As so many great new cameras are introduced, I often ask myself, “Who is this camera for?”
We’ve all heard the adage “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer.” That being said, if you are like me, you want to know how new technology can help you work more efficiently or create things impossible with previous generations of cameras.
When I was asked to write about the new Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5, I decided to give my thoughts on some of the creative types who I think will benefit from what the GH5 offers.
This is, of course, by no means an exhaustive list, so please feel free to comment with how you’d use this new tool in your work.
The Travel / Street Photographer
While having a camera in your pocket via a smartphone is enough for some, you want the control and quality that comes from a dedicated camera. The GH5 is small enough to carry around easily and offers a wide range of lens options to catch every shot from landscapes, to street portraits to macro images of the finest detail. Being dust and splash proof allows you to keep your camera at ready when you are out in the field.
With a built-in OLED Live Viewfinder and a 3.2” TFT LCD Tilt Touchscreen monitor, you’ll be able to get any and every angle you can imagine and the 5 Axis image stabilization will allow you to leave the tripod at home when you absolutely need to travel light.
Catching the action will never be a problem with 9 frames per second in normal (autofocus) mode and 30 frames per second in 6k burst mode.
The Filmmaker
Like it’s predecessor (the GH4), the GH5 should be a very well received by filmmakers. Not only will you be able to internally record 100 Mbps 4K at up to 59.94p (4:2:0 / 8 bit) and 150 Mbps 4K at up to 29.97p (4:2:2 / 10 bit) There is a Full HD variable frame rate mode giving you options from 2 up to 180 frames per second.
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 10-bit Film “BEYOND THE GRID” by Luke Neumann from Panasonic LUMIX on Vimeo.
Unlimited 4K recording and dual card slots, customizable autofocus speed and sensitivity, the ability to record time code and an optional XLR adapter (DMW-XLR1) for professional audio input. The GH5 has many feature serious filmmakers are looking for including built-in interval shooting to create time-lapse videos, adding even more options to your filmmaking toolbox.
The Social Media Creative
Photographer, filmmaker, historian, the Social Media Creative has her own set of challenges. Sure, the 20 megapixel sensor with ISOs as high as 25600 will help you capture the people, places, events and everything else you might encounter, but it’s the GH5’s ability to send those files (stills and video) to your Smartphone or tablet on location so you can quickly post that may be the key feature for you. Photos can be shot in RAW and processed in-camera while video files can be split up to edit out parts or to make them the right size for posting.
Often on their own out in the field, the Social Media Creative will find the 4K live cropping function helps raise the production of value of her shoot by adding the ability to essentially Pan and Zoom while maintaining a fixed camera position. Place the GH5 on your tripod, set start and end points and create dynamic videos.
So that’s my initial take on the GH5. I can see this being a great tool for many creatives and would love to hear how you’d use some of these new features.
To pre-order the the Panasonic Lumix GH5 from Adorama click here.
