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GH2 or...

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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
I've been into photography for years and I want to start filming now. I was looking at a t2i, but it seems like the Panasonic GH2 is a better option for me. I already have a tripod, glass, etc. so all I need is a body. Is there anything I should know about the GH2 before I jump on it?
Oct 20 2012 9:06PM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
I personally have no experience with the GH2 so take my views lightly, but I've seen a lot of people complain about having problems with the hacks. It can be a really sharp camera, but so can the t2i. I have a t2i and have no regrets, don't plan on upgrading for a long time
Oct 20 2012 9:10PM
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RockNRollNghtClb
Posts: 2013 - Karma: 2,509
just buy a gh3 when it comes out
Oct 20 2012 9:16PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,231
you're a nikon guy right?
Oct 20 2012 9:20PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Would this be a replacing your current body that you use for photo, or would it simply be an addition to your rig?

The GH2 is an amazing dslr for video but it can't really compete with a T2i or similar aps-c bodies in regards to photo
Oct 20 2012 9:24PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
This thread is right on time. Thinking about picking up a camera that can film too. And it doesn't hurt to have a back-up cam.

I can get a T2i for 230€ through Canon Loyalty Program, which is absolutely ridiculous.
Oct 20 2012 10:17PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
holy shit a T2i for $300? Damn. definitely get that. get two and sell one.
Oct 20 2012 10:26PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Yeah I'm a Nikon guy. This would be basically just for video
Oct 20 2012 10:38PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
The GH2's interface is really shitty until you get a hang of it. even then, it's really shitty.

Also, it does not shoot very good photos. They are useable, sometimes, but generally suck.

Besides that though, I only shot photos before. I had used HDSLRs and Camcorders to film a little. But it works great for filming and works great with all my nikkor glass. The image quality is legit incredible... especially if you have a good hack and a powerful grading software. I'll post up some screen shots later if I remember.

That all being said - the GH3 will likely be a better investment. Metal body, better interface and possibly better photo quality. It's yet to be determined (I think) if the higher MP will mess with video image quality. Really interested in seeing how that camera does.
Oct 21 2012 1:05PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Yeah, but I can pick up a GH2 used for around 500, and a GH3 is over 1000. If I'm spending that kind of money I might just sell my Nikon F5 body and snag a D600.
Oct 21 2012 2:40PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
one of those $7k red epics
Oct 21 2012 3:22PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
scarlet* (i think, i don't know red very well)
Oct 21 2012 3:23PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
brb imma go rob a bank
Oct 21 2012 4:16PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
There are benefits to both, but if you're wanting to have fun with it and shoot beautiful video without investing too much, I would go GH2. It's a pretty sweet little camera.
Oct 21 2012 4:31PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
I have A T2i but I really wish I had invested in a GH2 instead (now I have lots of canon glass I'd have to sell if i switched). But a T2i for $300 versus a used GH2 for $500? I think a T2i that cheap is going to be the winner. GH2 is the better camera for video i think though.
Oct 21 2012 6:28PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
If you're going to drop $300, you might as well drop the extra $200 for a GH2 since it puts all DSLR footage to shame.
Oct 21 2012 7:53PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Wait where did you find a gh2 for $500? The cheapest I can find is like $670
Oct 21 2012 8:31PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Used. Saw some on craigslist and photography forums.
Oct 21 2012 9:09PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Do you have a digi nikon? Thought you only shot film.....
Oct 22 2012 1:10PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,231
MACAQUE
Karma : 37745
2482 Posts
Addict

Oct 21 2012
2:40:30PM
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Yeah, but I can pick up a GH2 used for around 500, and a GH3 is over 1000. If I'm spending that kind of money I might just sell my Nikon F5 body and snag a D600.
Oct 22 2012 3:33PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
^^^^that

I have a 24mm f2.8, 85mm f1.8, and a few random zooms for Nikon lenses.
Oct 22 2012 11:28PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
For what its worth, the Nikon + m4/3 combo has a weird unexplainable magic to it. Once you try it you'll understand what I mean.
Oct 23 2012 12:10AM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7821 - Karma: 21,843
I'm also thinking of getting a GH2... are they really that bad for photos? I would mostly use it for filming but would definitely also shoot stills with it.
Oct 23 2012 3:52PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
I feel like the GH2 hacked and good grading is about as close as your gonna get to the look of motion picture film.

Also, you can use Canon fd lenses which are fucking amazing, anyone who has shot an AE-1 can verify that statement.
Oct 23 2012 4:12PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
It's not terrible, but I would bet that just about any hdslr will outperform it. Of course a lot of it comes down to knowing how to use either camera. I've definitely taken plenty of photos on it that look great, and I'll use it this winter to shoot random shots of people for media stuff on days i'm filming. I would just never suggest this camera as a photo camera, definitely for people who are looking to film with it over take photos.
Oct 23 2012 4:34PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
do you think that the gh3 is worth the extra 600 over the gh2?
Oct 23 2012 4:52PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I havent used either of them, but i feel like it will be worth it. The 1080 60p will be welcomed nicely, and its nice that its now weather proofed. Also, it wont feel like a toy anymore.
Oct 23 2012 4:56PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
ya. its a real pain for me right now. I have 5 pieces of glass i can use for a M 4/3 setup and two pieces of glass for my t2i. I desperately want to switch over to panny but the wait is killing me haha
Oct 23 2012 5:00PM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,020
Some people don't understand how amazing 1080p60 is, 1080 online is fucking awesome. The resolution is amazing. Using any 720 footage now for me is like using SD, i just dont like it. I love having full 1080p workflow. It's definitely worth the extra money and the out-of-the-box high mbps recording is sick too. If i had to get a b-cam, it would be a gh3, its going to be just as good as my fs100 in a few ways for sure, its still got some limitations but its going to be really sick.
Oct 23 2012 5:09PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I think i will be switching over in the spring as well. Im not highly invested into canon, but i still dont want to spend a ton of money on it yet. Im sure i will next year by the time there are hacks and when i see ski footage of it.
Oct 23 2012 5:13PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
ill buy a gh3 and trade you for your fs100. Ill throw some L.L. Bean on top....
Oct 23 2012 5:22PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Personally, no. But I'm a finance major, so you'd be hard pressed to find something that I deem worth $600 when it comes to digital camera bodies.

It depends on what $600 is worth to you. The only features of the GH3 that catch my eye are A) timecode and B) purportedly smoother gradients. If I did a lot of live sound sync I might find the timecode feature to be worth it alone, but I do more experimental work so for me that feature won't make my life much easier. The bottom line is that I can make just as much money with a GH2 as I can with a GH3, so it follows that I don't think it's worth it. Of course, if I wasn't a broke college student, the marginal value of that $600 would be different.
Oct 23 2012 5:25PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
I might just wait for the GH3. By the time it's released I'll have the cash. I think I'd regret the GH2 since the 3 is so much better.
Oct 24 2012 11:31AM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
sorry to thread jack but, is the cheapest battery grip for a gh2 really 95 dollars?
Nov 4 2012 2:32AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,231
there's no "real" battery grip for the gh2. It's just a holder that screws onto the camera and then has a wire that runs to the battery compartment.

also I spent 275 on a grip FML
Nov 4 2012 3:04AM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Battery grips are dumb. Get a cage and widdle an Aaton style grip out of walnut.
Nov 4 2012 12:49PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
I'll just whittle the whole cage out of rich mahogany
Nov 4 2012 2:11PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Just get an aftermarket one. Works just as well.
Nov 4 2012 6:07PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Do you guys think the GH3 will stay at its current price or will it eventually go down? I am now considering switching to it next season, before I invest in any really expensive lenses. but the price stays at 600 bucks more than a gh2, it probably wont be worth it to me. Then would gh2 be worth it over a t2i? ie would it be worth selling my canon stuff and making the switch?

Nov 4 2012 7:52PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,231
I've done it with my past two cameras and they have been utter garbage. Sure they "do the job, but the plastic feel is awful and the tripod threads never stayed in.

Canon's is metal and fits snug, and has quality feel/weight/grip to it
Nov 4 2012 8:06PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
The T2i and Gh2 are only 100$ apart in price.
The GH3 will come down (probably in some kind of bundle deal) but probably not before the season starts.
I'd suggest getting a GH2 now and get to know it well before season starts officially. You're gonna get a much better image with a GH2 you know inside out than with a Gh3 you just got and need to figure out.
Nov 4 2012 8:14PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
given the release and availability of panasonic products, I would expect it to be available at a half decent price before next season. Seriously though, I think you will be lucky to get a gh3 before new january, and thats full price. Pick up a gh2, the quality is insane, and then work on getting a solid future proof collection of lenses and gear (audio, filters, stabilization, etc.). The new stuff is always cool, but the gh2 already puts out amazing quality, and the other gear is whats going to help it shine over the other cameras
Nov 4 2012 8:54PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
given the release and availability of panasonic products, I would expect it to be available at a half decent price before next season. Seriously though, I think you will be lucky to get a gh3 before new january, and thats full price. Pick up a gh2, the quality is insane, and then work on getting a solid future proof collection of lenses and gear (audio, filters, stabilization, etc.). The new stuff is always cool, but the gh2 already puts out amazing quality, and the other gear is whats going to help it shine over the other cameras
Nov 4 2012 11:21PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Keep your t2i. A gh2/3 will probably not dramatically improve the 'quality' of your work, and it very well will not improve the content. My best advice is to keep what you have, learn it inside out, and just keep shooting. I've upgraded way to fast before and it was a terrible decision, my 60d was such a waste of money. I bought it on a lim thinking I was going to shooting video, 7 months later I flipped it and bought a 5d. Take the time to figure this stuff out and you'll be much happier in the long run; just remember, the camera doesn't take the shot, you take the shot! Best of luck dude.
Nov 4 2012 11:33PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
didn't read that he already had a t2i haha. And this, I kept thinking how I wanted to get a 5d2 or a 1ds mark ii or something and an electronic adapter, then like a d600 and af-d glass, then old nikon glass, then I started thinking about leica r, then looking at raw video cameras etc. Then I realized that I don't need any of it, and while it is a cool, none of it will help me that much at this point. I have two m42 lenses, so I decided to buy a spotmatic, and take things day by day. I can also borrow a fair amount of gear from school or friends when I need it, which can be very useful
Nov 5 2012 1:13AM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
What it's all about
Nov 5 2012 1:42AM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Thanks so much guys. :)

Nov 5 2012 8:22AM
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JahFeels
Posts: 779 - Karma: 587
I am in the same boat. I was looking at the t3i's for a long time but now having seen the gh3, i think its better to wait and get the gh3. I like the fact that it is a sealed case because i will mostly be using it for mountain biking and ski edits. Only drawback is that i don't know anything about panasonic's lenses.
Nov 5 2012 11:17PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
the micro 4/3 mount makes a huge amount of lens options available.

Also don't base you camera purchase off a weather sealed body. My T2i is not weather sealed and that thing has been through hell and back with no problems.
Nov 5 2012 11:21PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
panny glass is awesome, unless you want to pull focus (but touch to focus is a nice perk). All of the lenses are super sharp, even wide open. Even better tough, you can use almost any lens ever made. I have a few m42 lenses that I like, but anything from Nikon to Canon FD to even Leica M, or even PL mount lenses
Nov 5 2012 11:49PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Yup. I prefer m4/3 over s35 because I Voigtlander and Olympus make amazing glass for it, and I can use parfocal Angenieux cinema glass as well with the EX TELE mode, giving me omnipresent telephoto abilities. Then there's FD lenses...
Nov 5 2012 11:54PM
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