GEAR PANASONIC GH5S
THE VERDICT We said the GH5 was one of the best mirrorless cameras for filmmakers and the new GH5S builds on that, for a relatively small increase in price. Like the GH5, it has lots of spec that filmmakers need, such as vectorscopes, waveforms, V-log, built-in LUTs and now 240fps super slow-motion in full HD, along with the headline of 60p in cinema 4K. The new sensor may only be 10.2 megapixels but that makes for great high ISO shooting, especially combined with the new Dual Native ISO function. And while there isn’t a Raw output option, the output is 4:2:2 10-bit which greatly increases quality over 4:2:0 8-bit. If you shoot in Log for maximum dynamic range then the quality is particularly impressive compared to rival cameras, as the low noise is amazing. And of course, you can shoot in 4K at 60fps so you can have half-speed slowmotion in your all-4Kmovie, plus HDR if you want it – all from an affordable and tiny camera. This doesn’t mean the GH5S is not a professional camera. It is rugged and has weather- sealing, with great control knobs and separate buttons for all the important features. The touchscreen is very good, and the menus are easy to understand and navigate. It’s also nice that each option for file size has the bit rate and compression clearly labelled. It’s sensible, and other camera manufacturers should take note. Other benefits include good stills-taking ability, although screen grabs are useful if you
don’t want to shoot ‘proper’ stills. And there is a huge range of lenses available in MFTmount – everything from cheap lenses meant for stills to video-specific lenses, and even cinema lenses. But it’s not perfect. The AF system is not great for video, and of course the deal-breaker for some might be the total lack of image stabilisation. But at a body- only price of £2175/$2498, it’s a stunning camera for independent filmmakers that delivers great results andwon’t break the bank. HOW IT RATES Features: 9 It’s the most feature-packed mirrorless camera on the market, apart from image stabilisation Performance: 9 The small sensor still can’t match full-frame for noise at high ISO, but it’s close Handling: 8 Even a mirrorless camera designed for video has its handling quirks as a filmmaking tool Value for money: 10 Amazing spec. Nothing comes remotely close to its performance at this price OVERALL RATING: 9/10 A great price, stunning spec, super high bitrate and super slowmotion make it a winner Pros: One of the best cameras at the price Cons: AF lacking compared to rivals, no image stabilisation More information www.panasonic.com
relatively cheaply in the MFT mount – and you’ve got a fantastic low-light performer. Compared to the Sony A7S II, which has a sensor almost four times as big as the GH5S, the Sony has the edge when ISO numbers get very high. But the GH5S captures its footage as a 10-bit 4:2:2 signal, rather than the Sony’s 8-bit 4:2:0, and this advantage hits home when shooting in Log as it crams as much dynamic range as possible into the file. The Panasonic retains more original data than the Sony, so when it’s opened out in post processing there is much less obvious noise – always a problem as anyone who shoots Log can confirm. It means that when shooting Log, there’s very little difference between the GH5S and Sony A7S II at the moderately high ISOs that filmmakers typically use. The electronic viewfinder is the same 3680k-dot OLED panel as the GH5, as is the rear touchscreen, which is intuitive to use. The GH5’s focus point joystick remains and works well at letting you change AF points with your eye to the camera, which is great for stills. It’s not in the most ergonomic position, although you do get used to it. The menu system is relatively easy to follow and a My Menu tab lets you group together all your most-used functions, which is
ABOVE AND BELOW Run and gun work with mixed, low lighting is great for the Panasonic. The AF system can work well for large targets. Twin card slots are ideal for pro use.
always a bonus. It shows how Panasonic has studied what
working filmmakers need the most from a small camera and delivered a product that is just right.
“Themenu system is relatively easy to follow”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER WINTER 2017
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