Tag Archives: Photo

Samsung ISOCELL GN2 does 480fps!

The hegemony of phone sensors has been the purview of Sony with their Exmor sensors for many years but now Samsung has started making inroads in the space with their ISOCELL chips. The latest is currently mass-produced and shipping in handsets already which is not a paper launch, but a real thing. The chip is capable of massive low light improvement compared to other sensors because it is essentially a near 1″ sensor with 1/1.12-inch measurements. This is close to what Sony RX cameras use as a main sensor, and a first for a phone.

As to how they are able to fit this sensor on phones, it is a dance between a protruding camera bump that is a little larger than usual and also a lens system that creates a full imaging circle from a minute distance. The GN2 is capable of recording 480fps in HD 720p, 4k 120fps, 30fps in 12.5MP windowed size and 10fps in 100MP mode which uses a clever algorithm and three RGB exposures to derive a 100MP image from the 50MP source. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Laowa 24mm Probe Lens Could Revolutionize Slow Motion Video!

Laowa 24mm Probe Lens

The new Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens with included LED lighting at the tip is a really interesting lens for high-speed shooters that would like an edge in their shooting style.  The lens looks like a gun barrel but it is really a snake tube-cam-like lens that permits focus at just 2cm from the front element and also shoots at a fairly long distance from the subject.

The Kickstarter campaign project seen here was asking for just $9,999 USD in funding but as of right now with several days to go has reached an extremely impressive  $811,113 USD which translates to about 650 lenses to be delivered to backers.  The footage that the campaign was able to provide is really amazing at showing what can be achieved when creative minds are able to freely utilize an innovative lens like this.

  • close focus (2cm @ 2:1) 
  • 24mm f14 Maximum Aperture
  • F40 minimum aperture
  • 7 aperture blades
  • Min Focusing Distance 470mm
  • Min Working Distance 20mm
  • Dimensions: 38 x 408mm
  • Weight 474g
  • wide angle ‘Bug Eye’ view (84.1°) 
  • Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Arri PL mounts are available
  • LED Lighting at the Front
  • MSRP $1,499 After campaign is over.

The magnification ratios can be seen below in this image:

 

The Video Shooting Macro seen below by Macro Room has to be the ideal selling promo for this lens. It mixes great editing with clever lens placement for a really fascinating visual feast.

Birthday Cake (Credit to Packshot Factory Ltd) Laowa – Venus Optics Shows the benefits that can be translated to Slow Motion footage:

Another example of slow motion on the lens by   © Packshot Factory Ltd, London UK

This review by DPReview of the lens will give you an idea of how to use it. 

Our thoughts:

This lens is really something unique and special. It allows you to really get as close as possible to the subject with the added ability to actually have some usable depth of field compared to super macro lenses that have extreme shallowness. The fact that you can adapt it to almost any mount and camera means that you will be able to use it for video and photo without any constraints.  The Maximum aperture of F14 might sound too restrictive but if you have enough light while using the included LED ring at the front you will be able to forget about light needs and experiment freely.

Coffee Beans Tumble (Credit to Packshot Factory) Laowa – Venus Optics: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Panasonic G9 vs GH5 for Video Compared!

Panasonic G9 vs GH5

Panasonic seems to be doing a lot of things right lately with their fantastic GH5 with 10 bit recording and 4k 60p for the first time in a mirrorless camera and of course the 180fps Full HD slow motion to boot.  The just-announced Lumix G9 is a monster of a camera in its own right but Panasonic is right to segment it as a Stills first and video second machine.

The GH5 is the best video-centric portable camera in recent memory and the aim with the G9 is to go after the Sony a9 which is arguably the best stills camera ever conceived performance wise.  The G9 is capable of shooting 60 RAW images in a single burst per second and while the buffer is only 50 RAWs worth; it becomes easily renewed thanks to dual card slots.

Panasonic G9 Main Feature Highlights:

  • 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor (Same as GH5)
  • Venus Engine Image Processor (Improved from GH5)
  • UHD 4K 60p Video 150mbit/sec
  • 1080p 180fps VFR Mode
  • 80MP High-Res Shot Mode (Combines 8 Shots in RAW or JPG)
  • 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2  6.5 stops worth!
  • 0.83x 3.68m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
  • Top Status LCD; Rear Joystick
  • Advanced DFD AF System
  • 6K PHOTO & 4k Photo Mode with Pre Burst!
  • ISO 25600 and 60 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Dual UHS-II SD Slots
  • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
  • USB3 Battery Charging Plug!
  • MSRP $1,699.99 – Pre Order Amazon Here!

At first glance, there is really no big differences on the whole with the GH5 but you have to really dig in the spec sheet to appreciate what has been done here and why the GH5 not only remains relevant but essential in the line-up!

80MP High Res Mode:

The addition of the Olympus/Pentax Style High Res shot mode allows for the sensor to merge 8 – 20.3 MP stills shots into either RAW or JPG in camera while on a tripod or very stable surface.  The end product is an 80MP shot with outstanding color and sharpness that should rival Medium Format cameras.   For landscapers who are shooting still life scenes, this should be worth the purchase of the camera on its own.  However as we have seen with other similar systems that do the merging is that motion artifacts from foliage, water, birds and other parts of the scene could be a detriment to the shot. For product photography and studio setups, this is not a problem, however.

There is a sense that the GH5 sharing the same sensor and also having a 5-axis sensor stabilizer, that it should just be a firmware release away from having this functionality built in.   But the deeper buffer memory on the G9 might be needed for this to be implemented. However, the GH5 should be able to produce a 40MP shot from 4 shots without trouble if buffers are a concern.

Video Crippling or Heat Buildup?

The Panasonic G9 has impressive video built in but it is a far cry on closer inspection to the GH5 in several aspects. The table below compares the GH5 against the G9 video wise:

GH5 G9 Rec Duration
4k 23.98, 29.97, 48, 59.94 fps 23.98, 29.97, 48, 59.94 fps 10 Minutes
1080p 1920 x 1080p at 29.97, 59.94 1920 x 1080p at 29.97, 59.94 30 minutes
Slow-Mo 12,20,22,24,26,28,36,48,60,72, 84, 96 60fps or 180fps (No 120fps) 10 Minutes
  108,120,132,144,156,168 & 180fps 20mbps
Codec 100, 200,150, & 400mbps 10 bit rec except 60fps 4k. No 10 Bit, Only 150mbps 4k
  1080p  20,24,28,72,100 & 200mbps 28mbps 1080p Very Low
5-Axis Stabilizer 5 Stops Dual IS 6.5 Stops Dual IS
GH5 Has Unlimited Recording Time hispeedcams.com

As you can see from our comparison the GH5 is in a whole other league when it comes to video recording.  The G9  slow motion VFR mode has only 60fps 28mbps and or 180fps recording at up to 20mbps which is a far cry from up to 200MBPS on the GH5 and the plethora of intermediate frame rates like the excellent artifact free 120fps on the GH5 which is free from resolution loss and moire.

The G9 180fps VFR mode will probably be full of aliasing artifacts and has a 10min time limit. The 60fps 4k, however, should be the same quality as the GH5s with 150Mbps with of course the 10 min time limit.  For 1080p the 28mbps cap on the G9 will be a deal breaker for quality and of course the 29min 59-second cap in recording as well.  There is no question the G9 can’t hold a candle to the pro features of the GH5 video modes.

The GH5 has heat dissipation in a class of its own according to Panasonic and why the G9 cannot go head to head on duration in video recording and bit rates for the codecs.  We will not be surprised to see a hack of sorts on the G9 to remove the time limitations.  However, that may damage the camera electronics by going above spec!

 What About the Improved In Body Stabilizer?

This is really an upgrade, the GH5 allowed for up to 5 stops using Dual IS 2.0 with compatible lenses and offered about 4 stops without those lenses and for manual lenses in the best cases. The G9, however, estimates 6.5 fstops of stabilization with any lens and with or without Dual O.I.S. 2.0  However if you use the new Dual OIS lenses you gain better telephoto stabilization and a learning algorithm while walking along with the camera for example.  This is a really impressive spec and it improves on the already class-leading in body IS of the GH5.  The G9’s in body IS is probably the new standard for the feature on any camera!

Panasonic G9 Image Stabilisation Demo by Photo By Richard:

LUMIX G9 first look: the ultimate photography camera by Panasonic Australia: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

GH5 Firmware 2.0 Has Huge Improvements!

GH5 Firmware 2.0

The just announced Firmware for the Panasonic GH5 offers the promised improvements when the camera was launched like 400Mbps All-I compression for 4k 10 bit recording and or 200MBPS 1080p.  Also promised was near 6k Anamorphic shooting and HDR Ready Log Recording Gamma. All of that is in the firmware but the surprise comes from all the extra improvements that made the way into the 2.0 firmware release.

The new unexpected features range from a full tethering option for Mac or PC with free downloadable software to improved autofocus recording which was one of the weakest features of the camera.  As far as slow motion related improvements it seems the firmware is not making any headway there. The bitrate improvements do not mention the VFR mode.

The GH5 new Firmware 2.0 will be available by the end of September 2017. Official download site here: GH5 Firmware 2.0 end of September!

GH5 Firmware Update Version 2.0 Press Release:

Exceptional New Enhancements, Performance, and Functionality

Newark, NJ (August 30, 2017) Panasonic today announced the new firmware update Verion.2.0 for DC-GH5 to further enhance its performance. Many enhancements were previously planned but additional modifications were suggested by end users that specialize in both photography and cinematography. This update is an exceptional upgrade in camera performance to satisfy professional GH5 users.

The new firmware includes following upgrades:

1. Compatibility with “LUMIX Tether” PC software

This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets you view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and so on, where continuous confirmation is required. You can use [6K PHOTO] [4K PHOTO] and start and stop video recording with the tethered shooting. It is also possible to choose the folder to save the image files in the PC.

2. Improved auto focus performance

-Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.

-Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.

-The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.

-The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.

-The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].

-The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].

3. Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]

-The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.

-[Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO]

•Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for [Loop Rec] of [6K PHOTO].

4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode

-4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.

•Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.

New 4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra Recording Mode

Item System Frequency Size Frame Rate Bit Rate YUV/bit Image Compression
C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p 59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4096×2160 23.98p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
4K/ALL-I/400M/30p 3840×2160 29.97p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
4K/ALL-I/400M/24p 3840×2160 23.98p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/60p 1920×1080 59.94p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/30p 1920×1080 29.97p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p 1920×1080 23.98p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
4K/ALL-I/400M/25p 50.00Hz

(PAL)

3840×2160 25.00p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/50p 1920×1080 50.00p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/25p 1920×1080 25.00p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p 24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4096×2160 24.00p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
4K/ALL-I/400M/24p 3840×2160 24.00p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p 1920×1080 24.00p 200 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra

5. 4K HDR video recording

-[HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both the brightest and darkest part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].

-A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

6.Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode

-High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. *Recorded in HEVC

New High-Resolution Anamorphic Mode

*1 “High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” records motion picture with an aspect ratio suited for an anamorphic lens,4:3. The effective picture size for this mode is equivalent to the number of pixels produced by 6K (approx. 6,000 (horizontal) x 3,000 (vertical)) images (approx. 18 megapixels).

Item System Frequency Size Frame Rate Bit Rate YUV/bit Image Compression
6K/A/200M/30p*2 59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4992×3744 29.97p 200 Mbps 4:2:0/10 bit Long GOP
6K/A/200M/24p*2 4992×3744 23.98p 200 Mbps 4:2:0/10 bit Long GOP
4K/A/400M/30p 3328×2496 23.98p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
4K/A/400M/24p 3328×2496 23.98p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
6K/A/200M/25p*2 50.00Hz

(PAL)

4992×3744 25.00p 200 Mbps 4:2:0/10 bit Long GOP
4K/A/400M/25p 3328×2496 25.00p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit ALL-Intra
6K/A/200M/24p*2 24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4992×3744 24.00p 200 Mbps 4:2:0/10 bit Long GOP
4K/A/400M/24p 3328×2496 24.00p 400 Mbps 4:2:2/10 bit All-Intra

*2 High resolution Anamorphic mode

-[Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

-[Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as 2.39:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording modes.

7.Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)

-[I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.

-A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

8.Correction of white balance setting

-When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.

9.Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot

-The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.

10.Improved usability of Power Save LVF

-Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.

11.Wireless functions

-The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with the GH5 firmware release.

-If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.

12.Other improvements

-A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.

-The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons – [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].

-The DISP.Button can be locked.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.

-In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.

-The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.

The new DC-GH5 firmware Version 2.0 is scheduled to be released at the end of September 2017 at the following LUMIX Customer Support website.

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.0

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

  • “6K PHOTO” is a high-speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with 18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.
  • Specifications are subject to change without notice.

HSC Notes on the GH5:

The Panasonic GH5 is one of the most reliable and powerful compact cameras for video production in existence. Its quality is undeniable; the ability to shoot 4k 60p and up to 1080p 180fps put it in a class of its own compared to other mirrorless cameras. We recommend it as a do it all camera for many reasons.

The release of this new firmware by the end of September will add many new features that will make it an even better deal.  If you need a camera that does it all with very little compromise along with respectable slow motion features than the GH5 is a no-brainer purchase. 180fps quality drops compared to 120fps but it is still very usable and it will be enough frames to analyze a golf swing or other sports motion on an interchangeable lens camera.

We will re-visit the GH5 camera once the firmware is released to see if improvements have been made in VFR mode and if the Autofocus is in fact improved enough to get competitive against Sony or Canon dual pixel AF. -HSC

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Panasonic GH5 Firmware 1.1 Allows 10 Bit 60p 1080!

Panasonic GH5 Firmware 1.1

The Panasonic GH5 ushered the era of 10-bit video recording on a portable prosumer interchangeable lens camera for the first time. Panasonic promised some features which at launch would not make the cut but would be added when firmware was released that would improve the spec sheet.  The new 1.1 version of the Firmware will enable 10bit recording on 1080p 24p, 25p, 29.98, 29.97p, 59.94p & 50p all at 100 Mbps.

While the camera offered 10 Bit recording at 4k from the get go it was not available above 29.97fps which left the 60fps 4k mode out in the cold for the increased color space. The update and all subsequent ones will also do not allow 10 Bit to be used above 30p in 4k so the 60fps UHD spec will remain at 4:2:0 8 Bit color.

Panasonic GH5 firmware 1.1 update information Below:

You can click the image below to go directly to the Panasonic GH5 firmware site or click here!

As you can see it also now enables 4k anamorphic resolutions for shooting in 10 bit 4:2:2 at full sensor width after downsampling from 6k.  However, an even later update will allow for full 6k anamorphic shooting using the entire m 4/3 sensor space without downsampling. That update will be released in the summer of 2017 according to Panasonic.

For Slow Motion fans, the Firmware 1.1 Update allows 60fps or 50fps 10 Bit 4:2:2 recording on the GH5 for full HD 1080p; which is ideal if you want to work with intermediate frame rates on blue or green screen setups. Gradations will be much better represented as will skin tones.  The 100 Mbps codec limit is good for a full HD recording on H.264 codec.

See the footage below for how to install and for a 1080p 60fps sample shot on the GH5.

How to Update your GH5/GH4 Firmware by Leo Gonzalez:

What about the AF Problems?

The Lumix GH5 continuous Auto Focus has issues and Panasonic has already stated that they are aware of the problem and are working on future improvements. There is no timeline as to when or what will be improved on this front.  However, the video below should give you some hints as to what to do with your GH5 for getting the best possible AF performance until then.  It seems all you have to do is leave it on Custom AF – OFF to get the best results.

The BEST GH5 AUTOFOCUS Settings with PhotoJoseph – Max Yuryev:

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GH5 Slow Motion New Quality Footage!

GH5 Slow Motion

The Panasonic GH5 has been the camera darling of early 2017 for video enthusiasts and the addition of 120fps, 150fps and 180fps full HD was one of the most awaited features for the camera. Earlier footage showed a decrease in image quality when using higher frame rates on the camera and the appearance of moire and aliasing was evident. It was still far better than what the GH4s 96fps mode was able to do.

Recent new footage has re-examined the slow motion VFR mode and while there is a drop in quality the 180fps mode is still usable for many applications due to it retaining a lot of detail compared to other cameras.  The image is loosing quite a lot of resolution in the vertical so it will not be true full HD when you compare with the up to 60fps mode.

GH5 New Slow Motion Footage:

Panasonic GH5 | Variable Frame Rate – 96fps, 120fps, 180fps quality comparison by Osamu Hasegawa Films:

Panasonic Lumix GH5 180fps 1080p test | Standard Profile Ungraded by KnightVision:

Panasonic GH5 180fps Snow Test by Groovoost Inc.:

Pre-Production Panasonic GH5 Slow Motion – 180fps by FuzeDzn:

Panasonic GH5 – 180fps Champagne by Osamu Hasegawa Films:

The Panasonic GH5 camera is shaping out to be the choice of many budget film makers and video enthusiasts due to it’s 4k 10 bit capabilities and up to 50/60p in 4k as well.

You are getting true 96, 120, 150 and 180fps in full HD modes with quality degrading the higher you go. The sweet spot seems to be 120p where aliasing is less pronounced and the lowest quality unsurprisingly is the 180fps VFR mode.  Still the quality that the camera delivers is above HD 720p in resolution terms but not true full HD due to line loss.  The camera is throwing line information to cope with the data rate and or heat requirements.

The VFR quality will probably be identical in the shipping version and will probably not get tweaked from now on so you can make your judgement of the slow motion mode today.  The GH5 will be added to our Camera Guide soon once it is readily available. -HSC

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