This title might sound familiar but this is a new comparison video and worth a look. This is not a slight against the Panasonic GH5. It’s still a capable and valuable hybrid camera that for some purposes will be a better suited than the Pocket 4K. But for absolute image quality we cannot deny we prefer the Pocket 4K.
Panasonic
Panasonic S1 and S1R Hands On
These are prototypes that are being shown in this video. We’re looking forward to getting a feel for the video capabilities of this camera, as Panasonic more so than all the other brands comes through on the video front for their consumer products.
A Better Comparison of the Blackmagic Pocket 4K to the Panasonic GH5S
This gets closer than previous comparisons into showing us the differences between the Panasonic GH5S and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. You can’t really go wrong with either camera, and there are reasons to choose one over the other. We’re still liking the image out of the Pocket 4K more.
50 Reasons to Pick the Panasonic GH5 over the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Full disclosure: We are not at all a fan of Wolfcrow. His recent videos about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K were actually quite disappointing as he got some basic things wrong and he spread some misinformation. However, no one is wrong invariably about everything and this video provides an overview of some of the features of the GH5.
Original Blackmagic Pocket Camera versus Pocket 4K versus Panasonic GH5S for Dynamic Range
Again, these are shot in ProRes with the Blackmagic cameras and thus we are not getting the full dynamic range possible. However, this test remains relevant because many people who don’t want to deal with RAW will shoot in ProRes.
First Comparison of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Against the Panasonic GH5S
It makes more sense to compare the Panasonic GH5S and not the GH5 against the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K as they have more in common. In this comparison ProRes was used on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K which we know has less dynamic range than raw from other videos that have been posted. So expect additional dynamic range from RAW, although the amount is not clear yet (best case scenario would be around a stop but early indications appear to somewhat less than that).
Blackmagic Pocket Camera 4K versus Arri Alexa versus Panasonic GH5
Wolfcrow has released an interesting comparison of the Blackmagic Pocket Camera 4K to an Arri Alexa. Not a fair fight, of course, but an interesting comparison none-the-less.
Panasonic Introduce the Lumix S1 and S1R
As expected Panasonic have announced their new cameras. They are thin on details right now apart from the 4K60P.
Here is what they are saying:
- DFD autofocus like their M43 cameras except with AI (we are concerned about the performance of this but we must reserve judgement until it gets tested)
- Dual I.S. (sensor + lens)
- Fast flash sync speed (but it hasn’t been specified)
- High quality EVF
- Dual card slots (XQD and SD)
- Titlable LCD (no fully articulated screen)
Additionally, the initially lenses are:
- large, high quality, and expensive 50mm F1.4
- 24-105mm zoom
- 70-200mm zoom
The interesting point to us is that our source made two claims:
- Panasonic is trying to go for the premium market and their bodies will be priced higher than Sony
- $2700 initial price for the S1
Blackmagic Pocket 4K versus Panasonic GH5
Interestingly the reviewer states that he’s observed these two cameras having pretty much the same dynamic range. We expected a one stop advantage to the Blackmagic camera. When dynamic range is measured we still expect a better result than the GH5. What’s not clear is if that advantage will be a stop or significantly less. Either way, the Blackmagic Pocket 4Ks footage looks great.