Panasonic Lumix GH1 video review

[xsjad0man]

should i go for the canon 1100D new or the gh1 second hand?

[luislinnovel]

@xsjad0man why dont you save money and buy the Gh1! or only buy de Gh1 body and a 50mm lens and your done

[luislinnovel]

@xsjad0man or buy the Canon 550D is the same video mode, and th

[qpreciousAzra]

which camera do you used in this video?

[tctaylor3]

This is not a video review, it is a video of the camera review. Change the title. I was looking for a "video review"

[newdimensionfilms]

I just got mine and the Shutter speed dial goes in the wrong direction. The meter reads "-3 - - 0 - - +3" but turning the dial to the left makes the exposure longer!! Is there anyway to change this?

[southerncountiesH2O]

£1300 is nonsense for that thing. Nice camera yes but way too much money.

For £1300 you can buy the Canon 7D..

Say no more...

[qawsedrftg1045]

I hate these screens.

[jackasshole3]

did u get lighting strike after the video making!?? lol just messing...how much is that camera NOW.? price?

[jackasshole3]

did u get lighting strike after the video ??

[SuperBeetOven]

If you were to choose a camera to purchase primarily for video would you choose the gh1 or the canon 550d? This will be my first camera and Im looking for something to get started with. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. How is the stills quality compared to the 550d? thanks

[skrupnik]

Hi, i´m trying to decide what to buy: G10 or G2. I only need it for Video feature. There is a huge difference in price. What I loss to only use Motion Jpeg format? Would you recommend me the G10? Thanks.. I will appreciate your help. Sebastian from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[noobsyb0t]

What's the difference between the G1 & GH1?, I'm trying too look for video made on the G1, but the GH1 videos are only poping up

[WhatDigitalCamera]

@noobsyb0t That's because the G1 can't shoot video.

[noobsyb0t]

@WhatDigitalCamera

Thanks!, That is what I wanted to know!

[noobsyb0t]

Even tho there are beter cams out know, ima get this one for sure!!

[MrMovker]

can't hdmi

[blackthug65]

based on shooting musiv vidoes should i get the gh1 or g10??

[Brandonw365]

@blackthug65 check the g2, the gh1 would be too pricy if you just want to do video, the g10 has good picture quality, and vidoe, but it is has mono sound. The g10 is primarily entry level focusing on stills. The gh1 has great pic quality and vid quality, but is pricy if you just wanna shoot music vids. the g2 is a cheaper alternative that has stereo and good vid quality.

[markirish37]

Exellent review. The price nearly made me fall of my chair though. I have a TZ7 and love it but to want upgrade to DSLR that shoots good vids as well. Id pay the money if It worked better in low light,

[killnthegame]

can any one tell me the best settings to film hd video with this cam the sport snowboarding?please help

[teamforteress]

this guy looks so goofy

[Alxe73191]

so im planning on working on a short film which will involve a lot of low light situations. i was planning on getting the Panasonic HDC TM-700 but i just recently found out about this camera. which one would be better for a short film? the GH1 or the TM-700?

[TaylorEHeath]

which lens is he using in this video? does the kid come with the lens hood?

[minhnhat]

Hello youtube,

I'm looking for a camera that does also hd video (720p is enough) and has manual focus. If it could record at more than 30 fps it would be great (for slow motion) but that's just optional.

What would you advise me to take ? (no more than 600-700 $)

[DannyVss]

how many fps?

also do people think this is a better all round camera for a somewhat novice than the gh2?

[theDRUMMERDUDE100]

How much does it cost

[sirtechy]

I'm stepping up from the canon sx20is. I have considered the g12 and s95, but Should I get this one or save a few more dollars and get the lumix gh2 out in november? I heard the new gh2 has slow motion playback...

[sirtechy]

I'm stepping up from the canon sx20is. I have considered the g12 and s95, but Should I get this one or save a few more dollars and get the lumix gh2 out in november? I heard the new gh2 has slow motion playback...

[pandaman0529]

Does it come standard with the lens hood?

[liewminghen]

@pandaman0529 yes.

[purdyjemma]

Could you recomend me a photo camera for horse riding I would like a simple to use but good photo quality that take a few frames per second I already have a camcorder so dose not matter to much on the quality on the video would be much help if you replyed xJemmax

[BraydonRekart]

Is this good camera for professional photography/album covers and youtube vids?

[WhatDigitalCamera]

@BraydonRekart Great for hi def video, but it isn't a pro level stills camera.

[BraydonRekart]

@WhatDigitalCamera Thanks for the reply, but this camera is a bit too much for just youtube videos I think...gunna go lower.

[ar4216]

@BraydonRekart

I don't know if you're in England or the US but in the US right now it can be had for under a $1,000. I'm guessing a GH2 is gonna be announced in a few months at Photokina. Actually, the GF1 has also come down in price.

[BraydonRekart]

@ar4216 I decided to just get a video camera that's 200$ instead, really good quality and fits youtube's file specifications.

[leslycatly12]

@WhatDigitalCamera high definition

[YouDidntDidYou]

@BraydonRekart

we use them for pro work all the time wedding photography (large prints included) and video coverage, works really well as long as you are competent, one big advantage when do weddings is you can hold 2-3 more lenses in your spare hand, no need to walk around with 2 cameras

[dlobrown8888]

Can anyone tell me what is the photography performance like in Panasonic GH1 as oppose to Canon's DSLR photography performance?

[ogatobranco]

@dlobrown8888 stills wise, Canon has the lead with 550D (the most similar featured camara), however, in video GH1 leads... the smaller sensor makes it easier to implement pixel binning algorithms that prevent aliasing issues on video... 550D (and 7D) has more resolution, dynamic range and ISO range, however is heavier and in the end it's all up to a user preference, or lens choices... taking full use of the 18MP that 550D has requires some expensive glass... and m43 has quite some adapters...

[dlobrown8888]

@ogatobranco thanks for your response. I'm also curious about the differences between the micro-four thirds as oppose to the conventional lens. Do they both offer the same photography level?

[ogatobranco]

@dlobrown8888 ... you can fit manual leica lens on micro four thirds... so ... i would say yes, but m43 lens themselves are nice (a bit expensive), like the 20mm f/1.7, make it a good deal... the major drawback is really the lack of offer of m43 lens, however, since the mount to sensor distance is quite small (only sony NEX and old C-Mount have it smaller), you can fit almost any legacy (read: manual) lens on it.... a good deal for primes are Voigtlaender lens...

Another point is the size...

[ar4216]

@ogatobranco

My problem with m43 is the lack of fast primes by Panasonic or Olympus- and the premium they're charging for m43 lenses. Because of the smaller sensor the lenses really need to be fast- certainly nothing over 2.8 and preferably starting at 2 and going lower. I think the cameras are great but the lens lineup is weak and the lenses are overpriced. And there is a lot of duplication between Panasonic and Olympus in terms of the lenses that are out there.

[defnyung]

There is a current firmware hack that allows this beautiful piece of electronics to record video at 50mbit. With that firmware, it beats the hell out of a Canon 5d mark II !

[GlockNinja]

can you recommend a camera that will take good pictures and work as a great HD video camera for under $800? I am looking for good zoom power as well.

[zenonithus]

can you not shoot video at 60 fps in 720p mode in order to do slow motion?

The main thing I liked about this camera is the autofocus in video mode as well as the manual aperature adjustment in video. Though are there other cameras that offer these functions in video? such as the canons?

[p2slove1]

Do you think i should get a 7d?

[defnyung]

Nope! Get this camera and the new firmware hack and you'll be recording at 50mbit's. check out the video at.(vimeo dot com/12472000) include the actual .com. or do google search.

[candywrapp]

the canon t2i is what i would rather have...

[vincepascoe]

The Flip out LSD and the EVF makes this camera great for event shooting when the lack of monitor out.

Check out our latest music video shot on the Panasonic Lumix GH1

[supermanrocs]

One of my class mates uses this to make his films and they come out beautiful.

[WhatDigitalCamera]

@supermanrocs It's also what we currently shoot most of our videos on too.

[CMMDG]

@WhatDigitalCamera so u dont use tapes or anything like dv's? do u have any problem with it? would u rather use it or a panasonic dvx

[WhatDigitalCamera]

@CMMDG We're a stills photography magazine so we practice what we preach and shoot video on stills cameras. My preferred camera is the Canon EOS 5D Mk.II, though for the last few months most of our videos have been shot on the Panasonic GH1, which is pretty good too, and has both advantages and disadvantages over the Canon.

[feastoffun]

@WhatDigitalCamera What are those advantages and disadvantages?

[squee1240]

@CMMDG its funny. im having the same issue. im trying to decide to get this or the panasonic dvx

[ASkydenSurvive]

This is an amazing and very informative review.

[xxxrandomjamezxxx]

Nice keep it up n let no one bring you down. thats what i do.

[ManuelDr]

I think the camera is just too expensive, with money you could buy a DSLR system that will easily outperform the GH1, maybe in 5 years they'll get to reasonable prices.

[Butterz771]

7d is better

[Dune1884]

which of these cameras has the best video function ? Canon 5d mk ii, canon 7d or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1?

[roger767]

The GH1 is as big as a normal DSLR cant see an advantage. Rather buy a 550D more lens choices, and cheaper down the road.

[biped19]

Nice camera. But, at almost $1500 US dollars? No thank you Panasonic.

[Gatotsu2009]

You must remember this camera is expensive due to 2 reasons: 1st, is a new technology, 2nd the lens is a special design 10x zoom. Try to buy a Nkion D5000 or Canon 450D + 18-200mm lens and the cost will be almost the same than the GH1.

[kungura]

@Gatotsu2009 I just got the GF1 (micro 4/3) and I love it! Do you think the difference will be massive in the picture quality between the GF1's and GH1's?

I also have the 14-140 lens for the micro.

[Gatotsu2009]

@kungura well for me to have a visor (even an electronic one) is very important because in some situations you can use an LCD (very sunny days for example). But if you can live without that then GF1 is for you.

[SrNutritivo]

@Gatotsu2009 yes, but video options and output quality in gh1 are bastly superior, gh1 are designed mostly for DSLR filmakers, and for this purpose you can´t buy another camera with that features at this price...

[BabiLocks]

Yeah, great job. Lol, who would spend that on a camera, when you can buy a nice FULL HD video camcorder and camera for $500.00. RIP OFF!

[noodleninjaa]

@BabiLocks

Hahahaha, are you kidding? 2 cameras for $500? You're looking at either vlogging cameras or at least small chip cameras which produce rubbish.

[ARCUS1200]

@BabiLocks lol....Full HD camcorder and camera for 500$....maybe when it's stolen :P

[LTF85199]

Get the new G2 It will be sub $1K I hope..

[JuanPPalazonNavarro]

Splendid view of video camera Panasonic

nice exposure.Greetings.

[XiFF2]

What cool about this camera is that its so small yet ti gives impressive pictures and videos. Good for ppls who wants a compact cam which can do everything but the price tag is kinda high.

[PaulinaLandTV]

i think shane dawson has this now :D

[Jacketfabric]

brittanytaylor has ;)

[sourcekings]

send me a message if you have this cam and you like it alot i want to see your video really.

[jeffbrent]

@sourcekings Check out Vimeo and type in gh1 is you wnt to see videos.

[gotDesign]

Nikon and Canon are sucking balls right now with this new Lumix GH1, they better move and fast too...!

[mugupo10]

then get a dslr, this camera is for people want both.

[zombieseezombiedo]

is that not a touch screen? wtf, Panasonic, wtf!

[degauze]

What's the appeal of having a touch screen on a dslr?

[mugupo10]

no dslr has touch screen and no need to.

[Kevinsoasian]

I want this camera for simply the video recording. And was wondering if that was a good idea. As an aspiring Film maker, I use my camera a lot and my old camera is on it's last hinges. I don't need something big such as a JVC pro camcorder but more on the level of starting out in a bigger film community.. Is this a good idea?

[doudydoudy]

i have a canon powershot and wanna step into the DSLR world (i know this isn't the standard form of the dslr thu) still it got a bigger sensor ;)

anyway, on my camera the AV mode limit is at 8 ... but on some dslr's i saw it can get really higher (20s maybe)

does that camera do that too?

[rborroto]

The Panasonic DMC-GH1 is NOT a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera because it does not use the pentaprism and mirror system to reflect the lens image to an optical viewfinder. Optically speaking, and relative to stills, the Canon 5D Mk II is a better camera... period. However, the Panasonic has superior video capabilities, especially when it comes to audio and continuous auto-focus functionality.

[ogatobranco]

Quite true... but the sensor size (a little smaller than APC-C) allows a nice quality is a small package... G1 is virtually identical to GH1 except for video capabilities and cost around 720€ with dual kit lens (14-50mm and 50-200mm) compare that with Canon 5D Mk II and it's obvious that they are quite different... but if you compare with the Canon G11 it's quite obvios GH1 has a better image quality...

[rborroto]

I just bought the Panasonic GH1 and I love it. I also purchased a Nikon lens to micro 4/3 adapter and I use my wife's Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens... awesome image and video quality!

[360PuertoRico]

Does this camera has the problem of rolling shutter?

[360PuertoRico]

The problem of using this camera for video is it has no audio metering nor controls. You will need to have a totally separate equipment to capture audio. For the same price, get a HMC70, $300 dollars more will get you a HMC40. Nevertheless this camera is better in low light situations.

[BlackoutDOTcom]

@360PuertoRico you can't get the gorgeous depth of field on the hmc70 or 40 without addiing another two grand for lens adapters

[sourcekings]

@BlackoutDOTcom you never use the on board audio from a cam never in no camera thats out and that will be out anyone doing anytihng that you take serious you dont ever in life want to use the mic on a came never! lol

[BlackoutDOTcom]

@sourcekings I don't use the audio I have a snaken cs3e boom... the best!

[sourcekings]

sounds good do you have some video up of it with your mic i have alot of $1000 mics for recording just not for video.

[360PuertoRico]

I this camera with its single cmos performs in low light just as the HMC150, Canon AH1, or Sony FX1000; I'm completely sold.

[acekingie]

@BlackoutDOTcom 2 grand? try £500 max after the bottom has fallen out of the market. Plus CMOS are crap for moving images - 3CCD or nothing for me. Google alaising/sampling and you'll see why.

[mamba109]

The scene at 3:10 made me shake, looks like you're holding that camera over the ledge and not even wearing the neck strap. Scary stuff.

[nakata70]

The pancake lens comes with the more compact GF1 (which only records semi HD videos at 720p). The GH1 usually comes bundled with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH Lens which has a focal range of 28-280mm (in 35mm equivalent). That's really impressive! For comparison the G11 has a focal length of 28-140mm. This means the telephoto of the GH1 kills the G11 by 140mm (a lot of zoom). The standard price of the GH1 bundled with the lens is about 1000 pounds.

[nakata70]

Sorry it's wrong for me to say that 720p is semi-HD. 720p is indeed full HD but it has less progressive lines of resolution than 1080p. The GH1 can actually record videos in 1080p/24 and 720p/60. 1080p/24 is the standard for cinematic movies but is somewhat problematic when recording very fast moving objects. 720p/60 doesn't have the cinematic feel of the 1080p/24 but it's great for fast moving objects and the quality is still great. Don't get 1080p confused with 1080i. 720p is better than 1080i

[ogatobranco]

defining real resolution (per frame):

720p = 1280x720

1080i = 1920x540

1080p = 1920x1080

So in vertical resolution is quite true that 720p is better... for moving subjects! Because 1080i takes 540 'even' lines in one frame and 540 'odd' lines in the next one... the overlay of both creates the 1080 image, when a subject is not moving much there is no problem...but with movement combing artifacts appear...

Also, given the greater frame rate of 720p on GH1 focus is faster on moving subjects...

[canadianroot]

lovely, but almost 1000 dollars more than a G11, for what amounts to, more or less, HD video.

am i missing something here?

[lduk]

The lens alone is over $800 if you buy it separately.

[nakata70]

Yes ~ the micro four third technology allows for interchangable lens from other companies. The sensor on these cameras are also larger than the G11 and more akin to the ones found on DSLRs. This camera takes Full-HD videos 1080p whilst other cameras does semi-HD 720p. The G11 still does crappy VGA videos which is shocking. However the defining factor is the smooth silent auto-focusing whilst filming HD videos. No camera in the past has been able to do this and it's an amazing innovative feat.

[canadianroot]

thanks for the feedback....very informative indeed. i'm salivating in anticipation of it. i just hope it's well-built, and ready to be my main camera for the next 5 years or so. i wonder if the lens that comes with it is enough for someone who was in to photography (SLR) back in high school, but has not kept up with technique and technology that much over the years. here's hoping, cuz it's going to be pricy here in korea....almost double the US, if the S90 and G11 are any indication.

[canadianroot]

what i meant by that is will the lens that comes with it (pancake) be adequate? i imagine the additional lens will be too much for me to consider, price-wise.

[ogatobranco]

it comes with 14-150mm lens if i'm not mistaken.... for 1400$ or so....

[Maxfli82]

that's a beautiful looking camera

[adonian]

Has a 4K sensor, but can only record in 1080p... When will they make a consumer 4k camcorder?

Anyway, thanks for the video, I really like the quality, and love the fact that it records in stereo, and I CAN FINALLY record HD VIDEO WITH GREAT DOF!!!!

I am saving up for this one.

[wongsmokesbong]

when people are rich enough to buy one :-(

(look up red one...although you might already know abou tit)

[adonian]

I know about the red one, I also know about the Red Scarlet, but even the Scarlet at $3500 is too much for me, but 1080p is fine by me for now, I have 2 AVCHD camcorders, but neither have DOF to call home about ;-)

This bad boy will do GR8 DOF.

[lduk]

It's not likely for a consumer camera to record in 4K for quite a few years. No normal HD TV can output 4K resolution, so companies don't see any point in developing 4K recording cameras for consumers that can't watch it in 4K.

[adonian]

@iduk, I understand that, but your final product will be of better quality if your source material is of better quality, so a Red will be an excellent starting product dont ya think? ;)

But I am really glad that Panasonic has this $1000.00 DSLR that does AVCHD in STEREO with CHANGEABLE lenses and KILLER DOF ;) YEAH!

And Sony has a 2K projector for home, it's just $32,000.00 :) ouch.

[lduk]

Not necessarily because you will be shrinking down the size to a smaller output. 4K is used for movie editing. It's a great frame size and can be cropped and cut without loosing needed pixels. That's why 4K was created. Recording 1080p is great because when you watch it you will see all detail without it shrinking down. And a 2K projector is pretty pointless, even for editors lol. By the way it's LDUK lol.

[adonian]

@lduk... sorry, I thought it was a capital 'I' ;)

[lduk]

I know lol, no worries.

[13stAndreas]

looks like this guy is either freezing his ass off in the wind on the roof or he's on like meth, he's all shaking and shivering! ^^

[yxdcvb]

instead of iso they put the focus mode on the left knob?

[2605imp]

A "real" SLR, e.g. a D90 is larger and heavier especially with an equivalent zoom, and although it may theoretically take better still images it has nowhere near the video capabilities. For stil images don't get a GH1, get a G1 or "real SLR". For video + SLR quality images this is a bargain.

[mazenjannoun]

Stills with the GH1 are as good as G1 or any other 12 MP SLR, even better than most. It's an awesome camera that produces perfect 35mm quality stills and great HD cinematic looking 24p videos. With proper handling of course

[nikonfseries]

why not just get a real slr

[derekmjenkins]

small size and best video in an interchangeable lens system.

[ctgartland]

Hmmmm...I'd rather get a Canon 5D Mark II: Faster continuous shooting, 7 more megapixels, a larger lens selection and still the HD video capabilities

[derekmjenkins]

5D Mark II won't autofocus during video though making it almost useless. Also much bigger unit.

[gregsonfilm]

@derekmjenkins

Almost useless? The first thing any pro or semi-pro videographer does it turn that damn auto focus off.

[SCR34MC4R5ON]

those things are like $87985498/787 dollars though, And not everyone has that. JUSTSAYING

[ctgartland]

I know. I don't even have close to that amount because it would take me 4 more summers of working to have enough money for the 5D MKII. But, my comment was just my opinion if I did have the money for either of them.

[zanuha]

i was so freaked out about the closeup shots of the camera next to the glass, i feared he would drop it and it would fall down.

[siminona]

Great review! I totally wish I could afford this camera. It looks great!

[ar4216]

If you're interested in shooting video this camera is absolutely amazing and a bargain. I could see a lot of documentaries and indy films being shot with it. However, if your sole interest is photography there are better and cheaper options out there.

[wongsmokesbong]

there are more than those two video modes tho (AVCHD 720p @ 60Hz)

[lexam55]

nice camera.... nice price....

[GlockNinja]

is the Lens made by Leica?

[Andyisnotmyname]

I think all the lenses on the Lumix range are made by Leica :]

The one on my FX35 is Leica :P

[testdasi]

I believe yes.

[TomkidA]

nIKON RULES THEM ALL

[mahamza86]

This is expensive, but i think its worth it. Its a perfect al-rounder, but not a perfect DSLR photo-wise

[has307]

Too much man for '' Panasonic '' .

[EmoDKTsuchiya]

Geez. All these new DSLRs with manual and auto control in HD video.

Nikon needs to update and fast!