Practical Guide to Shooting Video on Panasonic GH5, G9, GH5S

Hello and welcome to this practical guide to the Panasonic GH5, G9 and GH5S cameras.

I have spent two years shooting, testing and researching this camera and accessories. My GH footage has been shown on the big screen locally, on BBC Television and across the web.

In this course you are given the approach developed from that time that will enable you to get professional results in a range of scenarios: low light / event shooting / cinematic etc.

Whilst researching I felt like the educational content out there was a bit vague- they showed how to operate the camera but not how to get the BEST from it.

You will get the best settings to use and I will show you around the most important parts of the camera.

The course is packed with sample footage, explanations and testing to help give you the understanding you need to be confident.

It also includes:

- 5 free LUTs designed specifically to enhance the GH5's Natural, Cine-D and V-Log profiles

- Course notes, including my custom picture profile settings, my button configurations and checklists you can use in the field

- Course slides

- My own GH5's setup file that you can load on to yours to set up your camera for video with pre-loaded Custom buttons.

It's designed to be modular so that you don't need to watch everything before being able to go out and put it in to practice. For example you can quickly learn how to get the best out of the camera in low light and then come back to learn about how to use it in event-style shoots ('running and gunning') when it's relevant if you prefer to learn in chunks.

Many accessories and lenses are considered with examples given so you can make informed purchasing decisions and hopefully save money.

Thanks for your consideration and enjoy :)

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What's inside

Learning objectives

You will know how to approach filming with the gh5 / gh5s or g9, saving on the testing, research and shooting normally required to get professional results.
You'll get a good understanding of its biggest features: how they work and how to use them.

You will be able to save money from the advice and examples given on a range of gear including microphones / lenses / power options etc.
Download the course videos for offline viewing

You will know how to approach filming with the gh5 / gh5s or g9, saving on the testing, research and shooting normally required to get professional results.
You'll get a good understanding of its biggest features: how they work and how to use them.
You will be able to save money from the advice and examples given on a range of gear including microphones / lenses / power options etc.
Download the course videos for offline viewing

Syllabus

Introduction

This is an extended version of the landing page video, with the key message being that the course is designed to be modular.

Beginners should start with the Camera and Menu Tour in this section and then the Key Features section- that will give a good base for the rest of the course, where each section is designed to be standalone so that if you mainly want to know about shooting in low light (for example) you don't have to watch the rest of the course for it to make sense.

Attachments

I recommend you download the slides and Course Notes files in the download section in order to follow along.

GH5 Setup file

If you’d like a faster way to set up your GH5 for video, I have provided my own camera’s setup file. This is the file called ‘AD-LUMIX’ and is downloadable from this lecture.

Please note that my camera is in PAL mode, so if you are in the NTSC region I would suggest ensuring the frequency on the camera is still NTSC after loading, and that you all back up your own file before loading mine in case you don’t like the setup. This will likely only work if your camera is on firmware v2.6.

The settings are generally given in the Notes file, but obviously my file will update everything- from the zebras (60% and 100%) and peaking colour to the widescreen guidelines on the monitor. The custom button mapping is given in the Notes file, but I generally run: C1: 25P, C2: 50P, C3-1: 100P.

To install the file, we will download your own file, and then load mine:

Insert an SD card in to Slot 1
Go to the wrench menu on the GH5 —> Page 4/5 —> ‘Restore Camera Setting’
Save
Take out the SD card and save the 'AD_LUMIX' folder on to your computer for safe keeping.
Delete your 'AD_LUMIX' folder on the SD card
Download and unzip the 'AD_LUMIX' file given here and load it on an SD card’s root folder
Insert in to Slot 1 on the GH5
Go to the wrench menu on the GH5 —> Page 4/5 —> ‘Restore Camera Setting’
Load

This will not work for a GH5S unfortunately, and while I've done this myself several times before, I accept no responsibility from any unforeseen firmware issues. Also note that your file names will now start with PMRF..... if you wish to change that you can go to the wrench menu on the GH5 —> Page 3/5 —> ‘File/Folder Setting’ and go to the bottom option to change to your own file name format.

Any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch!

Start here if you're brand new to the camera!

We take a look at the basic features of the body and go through the menus to help you understand the key bits and setup your own camera for video shooting.

This is a long lecture so that you can fully complete the setup of your camera in one sitting, from here on out it should be more concise and bite-sized!

Gain a solid understanding of the main features of the cameras to serve as a foundation.

Section Intro

For G9 users, this one lets them know which parts of the course might not apply.

Ex Telephoto: A Free Lens?

Autofocus: Part One - How to Operate

Autofocus: Part Two - Best Settings

Links given in the Notes, given in Intro lecture (section 1)

Slow Motion

Link for the hot shoe mount given in the Notes in Intro lecture (section 1)

Key GH5S Differences

For G9 users or anyone interested in using the histogram rather than the waveform, this video shows how to get good exposure and also how to set a custom white balance.

Please note, the guidelines here are likely to give you slightly over-exposed footage. This is to keep noise at a minimum and maximise dynamic range performance. In post, you will likely need to reduce the exposure back down to get the best result.

A summary is provided in the Notes, given in Intro lecture (section 1)

Students will be able to make more informed purchasing decisions for gear to use with the GH5 and GH5S.

Links given in the Notes in Intro lecture (section 1)

V-log: Worth the Upgrade?

Gimbals & Stabilisers with the GH5 and GH5S

Storage Media: Avoid Disaster

This section tackles the cinematic elements as they relate to the camera, for example obtaining a shallow depth of field and the best picture settings.

Cinematic Section Introduction

Shallow Depth of Field on GH5 and GH5S

Pulling Focus

The settings are provided in the Notes, given in Intro lecture (section 1)

Wide Shots on Micro Four Thirds

Students will know how to approach wedding, travel film, vlog, documentary and event style shooting.

Audio on the Go

Lens Considerations

Before the Shoot: Camera Setup

The Checklists are provided in the Notes, given in Intro lecture (section 1)

Students will know how to approach shooting in low light situations.

Gear for Low Light

Picture Settings

Exposure in Low Light

5 Tips for Low Light Video Shooting with GH5 and GH5S

Students will be able to get the best value accessories and lenses with the lowest compromise on quality.

Audio Recording

Value Lens Options

Stabilisation Gear and the GH5 / GH5S

Gain insight in to the colour profiles recommended in the course and learn how to correct them using free LUTs.

We take a look at sample footage shot in the settings recommended in this course, and cover the issues faced shooting Cine-D. I refer to correction LUTs that can be downloaded for free as an attachment to this lecture.

A LUT is like a colour preset- you apply it to your footage in your video editor to either correct the colour (which is the case here) or apply a creative look.

This isn't to replace a fuller understanding available in my colour grading course on Udemy, but will give a flavour of the issues and the grading process.

Here we review footage shot with the Natural profile settings given in the course, and we use the attached free LUTs to make the colours more accurate.

This particular Natural LUT may need to be brought down in Intensity for the best results.

This isn't to replace a fuller understanding available in my colour grading course on Udemy, but will give a flavour of the issues and the grading process.

Access your free V-Log Conversion LUT attached to this lecture.

This isn't to replace a fuller understanding available in my colour grading course on Udemy, but will give a flavour of the issues and the grading process.

In this section I'll be adding in-depth looks at specific features taken from my YT channel.

My approach to filming real estate videos, including planning, gear, settings and what to do on site.

Traditional time lapses / hyper lapses use still photos and require a lot of time to shoot and edit. This method will make life easier if you are happy to compromise on the ultimate flexibility the RAW photos give.

The GH5 has a feature to record to the full height of the sensor so that you can attach anamorphic lenses for a super-wide look. However, even if you don't have expensive anamorphic lenses, you can still use this feature for 5K footage that gives added flexibility.

You gain more field of view vertically which can be helpful, and you gain resolution vertically and horizontally.

Cons: files can be intensive to edit, there is no HDMI output while recording and stabilisation can be a bit suspect for me even after turning off the anamorphic stabilisation.

In this video we look at slightly more obscure / advanced features and tools:

1. Save recording space and keep 4K / 10 bit

2. Get a deeper depth of field with ETC

3. Advanced exposure tool for v-log: false colour

4. Mono mode for better focus peaking

5. Change file name convention

Free false colour LUTs for GH5: https://luts.iwltbap.com/false-color-lut/

Checking out one of the biggest LUTs in the GH5 world, the GHAlex LUT, which promises Arri Alexa colour and highlight rolloff on your GH5.

Here we explore what that means, look at some test shots and I give my thoughts. TLDR; it's very nice but not easy :)

Here I give my workflow for filming and colour grading the GHAlex LUT. Even if you aren't interested in the LUT, you may still find this useful if you edit on FCPX. As a reminder- I am not affiliated with the LUT or creator!

Conclusion

Final Word

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core skills for filmmaking such as choosing the best location for shooting, planning the shoot, choosing the ideal camera settings and features for interview purposes, and utilizing natural light

Includes free LUTs designed specifically to enhance the GH5's Natural, Cine-D and V-Log profiles, saving the learner money

Helps learners save money from the advice and examples given on a range of gear including microphones / lenses / power options etc

Is explicit that getting professional results with this camera requires this course or similar outside approach, which may cause the learner to experience added expenses

Is designed to be modular, making it suitable for learners at all levels

Teaches the fundamentals of the camera body and goes through the menus to help the learner understand the key features and setup

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Practical Guide to Shooting Video on Panasonic GH5, G9, GH5S with these activities:

Review Basic Photography Concepts

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Refreshing your knowledge of basic photography concepts will help you better understand the technical aspects of photography.

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Review the different camera modes (e.g., aperture priority, shutter priority, manual).
Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Review Course Materials

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Reviewing course materials will help you stay up-to-date with the course content and improve your understanding.

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Go through the course syllabus and identify key concepts.
Review lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Review 'Understanding Exposure'

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Reviewing the fundamentals of exposure will help build a solid foundation for understanding lighting and camera settings.

View Understanding Street Photography: An... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basics of exposure.
Take practice photos in different lighting conditions and analyze the results.

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Create a Collection of Inspiring Photography

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Creating a collection of inspiring photography will help you develop your own visual style and stay motivated.

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Gather images from various sources (e.g., online galleries, magazines, social media).
Organize the images based on themes or techniques.
Analyze the images and identify the elements that make them visually appealing.

Create a Mood Board

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Creating a mood board will help you visualize and develop a cohesive visual style for your photography.

Browse courses on Visual Storytelling

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Collect images, colors, and textures that inspire you.
Organize the images into a visually appealing layout.
Analyze the mood board and identify the common themes and elements.

Volunteer at a Photography Event

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Volunteering at a photography event will provide you with hands-on experience and allow you to learn from other photographers.

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Identify local photography events or organizations.
Contact the organizers and express your interest in volunteering.
Attend the event and assist with various tasks.

Attend Photography Workshops

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Attending photography workshops will provide you with hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to connect with other photographers.

Browse courses on Continuing Education

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Research and identify relevant photography workshops.
Register for workshops that align with your interests and skill level.
Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and exercises.

Practice Composition Techniques

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Regularly practicing composition techniques will enhance your ability to compose visually appealing photographs.

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Identify the main subject and determine its placement within the frame.
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create visual interest.
Pay attention to the use of light and shadow to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your images.

Follow Tutorials on Advanced Lighting Techniques

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Following tutorials on advanced lighting techniques will expand your knowledge and enable you to create more sophisticated and creative images.

Browse courses on Lighting Techniques

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Identify reputable photography educators and their tutorials.
Select tutorials that focus on specific lighting techniques you want to learn.
Follow the instructions carefully and practice the techniques.

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Learners who complete Practical Guide to Shooting Video on Panasonic GH5, G9, GH5S will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: