The GH4 vs GH5 battle rages on. Especially for folks who already own the GH4. Panasonic claims it is going to change the landscape with the launch of the GH5 but many filmmakers are skeptical. Is it worth making the upgrade to the GH5 so you can reap the benefits of the new features? What new features will be available with the new camera?
I still have a Panasonic GH4 and it’s what I really got started on as a filmmaker. Check out my filmmaking gear list here (it’s an old list).
Which camera offers the best video quality? Below, you’re going to learn more about both cameras so you can find out which one is going to be right for you.
GH4 vs GH4: Which has the best video?
Video producers who intend to create high-quality videos for YouTube and other platforms will want the camera that offers the best video quality. Ultimately, you’ll want to stick with the Panasonic GH5. While it is slightly more expensive than the alternative, it’ll prove to be worth it. With the GH4 vs GH5, your options are limited since you can only film full HD video at 96fps. Price wise, the GH4 is much cheaper.
Although they look similar, with the Panasonic GH5, you’ll be able to enhance your video with a maximum FPS rating of 180. More importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of 4K video recording with 60fps. You can also choose from an assortment of video formats including MOV, AVCHD, MP4, and others. With the GH5, you can set different frequencies as well.
Best Color? GH4 vs GH5
Getting a precise color can make a world of difference in your videos and pictures. This is why serious photographers and filmmakers will want to strongly consider making the switch to the GH5. It will offer gorgeous pictures in greater details thanks to the upgrade to 10-bit color. This is far better than the 8-bit alternative that you’re going to get with the GH4 vs GH5.
This guarantees that the camera will be able to accurately capture more colors. With the GH4, you will be able to capture 16.7 million colors. With the GH5, the number will reach more than 1 million. Suffice to say, the latter ensures that you’re going to receive the most accurate colors when filming your next short film. If you want the best color quality possible, you’ll want to buy the GH5.
4K Video And 6K Photo
Most filmmakers are interested in shooting the highest quality videos possible. Many are not going to be happy with standard 1080p. If you fit into this category and you’re looking for more, you’ll want to make the switch to the Panasonic GH5 since it offers unlimited 4k recording. With many digital cameras, you’ll only be able to record 4K video for 30 minutes or so. This is not the case with the GH5. It offers unlimited 4K video recording so you will face no limitations.
Another thing to note is that the new camera offers a 6K photo mode. This is going to make a big difference when shooting photographs. By upgrading to the GH5, you’ll be able to capture short bursts of 6K video at 30 frames per second. Once you’ve done that, you can extract 18-megapixel frames so you can add the images to your masterpieces at a later time.
The Sensor
As you should know, the camera’s sensor will make a huge difference. With a bigger sensor, you’ll be able to get more done and you’ll receive better results. The quality will be excellent since you’ll be able to see the fine details. The GH5 is equipped with the Digital Live Mos 20.3 sensor. It features a no anti-aliasing filter so you can get the best quality possible.
Whether you’re going to be creating documentaries, short films, or something else, you can guarantee that the GH5 is going to deliver the most remarkable results.
User Experience
When a new camera is released, you’ll want to make sure that the new camera offers the best experience. The flaws associated with the last model should be rectified in the new camera. Panasonic promises that consumers are going to find a lot of improvements over the GH4 vs GH5. For instance, the GH5 ensures that professional users will be able to navigate the settings and features more conveniently. For instance, users will be able to see more items on a page. The order and position of the items have been designed much better too.
You’ll also be able to categorize the Custom set-up menu for a better overall experience. If you’re trying to get the best user experience possible, you’ll want to bite the bullet and buy the Panasonic GH5.
Camera Stabilization
You likely suffer from shaky hands and this can reduce the quality of your videos and images. If this is a problem you deal with regularly, you’ll want to buy a camera with good image stabilization features. While the GH4 is good in this category, it does not have sensor stabilization. Instead, it takes advantage of optical image stabilization on certain lenses. The GH5 is equipped with 2nd gen Dual IS 2. This means that you’ll be able to benefit from optical and sensor stabilization.
In total, there are 5 stops of adjustment so you can get the steadiest videos. While it is tough to be positive, there is a good chance that the GH5 camera’s stabilization will pave the way for better pictures and handheld videos. If you’re going to be shooting a lot of handheld videos without a gimbal or tripod, you’ll want to buy the GH5.
Viewfinder And Monitor
Whether you’re shooting videos or taking pictures, you’ll need to use the viewfinder and monitor. This makes it easy to shoot gorgeous pictures and videos quickly and conveniently. With the GH4, you’ll find yourself using a screen with 0.67x magnification and 2.36 million dog OLED. The GH5 camera’s monitor is far better. It comes with 3.68 million dots putting it far above the competition. The magnification is slightly improved topping out at 0.76x.
As for the touch-sensitive monitor, the GH5 camera’s is a bit larger. Simultaneously, it is believed that the monitor will be more responsive than that of the GH4. Therefore, the user should be able to adjust the settings without pounding on the screen. A quick push with your fingertip should do the trick.
Camera Size
You likely enjoy shooting videos everywhere you go. Doing so ensures you have plenty of b-roll footage for your upcoming projects. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a compact camera. Both cameras are compact and easy to transport but the GH4 is slightly better in this category. The GH5 is a bit bigger but this offers one benefit. It ensures that the user can benefit from a new battery grip. You should also know that the GH5 will feature a new AF joystick and the Record button is now located at the top.
You’re also going to appreciate the fact that the GH5 camera features two SD card slots. If you want to separate video and image files, you’ll want to buy the newer camera since it can use two cards simultaneously.
Autofocus Capabilities
Both the GH4 and GH5 have integrated Autofocus (AF) Technology. The Depth for Defocus (DFD) Technology is state-of-the-art, as it utilizes contrast-detection to ensure reliability, speed, and perfection. With that said, there are two very common downsides to DFD Technology. One of the downsides is it does not work well when utilized to capture fast-moving objects or subjects. This inability limits the camera’s usage to slow-moving or still-life objects.
The other downside involves low-light conditions. Many users may find themselves manually focusing in on their subjects in low-light conditions. The company claims to have updated the DFD system in its GH5 by adding a new algorithm for motion detection. The update gives the GH5 the ability to detect objects quicker and better than the previous AF system.
The new DFD system is a major improvement, delivering a drive speed up to 480fps, compared to the previous 240fps. Photographers can enjoy the much-quicker drive speeds for images and video recording.
Another GH5 update involves the integration of autofocus settings that are customizable. Users now have the option of customizing the sensitivities of the autofocus and autofocus area switching, as well as the moving object prediction.
The Panasonic GH4 delivers 49 area autofocusing (AF) in both video and image. With the newly updated DFD system, the GH5 delivers AF in up to 0.05 seconds. And, with AFC, it can deliver 9fps and AFC 12fps bursting shooting.
The GH5 also has been updated to achieve increased buffering to deliver more RAW images.
My Overall Thoughts on the GH4 vs GH5
At the end of the day, consumers want to know which camera is going to be better. Will the GH5 outperform the GH4 in every category? Will it offer improved video and picture quality? Is it the best Panasonic camera for modern content creators? Ultimately, there is a lot to like about both cameras. Nevertheless, the Panasonic GH5 will emerge as the winner. If it lives up to the hype, it’ll provide filmmakers with everything they need to perfect their creations.
It’ll be able to capture all fine details when recording videos or snapping pictures. The microphone will be better and the auto-focus feature will be greatly improved over its older counterpart. Serious video makers who are looking for something more than what the Panasonic GH4 vs GH5 offers should consider making the switch.
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