They understand this, because everyone is aware how quickly technology is advancing.

Here is a picture of my previous setup - a kitted out HV20 + 35mm adapter + HDMI-to-HD-SDI convertor from a few years ago (I captured ‘raw’ 4:2:2: uncompressed HD over HD-SDI out of the camera – the quality of the video was/is high). It looked the part, despite having a little silver handycam looking thing on the back (HV20):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/...fa85753d6e.jpg

I am not into deceiving subjects in videos and even after informing people that I was doing a shoot for such and such, sometimes, especially when shooting in areas where I was not welcome by the majority of the people (despite having clearance) the little camera was a benefit. Many/most people didn’t realize it was shooting video (or sound). In fact, people would often not clue in that it was a video camera – I’d be getting my shot, but because I wasn’t looking through the eye piece, they figured I was just setting up the shot, or working with some dials. Once they saw me pack up, they realized that it must have been doing video since I never pushed the shutter; yet, I had ‘gotten my shot’.

Yes, everyone believes bigger is better. There’s a reason that ENG shoulder cameras don’t shrink – perceived quality. I have no problem saying my camera is better than the local television station’s SD Sony cameras with SDI out – even if average Joe doesn’t really believe me. I always have my widescreen iPod Nano with my work on it with me; so, the work can figuratively speak for itself anytime.

Professionals may be able to use GH1’s and 7D’s for a little while, but when average Joe’s daughter buys a Canon Rebel that does 60P, they’ll expect you to be shooting with something that’s perceived to be better by it’s physical dimensions. The gig will be up – if it isn’t already. The upcoming scarlet will cater to this need for sure – I am hoping/expecting Canon and Sony will over cameras that have bodies similar to a smaller EX1 with chips the size of Micro 4/3rds or so and interchangeable lenses. Then I can use an adapter and my Nikon adapter mount and keep on shooting.

Another GH1-shot Documentary
 

Technically shot exactly the same as the Dockside documentary - GH1 + the same wireless lav mics. All 720P 60P in a 24P edit. 50mm F1.4 Nikkor for interviews, all B-Roll is shot with stock kit lens. Cheers!

Nice work guys, just one comment! Don't be shy of the 1080p mode! It has it's limitations, but especially for interview shots and such I'd be using it over the 720!

I'd say shoot in 720 60p and export to 720 60p.

great stuff christopher.
i'm thinking about getting the GH1 for these kind of jobs as well as my creative work and doodles.
here in spain most clients seem happy with SD, purely due to price.
i'd like to up my image quality without breaking the bank and the GH1 looks the best option due to it's cost.
is your work only for internet distribution? the camera seems fine for that. what about dvds?
how does it perform when watching on a bigger screen?

Hey Andrew,

Most/all of my work has been delivered as finals in SD. I shoot HD for many reasons a) longevity/future demo reels b) sharper final image c) bragging rights d) because it's 'better'. But no client has ever requested an HD video final, thought down the road I hope they will because.. it's so darn nice. 720P is faster to render/edit than 1080P, so that's something new I've discovered (I've been doing 1080P 24P for the past 3 years). I'm sure SD is blazing fast on the same hardware, but 720P feels fine on a 4-year old Mac Pro.

The GH1 looks great on a large screen - the Our Place 'Hope & Beloning' video was premiered on a large screen at a gala event - 12feet across I think. Looked great. Looks great on DVDs too. It looks like it should - no surprises for me so far. Have fun - Cheers!

The Gh1 has everyting I need. I have some Nikon lenses and a few Canon's. I want to be able to use both.The only thing that holds me from getting the Panasonic GH1 is the 24 f/s as opposed to the 25 f/s on the Canon 7D. I want to mix the footage with that of 1080i 25 f/s that I was shooting with a Canon HV20. Or has there been an update to 25 f/s on the GH1? Or is there such an update to be expected ever?

The version you buy in europe should be 25f/s - mine in Aus is 25

That's good news. Thanks.

Music Video - GH1 with Prime Nikon Lenses
 

Just released - would love to hear what you think!

wow!
That's really nice! Good footage and good editing! Tunes not bad either! HaHa!

Screw what commercial clients think of a small DSLR on a shoot. Show them the samples and they won't care if it says Fisher Price on the side when the end result looks like this!
Congrats!

Thanks for commenting Robert!

Yeah, I wish it was that easy - I tend to shoot with small crews and small cameras - difficult for client's to 'feel' it'll look as big the work of mine they've already seen of mine! Good nes - everyone's switching to smaller cameras for production work, so, they'll learn either through me or another production group. That's what I keep telling myself anyway..

my 5 cents
 

great content, fantastic
I can say, never thought it is possible with such a tiny camera,
smal is so sexy ....great

Hey Régine, thanks! Yes, it's such a small, unassuming package, and yet.. delivers! D-SLR with video sure gained respect from industry-insiders quickly!

Technical Article on 'Habit' Music Video Done
 

An article's been written on the process behind the production of the 'Habit' music video and it's been posted up at Digital Cinema Foundry's site.

Take a read and ask any questions you have, and I'll be happy to answer:

Digital Cinema Foundry – Learning resource in the field of digital cinematography – ‘Habit’ Music Video

In addition, here's the list of equipment written by the DP that was used on the shoot:

Technical Equipment List

Band Forest Scene:
8x8 griffolyn (key for whole band)
Smith Victor 600w open face (griff bounce)
1k arri fresnel (lead singer backlight)
1k Par 64 with Lee 251 diffusion and single net (Drums back light/ in manual lighting board for flashing)
2 575w zoom lekos, on right and left side of drums pointed directly at camera lens (lens flare lights/ in manual board for flashing)
2 650w fresnels (guitarist/ bassist backlights)
8 large "practical" style lights on programable DMX chase board (lens flares/ practical lights in shot)
2 fog machines (used for the wide shots heavy and lightly in the Meds/ CUs)
200w mini mole with 216 and medium snoot (eye light for lead singer)

WB: 3200k
Shutter speed:1/250? (please check metadata)
Aperture: Meds/ CUs f1.4, wide f2.5
Lenses: We used a nikkor 50mm f1.4 for most shots, and a 24mm tamron f2.5 for the wide shots.*
ISO? I believe it was 400?
Camera support: An indie slider was used to make the aggressive camera movements. Most of the CUs of the band members were shot handheld. A jib was used for the wide shots.
Power: A 6.5k generator, and a 4k generator provided the power needed for lighting

All the gear was hand carried (and generators were rolled) up and down a 200m steep embankment down to a marshy area where the scene was filmed. To make matters worse, Karl, Chris, and Kevin did most of the hauling down and set-up. *


Beach Scene (Dusk):
The opening jib shots (daytime) were shot about 2pm-3pm? in the afternoon (with a 50mm lens?)

Beach Scene (Night):
8x8 griffloyn (key)
1k redhead with F CTB (bounced off griff for key- for all nightime shots)
300w fresnel with F CTB and Lee 251 diffusion (backlight for sharman/ key for brandon- used for all night time shots)
Practical fire/ smoke (started with gasoline) was used to provide all "firelight" in the scene. There is no artificial firelight*
1k par 64 with F CTB (as I didn't have any fresnels) was used to light up the beach/logs*farther down from where the scene takes place

ISO: 400?
Shutter Speed: 1/250?
WB: 3200k
Aperture: f1.4 (night) f? (day)
Lens: Nikkor 50mm f1.4
Camera support: jib, tripod, apple box
Power: a 6.5k generator provided the power needed for the lighting (the generator/ other gear had to be carried 500m down stairs and along the beach until it would be in the correct position)

Alley Scene:
650w fresnel (start backlight)
650w fresnel (key through bars- end of alley/ moved for key with 251

Great work, Christopher! I believe you have single-handedly convinced me to get the GH1. I mainly shoot with my JVC HD100 and was considering getting a JVC HM100 to shoot where space is tight or I need to be less conspicuous. I think I'll pick up a GH1 now, and get an HMC40 for times I need more of a "real" video camera. Both together are not much more than an HM100.

That's great to hear, Chris! I in turn was helped by the online Community here at DVinfo.net and Vimeo in my purchase decision to get a GH1 - enjoy and share what work you do with it here too! Cheers

I just ordered it and opted for overnight shipping. I've been mulling over this "new camera" descision for two weeks, I'm glad to finally have made up my mind.

Latest video... would love feedback!
 

Shot this all handheld, with the GH1 and Nikon lenses over the course of a day to document a day of raising funds to give to Haiti in her time of need. I was asked last minute if I'd like to donate my time, and of course stepped up. Would love to hear what you think of this video, or the others.

Good work, did you find the small size of the camera helped people be more relaxed than if you were shooting with a larger set up?

I had a Mattebox and Rails I was shooting with, and propped the end of the rails against my shoulder/chest as I was shooting. It was obviously a bigger camera with that setup I was using - I got asked a couple times who I was shooting for, but people weren't too intimidated by it.

That said, there's a shoot coming up that I'm planning to go more 'stealth' with, and it's nice to have the option!

'Hacked' GH1 = Success = High Quality AVCHD Footage
 

It's about time the GH1 got more press - it's technically a very impressive camera-class leader in many respects. It's awesome to have a one-year old piece of tech get a second stab at pseduo-stardom....

I've used the patched firmware for my Lumix GH1 as per Vitaliy Kiselev's (Tester13's) instructions. Result = higher bitrate AVCHD recording. Works great, no funny business. I own the fastest Class 10 SDHC card made, an 8GB Sandisk, but I still had to patch 3x lowering the bitrate three times before I could find a bittrate the card or I/O of the camera's hardware could handle. It never crashed, just stopped recording letting me know the it couldn't keep recording at certain times (usually when I was shooting high detail with movement).

Very glad I 'hacked' my GH1 though. I did a shoot recently that was entirely handheld/DIY stedicam with a heck of a lot of fine-detail in the scene (fields of grass). Hardest combo a camera can deal with I imagine - high contrast imagery, movement with high detail.

Why did i opt for high-bitrate AVCHD and not the highbitrate MJPEG? I feel like no one's saying it - the AVCHD is sharper. Also, and MORE importantly, the majority of what I shoot is B-Roll - which looks absolutely fantastic in slow motion, and only AVCHD supports the 60P so far.

I'll post the projects as they're completed soon. Until then, those who are considering 'hacking' their own GH1s - go ahead (if you're comfortable) - just stick to the options that are throughly tested and leave the in-progress stuff alone.

hacked my cam too. it's incredible! can't wait to see your new stuff!

One hell of an excellent job Chris. I just watch the video and read the article. I'm impressed with the footage, and just as impressed you managed to get all that done using the band as crew :)

Thanks for the equipment breakdown too. It's always interesting to see what other people are using because it opens up the thinking on different aspects of shooting out of the normal comfort zone. Being able to see how it all turned out is even better!

Thanks again for posting this!

Cheers Dave, glad the write up and Karl the DPs equipment breakdown were of use! Between Vimeo and DVInfo.net and a handful of other sites, I wouldn't be where I am today given DIY nature of indie video. Indeed, seeing what other people do sure helps get the mind to open up!

Ryan, totally, the hack does wonders eh? I never expected it so soon - wishfully, yes, but now that it's here, awesome. I'll post the projects when they're done for sure.

Mortgage Broker Promotional Video
 

Again, the GH1 serves us well. Shot on location for a Mortgage Brokerage promotional video, the audio was done on a dual-setup (into camera, and external device). Note, this camera has have the G13 hack - bitrate could still go higher, I have no doubt of that. Here's the result our team came up with on site:

Music Video shot with GH1 Airing on Rotation on National TV!!
 

The Habit music video has made the mainstream MuchLOUD channel (like MTV) here in Canada! On rotation, twice a day! You can watch it here.. the whole team that worked on it are excited!

Cole Grifter - Habit

Aww man I got this error: Sorry, the video you are trying to watch is not available in your region.

Video Can Be Viewed in any Country Here in HD
 

Aww, looks like it'll only work in Canada! The video can be viewed earlier in this thread, or on this page:

Aclara Directed Music Video on MuchLOUD TV Nationwide! Aclara Promotions – Quality Video Production Victoria BC

And here's the video (again) as embedded from Vimeo:

GREAT work Christopher! I hacked my GH-1 about 2 weeks ago: incredible and...I sold my 7D and bought a bunch of Canon FDs! I will post some clips soon.

Carlo Zanella
The Santa Fe TV Show

GH1 in action (behind the scenes)
 

Thanks Carlo - awesome hack isn't it?!

I hope the GH2 can be modified in a similar fashion when it comes out - but - doubtful. Till then, GH1 onward!

Here's footage of the behind-the-scenes of the Habit music video - you can see me operating the GH1 (handheld). I tried to keep the B-Roll behind the scenes footage that the New channel got to not show the GH1's profile or head on.. it's so tiny! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEUI9TopjY

(p.s. how do i embed youtube on this site?

SIZE does not matter anymore...
 

Christopher,

I AM IMPRESSED BY YOUR WORK...and I think people will get used to see smaller rigs delivering professional products. Afterall you just proved that it\'s the person behind the camera that matters, NOT the SIZE of the camera. I find myself cutting in more and more clips with the GH 13 next to my 2 EX1s, and believe me, many times I end up liking what I get our of the GH MORE than the EX!

I don\'t know if it has been asked already, but what lenses did you use for this video?

Thank you.

Carlo Zanella
The Santa Fe TV Show

NEW Video.. 1 Min B-Roll Promotional!
 

Much appreciated Carlo - great little camera, and it\'s size makes it all the more manageable! The lenses used for the Habit video were old Nikon primes - primarily a 50mm F1.4.

Again, more proof this camera can do PROFESSIONAL: Hired to shoot this short video for a massive development near where I live - it\'s a combination of GH1 footage and still photographs - shooting style was done in a way to best match the photographs that were intercut with. Would love to hear what you think!