Introduction

This blog is a user's perspective on the Micro Four Thirds camera system. Read more ...

Lens Buyer's Guide. Panasonic GH4 review.

My lens reviews: Olympus 9mm f/8 fisheye, Lumix G 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6, Leica 25mm f/1.4, Lumix X 12-35mm f/2.8, Lumix X 35-100mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm f/2.8, Sigma 19mm f/2.8, Lumix X PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, Lumix X PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6, Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8, Panasonic Lumix G 100-300mm f/4-5.6, Panasonic Leica Lumix DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro, Panasonic Lumix G 45-200mm f/4-5.6, Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 pancake, Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake, Panasonic Lumix G HD 14-140mm f/4-5.8, Panasonic Lumix G HD 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6, Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, Lumix G 7-14mm f/4, Samyang 7.5mm f/3.5 fisheye, Tokina 300mm f/6.3 mirror reflex tele, Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye lens
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Sunday 25 May 2014

1080p video comparison, GH3 vs GH4

I guess most people who buy a Lumix GH4 do it to use the 4K video feature. However, it is still a very good 1080p video camera, as well. Here, I am comparing it head to head with the Lumix GH3.

I used the Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 lens on both cameras.

The test


Both cameras were mounted to a Desmond Mini Dual Camera Bracket, typically used for stereo photography. On the lenses, I have used 46mm to 37mm step down rings as hoods. They do a good job of keeping the front lens elements safe from accidents, in my opinion, while also keeping out some stray light. If you want to use them, you also need a 37mm front lens cap.






Results


We see that the GH4 has marginally less rolling shutter artefacts. This is probably because it has a faster 1080p video frame readout. By using the slow motion feature, the GH4 can read out 96 frames per second (in 1080p mode), while the GH3 could do maximum 60 fps.

Further, the GH4 has cleaner image quality in ISO 6400m which should come in handy for video recording for example in dark concert venues.

We see that the Lumix GH4 is not consistenly focusing faster during video recording, with the Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 lens. But it gets the focus the most correct most of the time.

2 comments:

  1. Do you colour the Lumix logos in with a pen on your cameras?

    Interesting to see just how similar the bodies of the GH3 and GH4 are- no wonder another Panasonic-toting photographer was taking such a close look at my GH3 this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I usually fill in the Lumix logo with a black felt pen, to make it less flashy. I think that makes the camera more stealthy, which I like.

      The GH3 and GH4 share the same body shape and button layout. But there are some small but nice changes:

      The GH4 has a larger eyecup, great for use during a sunny day.

      The GH4 has a better red video button, and a better, lockable mode dial. The SD card door doesn't open accidentally as easily. The grip is slightly better.

      And the "L" logo has lost the cheesey gold colour!

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