We had the Lumix Luminary gathering over the last couple days where we get together and share ideas, techniques and new information about the Lumix cameras and their capabilities. They were long days but very productive. We broke into teams and created some videos together. Video not being my number one priority in my business I learned a lot. Saw quite a few ways to add some value for my stills clients through using video and some new ideas that were introduced.
Here we are working on the beach. I’m getting the audio ready for the shoot and Armed with an FZ 1000 on one shoulder and a GH4 on the other. Image capture with the new Lumix G7 f8.0 200 ISO 1/640 sec It was shot by Dan using Tom’s G7 and 14-140 lens. He imported into his phone and messed with it using Snapseed. Added an HDR Scape layer and a Drama layer then used the Vertical Perspective under Transform and may have adjusted tone a bit..
(I’ll be sharing some work and features shortly from the G7. Pretty powerful camera!)
Sometimes as photographers running a one-man show our world can become a little insulated. Having an intense couple days with colleagues working and sharing ideas can be a great infusion of energy. Even if you can’t get together with a group like this I highly recommend at least getting together with a couple photographers and go out and shoot together for a couple hours. Then have a cup of coffee or an adult beverage or two. The relationships that you build doing things like this are wonderful!
We want them to do everything, but when they can do most everything everyone would like them to do we complain that they are hard to operate. Let’s face it cameras have become mini-computers with powerful processors and a myriad of options. Some can get quite confusing until explained in-depth. How to get the the most out of your camera now involves more than just reading the GH4 manual.
You can also download the advanced GH4 Manual which will get you more information on the capabilities of the GH4 which is still pretty dry stuff.
Or, you can read and refer to ‘The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4’The Unofficial Quintessential Guide’ by Brian Matsumoto and Carol F Roulard from Rocky Nook Books and get some down-to-earth easily understandable information on how to get the most out of this powerful computer also known as a camera.
I’ve been using the GH4 for quite a while and I thought I had a good handle on most of the features and capabilities. After a quick cruise through the book I was surprised to learn of some available features because I never even thought to look for them or glossed over the value of them. Having things spelled out simply, from a photographer’s point of view vs an engineer’s or manual writers point of view, makes figuring out – and using – camera features much easier.
Matsumoto and Roulard write in an easy conversational style yet impart all the goodies we need to know. For example, many photographers are frustrated when menu commands are greyed out because they are not available. The authors tell how to avoid frustration and tell you why… They also share how to use the Quick Menus to the fullest capabilities which speeds use in the field when you don’t have time to scroll through (or remember where) menu items are.
I’m going back in to read the book even more in-depth because I’m sure I’m still missing some of the powerful features in the GH4.
The Unofficial Quintessential Guide
If you own the Lumix GH4 and want to get the most out of it I’d recommend getting this Guide.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
PS – As a bonus, you save 35% on Rocky Nook Books by using the Coupon Code BOBCOATES
Jazz singer Vivian Sessoms entertained at Sound Bites Grill the other night and here’s her image for the SBG ‘Wall of Fame’.
Vivian Sessoms in art treatment for the ‘Wall of Fame’
I was testing the new Lumix G7 side by side with the Lumix GH4. Both cameras used the same lens and same settings. ISO 3200 f2.8 1/60th sec. It shows me they are comparable and the G7 would make a great back up for the GH4. Price makes this a cool camera for those on a budget. The G7 does miss out on a few pro features on handling, like having to remove a tripod plate to get to the battery and SD card compartment. It also has smaller batteries and is built on a plastic body. But, image quality looks to be on a par. And, at half the price of the GH4 depending on your workload you might be willing to put up with a few non-pro features!
Here’s a sample of a couple stage captures from each camera with the same settings.
This image was captured with the Lumix G7.
Captured with the GH4.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
PS – If you are ordering gear from Amazon it helps to support this web site and the info shared if you buy through any link on successful photographer. TIA!
Talking with Mike Tabback on KAZM Radio on the Tech Talk Show. We chat about some techniques in photography and some of the new tech that Panasonic is putting into the cameras. 4K Photo Mode is making some new image captures possible that would have been more difficult to photograph than even a few years ago.
My wife Holly calls it harrassing cause I used to have to get very close to the birds to fill the frame and they often would leave in a snit at being disturbed… I call it photography while I study and capture behavior images. I really enjoy photographing birds. At her parents place which looks over the marsh in Delaware I’ve plenty of subjects.
I was curious as to how the Lumix FZ1000 would perform and I gotta tell ya it ain’t bad at all. Having a 400mm f4.0 lens is quite good. I’m even more impressed with the ability of the digital zoom going to 1600mm. At that zoom range some detail it starts to soften but being able to fill the frame from a long distance is more than worth the trade-off. Here is a sequence to show the range of the camera…
Images made from the same position. To get to the digital zoom of 1600mm you must be in jpeg capture mode.
Still, with proper exposure I’ll take the reach over being able to shoot in RAW.
Osprey doing a flyby of her nest.
If I’m going to have one camera for vacation, or just to have at hand daily – that does almost everything I need – the Lumix FZ1000 is the one.
For infrared conversion of my cameras I use LifePixel. Infrared allows you to put an older camera to use and opens up a new time time of day for productive image creation.
Fotopro tripods are well worth checking out. You can learn about the ones I use and recommend by clicking on the Fotopro Tripods link at the top of this page. If you want to see what other tripods might fit your needs check out the Fotopro.com website. Check back with me before you buy as a Fotopro Ambassador I’m able to get you discounted pricing including complementary continental USA shipping for my followers that you won’t find through retail outlets.
Learn Photoshop in a fun environment. Aaron Nace applies the right amount of fun with easy to understand and follow tutorials. Actions and brushes are included with lessons!
Lightning, waterdroplets, sound, time-lapse, HDR sequences, smiles and much more control for your camera!
Cameras Get Smarter -
A High Speed Smart Camera Remote
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Platypod has become a great resource for being creative in getting your camera gear easily into unusual places. As an Platypod Pro I get to work/play with the gear even before it comes out. Head over to Platypod, subscribe to the newsletter and you will get special discounts reserved only for subscribers.
