GH5 vs BMPCC 4k?

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GH5 vs BMPCC 4k?

AESJ

Hi there, our church is live-streaming our Sunday services via SlingStudio. Current set up is: 2 inexpensive Canon Vixia camcorders with wireless packs on tripods, 2 iPhones on stands, and 1 iPhone on a gimbal connected via wifi and SS app. It has worked okay to this point, but we are looking to upgrade the cameras.

We are currently deciding between the Blackmagic Cinema Pocket Cam 4k and Panasonic GH5 as they are about the same price point. I really like the quality of the BMPCC, but I am wondering if the Panasonic GH5 is better suited for the live service? The auto-focus and stabilization would be helpful as we don't have a lot of hands to be manning all the cameras. I also feel like the BMPCC has more "hidden costs", such as possibly needing the speed booster, a cage, etc. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance!

joelwsmith

@AESJ

Thanks for reaching out!

If it's just a choice between those two cameras, I would almost always choose the BMPCC 4K when it comes to live production. The GH5 is going to have more latency from the HDMI output, so it may not play as happy with other cameras. I also like the recording options in the BMPCC as well as the ability to add LUTs to the HDMI output, giving you more flexibility for live production.

As far as autofocus, that is not something I recommend for live situations like this. More about that here: Manual > Auto

Stabilization would also not be necessary unless the cameras were handheld, and you can still get some stabilization with the BMPCCs with lenses that have built-in stabilization.

A speed booster should also not really be necessary unless you already have lenses in other lens mounts like EF, Nikon, etc.

To help me understand a bit more about your setup and expectations...

How many cameras do you plan on getting?
Will the new camera(s) be put on tripods or will they be used as handhelds?
If they will be on tripods, how far will they be from the stage or subjects?
What type of framing (how tight) do you want from those cameras?
Do you currently have lenses you would like to use or would you need to purchase lenses as well?

AESJ

Thank you for the quick response. I have expertise in post production (I'm an editor), but this live event stuff is a whole new world!

For background, we are a church of over 250 that meet in a building that was originally meant for receptions. Thus, no stage, no real lighting set up, etc. We are working on purchasing better lighting and stage design. We are trying to set up for live-stream now, but also to continue live-streaming when we can fully meet in person again.

Answers to your questions:
Cameras - ideally, we'd get 3 new cameras of all the same model. 2 would be unmanned on tripods, and the third would be manned on a gimbal. Cameras are probably about 10-20 feet away from main subjects now, but that will change when we have congregation back. We have a very diverse worship team which is awesome, but we have white balancing/skin tone/exposure issues with all the different inputs.

Framing - the main camera is framed to a medium wide shot for singers, but waist up or closer for speakers. The 2nd camera tends to be wide for coverage. And the gimbal is a medium wide shot, but is usually only a couple of feet away from the singers. (Again, this is set up now, but will change later!)

Lenses - I have a Canon 18-135mm for a Canon 70D that we could use, but otherwise we don't have any lenses. I'd love recommendations for that as well 🙂 I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix G X II 12-35mm f2.8 and 35-100mm f2.8 lenses.

I totally agree about going manual over auto, but our cameras aren't manned, so that could be an issue. And latency in general is an issue with the SlingStudio setup, so I'm not sure I'd notice! I'd be happy to move from the clunky SS platform to an ATEM Mini Pro and OBS setup; however, the SS wifi packs are pretty handy. To not have to cable our set-up is pretty amazing and it allows us to use a gimbal.

So...that's our story...I've been waffling between those 2 cameras, mainly because of the set up we're using. I don't think the SS will be able to take advantage of the BMPCC features, like LUTs and color control (which I think you can use with ATEM Mini). And I get the impression that one HAS to get the speed booster to get rid of the crop and add a stop of light for the BMPCC.

Thanks again for all your help!

AESJ

And also thinking...for saving some money...of getting the nice camera set up for main camera, and supplement with 3-4 cheaper options, like the Sony A6400...?

joelwsmith

AESJ And also thinking...for saving some money...of getting the nice camera set up for main camera, and supplement with 3-4 cheaper options, like the Sony A6400...?

I encourage people to stick with as many of the same cameras as possible. This helps with consistency in image quality and color matching, as well as keeps as much consistency for you and others that use the cameras. No need to learn multiple cameras and menus, and it's easier to support all the same camera than it is to purchase specific accessories that only work on one or the other. Just something to keep in mind as you plan.

joelwsmith

@AESJ

All of that info really helps. Thanks for that.

Both the GH5 and the BMPCC 4K are great cameras, and either option will work well for your situation. They each have their own pros and cons:

GH5 Pros
- Smaller body
- Flip-out and rotating screen
- Better battery life (for the gimbal camera)
- Built-in image stabilization (some of the best available)
- 4K HDMI output (for future or special projects)
GH5 Cons
- Not as good in lower light compared to the BMPCC
- Screen is smaller, so it can be more difficult for camera ops to see for focus
- Autofocus is slow and unreliable
- Requires a dummy battery adapter for AC power
BMPCC 4K Pros
- Larger built-in screen, big enough for most situations
- Has separate DC power port and power adapter
- Records in better quality codecs
- Can record to SD card, CFast card, or USB-C drive
- Can apply a LUT to only the HDMI output, giving you tons of control over the style and look
BMPCC 4K Cons
- Awkward shape body - difficult to mount on a lot of smaller gimbals
- Poor battery life
- HDMI output is only 1080p
- Autofocus is slow and unreliable, AND it is single touch only (no constant AF)
- No image stabilization - stabilization has to come from how the camera is rigged or from lenses that have IS built-in

As far as autofocus is concerned, you shouldn't need it for static camera shots at all. Once you set focus it shouldn't need to change. Autofocus causes more distractions and issues than it solves in these situations, that's why I recommend turning it off.

AESJ

Here are my recommendations for HDMI cables: The Best HDMI Cables

And I specifically note which fiber cables (for lengths greater than 25' or so) will work natively with the ATEM Minis and the BMPCCs for camera control in that list.

Here are my recommendations for wireless cameras: The Best Wireless Video Systems For Live Production

AESJ

Nice, thanks!

joelwsmith

AESJ

Just be aware that pretty much all wireless HDMI systems will not pass the camera control info to the BMPCCs from the ATEM.

AESJ

Yes, we figured that would be the case. Is it also true if we decide to convert the HDMI signal to an SDI signal?

joelwsmith

AESJ

Actually, not always. If you use 2 of the new Blackmagic Design Micro Converter Bi-Directional SD/HDMI 3G (Affiliate link), then they will maintain the camera control signals between the BMPCCs and the ATEM Minis.