4k raw is super data heavy but that shows in the file.. another 4000lb mouse, well more cat or something
S
Morgan,
Are you editing in 4k? Do you know anyone outside of Hollywood (that spends huge volumes of time and money on conforming), that is really editing and working in 4k output without using proxy's?
I've tried and done a lot of semi research in this and working proxy's and then conforming to 4k works, but of course you then need a delivery vehicle.
Anyway sorry to get off topic, but right now I think 4k is a buzz word more than an actual benefit. Don't misunderstand me, I have a thousand hours of RED footage in 4k, it holds up well at 2k, very well, but I've yet to have anyone ask for a 4k output.
The fs 700 may be a good camera, but if it has the color bounce of the fs100 I have then I'll pass. Actually the fs100 really soured me on all things sony, as the camera could be there, but so many of the details like the viewer, the switches were just flimsy and not that useful.
For the price it equals that of a R1 RED and when I finally used a gh3 for my work it just blew away any smaller cam video.
It may be 420 8 bit but it's hard to tell it unless in certain situations like backlit, or high very high contrast, where the RED really holds up.
One thing I noticed in debayering and downsampling RED footage to 2k was working in ancient fcp 7 I could do a slow zoom to 148% and never see any real degradation, or rasterizing in the image. Any 2k camera I've used you can't crop in that tight.
Now with the gh4, if it has the color of the gh3 and especially the autofocus, I'll be in line to buy it immediately. The panasonic is not film like looking of the RED's it's sharp but appears smoother, though with some work it can make a pretty file.
I guess I'm a little confused with the bit rate of the gh4 at 100 mbs, vs, 200 mbs all intra at 2k. Either way it will be a camera that probably downsamples well, or either shoots great 2k if used with the module and a recorder, though for the average production, if it is 20% better than the gh3 it will be very good.
IMO
BC
P.S. I'm not really against the fs700, (except for that cra__y snorkel focus thing that keeps falling down), but when you compare costs of the camera, the 4k module and a atmos or aja recorder, an fs700 is 20 grand where in the same configuration the panasonic is less than 1/2.
I'm not talking to some custom people on how to configure a gh4 with the module and a recorder that resides underneath the camera so I can shoot it like a dslr. I do like that forum factor and use it all the time.
PPS: The only group I see really pushing 4k delivery is the TV makers. 3d went bust, few people buy new TV's every year and Pansonic, Samsung and especially Sony are just hoping beyond hope that the world adopts 4k delivery.
I think they're thinking in the past because of the metrics I've read, everyone, including myself watches a lot more content on a pad than they do on a traditional television set.
PPPS: For the OP, I'd strongly suggest a gh4 for $1600 a handful of sd cards and stick with 2k. The gh3 would be close but the gh4 gives you an opportunity to grow with the module and xlr sound inputs and sdi output for monitors or a recorder.
IMO
BC