Also Panasonic Manager Ichiro Kitao has been interviewed at DC.watch (google translation here). Here are some key info:
– One of the key are of that needs improvement is connectivity with smartphones.
– Yes, the compact camera market is shrinking but High magnification zoom compact cameras are still selling fine (read Panasonic FZ series).
– What’s changing now in the mirrorless interchangeable market is that we see a shift towards more pro products (read Sony A7-A7r). Initially mirrorless cameras were not sees as “professional” tools. Now that perception is changing.
– The key development areas to make better mirroless cameras are : Imaging processor, sensor and EVF.
– The GH3 is particularly popular among people who shoots videos.
– A GH with 4K is likely to come within 2014
In Summary: Guys, start saving your money for the GH 4K camera 🙂
76 Responses
Personally, I have no need of a GH 4K camera. But I’m glad they are producing it!
Neither do I. I’m very happy with FullHD made from full sensor readout, thank you!
And my feeling is the Industry doesn’t either…
This is just the Megapixel race re-enacted.
I want 4K video for 2 reasons:
(1) As a way of aquiring still images, it could work like a burst mode that captures 30 stills per second for as long as you want. Of course 4K raw video and high image quality become important if you want each frame to be developable as a first-rate still.
(2) If you are ever shooting and editing HD video that needs to deliver at 1080P, you want the same creative freedom in editing video that you have in editing stills, such as the freedom to crop, straighten, lens-correct, and post-stabilize shots during editing, without visibly compromising your final product. For stills or video, I’d never want to shoot at the bare minimum resolution at which the final product needs to be delivered, or else I’d lose all the freedom I’m used to having in post.
Put a *GOOD* EVF in the GH4, to not mess up the effort this time.
Actually, put a Better EVF in it than all other DSLRs, plus at least some CONTROL over it’s gain-up for God’s sake, and the GH will regain some respect, and sales.
Surely surely surely if you are *that* into video work you would get a specialist video camera?
Sounds like this is a specialist ILC video camera….
A specialist large sensor video camera is more expensive. The GH series is a small form factor with a sensor many times larger than the usual “dedicated video camera” sensor size.
There are many dedicated specialist video cameras with S35 / APS-C sized sensors.
So no, I do not think a m4/3 sensor is “too big”, neither do I think it is too small, it is just right! 😉
It looks like 4k is here to stay. Yet more spending on better computer, monitor and cameras ahhhhhhhh when will this stop hehe!!!
What about the “real” GH3 successor ?
This will likely kill the GH line, 4K has as much future as 3D television, sale are dropping like a stone.
4K doesn’t need only 4K tv sets to be worthwhile, as filming in 4K for 1080 output can be quite worthwhile. (reframing and zooming in post for instance, high quality HD, etc)
Still a waste of R@D money in my eyes, they still need to make a decent stills camera.
They do have a decent -No, Great stills camera. The GX7.
The GH3 is an excellent stills camera. Only someone who’s never used one would think otherwise.
I suppose all the money Panasonic spends on R&D for new televisions and the million and one other things Panasonic makes is also all wasted R&D and every penny should go towards the next still camera???
I don’t see the problem with having a flagship with very good video specs. For the actual gh3 successor they don’t need to make many video related changes and can instead focus on image quality etc.
I personally think, the GH series moved, to where 95% of the buyers used it only for video. If they’re going to keep the G series, make the GH3 in the G6 size, with a weak AA filter, so people can still get great stills use out of it as well as video. And use the GX7 sensor, of course.
95% *only* use their GH3 for video???? I’m calling total B.S. on that statement. Waaay over estimate.
4K is fine , great achievement in video .
But I believe all the readers here are more consent in Still . It seen that Pana have no real direction to go in Still Imaging . What I want to hear is a 18 megapixels or even higher sensors are on it’s way or a DR sensor achieved 13 EV since an organic sensor is still too early to mention .
You would me wrong Yun. I use GH2’s for video (and some stills). It’s fine to have priorities, just don’t expect everyone else to share them.
I have a GH2 and GX7 and primarily shoot stills.
Rather than crank up the megapixels, I’d rather see marked improvements in 16MP sensors, as they’ve done with the GX7, rather than add megapixels and potentially take a step backward in dynamic range, etc. because of smaller, more densely packed pixels.
Agreed, I’m fine with a 16megapixel camera (heck, even 8mexapixels even would be fine in a more video focussed one. I still use my Nikon D50 which has even less!). I’d rather they focus on great dynamic range, better low light, etc
I’m not interested in 4K either. How do I share what I shoot?
Thank goodness they’re thinking about – Imaging processor, sensor and EVF.
The EVF on the GH3 is awful for video work.
Please at least give us HD broadcast specs like ProRes422, an XLR adapter and SDI out.
+10,000 for ProRes422!
If the Black Magic Pocket Cinema camera has ProRes422 at $1,000 then I can’t see why Panasonic can’t deliver a version of their own 2K broadcast codec at x3 the price.
Tim, I mostly agree with your assessment except…. the BMPCC is a “beta” camera while whatever Panasonic makes is intended as a final polished product. This means a significant price difference, and often a lag between the two in terms of the cutting edge tech that can be offered.
You share 4k footage the same way you share 16+ MP stills. You scale it down for web distribution. Just because you’re only sharing 2MP still image online, doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to a 2MP camera. You’ll shoot 10,12,16 or any MP camera and scale down, and you’ll see a HUGE improvement over native 2MP. With 4k video footage you’ll scale it down to a brilliant looking 1080p, exceeding the quality of most native 1080p cameras.
I am of course comparing only definition right now, other aspects are important, but we’re talking about equal specs comparing 4k and 1080p source footage.
All common displays will eventually be 4k. Just as you can’t buy a standard definition TV now in any common size. Prepare for the future, when someone is viewing your footage 5-10 years from now.
We all understand the future proofing thing and scaling down etc. My point is that it’s a shame if we skip over an immediately usable, viewable HD codec like ProRes 422 just to then be given 4K in another crappy codec like AVCHD.
Except part of the reason the GH3 is so popular amongst video enthusiasts is for the specific fact that it’s one of the viable options that provides high bit rate *non* AVCHD as an option!
Why are they pushing 4K when all we’ve ever needed is an HD broadcast codec.
he Admin,
Where in the interview is written: more pro products, read Sony A7?
4K sampled down to HD looks as good as HD RAW, so combine that with the new H265 codec and it makes a lot of sense for people with an interest in making more than family clips. The sampling down to HD can be done in camera like the binning in the GM1 or it can be done in software where you also get the option to crop and stabilise.
It is a big deal, and it doesn’t mean you need to watch 4k, it still has huge advantages for 1080p HD.
I expect that the new codec AVC H.265 to be supported along with the 4K video plus full read-out sensor is a must to make it as a complement enhancement.
in addition to these, it would be great if it could support 4K@60/fps, 1080P@120/fps, 720p@240/fps
in addition to above it would be a killer if the sensor would support global-shutter 🙂
What I really like is the last line from that interview, when talking about small lenses to match the GM1:
” I believe if only this, that there is no need to make a compact series separately, but since I intend to make several single-focus lens with a ring aperture, I think they look good.”
I take this as meaning there will be more than one prime like the 15/1.7. Cool!
To speculate further: 15mm is about 22.5mm equiv. (in 35mm terms) on an APSC. I wonder if these new lenses will cover the new Leica mirrorless sensor as well?
I can’t see them using a micro four thirds mount, if that is what you are suggesting?
No, what I am suggesting is that the new Pana Leica lenses may also cover an APSC image circle. So Leica can use the same lens with their own mount, on an APSC sensor. Saves R&D costs for both parties, and opens up the possibility of PL lenses for NEX as well….
And you lose on size and weight. To cover a 3:2 APS-C sensor you need a MUCH LARGER image circle than to cover a 4:3 m43 sensor (imagine the circle encompassing the corners in this image and see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg )
Not gonna happen, especially not for the small pancakes.
@dav, you may be right, but I’m not so sure. For example: Sigma aren’t known for making super small lenses, but their APSC capable lenses don’t look ridiculous in a m43 mount.
Leica M mount lenses are quite slender compared to similar focal length FF AF lenses, so it would be a reasonable aim to keep similar sizes when designing for APSC and AF.
And remember, we’re probably not talking pancakes here, the 15/1.7mock-up is a traditionally proportioned lens.
The upcoming 15mm was definitely not designed for any sensor larger than m4/3. Leica will be making their own primes for their own system. Panasonic might be making the zooms however. This had already been stated by Leica.
It is a fanciful wish you have going there, but don’t count on any m4/3 lenses being adapted to whatever new camera system Leica comes out with.
I hope they do make more compact lenses for the GM1. I just hope they don’t forget the other end. m43 is still missing a 300mm prime.
Steve, I still believe that Panasonic need to join the PDAF party before they produce a fast long telephoto, either zoom or prime.
To get real: who will spend several thousand dollars on a “sports” lens that can’t handle sports or birds?
You’re living in the past. The latest Panasonics (GH3, G6, GX7)are already better at C-AF than many PDAF systems, including Sony’s on-chip system.
The C-AF on all mFT lenses is woeful time for some blurry shots of a tortoise to prove me wrong lol
Not better than the E-M1 though, in C-AF. Please provide some proof if you disagree, rather than a random opinion. I’m happy to be disproved, will save me some cash!
My hopes are the reference to more lenses designed for the GM series and the fact he is showing off the GM1 is an indication that there will be other GM models in the works with EVF and top control wheel ie smaller than the GX7. I can easily see a Pany Black Magic camera since the GM1 sensor already is 4K enabled even if the processor isn’t. If you look at Panys patent model, Pany could use the existing revolutionary small body shell design of the GM1 with its innards but add a 0.3″ higher top to accomodate a small EVF and hotshoe. Note by using a 16:9 3″ screen the height of the LCD would decrease 0.2″ making at least 0.5″ height space to fit the EVF. Note Pany is reportedly using a small 0.21″ OLED 3m dot viewfinder for the coming GH4k. So as well as a full sized GH4K there may be a mini GM2 one as extra space may enable a larger heat sink required. What do you think?
Further to my above suggestion. Pany could easily design a small grip with more depth on bottom to provide space for much higher capacity battery as well as large heat sink required for HD video 1080P at 60fps or 4k.
Keeping all the other dimensions of the GM1 the same but growing out the grip (but not sideways! Keep the width the same of course) could be a nice direction to go in for the future. As the lens is already making it larger in that direction anyway, so shouldn’t make it much less pocketable if at all.
Does “single-focus” lens mean a prime lens, or does it mean an actual fixed focus lens ?
Can’t imagine any firm making a fixed focus lens with an aperture ring, can you? So I assume it refers to prime (single focal length).
I think Panasonic should name this 4K system something other than the GH line.
To me GH means affordable for the enthusiast.
GX7 did not suffer from GX1 not being in the same league.
Enthusiast videographers won’t give much of a thought whether its called GH, GK or anything else..
Agree
IE agree with Atlasman
I disagree with Milt agreeing with Atlasman
I think the G line will replace what is now the GH1/2/3 line. The GH4 will become the even more video oriented model. With the GM1 out now, I don’t see room for the GF line anymore either.
GM# (very small pocket camera/compact replacement), GX# (rangefinder series), G# (for stills) and GH# (for video)
The plastic GF line can be made at far lower cost than the GM and GX models.
I half agree with you there perhaps. Because just look at the G6, is seen by many as the successor to the GH2 rather than the GH3.
The G6 is a meaning video making machine, if only it had live HDMI out during recording and another audio jack for monitoring then you’d be damn close to perfect for filmmaking on a budget!!!
Who has a pc capable of editing 4k, I don´t!
I will prefer a GH4 that could compare on image Dynamic Range to the original Blackmagic with the 2.5k of resolution too, improved lowlight performance and some sort of XLR add on as the Sony XLR-K1M, right now 4K is a kind of overkill, and more when the GH series has been a 2 years replacement line, my guess is the 4K is for a more professional oriented series as the AF.
My two cents
I agree that they need to show dynamic range that advances toward the BMC, along with better low light capability than the current GH3 if they want to be successful out of the gate with this cam (especially at 3-4x higher price). Delivering overcranking @ 96-120 FPS in HD would probably be the biggest of all selling points but it has not yet shown up in any specs. 4K rez at lower frame rates just has very limited appeal on its own. I suppose it could have some impact for those considering paying $15K for a 1DC, but those types of people are usually suckers for sensor size and Canon branding above all else.
4k camera means “when i hack this shit, it’ll give me 200mb/s”
i see a lot of aplication to it, even doing 120fps at 1080p
I don’t care about 4K, RAW and other marketing figures. Give me some basic functionality that every other brand has: AF/AE Lock button working while recording video! It’s 2013. Y u no has it, Panasonic?
Y U NO use manual focus?
Pro Tip: Shoot in manual mode and lock down exposure, ISO, and focus yourself……..
Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a 200-inch screen 8K? My friends all watch 65-inch plasma Panasonic sets, mine is only 50 2K! 🙂
OFF TOPIC: Question, IF Canon were to take the guts of a 7D with an updated sensor, and stuff it into a body the size of their EOS M camera, what would you all think?
Because the same DC watch interviewed a Canon rep, who said Canon is considering a prosumer/professional mirrorless camera.
Why not ask that question on the Canon rumours site? If I wanted to know about Canon, that’s where I would go. If I wanted to troll, I’d ask it here.
It is going to use the same big lenses they already have. No Thanks.
I might be interested in a body only if it is full frame for my Canon FD lenses though.
A less noisy sensor is what I would love to see in the next GH camera. Add to that great looking SOOC jpgs. I’d be a happy man.
This is an interesting interview. I would like to read it in a better translation. Where might we find one, admin?
Cinescopophilia gear blog read another interview in very broken english this way: 4k is coming in 2015…
http://cinescopophilia.com/the-year-after-next-that-is-how-we-read-the-gh4k-panasonic-camera/
Would be nice to read both interviews properly translated though.
In this interview, Panasonic says 4k is coming in 2014.
Ichiro Kitao (Panasonic Digital Still Camera division manager) says;
I have already seen some rumors on the Internet; “GH4K is released next year!” And I have already declared openly, “Panasonic develops (will start a bussiness) the camera that 4K recording is possible” So if the 4K camera is released in the year after next (2015), it’s no good, is it?
Therefore I’m going to release it in the next year (in time for the end of 2014).
Cheers Tago
And after 4K is established as the next format everybody here saying they don’t need it will start madly rushing to get into it. Typical. Why do people in this forums complain so much? As a professional in this business I love innovation. And if that innovation is of benefit to me I embrace it. If it isn’t I still like to be informed about it.
I need 240fps in 1080p more than 4k