Panasonic GF2

Hello,

I'm new to stock footage and have uploaded a small batch of videos using a Panasonic LX3, much to my surprise I made a sale within the first few weeks of being on here from only those fourteen files!

My lX3 takes HD footage at 720 at 24fps. When looking back on some footage it's noticable the dynamic range is limited which does concern me from a quality point of view.

I've been reading up on the forums here which has been very helpful so thank you all. I've gathered that content and style are the most important factors to buyers but many posters also state that full HD at 30fps is good to have.

I've noticed the new GF2 will shoot HD1080 movies at 30fps with Dolby stereo sound with a variable wind cut feature, I can buy one for around £550 here in the UK. It has the added bonus of being small enough for a coat pocket and is discreet.

Would buying this camera be a wise investment in your opinion in giving better quality versus price or shoukd I continue using the LX3 knowing this camera has already paid for itself from still photography stock sales.

I looked at the GF2 as I've read the GH2 is well regarded in spite of having only a 4/3rds sensor.

Thanks very much for your time

Aidan

I'm new to stock footage also, and from my very limited knowledge, I would clearly prefer the GH2 over the GF2 if high quality video is what you're after.

The GH2 video quality at its 24p cinema mode is considered better than the quality all the DSLRs deliver (resolution and aliasing/moiré being the main issues). As compared to the GF2, you gain an electronic viewfinder as well as a swiveling LCD screen, both of them very useful for taking videos.

BTW, from all I have gathered from this forum as well as others, using 24fps seems to be no bad option if you want to sell to both sides of the pond (PAL and NTSC countries, that is).

Thanks Imagerie for your input. I've looked at the GH2 and even though it's more pricey it's certainly got a wealth of features for the money.

I also looked again at the GF2 and I've realised that it doesn't offer full manual control in movie mode so I feel it's a waste of money. I'm going to do a little more research into the GH2 and if I feel it's for me I'll get one in due course.
Aidan

Hi moffat,

If you are going to spend all that money in a GH2 with the standard kit lens, consider first a Canon T2i(550D) or even a Canon 60D.

If you search within Pond5, you will notice that there are plenty of clips with the Canon T2i, some clips by the Canon 60D and NO CLIPS associated to a Lumix GH2. The Canon has more selling power than Lumix for stock video. IMHO.

Hello Luxor,

I already own a 400D, three models earlier than the T2i (I don't know it's name in the USA). I own two Sigma EX Lens, the 10-20mm & the 18-50mm along with a Canon 400mm L. So naturally I first look at it but I don't like the look of the still photos it produces, there are examples posed on DP Review.

I've also looked at footage on Youtube and it looks good, but there are a quite a few people posting comments saying they are displeased with the quality of the video it produces. Don't know why that should be especially given that it has larger sensor than the 4/3rds cameras.

I'll see if I can find more examples of the photos on the net to help me make a decision. Thanks for your help.

Aidan