Camera Workshop | 4K Cameras (22nd September 2017)

This year, we're lucky enough to have access to a plethora of new filming equipment, including some very cool new 4K cameras.  The new Panasonic DVX cameras have a range of more up-to-date features compared to the Sony EX cameras we are used to, including:

• VFR (Variable Frame Rate), maxing out at 120 fps, allowing for slow-motion recording
• V-log capabilities
• More advanced image-stabilisation 
• Dual codec recording
• And a many more complicated things that I am yet to get my head around

We spent a lot of time working out the settings and so we did not capture that much footage unfortunately, however we did shoot some slow-motion footage using the VFR setting.  Here is something I shot at 120 FPS/1080p:




I found it interesting to see how many factors come into play when shooting in a different frame rate.  For example, the florescent lights in the studio have a much more noticeable flicker, which I would not have seen normally with my own eyes.  The speed at which the camera was shooting also meant that there was not as much light hitting the sensor, and so the finished shot looks a lot darker than it appeared before shooting.  Therefore, I must remember that when I am shooting at higher frame rates, I am well aware of how I want the lighting to appear and that I need to compensate for lower light levels if I am to see what is happening.

Next time I get to test out one of these cameras, I would like to try out the stabilisation features.