On the fence about the new Panasonic GH4? This Zacuto product overview video could change your mind. The intro starts out slow, but later gets deep (really deep) into the Panasonic GH4's ground breaking features - including that of the DMW-YAGH Interface Unit.
No need to sell me on the GH4, I'm already actively shooting with several Panasonic GH3 cameras. I've even tried implementing it into my Live Switch Broadcast project. It's a great all around camera, but nothing compared to what the new GH4 will be offering.
I'll often reserve the cliche term 'game changer', but I really think it suits this camera perfectly. They've added so many more features not just for Photography, or consumer video, but for broadcast, cinema, and not to mention the push for 4K. Once this camera starts shipping, you'd better expect for a very long waiting list, so maybe it's time to rethink about putting your name down on that pre-order list (found here).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with DMW-YAGH Pro Audio Video Interface Unit
Rob
Wow impressive specs. Panasonic should help hackers get RAW out of this thing. My three 5D MKIIIs are starting to look dated unless I decide to grapple with Magic Lantern/RAW and the extra hardrives and expensive CF cards that are required…Is there a black box that will "automatically convert" 5D MKIII RAW to ProRes?
Van
According to that video (~00:09:45), you won't need the $2k interface unit for 4K output: the built-in HDMI port will export 4K 10-bit 4:2:2. Nice! (although as the video notes, 4K HMDI recorders don't exist... yet 🙁 )
Robert_Ob
I wonder if the Mitakon Focal Reducer or something similar will work on it. As an event filmmaker I am concerned about the 2X crop factor. Getting some real wides from my GH3 is already trouble. It does sound as an amazing camera though. Will probably stick with my 2 GH3s and my hacked GH2 for a while, until seeing more reviews from average users. I guess very soon my GH2 will be impossible to sell.
Emm
Post author@Robert - Well at least I didn't say 'only $7K'. I meant 'the best you can get is ONLY Prores', you can't capture RAW from the GH4, and if you want that 4K ProRes it will add up to $7K (camera + interface + recorder). If anyone wants 4K RAW video the BMCC 4K would be the far better deal.
Robert
@Emm - Not to poke fun, but you do realize you just wrote, "At best you can only get ProRes 4K... for $7K".
I would have sold my mother to the Gypsies for *only* that as little as two years ago. 😉
Great time to be a filmmaker.
omar
camera specs look awesome but I wish it had a higher dynamic range.
Jerry
Want to see some color grading! :/ Im still thinking about getting the BMCC because of it´s dynamic range and film look...
Emm
Post author@apostolos - For me I can see myself using the GH4 more often. The GH4 records 4K into an SD Card at 100Mbps and 1080p at 200Mbps, that especially makes it a pretty amazing 1080p camera. RAW is great, but more often than not i'm trying not to shoot RAW. ProRes has plenty information if you can expose well. The form factor alone makes the Panasonic an easier camera to work with and travel with.
If RAW is important for you, the BlackMagic Production 4K Camera is the best bet. The BMCC4K will offer RAW CinemaDNG it for under $3K.
The GH4 will not have RAW. At best you can only get ProRes 4K from the GH4 with an external 4K recorder + GH4 interface unit totaling up just under $7K.
Emm
Post author@seenamatic - The new GH4 should fit perfectly in the Fhugen Honu Cage since the body hasn't changed. It's basically made from the same cast as the GH3.
seenematic
Hi Emm,
Since the GH4 body seems to be identical to the GH3, any idea if the Kamerar GH3 cage would fit the GH4 ?
vetec
Great camera. Although I am in Canon system, this one is very tempting. As for interface unit, well too expensive, but I am almost sure chinees work at the moment to start selling soon cheaper version.
seenematic
The body only GH4 is 1499 EUR in Belgium & The Netherlands. Just preordered mine !
Verm
So it will record 4096x2160p @ 24 fps but not at a lower 23.976 fps? Seems odd. I don't think theses specs are accurate since it is also missing the much advertised 1080p @ 96 fps. I'm hoping for very flexible selectable framerates. Fingers crossed!
MovieBuff
The DMW-YAGH Interface Unit is more expensive than the camera! I hope third party companies create a better version (battery issue) and a less expensive unit.
apostolos
Not that you're not already planning this, but your next project would be to put this one next to the 4k Blackmagic and compare some footage. Which way to go, which way to go? Is 10-bit 422 enough or do we need RAW?
Michael Scrip
@RM
Here is what B&H has listed as video resolution and framerates for the GH4:
High Definition
MOV
4096 x 2160p / 24 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 23.98 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 24 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 25 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 29.97 fps (100Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 23.98 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 25 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 29.97 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 50 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 59.94 fps (200Mbps)
High Definition
MP4
4096 x 2160p / 24 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 23.98 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 24 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 25 fps (100Mbps)
3840 x 2160p / 29.97 fps (100Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 23.98 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 25 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 29.97 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 50 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 59.94 fps (200Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 25 fps (20Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 29.97 fps (20Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 50 fps (28Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 59.94 fps (28Mbps)
1280 x 720p / 25 fps (10Mbps)
1280 x 720p / 29.97 fps (10Mbps)
Standard Definition
MP4
640 x 480p / 25 fps (4Mbps)
640 x 480p / 29.97 fps (4Mbps)
High Definition
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p / 23.98 fps (24Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 50 fps (28Mbps)
1920 x 1080p / 59.94 fps (28Mbps)
1920 x 1080i / 50 fps (24Mbps)
1920 x 1080i / 50 fps (17Mbps)
1920 x 1080i / 59.94 fps (24Mbps)
1920 x 1080i / 59.94 fps (17Mbps)
Emm
Post author@RM - Yes 4K is just an option. You can still shoot 1080 and possibly even lower resolutions (like in the GH3).
As far as the 30p vs 24p, they were referring to HDMI output. In the GH3 you're limited to 59.94i or 59.94p, which the interlaced signal can be converted to 29.97p (almost 30p).
RM
what if you dont to shoot in 4k? Is it possible to shoot in a lower res, if they're saying 1 gig is about 1 minute of video I dread the thought of having several 64gb through out the day. Also I didnt quite understand what they were talking about it not being able to do 24p but rather 30p, and you needing to convert it? I got lost there.