Blog

Panasonic Australia announced the LUMIX DC-GH5 last month, its new flagship digital single lens mirrorless camera it will be available in Australia in April 2017 and there are a number of new features you should check out. It is the first consumer digital camera to offer 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 25/30p video recording to SD Card[i]; has the distinction of offering 4K quality video at 50/60 frames per second (fps)[ii]; and has evolved its original 4K Photo to the stunning 6K Photo[iii]. In addition, new features include a 20-megapixel sensor and 5-Axis Dual IS 2[iv] for image stabilisation. Other handy features are the dual SD Card slots and powerful Bluetooth and Wi-fi connectivity. The video from Panasonic goes through all the key features and we have included some sample footage further down in this post. We already have the GH5 product ready for pre-order on the website. So if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the Videocraft team for more information.   Key Capabilities4K 10-bit 4:2:2 25/30p video recording to SD Card for the discerning video professional The DC-GH5’s 10bit 4:2:2 video recording in 4K resolution captures over 1 billion colours - in comparison, other cameras in this class can only offer 16.7 million colours. The result is cinematic, subtle gradation and far more colour information. For the serious film maker, this provides significantly more editing flexibility in post-production. In the past, this level of quality could only be achieved with a broadcast camera, far larger and heavier and costing many times more than the DC-GH5. To capture data, an external recorder would be needed, meaning additional cost and bulk. The DC-GH5’s sleek, powerful body and direct SD Card recording is a highly mobile and lightweight solution with no compromise on quality - meeting the demands of a range of challenging professional shooting conditions, particularly when the user can’t carry a lot of equipment.   4K 50p/60pvideo recording The DC-GH5 is the only camera in its class to offer amazing 4K quality at 50/60fps. This higher frame rate is perfect for capturing very natural motion for applications such as documentary film making and news reporting. It’s also ideal for creating gorgeous slow motion footage while maintaining the level of detail provided by 4K resolution. And for those who need even higher frame rates for cinematic slow motion, the DC-GH5 is capable of recording at up to 180fps in full high definition. 20-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor for incredible image quality The DC-GH5’s 20-megapixel sensor - with the Low Pass Filter removed and a new Venus Engine processor - provides new levels of detail, outstanding low-light performance and impressive dynamic range.   Amazing 5-Axis Dual IS 2 stabilisation Panasonic’s Dual IS 2 technology combines 5-axis internal stabilisation with the optical image stabilisation in selected lenses to provide up to 5 stops of image stabilisation[v], even at telephoto focal lengths. Dual IS enables photographers to use much slower shutter speeds and ISO values and still achieve pin sharp results. Videographers can get incredibly stable performance when shooting handheld, even in the highest quality video modes. This is a revolutionary improvement for professionals, and will in many situations eliminate the need to carry a tripod or Steadicam rig.   Industry-leading 6K Photo Panasonic was the first to introduce 4K Photo, allowing users to select a high quality still photo from a precise moment of video footage. Now, with 6K Photo, the DC-GH5 can record a burst of 18 megapixel still images continuously at 30fps with no buffer limit, so photographers never miss that decisive moment. The original 4K Photo now features twice the frame rate, capturing 60fps in 8-megapixel resolution. In 6K/4K Photo, three exclusive modes can be selected depending on the situation: 6K/4K Burst, 6K/4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 6K/4K Pre-burst. A camera built for the exacting professional The DC-GH5 has a magnesium alloy weather sealed construction that is splash, dust and freeze-proof, for professionals who rely on their equipment to keep performing in any environment. Panasonic’s heat dissipation technology prevents overheating and ensures the camera can record without time restrictions, even with stabilisation activated and using the highest quality 4K video modes. The large capacity batteries enable hours of uninterrupted video shooting, and when paired with the optional battery grip the battery life is doubled. The Dual SD UHS-II Card slots – a first in a LUMIX camera - also provide the flexibility and protection of recording simultaneously to both cards or backing up data to the second SD Card slot. These features make the DC-GH5 the best choice for wedding and event videographers, documentary photographers and film makers – and in any situation where a professional’s reputation rests on their ability to capture a once in a lifetime moment. For precise shooting, the camera is equipped with a best-in-class 3.6 million-dot OLED viewfinder that has an increased magnification of 0.76x. This very large, crystal clear and highly accurate viewfinder delivers perfect results in the brightest outdoor conditions, supported by a sizeable 3.2-inch articulated touch screen monitor, with a sharp 1.6 million-dot resolution. Other features the field user will appreciate are full size HDMI output, removing the need for an adaptor and providing greater data protection. Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection and secure 5GHz Wi-Fi® (IEEE- 802.11ac) streamline field work with convenient remote control and sharing with other devices, and faster data transmission. . . Key optional accessories and functionalityXLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 When paired with the DMW-XLR1, the DC-GH5 gains two professional grade XLR inputs, enabling videographers to use their broadcast-level microphones. The adaptor is powered by the DC-GH5 battery and audio is transferred cable-free to the video file on the SD Card. This interface unit also supports 48 volt phantom power (which provides power to condenser microphones) and includes independent pads, low cut filters and gain control on each channel. The XLR1 also has a hot shoe mount on top to conveniently mount a microphone, wireless microphone receiver or a video light. Battery Grip DMW-BGGH5 The Battery Grip is weather sealed, enables a second battery to be used and replicates the main camera controls for portrait shooting convenience, including the joystick. V-Log compatibility(with purchase of V-Log L video recording software upgrade) The DC-GH5’s V-Log profile enables videographers to capture footage with the same flat colour profile found in Panasonic’s Varicam broadcast camera. This profile offers exceptional flexibility as well as a wider dynamic range for colour grading in post-production. It increases the dynamic range in video shooting to over 12 stops of latitude and has similar characteristics to Cineon, which is a characteristic curve for film digitisation. V-Log is the best way to shoot for professionals looking to heavily colour grade, used in conjunction with 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 mode.   Scheduled upgrades The camera will offer compatibility with 400-Mbps 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra video recording in 4K 30p/25p/24p and Full-HD later in 2017. At the same time, Panasonic will also add high-resolution video recording in Anamorphic mode; 4K Hybrid Gamma Profile which is compatible with 4K HDR television; and USB tethering. DC-GH5 pricing and availability: The DC-GH5 will be available in Australia in April 2017 from photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers. The accessory battery grip and XLR microphone adaptor will also be available from April. Videocraft already have themre ady for pre-order online - click the links below to order DC-GH5GN-K - Body only: RRP $2999DC-GH5LEICA - Leica kit with 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 lens (H-ES12060E): RRP $3999DC-GH5PRO - Pro kit with 12-35mm f2.8 lens (H-HSA12035E): RRP $3999 DMW-BGGH5E - Accessory Battery Grip: RRP $399 DMW-XLR1E - XLR Microphone Adaptor: RRP $499   Product BackgroundSensor providing unprecedented image quality from a LUMIX camera The DC-GH5 has a new 20-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor with the Low Pass Filter removed for enhanced resolution and detail. In addition, the new Venus Engine has a number of technologies that are designed to deliver a stunningly natural image. Multipixel Luminance Generation ensures that even pixels on the edges of images are precise without false colours. Three-dimensional Colour Control balances hue, saturation and brightness for rich colour reproduction from dark to light. High Precision Multi Process Noise Reduction both identifies noise and preserves detail, supporting low-light shooting at ISO 25600. The Digital Live MOS sensor’s signal readout speed is 1.7x faster than the GH4, and the Venus Engine processes the signals 1.3x faster. As a result, the DC-GH5 can capture high quality stills and video while utilising the full sensor area, even when shooting in 4K 50/60p and 6K Photo modes. This ensures the lens’ full angle of view is maintained.   Extensive professional features Versatile file formats - MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD – are available at a variety of frame rates, and there is no recording time limit for both FHD and 4K video. Professionals can switch recording frequencies between 59.94Hz / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. Panasonic also offers a suite of professional video effects. VFR (variable frame rate) recording with overcranking and undercranking for quick motion is available for the first time in 4K (60fps, maximum 2.5x slower) as well as Full HD (180fps, maximum 7.5x slower)[vi]. The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps. Time Lapse video can also be produced in-camera, with Focus Transition which can be set in advance to move the focus between different subjects. In addition to ‘Cinelike D’ and ‘Cinelike V’ gamma settings, the DC-GH5 provides 709-like gamma and knee control for HDTV compatibility. The DC-GH5 offers a host of other practical features in response to requests from professional users. They include Waveform Monitor Display; SMPTE-compliant Time in Rec Run or Free Run to synchronise multiple video footage or sound sources in post-production workflow; Luminance Level selectable between 64-1023 / 64-940 / 0-1023 (10-bit); Synchro Scan to suppress flicker; Master Pedestal adjustment with ±15 steps; and Color Bars (SMPTE / EBU / ARIB Standard).   New AF system with DFD Technology ensures you never miss a once-in-a-lifetime moment Panasonic’s Contrast AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology has been further advanced to enhance performance when tracking moving subjects[vii]. The speed of the sensor drive during auto focusing is 480 fps, twice as fast as the GH4. The DC-GH5 is able to achieve ultra high-speed AF of approximately 0.05 sec[viii] and 12 (AFS)/ 9 (AFC) fps high-speed burst shooting in full resolution with mechanical shutter. For amazingly precise focusing, the focus areas have been increased from 49 to 225. Users can create a group of 225 focus areas and move or change it in size according to the composition. Panasonic also offers Face/Eye Recognition, Tracking AF, 1-area AF and Pinpoint AF. All focusing operations can be controlled with the new joystick located on the thumb position, so the user does not have to take their eye off of the subject even when using the LVF or releasing their finger from the shutter button. The LUMIX GH5 is equipped with AF Custom Settings, including AF Sensitivity, AF Area Switching Sensitivity and Moving Object Prediction Level. Four presets are available for frequently used situations.   High mobility and rugged design for heavy field use To be tough enough to withstand heavy field use, the DC-GH5 has a magnesium alloy full diecast front/rear frame. Secure construction and sealing for every joint, dial, and button make the LUMIX DC-GH5 not only splash and dust-proof but also freeze-proof down to -10 degrees Celsius. The DC-GH5 offers dual SD Memory Card slots, compatible with high-speed, high capacity UHS-II. Users can select Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording modes. In Relay Rec, data is automatically written to the SD Memory Card in the second slot when the SD Memory Card in the first slot is full. Backup Rec captures data to both SD Memory Cards simultaneously. In Allocation Rec, data is automatically allocated to the designated SD Memory Card according to the type of content – RAW, JPEG, 6K/4K PHOTO, or video. Both slots have access lamps so it is easy to see at a glance if the card is in use. Ensuring precise focus, the impressively-designed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) Live View Finder (3,680K-dot) has an increased magnification of 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent). The high-speed OLED technology delivers a time lag of less than 0.01 sec[ix] and an exceptional 10,000:1 high contrast ratio. An eyepoint distance of approx. 21 mm improves visibility for glasses wearers. The 3.2-inch 1620K-dot touch-control rear monitor uses a pixel structure of RGB (Red / Green / Blue) and White for even higher visibility in bright sunlight. It has a versatile 270-degree tilting design. The durable shutter unit offers a life of around 200,000 releases, and a lightning-quick shutter speed of up to 1/8000 sec (mechanical shutter) or up to 1/16000 sec (electronic shutter). The external flash can be synchronised with max.1/250 second shutter speed.   [i] 4:2:0 8-bit in 4K 50p/60p on an SD Memory Card [ii] For a Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera as of 4 January, 2017 [iii] 6K PHOTO’ is a high speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with approx.18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages. [iv]5-Axis Dual I.S.2 can be used with the H-FS12060 and H-FS14140 (requires firmware update) as of January 4, 2017. The firmware for 5-Axis Dual I.S.2 with H-RS100400 will be released in February 2017. H-ES12060, H-HSA12035, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200 and H-FSA100300 are all compatible with 5-Axis Dual I.S.2. [v] Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=50-140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=100-280mm), when H-FS14140 is used. [vi] In 24p playback. Effect value varies depending on the recording format and frequency. [vii] Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses [viii] In AFS, at wide-end with H-ES12060 (CIPA). [ix] Panasonic measurement standard