The Panasonic Lumix GH2 (a blog for Filmmakers and Photographers)

Hello my online friends.

 I am trying to add different things to this blog to make it a little more interesting and a little more fun than just Rockstar attitude/Titty's and Ass. (Although there is nothing wrong with all three, LOL).   Whether your an artist, amateur or just an observer and lover of art, I believe this blog can help you enjoy art and life a little more. (fingers crossed)

In this particular blog, were going to get a little technical:

In my travels from the stage to being somewhat behind the film camera at times, I have seen many technological advances for sure. I remember when i began to sing, I would sing practice thru (no lie here) an old bass guitar amp with a hole in it. I luckily progressed from that old bass amp to large ampitheatre systems and major production studios. However, the one thing that I have learned is simply this: "No matter how great the equipment may be, in the end, it is still the "performance" of the subject that makes it all worth while". However, with that said...when your finally fot a great subject and are getting great performances, it is always a smart idea to use "quality" equipment to record them.

Only problem is alot of "Quality" equipment takes a mortgage to afford. There are so many different types of equipment for film, photo and sound recording its hard to know what is good and what is not. You would have to spend your life reading online reviews to know the difference and never have the time to actually use the equipment. One of my main goals in my own quest for the perfect "art" was to go out and find quality equipment that a regular consumer wouldn't  have to pay an arm and a leg for, yet, can provide the average consumer above average quality results.


As i have recently re-ventured into film, I discovered great advancements  in the new trend of video recording over 35 mm film recording. There is no doubt that in still photography the Cannon 5d full frame camera and for Feature film the Red one and newer generations are the cream of the crop in regards to cameras and performance. However, for the average consumer, these products are ridiculously overpriced. In my studies and searches...I think i have found an alternative.  I present to you the somewhat simple, yet elegant Panasonic Lumix Gh2 camera.  It retails on ebay anywhere from 550.00 to 1500.00.  THE PANASONIC LUMIX GH2 is a great little camera with a huge technical bang.

I have included some of my first Gh2 tests with a basic 1970's edition cannon 50mm 1.4 lens which has been EOS adapted to the camera. The ISO and fstop is not set perfect and i was testing a cinemorph lens at the time but you may enjoy the couple stills here and considering i threw some "soften" effect on the pics you can see the clarity and resolution is quite impressive for such amateur work.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103140474749078855379/PanasonicGh2TestShotsNov92012#

I personally love the Panasonic Lumix GH2 camera. It is my preferred weapon of choice. Its affordable, it allows you some options a large studio camera would,  yet, it doesn't break your bank, pricewise. The new generation Gh3 is coming out soon and i am sure it will turn the photography and 24p video filming world upside down but I must say...for me personally,, I love the GH2 camera.

 I will not write a long winded review or pretend i am a genius on the matter. I am relatively new to the GH2 but i will link an author who i consider to be the foremost expert on the matter. Mr. Andrew Reid, the author of two different books on the operation of the GH2 is basically my written "Mentor" of sorts on the camera and functinons.

Mr. Reid has a successful blog and I highly recommend him and his books which you can get online at:

http://www.eoshd.com/

Below is the opening statement from his book and as you can see, he just has a great attitude and approach towards the camera:

I am Andrew Reid, British filmmaker and the editor of EOSHD.com.
I’ve long been a fan of the GH1 and GH2 cameras. Before I wrote
this book I had a vision of a future film industry where ordinary artists
could pick up a camera and make a film using purely their talent as readily
 as a songwriter picks up a guitar and creates something incredible using
only his raw talent and an instrument.

Mr. Reid continues on with an indepth and interesting disecting of the camera and functions. I highly recommend him and his books.  Here is a great shot test by Andrew Reid the author of The EOSHD Panasonic GH2 Shooter’s Guide. A book for shooting better video on the GH2 that you may enjoy:

http://www.vimeo.com/22318115

There are so many options in the field of Film and Video. Everyone has their own view on the matter. Yes, I too LOVE the RED camera line but 20,000-150,000 bucks or 1500 dollars a day rental fee's? C'mon! Just remember "Opinions are like a**holes, Everyone's got one"...obviously by this blog that includes me!

For my two cents, I really like the Panasonic Lumix Gh2 camera. I suggest you go out and test a few camera's yourself before purchasing one. Who knows, you may end up liking the Cannon 5d, 7d or the Cannon Rebel EOS a little better. For my buck However, I believe in the Gh2 and I merely hope this blog may open up your mind and creative juices to try things out and help find your perfect place in the landscape of artistry. I don't think there is quite anything like creating something your proud of .  If this blog can help you get there, then that my friends is simply my goal.

 Until next time, be safe and remember: Never make someone a priority when you are just their option! 


A-N-G-E-L.