Can someone find a good reason why Panasonic has removed AFS from 4k/6k photo?

@JackBayer ok. Still a lovely camera, just shot with the GH5 and the other camera guy had an a7r ii. I was on VLogL and matching seems quite easy to fix.

@JackBayer I don't understand. Can the A7sii not downconvert to 1080 when recording internally to 4k? I'm not a Sony user, so I haven't run into that issue. Sad that such an amazing camera (a7s ii) is let down by something like this.

@JackBayer yup no problem for what you want. 4k 10bit 422 internal recording -> HDMI 1080p monitoring. Both GH5 and HDMI screen active. (just tested it then)

Is that what you were interested in knowing?

Since they have already said they are adding tethering support in a future update it should in theory be possible to control focus etc over USB. You can do that from lightroom with tether supported cameras.

@smoke23 charging isn't on my 'must have list' as its super simple to get a battery pack adapter. Thank you for talking with Panasonic and discussing this with them, this is really an area that could get exciting! (and finally I can buy the 12mm 1.4 Panasonic lens without feeling that I can't focus it!)

We should all aim to let them know what we think can be made better, as its great to be able to have such a capable camera in a small package.

What Panasonic needs to realize is that the GH5/6 should be aimed at professionals, it can also be a great crash cam, small space camera etc... It really does deserve to be in the Varicam lineage as a compact form advanced photo/video device. Larger cameras (such as Varicam / RED / Alexa / Ursa will always have a place in market) but to have such a powerful device in a small-compact package is truly useful for professionals.

Anyway, what would be the point of 'prosumer' devices if pros don't use them anyway?

On anther note, I know friends that use Sony exclusively that were quite blown away by the GH5's simplicity of use and advanced usability features (HDMI - scopes - 10bit etc).

GH5 could use the joystick to drive focus motor. It would be easier and steadier to use manual focus.

@alcomoser The focus transition feature is really smooth:https://instagram.com/p/BTmX6O0BW1I/

You might be onto something. I went to NAB and had a chance to talk to Matt Frazer from Panasonic. He mentioned they may be doing more with the USB 3 port in a future firmware upgrade. He said charging, unfortunately wasn't possible, but some type of lanc control for Panasonic lenses would be great!

Just finished my first filming with GH5, have to say that VLogL seems to have come a long way, and noise is really not that much of a problem. Is anyone else a bit in-love with whites and inky blacks on the GH5 or is it just me?

Things I like:

• Noticeably better in-camera recording (basically no issues with light grading with correct WB)
• Better colour
• Better rolling shutter (negligible)
• Focus Transition (actually a really usable feature)
• Usability (Full size HDMI etc- menus etc)

Room for improvement:

• VLog-L in-camera clip playback (played back log clips are not displayed with LUT)
• 60p 4k is only 8bit 420? (pleeze Panasonic lets get it the same as the rest of the modes)
• VFR makes video look like lego-land. (way too much pixel skipping)
• Auto-focus is just not working for me

Suggestions:

• Better manual focus control of Panasonic Glass (USB tethered Follow Focus?)
• Allow VFR to do a 1920x1080 windowed mode (similar to Blackmagic) to negate pixel skipping) I don't mind if its cropped in even further due to the windowing- but at least this would make it usable for professional work.
• Higher bit-rate than 400mbps (or use h265 for those high-end modes)
• Allow quick switching between LUTs in VLog-L (custom function button)

I was out in a wetlands park this weekend snapping a few pics and taking a few movies. When I returned home, I noticed that some of the movies contained an intermittent, but very prominent "scratchy" sound in the audio track - even where there was low ambient noise. I thought it might be wind or an issue with the limiter, but the audio tracks on some clips were perfectly fine. I'm reviewing the clips now to try and see if I can isolate the behavior.

Anyone experience this?

@joe1946

The moon shot is fabulous!

@Fost

Yes, I agree. However currently we only get 'fly by wire' control of Panasonic native glass. (so I think LANC control would only give us more 'fly by wire' as opposed to responsive speed control - like a real manual focus ring).

The good news is however that Focus Transition in the GH5 has let the cat out of the bag. Panasonic 'can' control the focus of native glass very well, but decided to give us a very strange way of accessing it. (I do like it however, just wish there was full manual control as well).

If Panasonic were able to publish the lens focus and zoom controls over USB 3.1 that would just be the best! However I am not sure if they would do that to help other manufacturers make awesome follow focus controls? (it would sell more Panasonic glass however, and considering the GH5 is a good seller from what I can tell, this may be a good thing.)

First they would most probably have to make a custom follow focus control unit. Tilta is a good place to look for inspiration.

Honestly with a computerised lens, I really don't understand why they haven't done this already, as it is really necessary for video, which is a major selling point of the GH5 system anyway.