Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4KBODY 16.05MP Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera with 4K Cinematic Video (Body Only)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



First of all, I can confirm that this memory card performs perfectly recording 4k at 100Mbps. http://ift.tt/1idwvak



I own a RED camera so have been dealing with 4K footage and working in the format for a couple of years now. I work professionally for one of the big 3 letter networks and have two Emmy statues sitting on my mantle. This camera absolutely blows me away.



Much can be debated about whether the DSLR form factor is suitable for professional video work. Its hard to get stable footage, most lenses are hard to focus with, zooming is difficult to impossible with most lenses, and the camera was designed to take still photos. What is hard to debate is that this is the best 4K camera currently available for travelers and DSLR style shooters.



I've put together a traveling kit that all fits into one backpack that includes the:

GH4

Tripod - 3 legged things "Brian" - Watch some videos on this extremely light and versatile tripod.

Monfrotto MVH500AH Fluid head - Seriously awesome and smooth

Slider - Edlekrone Slider Plus V2 - Medium with Motion module and Target module (waiting for shipment)

Jib - Aviator travel jib - Very compact. Extends 6ft. Haven't tested enough yet to determine worth.

Zacuto Marauder - Very Nice

Zacuto Z-Finder for GH3 - Pairs well with the higher resolution LCD on the GH4.

Olympus 12mm f/2 - Super sharp, no image stabilization

Pana Leica 25mm f/1.4 - Sharp at 2.8 everywhere. Excellent at 1.4. Creamy bokeh. Magical images but no IS.

Pana Leica 45mm f/2.8 - My Macro, 2nd portrait, and tele prime

Lumix G X 12-35 f/2 - Excellent all around zoom (24-70 equiv)

Lumix G X 35-100 f/2 - Excellent tele zoom (70-200 equiv)

Lumix 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 - Versatile run and gun lens. (24-280 equiv)



Yes, all of the above fits into a Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW! And is comfortable to carry.



I don't have much to add that hasn't already been written in these reviews so here are just a few notes from my experiences that may help others:



Editing 4K is no problem on a Mid 2012 Retina Mac Book Pro 2.7 i7 with 16GB Ram. With Adobe Premiere CS6 I edit at FULL resolution with no dropped frames usually. Sometimes when you hit play on the timeline it will drop 2 frames then playback the rest with no dropped frames. Or if your computer starts doing something else while you are playing it will drop a few frames. It will drop ZERO frames at HALF or QUARTER resolution. But remember, 4K is 4 times the resolution of 1080 so even at quarter resolution, you are previewing HD! There is no transcoding, just drag and drop on timeline and start editing.



Playing the files off the SD Card or even my SSD HD using quicktime player is not usable. It studders. I have to open premiere and import the files to play them back smoothly. Not an issue for me and my workflow. Haven't done much testing to figure out solutions.



HDMI to TV looks incredible. Some of the best looking HD you'll see at home. If you're a videophile who just has to watch movies on Blu Ray or better then you'll love the images from this camera.



You'll want to stick to the Panasonic Lumix / Leica lenses with image stabilization.



The onboard audio is decent but is very omni so you'll pick up sounds of your breathing and moving about. I have a rode stereo mic that attaches to the hotshoe.



Out of the box the footage is pretty sharp. Good for documentary shooting or everyday home use. But You can dial that back for a more cine style look.



I recommend shooting Cine-D.



This camera has no problem serving as a second camera to my RED or as my primary travel / docu camera.



I'll try and post more as I use this camera more, but if you're thinking about getting this camera- stop thinking and start clicking.