There is a pattern continuing to develop among mirrorless cameras, and it's their emphasis on video modes. Of course, that doesn't take away their responsibility to take excellent photographs, but there is no doubt that users demand higher quality in motion capture and higher resolutions. Last week we were very satisfied with the Fujifilm X-T3, and today we'll take a closer look at one of its direct competitors, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5.
At one time we believed that 4K video was madness, something absurd. I admit that I will always prefer a well-executed 1080p to a half-implemented 4K, but that resolution is already among us, and the public wants more of it. Despite the enormous effort in storage and loading times, more and more YouTubers are adopting 4K, and if you want to be part of that journey or preserve memories with extreme quality, you'll need hardware up to the task. The good news is that the market has a very interesting price segmentation. If you want to record 4K for an average of 800-850 euros, the Sony Alpha A6300 will help you achieve it. If your budget is more limited, the 4Kp30 of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 doesn't disappoint. However, the best of the best is manifested in the 2,000 euro range, and one of the most sought-after cameras there is the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5.
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5: Video, Video, Video
Announced originally in January 2017, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 features a Four Thirds sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels, accompanied by the Venus Engine 10 image processor. ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 25,600 with a lower Boost of 100, while shutter speeds go from 1/16,000 (electronic) to 60 seconds. The main LCD screen is touch-sensitive, tilting, and measures 3.2 inches with 1.62 million dots. In contrast, the OLED electronic viewfinder provides 100 percent coverage and a total of 3.68 million dots, which translates to a 25 percent extra resolution when compared to the GH4's viewfinder.
The autofocus of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 is based on a series of 225 contrast-detect points with DFD (Depth-from-Defocus) technology. The final Burst performance depends on the chosen mode, but if you're thinking about continuous autofocus, the speed is about 9 FPS. However, that's half the story. The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 gives us access to very interesting functions, among which 1080p recording at 180 frames per second stands out. If you love slow motion, you definitely want to try this. At the same time, the 6K Photo Mode enables the capture of "6K" frames derived from video at 18 megapixels at 30 FPS, or 4K at 60 FPS. Applied at the right moment, these modes will ensure that nothing escapes your lens.
Video deserves a separate chapter, and we're not exaggerating. Recording modes range from standard 1080p24 in 8-bit 4:2:0 to an impressive 4096 x 2160 pixels in 10-bit 4:2:2 at 24 FPS with a bitrate of 400 Mbps. To access the coveted 4Kp60 (technically 59.94 FPS), you need to "drop" to 150 Mbps and 8-bit 4:2:0, but once you see it in action, you'll be blown away. Add to this the anamorphic modes of capture, which allow the use of unusual resolutions such as 3328 x 2496 or 4992 x 3744 pixels, so that shots taken with lenses that have a very wide horizontal angle of view fit completely into the sensor.
Obviously, none of this would be possible without a robust storage solution, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 responds with two SD slots that we can manage at will. Panasonic has stated that using high-speed cards is not mandatory, but if you truly want those 400 megabits per second in 4K, you need a medium capable of writing at least 50 MB/s, and the best candidates are cards under the V60 standard or similar. There's no room for improvisation here. We're talking about 3 gigabytes per minute of recorded video, and compatible cards are hardly below 60 euros. For instance, you might look for cards identified by the codes "IM712518125,IM713363808".
The final files can be gigantic, and Panasonic decided to leave no loose ends by incorporating 5 GHz WiFi ac connectivity, with the aim of copying videos out of the mirrorless at the highest possible speed. (Ed. Note: For more technical information, feel free to refer to the manual. I also recommend keeping an eye on firmware updates, because Panasonic has done a good job with them.)
Accessories for Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
Just for its impressive performance in the video category, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 justifies the 2,000 euros on its price tag. To that we must add a solid magnesium alloy body, sealed against dust, liquids, and freezing, and as we can see above, a quality in photos that doesn't lag behind despite its priorities. Even so, every camera needs the company of a good accessory package, and thinking about the GH5, we've come across this selection of items.
Batteries and Power
With an average of 410 shots per full charge, the battery of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 is relatively standard, but if you want to fill those memory cards to the max with 4K video, slow motion, and other effects, it's not a bad idea to look for a backup inspired by two official products. On one hand, we have the Panasonic DMW-BGGH5E grip, which optimizes the grip of the mirrorless in a vertical position, and has room for an extra battery. On the other hand, we have the original DMW-BFL19 module, with 1,860 mAh and 7.2V. With the grip and two batteries in the configuration, your mirrorless will be almost unbeatable.
Tripods and Supports
Even though mirrorless cameras are known for their compact design, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 can become very heavy, especially if we install the official grip. Fortunately, that doesn't make it an impossible camera to use, and its in-body stabilization system works within expectations, but there will always be those extreme low-light cases that require a more stable position. That's when a tripod for the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 comes into the equation, and among those with the best price-performance ratio, we stay with the Gloxy GX-T6662A, which is 1.6 meters tall and has a load capacity of 10 kilograms. In contrast, if your priority is a compact support, the Clampod Takeway T1 has everything you're looking for, from maximum load to price.
Backpacks and Bags
If the plan is to squeeze everything the basic kit of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 with its Leica 12-60 lens has to offer, then you won't need much in terms of transport. For cases like that, one of the best alternatives is the Vanguard Discover 22 bag, with dedicated spaces for two lenses, a flash, and even a tablet. On the other hand, if you're not willing to make compromises, the safe bet is to adopt a Gloxy Pro AW backpack, with a customizable interior and a waterproof cover to protect all your secondary accessories.
Flashes
Just like with other cameras of the same level, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 doesn't come with a built-in flash, so you'll have to battle any light deficit using its hot shoe. Fortunately, the compatible options in flashes are not very expensive. The first we've chosen today is the Meike MK-320 flash, which weighs just 150 grams, changes angle easily, its LCD screen helps us configure it faster, and includes a diffuser. In the official territory, all eyes are on the Panasonic DMW-FL200LE flash. You can use it as a torch if necessary, and in wireless mode via WiFi. A bit more expensive, but worth it for its extras. For reference, products with codes "0713278336,IM713093838" are among the compatible options.
Lenses
The virtues of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 in video recording force us to look at another kind of lens. While nothing will stop you from pointing a Gloxy telephoto lens upward or capturing action scenes, the idea is to take advantage of the available modes and experiment with them. Our first recommended lens is the Samyang V-DSLR 10mm T3.1, an ultra-wide-angle specially designed for video sessions, with a 93.4-degree angle, low dispersion, and a minimum focusing distance of 24 centimeters. My second suggestion is based on a Samyang 7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye. Some believe the fisheye is a simple toy, but in the hands of a master, incredible things can emerge. 180 degrees of angle, weighs less than 200 grams, and begs for a date with the GH5.
Without a doubt, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 is one of the queens of video recording. From 4Kp60 to 180 FPS slow motion at 1080p, through 400 Mbps and Photo 6K, you'd need very, very specific (and extreme) requirements to end up disappointed with this mirrorless. A highly recommended purchase, as long as the economy helps. Good luck!
