Panasonic is set to launch some new firmware on November 19th for both the G series (GH5/GH5S/G9) cameras, as well as their full-frame S1 and S1R mirrorless cameras. The firmware updates offer some nice functionality for all models, but most interesting is the addition of 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video to the G9, bringing it largely in line with the GH5 in terms of video.
Is 4:2:2 video worth it? Can you even tell the difference over 4:2:0?
The difference between 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 along with 8-bit vs 10-bit was a hot discussion back when the Panasonic GH5 was announced. It was the first small form factor camera to offer 10-bit 4:2:2 internal, and it confused a lot of people. It still seems to confuse a lot of people, but even if you do understand it, can you even really see a difference between 4:2:2 and 4:2:0?
While only offering 8-bit colour, not 10-bit, Gerald Undone decided to compare 4:2:0 recorded internally on his Sony A7III with external 4:2:2 recorded using the Atomos Ninja V to see if you can really see a difference in the footage. It may not be as significant as you might think.
Panasonic announces GH5 firmware update, new Leica MFT zoom lens and ZS70 / TZ90 4K compact travel camera
When the GH5 was announced, there was a big deal made about its ability to shoot 10Bit 4:2:2 video. But there were a few issues. Mostly that it didn’t offer it in all resolutions and modes. The first of two planned firmware updates has now officially been announced. Available from April 24th, it offers 4:2:2 10Bit capture at 100Mbps for 1080/59.97p resolution, with 4:2:2 3328×2496 anamorphic at 150Mbps.
Also announced today is a new Micro Four Thirds lens. The Leica DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH and Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 20.3MP 4K compact camera. Taking square aim at the Canon G7X Mk II and Sony RX100 V, the ZS70features the same 30x optical zoom and 4K video of the ZS60. But, it also features a flip up selfie-mode LCD, an all new “Panorama Selfie” mode and more.
This is what 10Bit 4:2:2 video actually means
The new Panasonic Lumix GH5 will record 10Bit 4:2:2 video internally, but what exactly does that mean? how will it benefit you? Isn’t video just video? Why is this such a big deal? No, video isn’t just video, and it means quite a great deal.
Fortunately for us, Filmmaker Griffin Hammond is here to explain. In short, it offers more tone in colours with less risk of banding in gradients. It makes it easier to chroma key or green screen your footage. It also makes it easier to correct and grade your footage with minimal loss.
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