Panasonic has invested heavily in the audiovisual market. Without a doubt, with the Panasonic GH5, for us the most complete on the market, it once again demonstrates that the improvement in its models is its main selling point. Let's analyze the DSLM camera in the main aspects it offers to videographers and see why it is a great option.
Panasonic GH5
The most complete camera for video recording
Video obtained from the PanasonicLumixVideo channel (can be played in 4K).
As in every article, we will focus purely and exclusively on what refers to the camera for video. We will start by saying what we will like the most as those who love to find professional features in a camera: it can record internally at 4K 60p-50p and 4K30p without time limits, and here comes the best part, with a 4:2:2 subsampling (something used in professional cinema to achieve the most faithful color reproduction possible). Without a doubt, the most remarkable feature of a camera that has improved over the GH4 and that also offers us an improvement in noise reduction achieving the highest value at 25,600. As for the profiles used by the camera, we find Cinelike D, Cinelike L, Like 709 (compatible with HDTV), and although it is paid, we have the already famous V-logL.
When it comes to recording, we find a large and robust body that is designed to withstand weather conditions of up to -10 degrees. Together, we see the new DUAL I.S 5-axis system, which gives us a two-axis optical stabilizer and also the 5-axis integrated into the body. We have audio input and output, HDMI connection (with a secure mechanism of the camera to avoid damage to this connection), and a significantly improved brightness screen that will allow us to record easily outdoors. Although we do not mention it, the inherent functions we already had are present: Peaking focus – Zebra – Waveform monitor – Selectable luminance levels – color bar – timecode.
Features of the Panasonic GH5
- Live MOS sensor 20.33 megapixels. Micro 4/3
- Image stabilization system
- Recording formats: MOV – MP4 – AVCHD Progressive – AVCHD
- 4K 4096×2160
- 4K 50p – 60p -30p – 25p – 24p
- WIFI
- Peaking Focus
- Color bar
- Timecode
- Waveform monitor
- Selectable luminance levels
- HDMI output
- Microphone connection
- Headphone connection
- Dual Slot
Dual I.S. Stabilizer. Video obtained from the PanasonicLumixVideo channel (can be played in 4K).
Recommended lenses for recording video with the Panasonic GH5
To cover a standard range of recordings, I recommend these two lenses that cover a range from 24mm to 200mm with an aperture of 2.8. With this, you ensure that you have two zoom lenses that can be versatile for various recordings. If you are going to do fiction shoots, then you can look at different options for brighter prime lenses. To achieve the most cinematic-like image, I recommend, if within the budget, not to exceed an aperture of 2.8.
- Lumix 12-35mm F2.8 (equivalent in 35mm to 24-70). See lens
- Lumix 35-100mm F2.8 (equivalent to 70-200mm). See lens
Conclusions
As has been mentioned, it is a very complete camera. The most demanding will ask for a larger sensor, and it is true, it could have it. But with the features offered, the cost being significantly lower than other competitors that cost much more and do not provide these functions, I believe it is an excellent option for those videographers looking for cinematic quality and versatility to cover different video jobs.
Here it will depend on the type of work we typically do; if we record events, making of, conferences, interviews, it is a very good option. We can cover different audiovisual content at any time and deliver it in very good quality. Nowadays many cameras offer us excellent quality, we always advise to look at what we need the most at each moment, and then decide from there.