Pocket Cinema Camera In Stock - Panasonic GH3 On Sale!

After months of waiting, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is actually in stock at Adorama.  And perhaps coincidentally, the Panasonic GH3 is again on sale at Amazon for $998.

For those who need two high quality video cameras, this is a good pair. I was out shooting with these cameras this past weekend, and it was great to be able to swap lenses and use the same cables and connectors for sound setups - because both cameras use the same lens mount and the same 3.5mm connectors for mics and headphones. To be fair, I did have to crank the mic output up for the Pocket Camera.  More on this later.

I was pleased to discover that the Pocket Camera does a pretty good job of controlling autofocus and aperture for standard 4/3 lenses through the Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapter - so my Oly 11-22mm 4/3 lens worked very well.

That said, if you need to choose one camera or the other, your decision will depend on how much control you want over your images when you're done shooting.

For casual and family video with the ability to produce serious amateur or professional video when needed - the GH3 is the right choice.  It is easier to use in the field (its auto modes just work), and its in-camera color control is more than adequate for most amateur and professional needs.

On the other hand, serious video shooters on a limited budget who don't need a hybrid still/video camera, are frustrated with the limited dynamic range of 8 bit codecs - and who want an exquisite level of image control in the editing suite - should get their hands on the Pocket Cinema Camera.  Yes, shooting with this camera will take more work, but for those who need "filmic" dynamic range and maximum flexibility in the editing suite, the results are worth it.

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