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With $2,199 the YAGH interface unit will cost you more than the GH4 camera itself ($1699). At least if the price unveiled by Phototools is correct.
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With $2,199 the YAGH interface unit will cost you more than the GH4 camera itself ($1699). At least if the price unveiled by Phototools is correct.
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63 Responses
I want one, but not for that price.
Wow, that just deflated a whole lot of excitement. Can’t possibly be right. Can it?
I believe this is a Panasonic move that benefits the consumer.
In the end we (the consumers) get cheaper cameras and the Pros pay for their extra needs.
Sure, now the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K looks like a better deal even though it’s a different beast, with limited versatility but better at it’s core use.
This thing is meant for professional setups, not Joe Schmoe shooting Vimeo bound flicks of cats and brats!
I was meeting a friend at B&H last week to help her pick out a new camera (she bought a GX7!) and hung out in the pro video section. Even some of the smaller cameras with all those XLR jacks and whatnot were well north of $10,000. Panasonic is busting open a segment of the market with the GH4 and this YAGH box. As a kit, at around $4000, it’s phenomenally inexpensive compared to other lower-end pro rigs!
This is great for M4/3!
+1
I hate this elitest attitude of “they charge too much because it’s not meant for you” or “go buy a ‘consumer grade’ GX7 and be happy”. The only point that should matter and the bottom line is their competition (Blackmagic) has an arguably far better product for much less. $2,200 just to add 10bit out, plus you still need a 4k recorder (+$2,300 Odyssey Q7) and two more battery SYSTEMS (maybe $100 more each). I never thought I would say this but Blackmagic’s 4k solution is looking a lot more practical and better designed; not to mention cheaper. Blackmagic already gives us 10bit 422 and Raw in a nice small $1000 camera package, maybe if this YAGH gave us 10bit 444 or 12bit Raw I would consider the extra cost ($2,200+$2,300+$200) but $6,400(added $1,700 for GH4) for 10bit 4K in an ugly bolted together clutter compared to the $3,000 BmPC with a Super 35 4k sensor, global shutter, internal 10bit 422, cheap media and cDNG in one unit for $1000 less I’d rather go with the BmPC 4k. Blackmagic was very smart to drop their price, it makes it a no brainer, and the extra $3,400 could go to a far better dedicated photo camera. It really is the end of “hybrid cameras” if this mess is the best they can do./end rant
When you state that; “The only point that should matter and the bottom line is their competition” . . . well, there ARE other factors that determine price, such as R&D, manufacturing cost, target user base etc.
At this price the GH4 and accessories are FAR less expensive than any “competition” . . . (honestly, this camera system has NO competition).
** fanboy translation: “FAR less expensive” means “WAY cheaper”
Well… guess I’m not going to be purchasing that any time soon, not until the necessary clients come along to justify this business purchase for me.
Still, can ignore that for now, and still be very excited by what the GH4 does alone by itself! 😀
By comparison to to Hollywood production that drops in with several trucks of gear and a crew the size of a small army, taking over a week for hardly a few minutes of footage, this is low budget. Big time.
But people have to be realistic. It is meant to be used in a controlled environment, or at the very least a planned one. Huge tripods or rigs, lights and reflectors, quality microphones and probably several team members behind the camera. $2200 may seem like a big overhead, but unless you are some sort of McGiver, its only a fraction of the big picture.
Yaghhhhhhh is right. Awful. If I can’t color correct etc in 4k what’s the point?
It’s a 4K for $4K kit.
I’m not an expert in this but from what I got to know about it and reading EOSHD, I think that Andrew’s estimate was about that but he had $2K each, but if this price is correct, it will benefit most people by having the camera for less. And from what I got, there goes a lot in this Interface Unit, it has some powerful stuff it’s not just an add on for amateurs and simple enthusiasts, this is to turn the GH4 in a different tool and it lets you get 4K 4:2:2 uncompressed via its HDMI out, something that is not possible in the microHDMI output fromt he camera itself.
It’s a bit more than I thought it would be, but I knew since I read about it that this was not really aimed for me anyway.
Don’t spread misinformation, please. The interface unit has SDI out which is a better connection, but the camera itself has the mini HDMI port which will also output 10bit 4-2-2 to an external recorder.
@Zeuss: Renato S. is actually correct. According to the official specifications the GH4 will not output 4K resolution with 4:2:2 in 10-bit to an external recorder through the on-board micro HDMI. In fact, it will only output 4K in playback mode and not in monitor-through which is what you would need to record 4K externally. When recording in 4K resolution the signal will automatically be down-converted to 1080p before it reaches the on-board HDMI. However, the GH4 will be able to output 1080p in 4:2:2 10-bit to an external recorder. So if 1080p is enough, then you will indeed be able to get 4:2:2 10-bit color depth. If you want a recordable 4K signal you will unfortunately need the DMW-YAGH addon.
Link to official specs (scroll down to HDMI and see monitor-through):
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras-dslm/dmc-gh4heb.specs.html
Both seem fairly priced for what they do. I didn’t think I’d want to upgrade my GH3, but the more i look at the specs on the GH4 the more I want one. I know I like the GM1 sensor more the the GH3 sensor, so I think the GH4 will be a nice step up.
muhahahahaha
Goodnight GH4. Blackmagic here I come.
+1
+1! I have a spreadsheet with these two cameras ( GH4 and BM4K ) and this just made the GH4 more expensive that the camera that records a better image! Crazy. Let’s see if this is confirmed.
You don’t actually need to buy the YAGH interface to use most of GH4’s capabilities. You don’t even need it for 10 bit 4:2:2 recording. An external recorder costing a fraction of that price can be plugged into the micro-HDMI output instead.
Indeed. People do not even seem to know what the YAGH interface does(can do) and when you’ll need it, and then they “think” it’s expensive. Ridiculous.
For XLR outs with phantom, sdi, monitor out, DC in… that would be incredibly over priced. And I know exactly what it is offering. And not offering, like battery.
Your point that you could just buy a recorder is kind of exactly the point! A $3000 4k recording solution with drives, etc also needs this adapter to have a real (10bit 4:2:2) benefit.
This particular sub-thread of people moving toward the BM4K just reflects that the GH4, YAGH and Odyssey 7Q adds up to about 2 BM4k cameras with Juiced link XLR inputs.
Not to insult, but you really need to check your math and your opinion about what the interface is. Regardless, you’re comparing two different classes of camera just because they both shoot 4K resolution. I think if anything, they really complement each other feature sets.
As far a “lone gun” independent filmmaker/videographer, you’re crazy if you think using the Blackmagic 4K camera will be easier and cheaper, than using a Panasonic GH4.
10bit 4K 422 with GH4= $6,200 ($1,700 for body + $2,200 for YAGH + $2,300 for Odyssey Q7)
12bit qHD cDNG or 10bit qHD 422 with BmPC 4K = $3,000
If you think slightly wider resolution is worth the lower color depth, sub-sampled resolution with messy more expensive solution, than good for you 🙂
Yeah, I saw that price yesterday too when you Google “Panasonic YAHG”, Samy’s Camera showed an add for that exact price on the Google shopping category. More than I’d like but who knows maybe it’ll drop a bit but I’ll still probably get it for the added features.
….wow
:/
I’m glad they at least made this interface an option, instead of adding some of the features to the camera to jack up the price, potentially dissuading even the most enthusiastic of prosumers.
I’m not put off by the cost of the “brick”. It’s not really needed for the level of work I do. This is still a great price for a great little camera. It does more than any camera in it’s range. It doesn’t have to match the BMPC 4K. IMO they are 2 different tools. THe BM4K is a production camera and the GH4 can be turned into one with the brick, but can also be a VERY well rounded walk around camera.
still nothing wrong price wise, but I just wonder who makes 4k productions here on the forum and lives from it.(but then again, same can be said about some some high end dslr’s)
Damn they just lost me. It’d be different if the interface had an SSD drive, but on top of
that price tag I still have to buy an external recorder, if I want to take full advantage of
this camera 🙁
Just guessing, but I imagine the $2,199 price tag is actually for the camera and interface unit as a kit sold together. If the camera retails for $1,699 then $500 extra sounds about right for the accessory.
This isn’t just wishful thinking – because I’ve gone off the idea of getting the camera anyway since I learned the camera doesn’t record 4:2:2 internally.
If you don’t need the 4K resolution, the 4K 4:2:0 internal recording can be down-sampled using your NLE to 1080 4:4:4 format, as 4K 4:2:0 contains the same color information as 1080 4:4:4. ( I may do this for some of my projects )
btw, what is the proper way to downsample, i’m afraid that it is not just “resize down”.
random quick googling:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1662034
Sounds like a possible workaround – but I need a broadcast standard HD file I can hand to the picture editor. I’m afraid downsampling 4K to HD would take too much time and hard drive space.
So get a Ninja and record 10 bit 4:2:2.
If the entire set up was sitting in a studio – then fine. But I would not lug around three different components with cables, batteries and wireless mikes etc hanging off it for run n gun work.
Again, I’ll say it again – pity no internal 10bit 4:2:2 recording.
And it’s not like it’s not possible – think Blackmagic pocket camera.
I’ll wait for the AF200, but why in 2014 can we NOT have a DSLR type camera with 4:2:2 internal recording? We’re getting all excited about 4K and still – ever since the 5DMKII – no one has made this possible.
There are plenty of “Broadcast Standard” cameras out there, go use one.
Already do – but need something like the GH4 for certain jobs.
If you can make money with it, the price isn’t bad, I suppose. You’d likely pay for it quickly, and I’d be surprised if people who buy it won’t have multiple camera bodies to go with it.
For a professional piece of equipment it is not too expensive. But it is simply a bad design.
We all rely on 15mm rod system to mount our follow focus and matte box. The 15mm rod standard mandates that the lens center must be 65mm above the rods. With this huge chunk hanging at the bottom of the camera there is no way to mount the camera on 15mm rods without the lens being too high.
The GH cameras are like an excellent Swiss Army knife. It is great as a multipurpose camera. It is amazing for its compact size, and it has almost achieved perfection in form factor. But as soon as we try to specialize it in a certain department with add-ons it loses it’s edge.
I would rather just stay with a standalone GH4 for gun and run and high speed. For the rest I will use a blackmagic camera.
Well, you’ve just spoken like a Pro.
Let’s see if anyone heard.
I was under impression that YAGH had it’s own rods and sockets for them? I might be wrong but I think I saw pictures somewhere demonstrating this feature… http://static.filmmakermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/25-GH4.jpg
interesting observation. I hope that’s true.
But it doesn’t take away from the fact that being tied to an external recorder is always clumsy and it will always cause trouble on the set. I’d rather go with internal recording.
That is the price with the unit. The unit alone sells for $499.99.
how do u know?
Makes more sense.
I would be surprised if that would turn out to be the real price. The GH4 body being priced at $1600, I would think that $2199 is an adequate price for the GH4+YAGH interface combo. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking…
I must say even coming from a broadcast background – I’m a bit surprised how much people are prepared to pay for an accessory like this. In my mind it appears to actually cripple the camera (too big – needs external power as well as an expensive add-on recorder like an Atomos Samurai Blade just to get professional quality video and audio.)
For audio, I think people would be better off with something like a Tascam DR60.
This is a fantastic camera but coupled with the interface unit – it just seems a bit clumsy.
I want to be convinced, but I’m struggling.
+1
Seriously, Mr. Broadcast? This coming from the land of the $7,000 EVFs and thirty pound camera bodies that cost more than a new car.
Yep.
It really depends if you need the external connections. I think it is a fair deal of $3,900 for GH4+DMC-YAGH for the pro-features you need.
I wonder if there will be third party options or if they are keeping the interface proprietary? I could see an XLR only add on being very popular.
4k 10bit total’ish:
Odyssyey7Q + YAGH + GH4
2300 + 1600 + 2200 = $6100 + cards, minimum more like $7000-8000
For $7-8k, it is nothing for professionals.
but if you are just a hobbyist, GH2, GH3 or GH4 alone is more than enough.
+1000 . . . You nailed it!
If that price is correct, that’s way too expensive especially considering the Blackmagic 4K Production Camera has just had a massive price cut
Perhaps Panasonic FORCED that massive price cut by Black Magic with the introduction of the GH4 for half the price!!!
Can we getting some simple 2 channel XLR input with phantom power for about $200? please please panasonic!
Haha gas geeks blowing a fuse because something they don’t understand and could never use costs a couple of grand…
+1
FYI,
4k, 10bit, Pal 25, prores, 60min
=420Gb file size
Think about it people…
Source
http://www.hdslr-cinema.com/tools/filesize.php?w=4096&h=2160&d=108&fps=25.000&cust_fps=&s=60
The price is nothing compare to existing similar pro rig, It still a huge bargain…
Agree on that.
But I don’t like to be fooled this way. Why should I pay 2K for just a small piece of button and connector, Is this worth it?
Or just the extension board can cost the same than the camera itself? Is Panasonic try to get some money back at one point overpricing accessories?
If I look at similar grip history from other brand, I let 6 month before cheap Chinese copies flood over for 1/4 of the price or hacker getting their hands on it to make extension board on their own.
It’s a bad news for Panasonic pro use and putting back the BMC in the race.
Yes, this is an overpriced accessories for what inside.
Does anybody know if the Yacutan GH4 film was shot with or without the YAGH box? Thanks.
Actually I have just double checked and it he says he is just carrying the camera bodies.