Top 3 most boring new cameras - Nikon D750, Canon 7D Mark II and GoPro Hero 4

I haven't written much lately, and readership has gone down as a result. It's not that there are no new cameras to talk about - it's that the new cameras are not very exciting - in fact, they are downright boring.

Some blogs, for example, are touting the full-frame goodness of the new Nikon D750, to which I say "meh."

So what if Nikon has finally figured out how to compress video without moire. They should have done it years ago.

And while others are promoting the Canon 7D Mark II as worthy successor to the 7D for video - I say...well, my answer isn't printable on a blog intended for polite audiences.  And as for Canon's latest marketing campaign, "See Impossible" - I won't dignify it with a response.

Nikon may have figured out moire-free compression, but Canon hasn't. And they'll nevertheless advertise this thing as a video capable camera and charge shooters $1800 for it.

Anyone who has read this blog for long knows that I have not been hesitant to promote new products (when there was actually something new and worthwhile about them), but I just can't bring myself to recommend these cameras for shooters who care about video - even if Canon has finally put a headphone jack on an interchangeable lens camera under $2000 - or if Nikon has finally eliminated full-frame moire.

Neither of these cameras gets rid of the major liability that comes with the reflex mirror - the lack of a video viewfinder, which is the dirty little secret of the DSLR. As I've said elsewhere, the lack of a video viewfinder is a hidden tax on filmmakers, who are often surprised to learn that they can't see their LCDs in bright sunlight and end up buying expensive and cumbersome LCDVFs and/or EVFs just so they can see what they are shooting.

Until these manufacturers give up on the mirror (and the 30 minute limit for cameras sold outside of the EU), it will be hard to take them seriously when they advertise the video features of their cameras.

As for the GoPro Hero 4 Black and 4K, there has been a 4K/30fps action camera on the market for over 6 months, it's called the Panasonic HX-A500, and no one seemed to care until GoPro released the Hero 4.

But some of it is the fault of Panasonic's marketing people. Here's Panasonic's tired and slow moving 4K A500 demo on YouTube, which has garnered a pitiful 9,200 views between March of 2014 and this post:







Contrast that with GoPro's fast moving Hero 4 4K demo video - which has had over 9.5 million views in a few weeks - over a thousand times more than Panasonic's A500 video:






To me, GoPro is a little like Canon - riding a wave of brand recognition while trailing Panasonic in innnovation.

All three of these cameras are the equivalent of "New Coke" for me - corporate marketing designed to sell repackaged version of old products rather than meeting the needs of contemporary consumers.  I don't recommend them, and won't be posting links to them, even if it costs me money.

Please follow HCR on Blogger, Twitter and YouTube and circle us on Google+  - and thanks for clicking on our sponsors' links over the years.  We would not be able to continue bringing you these posts without your support.

Limited Time Sale - $300 off Panasonic GH3 - and $50 off the G6 with 14-42mm kit lens

The two best still/video cameras below $1000, the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic G6, are now an even better deal.  For the next couple of weeks (while supplies last), the GH3 (body only) is marked down $300 to $797.99 - while the G6 with the kit lens is marked down about $50 to $697.99.

If you've been waiting for one or both of these cameras to come down in price, you may want to push your cart through before the price goes back up!

Panasonic GH4 "Range Wars" - Which Dynamic Range Test Do You Believe?

The $1699 Panasonic GH4 seems to elicit some pretty strong reactions. Opinions run the gamut from reviews like "Best Camera Ever?" to a "scientific" test called "Dynamic Range – Sony A7S vs. the others" where the results seem to confirm the testers' preconceptions, e.g,  "the rather videoish look and contrasty colors we can subjectively observe" from the GH4.

Here's the chart showing the results of this test (using the $3540 Xyla21 – 21 step Grayscale Combi-DX1):

GH4 CineLike Dynamic Range Test - Assessed as 10.9 stops by Cinema5D

The post describing these results gives us a few details about the methodology (e.g., the lens and ISO they used), but doesn't show waveforms or tell us which CineLike profile the testers used (this is important because CineLike V has less DR than CineLike D).

Fortunately, we can compare these results to other data-driven tests. The best I've seen is "Panasonic GH4: DR and Gamma, Timelapse, and More" from Adam Wilt writing for dvinfo.net.

Adam also used the Xyla 21 to test the GH4's Dynamic Range - but he tested it across various color and CineLike profiles. Here is his result for CineLike D:

GH4 Dynamic Range Test - Assessed as 11+ stops by Adam Wilt at dvinfo

Why the clear difference between the results of the two tests? Perhaps the Cinema5D testers used CineLike V instead of CineLike D. Or perhaps it was confirmation bias related to the subjective observations about the camera's "videoish" look.  Hard to know.

Personally, I don't see a "videoish" look from my GH4 unless I want it.  Neither do I see it from Phil Bloom's 4K Postcard from Phang Nha or Guillaume Le Berre's Kaydara.

That said, I really respect the effort the folks at Cinema5D put into this test, but in light of the significant difference with the dvinfo results, they might want to take another look at their conclusions.

Great Price for Open Box Panasonic GH4 at Adorama - Won't Last Long!

Even though my used GH4 came in last week, I promised you that I would keep looking for used cameras deals for you - and I found one! This open box Panasonic GH4 is just $1613.09 from Adorama!

At this price, my guess is that this camera won't be there for long. If you want a GH4 right now, and don't want to pay full retail - click here or on the picture above to order this barely used, factory warrantied unit.

If it's already sold, and you're ready to order at full price, you can click on the display ad below. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help keep these posts coming. Thanks for your support for the Hybrid Camera Revolution!

Panasonic releases firmware update v1.1 for the GH4

Updated!

A little mysteriously, Panasonic's description of the update (download it here) is limited to: "Improved [sic] the reliability of video recording performance."

Perhaps this is to reduce the incidence of crashes? My GH3 would crash sometimes (not often), but it was a PITA. I haven't shot with the GH4 enough to crash it, but, in his review, Dave Dugdale does mention a few crashes he had with his test camera. Hopefully, upgrading to firmware v1.1 means that my new GH4 will never crash :)

Sony A7s Now In Stock and Shipping from Adorama and Amazon!

You have to give it to Sony. When they promise a camera on the first of July, they deliver it on the first of July! The amazing full frame Sony A7s is now in stock and shipping at Adorama, Amazon and B&H.

Some reviewers who've shot with it like it better than the GH4. Here's one of the earliest and best examples of what the A7s can do from W. Ashley Maddox of Missionary Films:




In an interview over on newsshooter.com, Ashley says, "The buttons took about an hour to get used to – compared to days that it took for me to get used to the Panasonic GH4’s buttons" and "Editing [A7s footage] was way easy compared to the GH4 and FS700 in S-Log 2. I found that the noise was low. And when there was noise, it had a natural grain look to it vs. the muddy blacks that I am seeing in the GH4".

For shooters who are accustomed to Sony menus, who really really want mirrorless full frame with great low light performance, don't mind buying an external recorder to get UHD, and who don't need 10 bit output or true 4096x2160 4K, this may be the right camera.

If anything here has helped you to make a buying decision, please order through the links above or the display ads below and support our sponsors in the margins. Ordering through these links doesn't cost you anything extra and allows us to keep these posts coming. Thanks for your support of the Hybrid Camera Revolution!

Can't wait for the Panasonic GH4 to arrive tomorrow - plus a couple of GH4 reviews you may have missed

The gang is back in town

So I logged onto the UPS site yesterday and asked them to hold my GH4 for pickup tomorrow instead of sending it out on the truck for delivery. I'll jet over to the UPS facility at lunchtime and pick it up - because I can't wait until after work to get my hands on it.

Yes, I am that anxious to get my hands on this camera again, after turning in my rental a few weeks ago. In the meantime, I've had to satisfy myself with reading reviews. Here are a couple of fresh perspectives from outside the ranks of the usual suspects in the video blogging community (you know who you are ;)).

The first, from photography blogger "Michael the Maven" is an interesting take on the GH4's performance as a still camera:



As regular readers know, the purpose of this blog is to report on (and advocate) a still/video camera 'singularity' - a notional, and perhaps unachievable, future where the highest quality still and video capabilities co-exist in the same camera. The GH4 comes pretty close, but it is becoming clear that its still autofocus speed just isn't there yet when it comes to shooting sports or fast action - even with Panasonic Depth from Defocus technology. This is the second source I have seen this from - it tracks with what the guys The Camera Store saw in their D4s/mirrorless shootout.

This isn't a deal-breaker for me (it wasn't for Michael either - he bought a GH4 after he did the review), but it is certainly something to be aware of.

The second review is from Australian video blogger Grant Cook from "Film Learnin" (sort of a one-man Down Under IndyMogul):



I really like Grant's examples of 1080p pan & scan plus image stabilization from images shot at 4K. I also appreciated hearing his perspective on autofocus for "one-man-band" shooters. I remember trying to shoot video blog-style with my T2i before I switched to Panasonic - it was very very difficult without face tracking autofocus or a forward-facing LCD.

After tomorrow, I'll be out shooting with my GH4 - so no more surfing the web, looking desperately for reviews.  Hopefully, I can finish that (very late) GH4 review I started with that rented camera a month ago!

What features do you want to see in the Panasonic GH5?

Philip Johnston, the HD Warrior from Scotland, is now shooting with the GH4 (two of them, actually) in the course of writing his review.  Philip has just set up a great separate blog called "GH4 Crew" that is focused exclusively on the GH4.

There's lots of good stuff here and on HD Warrior - to include behind the scenes coverage of a photo shoot he did recently at a local event.

As much as he likes the camera, in his latest post, Philip makes a in interesting list of the features he'd like to see in the GH5:

• The thumbwheel at the back of the GH4 controls the speed in manual mode, I would like Panasonic to update the Firmware (FW) to allow me to lock this at 1/50th preventing me moving this to another speed accidentally as has happened.

• Could we also have the ability to switch on the LCD display rather than the present mode where it switches off at about seven minutes.

• Can we also have the ability to buy an upgrade FW package that gets rid of the 30m record time.

• A menu mode to allow us to view 4K as 1080 via the SDI connectors the same as you offer with the HDMI output.

• Can you make sure that the GH5 has 2 SDXC slots please.

I agree with Philip  on a few of these, but my list is a little different from his.  What I really want in the GH5 (in this order):

• Built-in ND filter

• The ability to set the screen blanking time on the LCD (same as his #2)

• Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 4K

• 2 SDXC slots (same as his #5)

• 4K/60p

• 1080/120p

• Hole on the bottom of the camera to match the anti-twist pin on standard quick release plate

What's your list?  Please answer in the comment section or back on Reddit.

Look forward to seeing your list!

First Sony A7s Reviews Rolling Out - Better than the GH4?

Even though my GH4 will be arriving soon, I am still interested in how well the Sony A7s performs. I was impressed by what I was able to see of this camera at NAB - but it's a challenge to know what a camera can really do without reports from the field (or, preferably, shooting with it yourself) - so I will probably rent one and compare it to the GH4 at some point.

But until we can get our hands on it, we'll have to settle for early reviews like this one from The Camera Store in Calgary:



I always enjoy Chris' reviews. Lots of energy - and he knows his way around a camera menu. But he's not a video guy, and, in my view, he misses a couple of significant issues in his short comments on the A7s versus the GH4.

He mentions the obvious stuff, of course - the A7s' unmatched high ISO capability and apparent DR advantage over the GH4 at 1080p - and he counterbalances this by mentioning the A7s' 1080/60p maximum frame rate, lack of internal 4K and lack of 4K 10-bit output - but, in my view, he glosses over a couple of significant differences between the cameras that many shooters care about.

First - both the EU and the non-EU versions of the A7s stop recording after 30 minutes. Followers of this blog and my forum comments know that I consider this to be a significant limitation. Many non-EU Canon, Nikon and Sony users buy these cameras expecting to be able to record religious services, wedding ceremonies, plays, lectures and other events - and are surprised when their cameras shut down after 12 to 30 minutes. This is not a deal breaker for most narrative and documentary shooters, but for people who want to get rid of their camcorders and carry just one camera (this is the Hybrid Camera Revolution, after all), this is a big deal.

The second major issue is that this is not a "world camera". Unlike the GH4, the A7s is region-locked, and does not allow switching between NTSC (60Hz) and PAL (50Hz) frame rates. Frustrating for shooters who travel extensively or who have clients or viewers in other regions.

And, of course, the GH4 is $800 less than the A7s (although, I wouldn't be surprised if the price gap narrows over the next few months).

All of that said, the proof will be in the pudding. Shooters are starting to produce some incredible 4K work with the GH4 (please see the "GH4K" group I moderate over on Vimeo). We'll see what the future holds for the A7s - it's still a tremendous camera.

As Philip Bloom just tweeted,

GH4 4K internal, A7s sees in dark. Both cheap cameras! Yet people still whinge? Never been a better time technology wise to be a shooter!!

— Philip Bloom (@PhilipBloom) June 27, 2014

As usual, if anything here has helped you to make a buying decision, please click on the links above or the display ads below and in the margins. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help to keep these blog posts coming. And, for the latest hybrid camera news, views, tips and tricks, please follow HCR on Blogger on YouTube, on Google+ and now, on Twitter! Thanks so much for your support.

Scored a used Panasonic GH4 for less than $1500 - keep your eye on the used departments at your favorite online stores!

I've been trying to find a used GH4 body in stock for the past few weeks - and a couple have gotten away from me - but this morning, Providence smiled on me and I was able to pick up a used body for $1499.95 from B&H!

In addition to B&H, I kept my eye on Amazon Warehouse Deals, the Adorama Used Store and eBay.

Even though my camera is on the way, I'll keep looking for used GH4 deals for you guys and will post them here and on Reddit - so please follow the blog and keep checking Reddit Best Video Deals.

Now to start the familiar vigil - sitting by the door until the delivery driver comes!

GH4 Leads Major Bloggers to Leave Canon DSLRs - A Trickle or Beginning of a Flood?

Image courtesy wikimedia.org

A few years ago, when one of the most outspoken Canon EOS bloggers on the web, Andrew Reid of eoshd.com, switched to the Panasonic GH2 and starting writing about the lack of innovation in Canon video DSLRs, he was a bit of a voice in the wilderness.

In the early part of this decade, most of the bloggers I followed, emm at cheesycam.com; Dave Dugdale at learningdslrvideo.com; Caleb Pike at dslrvideoshooter.com; DJ at dslrfilmnoob.com and others were all shooting video pretty much exclusively with Canon DSLRs (I really respect all of these guys, so please visit their blogs and support them).

As long time readers of this blog and my forum postings will know, I tried a Canon video DSLR for a few months in early 2010, but quickly became frustrated with its limitations - no viewfinder in video mode, no autofocus in video mode, limited recording time and lack of a swiveling LCD. My GH2 fixed all of those problems for me back then (plus problems I didn't know I had, such as moire and aliasing) and I have been a mirrorless shooter ever since, upgrading to the GH3 in 2012 and to the GH4 this year.

That is why what is happening now is so interesting to me personally (and I admit it, a little satisfying). In the wake of the GH4's release, several of the bloggers on the list above, all of whom have been identified very closely with Canon DSLRs, are now very publicly expressing their displeasure with Canon's lack of innovation over the past 5 years and failure to add even the most basic video features, such as 1080/60p and focus peaking, to their DSLRs below the $10,000 Canon 1D C. Heck, they won't even give shooters a headphone jack below the price of the $3000+ Canon 5D Mark III.

Here is why Dave Dugdale and Caleb Pike are leaving Canon, in their own words:





At the high end, DSLR shooters who can afford it have already moved away from DSLRs entirely, and up to large sensor, interchangeable lens large sensor camcorders from Canon Cinema EOS, Blackmagic and Sony. So many, in fact, that many mainstream professional shooters and blogs have declared the DSLR revolution to be "over".

But there are still many serious shooters who have resisted the move away from Canon DSLRs because of the size & cost of high end camcorders - or because, like me, they want to carry a single hybrid camera for stills and video. Among these shooters were Dave Dugdale and Caleb Pike - but now, because of Canon's failure to innovate, these serious Canon DSLR shooters are moving on.

This is very bad news for Canon, in my view.  Many mature industries over the past few decades have taken their market position for granted, failed to innovate, kept prices higher than the market was wiling to pay - and been overtaken by smaller, more nimble competitors (see the US auto and micro-computer industries circa 1974).

The mass market often follows key thought-leaders who drive what the media and then consumers start to believe about products.  If the "Canon" brand and the words "lack of innovation" start to become linked in the minds of a critical number of consumers, this great company could very well suffer the fate of many leading companies that have gone before it.

If anything on this page has helped you to make a buying decision, please click on the links and images above and below, and please support our sponsors by clicking on the banners in the margins.  It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help keep these posts coming.  Thanks so much!

New 4K Panasonic FZ1000 - Sony RX10 Killer?

Last night, Panasonic announced the first UHD ("4K") camera below $1000 - the $897.99 Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 (available for pre-order at Amazon and Adorama). This camera has a list of great video features in addition to UHD - such as a 1" sensor, focus peaking and zebras, 5-axis stabilization and cine gammas. Here's a nicely shot UHD video from Panasonic (please watch at your monitor's highest resolution):





Aimed squarely at Sony's $1298 DSC-RX10, this camera has a very similar 1" 20MP sensor - but it tries to 'improve' on the RX10's terrific 8.3X constant aperture f2.8 lens by doubling the zoom range.  It's not much of an improvement, however, because the longer zoom range is offset by the loss of constant aperture (the new lens' aperture is a not very impressive f2.8-4.0).

It also fails to match the RX10 in other ways that matter to video shooters - it has no metal weather-sealed body, no ND filter, and no headphone jack.

In addition, when recording UHD, the US model is limited to 30fps and 30 minutes of recording time (25fps for the PAL model).  No 24fps.

Given the lack of serious video features, the addition of focus peaking, 5-axis stabilization, cine gammas, UHD "4K" and the 1" sensor may not be sufficient to compensate for this camera's shortcomings.

Bottom line - Reports of the RX10's demise are greatly exaggerated. At $897.99, the FZ1000 may sell well, but I don't recommend it for serious video shooters. If you want a compact superzoom with serious video chops, I recommend saving up an extra $400 for the RX10 - it's a great 1080p video camera with a headphone jack and a metal body that can stand up to a little weather.

If you want the flexibility and creativity of interchangeable lenses, you can get an all-metal GH3 body with a headphone jack for about $100 more than the FZ.

And for shooters who really want to upgrade to 4K - I recommend saving up for a camera that records to real 4K and 24fps - and without a 30 minute limit - the GH4.

Adorama GH4 Deal and B&H Live Webcast Event

There is Panasonic GH4 news from two of my favorite online retailers, Adorama and B&H. First, Adorama.

There's not a lot of discounting on the GH4's $1699.99 list price yet, but the best price out there right now (at least in the US) is this $1697.99 deal at Adorama - it's only a penny off the $1698 price at Amazon - but it includes the usual entry level "kit" of a camera holster, SD card, cleaning kit and screen protector.

Of course, they're backordered right now, but you might as well get some free stuff with your camera when it comes in.

When you do get your hands on your camera, you'll probably want some tips from the experts on how to use it. Over at B&H, they're ofering a free Panasonic GH4 Live Webcast Discussion: "Professional 4K in the Palm of Your Hand" on May 27th from 1 to 3PM Eastern (registration required).

Speakers (and GH4 experts), David Flores, Eduardo Angel and Mathew Frazer will participate in a panel discussion on the camera and answer your questions. This is another great service to the community from B&H, in addition to their excellent educational resources, great prices and customer service. I really like them (and they're not even a sponsor, so I'm not paid to say that :)).

Speaking of sponsors, if anything here has helped you to make a decision to buy a GH4, please click on one of the links or display ads on the site. It won't cost you anything and it will help to keep news about great camera deals coming. This site would not exist if it weren't for your support. Thank you.

Straight Flush - Panasonic GH1/GH2/GH3/GH4 Family Picture

I took this picture almost as soon as I had the GH4 out of its box.  It's hard to remember how revolutionary the GH1 seemed back in 2009.  Video autofocus, an Electronic Viewfinder, camcorder-like recording times, 1080/24fps and a swivel screen made it arguably the most advanced video-capable, large sensor, interchangeable lens camera of its time.

But time marches on, and the new Panasonic GH4 quadruples the video resolution of the earlier cameras - and is a much better still camera too.

I'll be taking the GH3, GH4 and the BMPCC up to the Travis AFB air show in Fairfield, CA for a comparison shoot tomorrow. The GH4's battery is charging, and I'll take a few UHS-1 SD cards to experiment with.

I'll be leaving the old GH1 and GH2 behind, though. I don't see a lot of demand for GH4 comparisons with 2009/2010 era cameras.

Results coming soon!

First 4K Narrative Short Shot with the Panasonic GH4!

Panasonic Australia posts the first official narrative video shot with the new Panasonic GH4. Shot in 4K, but, sadly, rendered down to 720P for YouTube. Hope they post a downloadable version to Vimeo soon!



...and here's the behind-the-scenes:



Can't wait to get my hands on this camera! If this post has helped you to make a buying decision, please click on one of the links above or the display ad below. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help keep these blog posts coming. Thanks!

Selling my Pocket Cinema Camera for a GH4 - Why?

I still love my Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. I have found ways to overcome its handling limitations (with an inexpensive LCD shade, a loupe and a pistol grip).



I have learned to combine its expanded image and peaking features for razor sharp manual focus, its small form factor is convenient and visually appealing, I absolutely love 10-bit ProRes and, now that the GH3 is back over $1000, the BMPCC is the only sub-$1000 camera with a headphone jack. So, why am I selling it to buy a Panasonic GH4?

Because the BMPCC is the last camera I pick up when I leave the house. On the other hand, I take the GH3, with its 'inferior' 8-bit codecs, everywhere I go. It turns out that I need to be able to shoot a high quality still photo every once in a while - and an iPhone just doesn't cut it for me. So, I guess I chose the right title for this blog. I am a hybrid still/video camera shooter, still looking for the "revolutionary" camera that can do it all. Is the GH4 that camera? Hopefully, we'll see in a few weeks.

If you're looking for a 12-bit RAW cinema camera for $899 and you're in in the SF Bay Area, click on one of the pictures above or this link to see my Craigslist post. If you prefer a new BMPCC, GH3 or GH4, please click on one of the links above or the display ads below. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help keep these posts coming. Thanks!

"Videographer's Dream Camera"

The reviews are starting to come in for the Panasonic GH4 - Luminous Landscape, ephotozine and others have had a chance to review the v1.0 version of the camera with production firmware.  ephotozine goes so far as to call it a "videographer's dream camera."

I have to agree - just about every challenge with the GH cameras that shooters have kvetched about for the past five years (except the lack of a built-in ND filter - ugh) has been addressed - and Panasonic quadrupled the resolution of the camera while they were at it.

At $1698 , this camera is a steal.

Final Rig Configuration for NAB 2014

The last piece of my "Frankenrig" arrived on Saturday - so here's the final configuration I'll be using for interviews and B roll on the show floor at NAB.

Instead of a static picture, as in my first post on "Frank", I shot a short video to point out all the pieces/parts - and try out my new Audio Technica AT8004L handheld mic (on sale for $89 plus shipping right now at Adorama).

This setup is for shoulder-mounted work and not really for mounting on a tripod, due to oscillation. But the ability to mount it on the tripod will still be convenient for interviews (and for giving my shoulder a rest).

And, given that it's NAB, there will probably be plenty of people with huge cameras and tripods walking around - so I won't look too strange.

If you have a mirrorless camera with an EVF, and you'd like to build your own in-line rifle style rig, the parts list is in the display ads below - or you can go directly to the video and order from the links in the "About" section.

Hope to see you at NAB!

A Reminder of What Has Sony (and Canon) Worried - Adorama Reviews the Panasonic GH4!

Panasonic DMC-GH4 with DMW-YAGH Pro Audio-Video Interface - $3298
Click Here or on the Photo to Order 

While we wait for Sony NAB 2014 Press Event (less than an hour away as I write this), here's a reminder of why Sony is (may be) in such a rush to introduce a 4K interchangeable lens mirrorless camera - the enthusiastic reception that the 4K $1698 Panasonic GH4 is getting.

Adorama TV has just released another positive GH4 review - with example scenes from different shooting scenarios - to include recording to an Aja Ki Pro Quad (with the usual caveat that you can't tell a lot from YouTube compressed video).

And there's a lot more on the DMW-YAGH audio video interface (which the reviewer calls a "breakout box") and on the camera's ergonomics when it is combines with the YAGH and an external recorder.

Here's the video:



This is a great reminder of the high bar that Sony will have to clear if they want to compete with the GH4. With any luck, I can get my hands on both cameras at NAB and tell you all about it.

Please subscribe to the blog to stay up to date on the latest from NAB next week - and support our sponsors - they keep us up and running and make our NAB coverage possible.  Thanks!

World's First Full Frame 4K Camera? Watch Sony NAB Announcement Live!

Sunday Night, April 6th, at 2PM Pacific, 5PM Eastern and 10PM London time, Sony will hold its annual NAB Press Event. The rumor sites are pretty much all reporting that the company will announce an "A7s" 4K full frame video/still camera.

Full frame is nice, but we'll have to see whether the new camera's codec and connectivity measure up to the GH4's.

Sadly, I don't get to Vegas until Monday night, but Sony will live stream the event - so we can all watch it right here on HCR!


EDIT: Okay, okay - it's the world's second full frame 4K camera (after the very expensive Canon 1D C). That said, it is likely to be the world's first full frame 4K camera that many people can afford.