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May, 2025

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Any filmers on here got any thoughts on these 2 cameras

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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
yes Ik these are very different

Camera option 1 gh3 or gh4

camera option 2 Sony handycam

i have the money for both and have found an adapter for the handycam so you don’t need tapes. I wanna know what you all think of either and what would be better for me. I’ve been filming with a Panasonic 42x optical zoom mini dvd camera, GoPro hero 8 and my moms nikon d5300. Well I wanna upgrade and my mom doesn’t want me breaking her camera my dad also thinks I shouldn’t get a handycam cause he thinks the footage looks like shit. I film skiing, biking and skating. Thanks Ik it’s confusing I can’t spell or write very well tbh
4 years ago
3 1
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JAlps
Posts: 555 - Karma: 1,939
gh4 if you want versatility and really nice shooting codecs, Sony if you like that new wave zoom style
4 years ago
3 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
NightFantasiesgh4 if you want versatility and really nice shooting codecs, Sony if you like that new wave zoom style


Prolly should get get that if I already have an old camcorder. Thanks
4 years ago
2 0
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2444 - Karma: 19,566
GH3 and GH4 are practically the same other than a few minor upgrades....i would save my money and buy the gh3. Considering you'll probably not be using 10bit external recording, 4k and a handful of other film maker features the GH4 offers. If you're considering the gh3 I would also suggest taking a look at the sony a6xxx line (a6000,a6300). UI is a little quirky but there are a lot more sold locally than the lumix lineup and can low ball offers. GH3 is definitely more of a filmmaker focused camera in terms of build quality, specs are about even when compared to sony imo.

**i've learned from my mistakes...sacrifice a little on the body and invest in some fast glass. It'll make the image look just as good

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2021 at 9:13:39am
4 years ago
5 1
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
isaacwrongGH3 and GH4 are practically the same other than a few minor upgrades....i would save my money and buy the gh3. Considering you'll probably not be using 10bit external recording, 4k and a handful of other film maker features the GH4 offers. If you're considering the gh3 I would also suggest taking a look at the sony a6xxx line (a6000,a6300). UI is a little quirky but there are a lot more sold locally than the lumix lineup and can low ball offers. GH3 is definitely more of a filmmaker focused camera in terms of build quality, specs are about even when compared to sony imo.

**i've learned from my mistakes...sacrifice a little on the body and invest in some fast glass. It'll make the image look just as good

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2021 at 9:13:39am


Thank you!
4 years ago
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CantCork
Posts: 186 - Karma: 1,110
I have the gh3 and film a ton on it (I work for a media production company). Most people say it’s so old, but with good lenses it can be a beast and isn’t too expensive. This is prolly the more versatile option for you. Gh4 isn’t much more valuable, so don’t spend too much extra for it
4 years ago
2 1
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8854 - Karma: 6,725
isaacwrongGH3 and GH4 are practically the same other than a few minor upgrades....i would save my money and buy the gh3. Considering you'll probably not be using 10bit external recording, 4k and a handful of other film maker features the GH4 offers. If you're considering the gh3 I would also suggest taking a look at the sony a6xxx line (a6000,a6300). UI is a little quirky but there are a lot more sold locally than the lumix lineup and can low ball offers. GH3 is definitely more of a filmmaker focused camera in terms of build quality, specs are about even when compared to sony imo.

**i've learned from my mistakes...sacrifice a little on the body and invest in some fast glass. It'll make the image look just as good

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2021 at 9:13:39am


GH4's are relatively cheap now used. Get the gh4 it has a great 4k30 image.
4 years ago
1 1
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2444 - Karma: 19,566
VT_scratchGH4's are relatively cheap now used. Get the gh4 it has a great 4k30 image.


Tru..actually prefer the GH4's 4k over A6500 but willing to sacrifice for the low light it offers. Unless you find some local dealer they still go for an additional $200 above the GH3. Which you could easily cop a decent lens with the savings. I didn't notice a world of a difference in the 1080p even with the higher bitrates. If you're an aspiring filmmaker for sure. If you're just using the it for insta/ns footy def not worth it. GH5 is the big step IMO
4 years ago
2 0
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8854 - Karma: 6,725
yeah I guess OP's budget is the determining factor. What is it, OP? Looking at my local used facebook marketplace I see GH3 bodys for only $250 CAD and then GH4 bodies for $650 CAD.

In the world of vertical video being able to shoot 4k has been clutch for repurposing content that is mainly shot for wide screen, but then the client wants vertical IG stories or something from the same project.

I went from the GH1 to the GH4 to the GH5s + G9.
GH4 was eons better than the GH1, but I never really used the GH3 personally.
4 years ago
2 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
VT_scratchyeah I guess OP's budget is the determining factor. What is it, OP? Looking at my local used facebook marketplace I see GH3 bodys for only $250 CAD and then GH4 bodies for $650 CAD.

In the world of vertical video being able to shoot 4k has been clutch for repurposing content that is mainly shot for wide screen, but then the client wants vertical IG stories or something from the same project.

I went from the GH1 to the GH4 to the GH5s + G9.
GH4 was eons better than the GH1, but I never really used the GH3 personally.


Probably 500$ usd total I found a a6000 with a lense for 550 local I’m waiting for it to drop some more before I make an offer. I like the gh3 and 4 a bit better tho. They seem more similar just like display and buttons wise to my mothers nikon d6300. I’ve been trying to find a nice camera cause my GoPro and old panasonic camcorder aren’t cutting it for what I want to get into.
4 years ago
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
Im rockin a sony vx1000 w a tapeless setup and i gotta say it’s probably the best camera ive shot skiin stuff with. Everything has a super dope street skatin look and its built in zoom works amazingly for when you wanna just post up somewhere.

everyone i got footy of this season is super stoked on it. Check out Sangwich on YouTube if u wanna see some snowboarding examples or anything by mozzi and simon knight
4 years ago
4 0
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2444 - Karma: 19,566
I'm wondering when we'll see the shift to more HQ servo zoom camcorders being used....more skaters starting to use cameras that have better image quality like the xf100 and ux90. Granted they cost more than a DVX but portability and quality blow tapes and older camcorders out of the water....that surface edit was yummy af
4 years ago
4 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
isaacwrongI'm wondering when we'll see the shift to more HQ servo zoom camcorders being used....more skaters starting to use cameras that have better image quality like the xf100 and ux90. Granted they cost more than a DVX but portability and quality blow tapes and older camcorders out of the water....that surface edit was yummy af


That harald and manimo for surface? I’d think that’s filmed on some old thing not something new like that
4 years ago
0 0
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2444 - Karma: 19,566
was obviously a mix of a few cams...just peeped the edit again and honestly don't kno. If I were to guess tho it'd be fs5 and or ag-ac30/panasonic zoomish cam and shitty dad cam, unless it's just all work done in post. Cam has a grip relocator on it which would hint at fs5.
4 years ago
3 0
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
isaacwrongI'm wondering when we'll see the shift to more HQ servo zoom camcorders being used....more skaters starting to use cameras that have better image quality like the xf100 and ux90. Granted they cost more than a DVX but portability and quality blow tapes and older camcorders out of the water....that surface edit was yummy af

most larger skate groups have moved on from the shitty dad cam era. If you watch baker 4 you can tell they almost solely film on the nx100 and I'm guessing the xf400.

Although sd footage looks sick, its becoming more of a pain than its worth just keeping the 20-30 y/0 cameras goin. I recommend older sd cameras w/ a tapeless setup purely off of that OG style and affordability. I will admit my vx had plagued me w problems for a good 2 years before I went tapeless.
4 years ago
3 1
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ASAPCarter
Posts: 936 - Karma: 10,600
What’s your fav part about the sony action cam
4 years ago
3 0
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
ASAPCarterWhat’s your fav part about the sony action cam

I will say def the ease of use for follow cam stuff
4 years ago
2 0
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GANDALF
Posts: 6315 - Karma: 6,708
buy my GH5!
4 years ago
2 0
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ASAPCarter
Posts: 936 - Karma: 10,600
tmwtrmashI will say def the ease of use for follow cam stuff


That’s a Sony fact!
4 years ago
2 0
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mott
Posts: 259 - Karma: 2,106
ive been running a trv37 on video8 tapes with a baby death fish as of lately, absolutely love it so much. i could never fuck with a dslr unless i was solely taking pictures. the convenience of servo zoom and small form factor is dope as fuck, the only crutch is that it runs tapes but a post 2003ish model runs on tapes and offers all the same convenience. and theres always the option of using a capture rig for tape cams. that being said tho i dont plan on filming much skiing on tapes since it gets colder than a mf here, ive been saving up for a hvx so i dont have to deal with tapes.
4 years ago
1 0
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
mott...ive been saving up for a hvx so i dont have to deal with tapes.

My vx is tapeless. cost me 90$ if you wanna keep shooting on the sd setup... pm if you want the details
4 years ago
3 0
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mott
Posts: 259 - Karma: 2,106
tmwtrmashMy vx is tapeless. cost me 90$ if you wanna keep shooting on the sd setup... pm if you want the details

Ya ive thought about it forsure but i already have a stockpile of tapes going for the summer so id rather use em
4 years ago
1 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6505 - Karma: 75,422
Don’t go with the old style look. Kinda ruins the skiing if you ask me. Looks like absolute shit.
4 years ago
3 1
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
weastcoastDon’t go with the old style look. Kinda ruins the skiing if you ask me. Looks like absolute shit.

Buy me an hvx and ill stop shooting sd
4 years ago
3 0
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isaacwrong
Posts: 2444 - Karma: 19,566
weastcoastDon’t go with the old style look. Kinda ruins the skiing if you ask me. Looks like absolute shit.


Tru...what happened to the good ol days shootin 720p on a t2i...take me back to simpler time
4 years ago
2 0
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weastcoat
Posts: 6505 - Karma: 75,422
isaacwrongTru...what happened to the good ol days shootin 720p on a t2i...take me back to simpler time


Old style as in vx1000, tape cameras, hi-8, etc.
4 years ago
1 0
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mott
Posts: 259 - Karma: 2,106
weastcoastOld style as in vx1000, tape cameras, hi-8, etc.

honestly ive always fucked with standard def since it takes away the distractions and focuses solely on the skiing/skating. i do plan on buying a hd cam like an hvx or hmc for versatility and ease of use in the cold, but i cant see myself solely filming hd.
4 years ago
2 0
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vexed.complete
Posts: 23 - Karma: 443
Get a gh4 if you want to learn more about technical camera skills and want to possibly do film stuff for a career in the future. Get a zoom camera if all you want to do is capture skiing and could give a shit about the filmmaking world outside of skiing. The zoom is always way more versatile and you can just screw on a fish and you have every lens you'll need. Also, you'll get way better at filming skiing and focus more on just filming the skiing.

With the gh4 you'll find yourself getting distracted trying to find good compositions to make up that you can't stay zoomed and keep the skier in the frame. Honestly, both will make you a better filmmaker, just will give you strengths in different areas.

If you want to make non-action sport films in the future, get the Gh4, if you have no desire, the zoom is a good choice.
4 years ago
2 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
tmwtrmashmost larger skate groups have moved on from the shitty dad cam era. If you watch baker 4 you can tell they almost solely film on the nx100 and I'm guessing the xf400.

Although sd footage looks sick, its becoming more of a pain than its worth just keeping the 20-30 y/0 cameras goin. I recommend older sd cameras w/ a tapeless setup purely off of that OG style and affordability. I will admit my vx had plagued me w problems for a good 2 years before I went tapeless.


Beagle filmed most of baker 4 on a HVX with a xtreme fish and a GH4 with a meta bones adapter and canon fish
4 years ago
0 0
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
WoFlowzBeagle filmed most of baker 4 on a HVX with a xtreme fish and a GH4 with a meta bones adapter and canon fish


Ya. we kinda past vx prime. so expensive. but also auto killed it in his vid and used the vx perfectly. looked at one for parts and it was 250$. wtf. think its fx1 time

**This post was edited on Sep 3rd 2021 at 12:12:13am
4 years ago
1 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
tmwtrmashYa. we kinda past vx prime. so expensive. looked at one for parts and it was 250 from Japan. wtf. think its fx3 time


I’m actually really glad Baker 4 is all Hd along with Godspeed, IC3, and Dream2021Movieville along with most video parts now days being hd. P2 is expensive tho and those cameras are also older so IK a bunch of people have been filming with Song FS5s and 7s, and Panasonic UX90s, 180s and HCX1s since their new HD counter parts are almost just as expensive new or used. I still feel like VX still has a pet in skateboarding but it really depends on the skater and the filmer
4 years ago
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tmwtrmash
Posts: 149 - Karma: 1,065
WoFlowzI’m actually really glad Baker 4 is all Hd along with Godspeed, IC3, and Dream2021Movieville along with most video parts now days being hd. P2 is expensive tho and those cameras are also older so IK a bunch of people have been filming with Song FS5s and 7s, and Panasonic UX90s, 180s and HCX1s since their new HD counter parts are almost just as expensive new or used. I still feel like VX still has a pet in skateboarding but it really depends on the skater and the filmer


ya tbh I feel like I'm not doing it justice but its fun
4 years ago
1 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8103 - Karma: 64,483
tmwtrmashya tbh I feel like I'm not doing it justice but its fun


Oh well what can yah do. I like STANDS sd videos and some of Aaron Husak If I’m spelling that right. Along with This dude on IG Cowslaw… I don’t rly fuck with PDogs trv videos and a few or Aaron’s but I do like a bunch of their other stuff. Some of its just to blurry to watch. I defiently prefer HD when it comes to skiing tho, but if you’re videos are anything like above props to you
4 years ago
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