You never mention dynamic range which is arguably the most important quality when it comes to image quality. Its not even close. a6300 is the clear winner
Dynamic range IS NOT the most important thing when it comes to video quality. There are a lot of factors involved. Dynamic range is helpful but even the cheapest camcorder built new today has more than enough dynamic range to make a decent-looking movie.
You're wrong about in camera slow mo on sony a6300. It does playback slow mo on the a6300. You have to select HFR M or one of the HFR settings for it to play back in slow mo.
I've really come to appreciate and trust your videos. This review is so fair, objective and detailed. I just bought the a6500 and this video was a big part of my decision. In the end I wanted to dabble in photography and get high quality shots even though video is my main thing.
Caleb. I have a 6300. It does conform slow mo in camera. You need to switch it one of the HFR Mode (either P S A M etc) in the quick menu (Fn button while in video mode). Then you can just go into the menu as usual and select your record setting as usual (24p 100m, 24p 60m,etc.). From my testing the compression seems to be a bit better when you do it this way but it does mean you loose audio.
Definitely go pick one up. I've shot all my videos with it this summer and had great results. All the negative comments on rolling shutter are highly exaggerated. I do panning shots of cars going pretty fast and never have an issue.
a camera comparison without image quality comparing??? LOG??? Clarity?? Color science?? Detail??? Only saying 6300 is cleaner before stating that more noise doesn't matter??
I'm shooting mostly indoor, makeup tutorial videos and vlogs. I'm hoping I made the right choice with the a6300, although the GH4 was highly recommended. It's just so much more $$$$ than I was ever expecting to spend. That doesn't include the very possible need for a large ring light, 2 soft boxes and who knows what else?! **sigh**
There is sort of hack where you can remove the 30min limitation on a6300. I love this comparison, both are amazing cameras, you nicely pinpointed the strength and weakness. Sometimes I hate the small fails of a6300 but still love it. Especially since the still image part is a thing for me as well.
amazing!!!! the video i've been waiting for!!!! i could not decide which camera i wanted so i bought both of them. Now I need to choose which one to return
if the GH4 had an APS-C sensor the comparison would really be a lot clearer. for me anyway the tiny sensor in the Panasonic makes me lose interest before we even get started.
+Wild Biker Bill True. And if you use it for drone´shots, landscape or documentaries, a lager sensor does not even have to be better. It is really mostly for a bit of extra light/dynamic range and a shallower depth of field.
Kenneth K Media Is there a decent zoom that is somewhat fast for a reasonable price for the a6300/6500? Something like the Pana 12-35 f2.8. I found only a F4 zooms and it's too slow to justify its price
Andrea... if you have lots of money to spend you can get the Sony FE 24-70mm constant f 2.8 "G" lens. www.henrys.com/93132-SONY-FE-24-70-F2-8-G-LENS.aspx
RedroomStudios Christopher Burress So the advantage of the larger sensor in comparison to a GX85 is cancelled by the absence of fast lenses. It makes no sense to upgrade from M43, also because of the price difference (the double).
What's a good camera for quick movement camera moving for skateboarding outdoors.sound is not a important factor. just mainly video is important.just something that stays focus on fast moving objects.such as a skater. Going around 10mph.
As I get ready to retire and enter photography full-time I realize the importance of being a hybrid shooter and adding videography to my services and for clients. While I had the funds to purchase more up-to-date in modern cameras In 2019....i opted to purchase an almost like new GH4 and really get the maximum out of that one camera and put more of the money into glass and all of the peripherals that one needs in a professional shoot.
A couple of years ago I went on a walking trip in Israel. I considered a GH4 vs. A7S. For me it came down to cost (GH4 > A7S), and video record time (GH4 >> A7S). Is the low light as good? Of course not, but if your reference is film, even the GH4 beats the pants off of film. I have never regretted my choice.
You wanna tell me the GH4 has better (or as good) of a low light ability than a full frame camera? I go with Canon Dslr for events, where you find yourself in horrible low light situations...and even then it feels like you're barely able to capture the moment and still keep your image clean of noise, etc. So,how can a M43 camera can handle that?
eladbari I never compared the lowlight sensitivity of the GH4 to a current FF DSLR. I compared it to FILM. FILM is not a synonym for FF DSLR even if the sensor size was the same. For instance, In the age of FILM by the time you are looking at ISO 800 you are also talking about B&W, not color, and it's grainy as hell by modern standard. And ISO sensitivities of 2000 and up didn't even exist. Color film overwhelmingly had an ISO rating of 400 or less. I personally shot with Kodachrome 64 and Kodachrome 200. By that measure even a GH4 is a big step up.
***** Ok, I kinda get what you say, youre right. I guess I just didnt understand why you compare video from these cameras to film's stills. In anyway, it's good to know more people still shoot film. It's the best. It has character vs. all the digital images running around us
I would compare film stills to DSLR stills and video because in the age of the DSLR, the sensor, and hence light sensitivity characteristics, for both stills and video, are the same. Also because when I make a purchase, I am about big increases in capability. I am not chasing every incremental improvement from whoever happens to be on top this month. In the case of the GH4 what really won out was: 1. On a walking/hiking trip where availability of power for recharging batteries may be dodgy, the GH4 wins. The greater light sensitivity of the A7S wasn't going to matter if the batteries ended up dead. 2. I can use the GH4 as a locked down remote camera recording 2+ hour concerts. It's pretty much the ONLY DSLR/ILC camera out there you can do that with. The alternatives all have that < 30 minute limit.
***** Im in the same position as you. I'm not chasing every small improvement in cameras just to get the latest 'gadget'. That's why I'm still using the 5Dmk2. Since the mk3 didnt give me enough reasons to upgrade. Now, the 5Dmk4 has a better improvement, but everyone's putting Canon down for releasing this camera. Probelm is, that 5Dmk4 is still the only option [for me] to upgrade. Even though it doesnt have all the latest bells & whistles that other cameras have. What it does have is: 1. Super reliability [5D line doesnt fail. doesnt overheat. its a workhorse 2. Full frame sensor [great low light] 3, slowmo 1080p@60fps[I'd like more, but i dont Need more than that]. 4. Still has the best filmy feel out of all cameras I've seen footage from. [that's what my eye likes..and i wish my eye liked other cameras footage too]... The Sony A7R line is not optional as an upgrade for its horrible Jello effect and video-y look. The GH4 isnt an option for me as well, because I must shoot in low light situations. If it was only for sunny days [with speedbooster which gets rid of the deep DOF it has] - then it would be a good option. Wish that GH5 had full frame...just gimme any other manufacturer to compete with the filmy look of Canon and ill upgrade to them..
maybe a silly question - with a full frame camera what you see in the viewfinder/back display is what you get - you know your exact composition. With a APS-C your cropped but does this crop factor display in your viewfinder/back display for you to still be able to get the composition you want?
Thanks for video... the Sony A6300 has a HFR High Frame Rate mode which is 1080p XAVCS 100/120fps in camera slow mo which is recorded in camera. I post you can even speed it up and get the original audio for the recording. I have recorded a full music concert (3hrs) connected to a powerbank and sped up the sections I wanted. The Playmemories Tweaks App that removes the 30minute limit is none destructive to the camera. I have this app on all my sony cameras, and have even sent camera in toSony for repair on an independent issue and they didn't have a problem with it. They even serviced the camera updated the firmware. The slow motion in camera is great. You can save it to the memory dial and be switching from 4K to SlowMo to MP4 in seconds... by simply turning the mode dial.... how cool is that.... I am being a used GH4 for lockdown wedding ceremony shots... to see if switching to GH5 a need...
Incredible as usual, Caleb! For me, the GH4 anyday. I already made peace with the fact that in film, lighting is a requirement even if i have to pack 3 sun-guns for a table top set up each powered by a F970 battery.Enduring Jello effect is too much sacrifice to make.If i can also find the 6300 to rent for a day in my area, i'd try my hands on it too. Pretty small.
hi, could you suggest me a camera for my youtube channel under 1000, i am stuck with bmpcc used with lens, used sony fs100 , or panasonic g85? please help. also planning to get into short film making
Not sure if you work with monitors, but GH4 has 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, which just blows A6300s out of the water in terms of color grading and pushing the image in post.
I want to love the A6300 so much, especially with its DR being a stop or two better than the GH4, but I agree, I need the workhorse of a camera. I love my GH3, and it's been beaten to hell and it still lives. The G7 is also a good compliment to the GH4, so I'll probably move that direction eventually
Hey dude great video, I just wanted to ask you which camera you'd choose if you were doing both pictures and video and looking for an all around camera that could do a little of everything :)
Great review - a very thorough comparison! I have the GH4 which I love for video, but miss the larger sensor for photos, so I am somewhat torn between these two cameras! Two other things to throw into the mix; if people are interested in filming in log format, I think the a6300's s-log starts at ISO 800, whereas the GH4's v-log l starts at ISO 200 [although it is an upgrade and you have to pay for it]. Also, a Speed Booster with the GH4 is great, although sometimes [ie outdoors in bright light] it almost lets in too much light and you need some sort of ND filter if you want to film at those wider apertures... :)
this was so helpful! Went for the GH4 a quarter ago and am very happy. low-light and auto focus are a bit frustrating though. AF is kind of solvable by just focussing and then switching to manual (to lock). For vlogging the GH4 is a good workhorse, just not for all moments, especially the unplanned ones.
perhaps you can talk about the quality of 1080p video on both cameras. many users have sold their a6300 because the 1080p quality is almost unusable. it's as if you need both cameras, the a6300 for a backup, for fast focus 4k video and for low light/ night 4k shooting.
Well the codec and dynamic range, noise, low light etc are still better, but I think it is a too expensive camera if you want to film HD. For me it works because I use 90% of the time the 4K mode and HD only for slowmotion and it is also a good camera for photography. But if you won't use the 4K much or use the camera solely for video, there might be better options. For reference you can watch one of my videos, the two that are currently online are both taken with a t5i. ;)
that would be dope i have an a6300 and a gimbal but i just like how feels rigged up a slightly bigger body with the eye cup centered with the body would really feel nice. its a good camera but pike is right it needs a few accessories when your out shooting
that would be dope i have an a6300 and a gimbal but i just like how feels rigged up a slightly bigger body with the eye cup centered with the body would really feel nice. its a good camera but pike is right it needs a few accessories when your out shooting
The a6300 is really to small to hold and with anything more than a pancake lens the grip/balance is all wrong. Or that could just be me and my XL sized hands.
It's weird, I shot outdoors yesterday for over 2.1 hrs continuous using a v-mount battery with the time limit removed with the hack on the A6300 and didn't even get the overheating warning lol. I swear Sony really needs to up their Quality Control game. I feel bad honestly for those who do have their cameras overheat. Personally, still think the GH4 is better and can do 10bit 4:2:2 out. NO OTHER camera even the Sony's can do that. I will say the A6300 kills it for focus though... and the GH4 is godawful. It's a tough call, but honestly I'd use the A6300 more for stills and gimbal work... but the GH4 for everything else...great video Caleb I totally agree with a lot of your points.
They patched it with the latest firmware. While the heat transmission might not be perfect in this camera, the sensor was still on a way to sensitive setting before but is now on a better one.
When I used to handhold my camera i had overheat issues, now that I shoot on a rig with a dummy battery going to a NP battery, no more overheat and I shoot video in Florida ;-)
I would love to see a GH4 tutorial that demonstrates how to connect an audio recorder. I have a Mageell HDMI to USB dongle and I would really like to see how to apply that gadget for shots lasting extended times.
Advice please! I do marketing for a local Transit Authority. We make videos involving a mix of interviews and run and gun B-Roll that include things like the inside of buses (which can get dark) as well as filming moving buses and following people on bikes, cars, etc. In most applications i would have access to a shoulder rig with all the needed bells and whistles for sound, power, external monitor, follow focus, etc. Until this video i was thinking of going GH4 + native Olympus 12-40 f/2.8, but now I'm hesitant. What are your thoughts. The low light and auto focus kind of scared me on the GH4 from what you were saying, but I need to be able to capture moving vehicles. I would even consider the New A6500 if that changes the opinion. Any advice ASAP would be awesome!
I actually prefer not having in camera conforming for slow motion video. I loved that about the Sony A7SII. I could shoot a lot in HD slo-mo and if I change my mind later and don't want slo-mo after all, I'm not stuck, so win for the A6300 for me.
I always shoot with a little crew, with my ZOOM H4N and Rode NTG2 aside.... so I just have to worry about the imagery. In you were in my case, would you pick the A6300, am i right?
The a6300 would be much more appealing since it wouldn't overheat at all indoors and do much better out. For youtube stuff the a6300 but if I had to do any interview work I'd still pick the GH4.
Thanks for the review. I have the A7s which is the big brother of the a6300. It has some of the features that you found lacking in the a6300, and the full frame 35mm sensor paired with vintage prime lenses is an affordable way to get astonishing shots. But where you go Panasonic or Sony it's Canon that is being left in the dust with their refusal to add features that have become standard for other manufacturers.
I shoot short movies and videoclip, no doubt that for more "run and gun" type of shootings the GH4 is overall more reliable. But hey, that s-LOG 2 (and possibly 3) with a reasonable 800 base ISO and 14 stops of dynamic range... Well it wasn't covered so much in this video but as a filmmaker that's a huuuge deal; image-quality-wise the a6300 totally blows the GH4 out of the water.
Correct me when I am wrong, but dxo-Mark measured only around 12 and not 14 stops of dynamic range at iso 800. Still the result are pretty good and the sharpness is outstanding.
Real question about workflow for everyone who would like to participate: What REALLY is the advantage of having the GH4 conforming down to 24fps from a high frame rate for immediate slo-motion playback? Point being, why not simply choose to do that in post? (I'm in FCPX, so conforming is a one-click operation - even quicker now with my own custom shortcut as I do this ALL the time with my 60p footage from my c100mkii). Just curious here! Thanks!
I've a question about the 6300 & overheating. I like the sensor size, the low light, the focus, but I'm worried about it not working. I live in Vietnam, and it's incredibly hot and humid here. I'm looking to use the camera for narrative film making, not talking heads, so I imagine each time it'll only be shooting a few minutes rather than non stop. Is the ambient temperature going to affect it, or is the overheating more from long shooting times?
Hey Caleb I want to start of by saying I love your channel. I was recently thinking of making the switch from MFT (Panasonic G7) to the Sony a6300. I love the video quality on the g7 but now I've been doing photography more than video and I've been using my G7 for photos. I know for photography the a6300 is way better especially with low light and its fast auto focus. Do you think this change will be better for the best of both worlds? Or would there be any MFT recommendations for photo and video, since I already invested in glass and would have to sell it to make the switch? Maybe wait for the GH5 that is soon to come out? Thanks ahead for the response if you read this.
A have come across a few reviews now and I wonder why nobody talks about codecs at all. Coming from shooting with DSLR with crappy h264 files and missing possibilities to grade in post really kill it for me. For me, the codec inside a camera is as important as the sensor or the lense. Why have you not talked about those at all and how does it behave with those cameras? Greetings (film student)
Really fantastic video, and just what I needed! Just to help me a lil more with my decision... Which camera has better slo mo in terms of image quality? Thanks again
Would the 6300 work well with a handheld stabilizer? Im gonna be using it to take footage in my gym. Bootcamps, fitness classes etc. Or is there something better for that use?
Great video! I have the a6300 as my first all around photo/video and so far I love it. A few things are not cool like the rolling shutter & overheating but you just learn to live with it. Other features I love though is the wifi easy to transfer photos & video and do edits on a phone for really quick production.
Love your videos Caleb, i've been watching many today lol! I've Been using the GH4 this year many times, and I've been wanting to buy a used one now that the GH5 has come out. Do you think its worth it, or should I look at other options, seeing as I'm budget conscious and don't want to buy a $2500+ camera kit. Love Sony a7's and even the GH5 but def out of my budget. Would love to hear your thoughts. Autofocus is also a big deal to me, and I'm sure many others out there. Cheers!
Overall, a nice review. Your comment about sometimes having a dropped frame between the 4gig clips on the GH4 is something I've never seen. I have shot a number of events that run from an hour up to over 2 hours and I've never seen any problem between clips. The only cards I use are the 64 and 128 gig SD Extreme Pro U3. I'd be interested in knowing what card you used when you saw the problem. My Sony FS100 chops the files the same way but I have never had a problem with that camera either. If you're using U3 cards and have dropped frames, I would send the camera back to have it checked out because that's something that should never happen.
Amazing video, I'm considering to buy one of them, but do you think it worth to wait the GH5 ? Will it get higher ISO performances and better framerate ?
Does it has a mobile app to control the settings? Let's say if im doing youtube, i just need to set the focus once if im sitting. Can i do tht via the mobile app?
As usual great video...Thank you....If you don't mind me asking what type of work do you do..??? I want to start shooting interviews and some bRoll myself.!!!
I've shot over 35 weddings on 2 GH4 cameras they are amazing... we also shot the a6300 for about 4 min before it overheated and I tossed it in a lake along with our a7s/rii's
Cheers for this. I bought an a6300 on Friday, just before you posted this. I'm very happy with it so far but have only had a little of testing. Battery life I can see being an issue, but I'll work it out. I mainly got it, though, for the 18-105 F4 power zoom lens, which is absolutely awesome. To match that on the Gh4 I'd need multiple lenses and wouldn't get the constant aperture... Looking forward to 4K filming with it, and seeing how mine copes with overheating. I'll be picking up a cage anyway so not too much of an issue, it's primarily a B camera so should be running for prolonged times anyway... :)
Here it is two years later, and still, it's videos like these that make a HUGE difference in saving time... and money! Liked n' subscribed.
Imagine the GH4 with the sensor of the A6300
You never mention dynamic range which is arguably the most important quality when it comes to image quality. Its not even close. a6300 is the clear winner
Jayrim - can you share a video or anything that proves that (the dynamic range difference)? It would be very helpful. Thanks!
Dynamic range IS NOT the most important thing when it comes to video quality. There are a lot of factors involved. Dynamic range is helpful but even the cheapest camcorder built new today has more than enough dynamic range to make a decent-looking movie.
Dynamic range is very important, and Panasonic’s “V-log” does not compare to Sony’s “s-log2” or “s-log3”
facts
You're wrong about in camera slow mo on sony a6300. It does playback slow mo on the a6300. You have to select HFR M or one of the HFR settings for it to play back in slow mo.
I've really come to appreciate and trust your videos. This review is so fair, objective and detailed. I just bought the a6500 and this video was a big part of my decision. In the end I wanted to dabble in photography and get high quality shots even though video is my main thing.
Caleb. I have a 6300. It does conform slow mo in camera. You need to switch it one of the HFR Mode (either P S A M etc) in the quick menu (Fn button while in video mode). Then you can just go into the menu as usual and select your record setting as usual (24p 100m, 24p 60m,etc.). From my testing the compression seems to be a bit better when you do it this way but it does mean you loose audio.
After you do this once you can just switch between slow mo and normal speed from the quick menu. Its the button on the bottom right :)
Thank you for the info Andrea! I added that to the description. You're a champ!
No problem! Thanks for the shout-out! Keep up the great videos :-)
Great comparison Caleb, I have not tried the 6300, thinking of picking one up soon.
Thanks Dave! It is fun, but hardly useable for every shoot without a few accessories.
Definitely go pick one up. I've shot all my videos with it this summer and had great results. All the negative comments on rolling shutter are highly exaggerated. I do panning shots of cars going pretty fast and never have an issue.
I forgot the mention that I've never overheated it either. I shoot all day outdoors in the hottest conditions.
I wish you would. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well.
i had the 6300 for 1 day, makes you sea sick :P
The a6300 has the HFR option. That works a bit different than is obvious. If you choose this, you can also see the slowmotion in the camera.
Yeah it's hfr/slow MO is amazing on the a
6300 I used it at a sports shoot this weekend it was epic.
Wow, can't believe I missed that! Thanks for the info.
It is easy to miss because it has to be set with the button on video. Then you can choose P, S, A and different HFR modes
a camera comparison without image quality comparing??? LOG??? Clarity?? Color science?? Detail??? Only saying 6300 is cleaner before stating that more noise doesn't matter??
Caleb, you CAN remap the record button for video on the A6300
Yes you can reamp (I find best place is the C1 button on top just right of shutter)
This is right on time! I was literally googling this the other day and had a hard time finding a solid review on this topic until u released this! 😁
So glad I was able to help!
SAME HERE! Between these exact ones!
I'm shooting mostly indoor, makeup tutorial videos and vlogs. I'm hoping I made the right choice with the a6300, although the GH4 was highly recommended. It's just so much more $$$$ than I was ever expecting to spend. That doesn't include the very possible need for a large ring light, 2 soft boxes and who knows what else?! **sigh**
Great comparison Caleb. I appreciate the balanced, practical insights.
Thanks Curtis!
Just ordered my a6300 for shooting short form 4k videos like music videos and promo videos.
How'd it turn out?
There is sort of hack where you can remove the 30min limitation on a6300.
I love this comparison, both are amazing cameras, you nicely pinpointed the strength and weakness. Sometimes I hate the small fails of a6300 but still love it. Especially since the still image part is a thing for me as well.
amazing!!!! the video i've been waiting for!!!! i could not decide which camera i wanted so i bought both of them. Now I need to choose which one to return
Thanks TechLine. Glad you enjoyed it!
where did you get the accessories for the gh4? i like the mic and battery pack..
what about a comparisons with the original sony a7 now that it can be had for around a thousand dollars U.S.?
Very consistent analysis Caleb, keep up with the great work !
Holy !! Man fantastic video, I was waiting for something like this many many long months 😊 Thanks 👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
if the GH4 had an APS-C sensor the comparison would really be a lot clearer. for me anyway the tiny sensor in the Panasonic makes me lose interest before we even get started.
You know we're all spoiled rotten when a sensor significantly bigger than Super16mm gets called "tiny".
+Wild Biker Bill True. And if you use it for drone´shots, landscape or documentaries, a lager sensor does not even have to be better. It is really mostly for a bit of extra light/dynamic range and a shallower depth of field.
Kenneth K Media Is there a decent zoom that is somewhat fast for a reasonable price for the a6300/6500? Something like the Pana 12-35 f2.8. I found only a F4 zooms and it's too slow to justify its price
Andrea... if you have lots of money to spend you can get the Sony FE 24-70mm constant f 2.8 "G" lens.
www.henrys.com/93132-SONY-FE-24-70-F2-8-G-LENS.aspx
RedroomStudios Christopher Burress So the advantage of the larger sensor in comparison to a GX85 is cancelled by the absence of fast lenses. It makes no sense to upgrade from M43, also because of the price difference (the double).
What's a good camera for quick movement camera moving for skateboarding outdoors.sound is not a important factor. just mainly video is important.just something that stays focus on fast moving objects.such as a skater. Going around 10mph.
one of the most balanced comparisons I've seen of the two cameras.
As I get ready to retire and enter photography full-time I realize the importance of being a hybrid shooter and adding videography to my services and for clients. While I had the funds to purchase more up-to-date in modern cameras In 2019....i opted to purchase an almost like new GH4 and really get the maximum out of that one camera and put more of the money into glass and all of the peripherals that one needs in a professional shoot.
This was great man! Exactly the video I've been waiting for 😊
Thanks Jacob! Happy to be of service!
A couple of years ago I went on a walking trip in Israel. I considered a GH4 vs. A7S. For me it came down to cost (GH4 > A7S), and video record time (GH4 >> A7S). Is the low light as good? Of course not, but if your reference is film, even the GH4 beats the pants off of film. I have never regretted my choice.
You wanna tell me the GH4 has better (or as good) of a low light ability than a full frame camera? I go with Canon Dslr for events, where you find yourself in horrible low light situations...and even then it feels like you're barely able to capture the moment and still keep your image clean of noise, etc. So,how can a M43 camera can handle that?
eladbari
I never compared the lowlight sensitivity of the GH4 to a current FF DSLR. I compared it to FILM. FILM is not a synonym for FF DSLR even if the sensor size was the same. For instance, In the age of FILM by the time you are looking at ISO 800 you are also talking about B&W, not color, and it's grainy as hell by modern standard. And ISO sensitivities of 2000 and up didn't even exist. Color film overwhelmingly had an ISO rating of 400 or less. I personally shot with Kodachrome 64 and Kodachrome 200. By that measure even a GH4 is a big step up.
***** Ok, I kinda get what you say, youre right. I guess I just didnt understand why you compare video from these cameras to film's stills.
In anyway, it's good to know more people still shoot film. It's the best. It has character vs. all the digital images running around us
I would compare film stills to DSLR stills and video because in the age of the DSLR, the sensor, and hence light sensitivity characteristics, for both stills and video, are the same. Also because when I make a purchase, I am about big increases in capability. I am not chasing every incremental improvement from whoever happens to be on top this month.
In the case of the GH4 what really won out was:
1. On a walking/hiking trip where availability of power for recharging batteries may be dodgy, the GH4 wins. The greater light sensitivity of the A7S wasn't going to matter if the batteries ended up dead.
2. I can use the GH4 as a locked down remote camera recording 2+ hour concerts. It's pretty much the ONLY DSLR/ILC camera out there you can do that with. The alternatives all have that < 30 minute limit.
***** Im in the same position as you. I'm not chasing every small improvement in cameras just to get the latest 'gadget'.
That's why I'm still using the 5Dmk2. Since the mk3 didnt give me enough reasons to upgrade. Now, the 5Dmk4 has a better improvement, but everyone's putting Canon down for releasing this camera.
Probelm is, that 5Dmk4 is still the only option [for me] to upgrade. Even though it doesnt have all the latest bells & whistles that other cameras have.
What it does have is:
1. Super reliability [5D line doesnt fail. doesnt overheat. its a workhorse
2. Full frame sensor [great low light]
3, slowmo 1080p@60fps[I'd like more, but i dont Need more than that].
4. Still has the best filmy feel out of all cameras I've seen footage from. [that's what my eye likes..and i wish my eye liked other cameras footage too]...
The Sony A7R line is not optional as an upgrade for its horrible Jello effect and video-y look. The GH4 isnt an option for me as well, because I must shoot in low light situations. If it was only for sunny days [with speedbooster which gets rid of the deep DOF it has] - then it would be a good option. Wish that GH5 had full frame...just gimme any other manufacturer to compete with the filmy look of Canon and ill upgrade to them..
maybe a silly question - with a full frame camera what you see in the viewfinder/back display is what you get - you know your exact composition. With a APS-C your cropped but does this crop factor display in your viewfinder/back display for you to still be able to get the composition you want?
Thanks for video... the Sony A6300 has a HFR High Frame Rate mode which is 1080p XAVCS 100/120fps in camera slow mo which is recorded in camera. I post you can even speed it up and get the original audio for the recording. I have recorded a full music concert (3hrs) connected to a powerbank and sped up the sections I wanted. The Playmemories Tweaks App that removes the 30minute limit is none destructive to the camera. I have this app on all my sony cameras, and have even sent camera in toSony for repair on an independent issue and they didn't have a problem with it. They even serviced the camera updated the firmware. The slow motion in camera is great. You can save it to the memory dial and be switching from 4K to SlowMo to MP4 in seconds... by simply turning the mode dial.... how cool is that.... I am being a used GH4 for lockdown wedding ceremony shots... to see if switching to GH5 a need...
great comparison you forgot external recording differences, is it 10 bit on gh4 and only 8 bit on a6300 ?
Incredible as usual, Caleb! For me, the GH4 anyday. I already made peace with the fact that in film, lighting is a requirement even if i have to pack 3 sun-guns for a table top set up each powered by a F970 battery.Enduring Jello effect is too much sacrifice to make.If i can also find the 6300 to rent for a day in my area, i'd try my hands on it too. Pretty small.
hi, could you suggest me a camera for my youtube channel under 1000, i am stuck with bmpcc used with lens, used sony fs100 , or panasonic g85? please help. also planning to get into short film making
Which one will work better with stabilizers? The a6300 seems really lightweight.
Which one is easier to grade from the Flat profile? I heard that Sony's S-Log is more robust and flexible.
hows the rolling shutter on a gimbal?
Not sure if you work with monitors, but GH4 has 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, which just blows A6300s out of the water in terms of color grading and pushing the image in post.
I want to love the A6300 so much, especially with its DR being a stop or two better than the GH4, but I agree, I need the workhorse of a camera. I love my GH3, and it's been beaten to hell and it still lives. The G7 is also a good compliment to the GH4, so I'll probably move that direction eventually
I'm in the same boat. The a6300 is sooooo close but so far away from being a trusted camera.
Sony won't admit it but I consider the a6300 to be a proof of concept. A promising one. My dream camera body would be a Panasony. lol
Hey dude great video, I just wanted to ask you which camera you'd choose if you were doing both pictures and video and looking for an all around camera that could do a little of everything :)
Would love a video like this including the new Fuji X-T2
You got me at "shooting handheld in the back of an atv in the middle of the jungle" 😂 Awesome comparison, appreciate all your vids.
Great review - a very thorough comparison! I have the GH4 which I love for video, but miss the larger sensor for photos, so I am somewhat torn between these two cameras! Two other things to throw into the mix; if people are interested in filming in log format, I think the a6300's s-log starts at ISO 800, whereas the GH4's v-log l starts at ISO 200 [although it is an upgrade and you have to pay for it]. Also, a Speed Booster with the GH4 is great, although sometimes [ie outdoors in bright light] it almost lets in too much light and you need some sort of ND filter if you want to film at those wider apertures... :)
I typically run and gun, but I also have an external recorder (Odyssey7Q+). A6300 has not let me down.
this was so helpful! Went for the GH4 a quarter ago and am very happy. low-light and auto focus are a bit frustrating though. AF is kind of solvable by just focussing and then switching to manual (to lock). For vlogging the GH4 is a good workhorse, just not for all moments, especially the unplanned ones.
perhaps you can talk about the quality of 1080p video on both cameras. many users have sold their a6300 because the 1080p quality is almost unusable. it's as if you need both cameras, the a6300 for a backup, for fast focus 4k video and for low light/ night 4k shooting.
Why is it unusable?
It is not unusable but pretty bad compared to 4k. The sharpness is similar to a Canon t5i.
Well the codec and dynamic range, noise, low light etc are still better, but I think it is a too expensive camera if you want to film HD. For me it works because I use 90% of the time the 4K mode and HD only for slowmotion and it is also a good camera for photography. But if you won't use the 4K much or use the camera solely for video, there might be better options. For reference you can watch one of my videos, the two that are currently online are both taken with a t5i. ;)
but...1080p does not come from 4K???
I agree, no audio concern, or if you record audio seperately. then go A6300..
If Sony will only put the 6300 in a a7 body
that would be dope i have an a6300 and a gimbal but i just like how feels rigged up a slightly bigger body with the eye cup centered with the body would really feel nice. its a good camera but pike is right it needs a few accessories when your out shooting
that would be dope i have an a6300 and a gimbal but i just like how feels rigged up a slightly bigger body with the eye cup centered with the body would really feel nice. its a good camera but pike is right it needs a few accessories when your out shooting
The a6300 is really to small to hold and with anything more than a pancake lens the grip/balance is all wrong. Or that could just be me and my XL sized hands.
Wild Biker Bill n
They have. It's called A7Rii!
It's weird, I shot outdoors yesterday for over 2.1 hrs continuous using a v-mount battery with the time limit removed with the hack on the A6300 and didn't even get the overheating warning lol. I swear Sony really needs to up their Quality Control game. I feel bad honestly for those who do have their cameras overheat. Personally, still think the GH4 is better and can do 10bit 4:2:2 out. NO OTHER camera even the Sony's can do that. I will say the A6300 kills it for focus though... and the GH4 is godawful. It's a tough call, but honestly I'd use the A6300 more for stills and gimbal work... but the GH4 for everything else...great video Caleb I totally agree with a lot of your points.
Thanks Sully! Yeah, mine hates sunlight, but indoors it is fine unless I shoot with a stock setup and the screen closed.
They patched it with the latest firmware. While the heat transmission might not be perfect in this camera, the sensor was still on a way to sensitive setting before but is now on a better one.
When I used to handhold my camera i had overheat issues, now that I shoot on a rig with a dummy battery going to a NP battery, no more overheat and I shoot video in Florida ;-)
Sully Cortez I use mine for 3hr church sermon shoots every Sunday because of this tweaks app... perfect
I would love to see a GH4 tutorial that demonstrates how to connect an audio recorder. I have a Mageell HDMI to USB dongle and I would really like to see how to apply that gadget for shots lasting extended times.
This was seriously incredibly well done. Huge thanks!
Which camera will you recommend for all round including to use as a dslr streaming camera setup
This is the BEST Panasonic /Sony review.
can you just go with a higher end camcorder that has a more picture then both of them and has out lasting battery life?
Advice please! I do marketing for a local Transit Authority. We make videos involving a mix of interviews and run and gun B-Roll that include things like the inside of buses (which can get dark) as well as filming moving buses and following people on bikes, cars, etc. In most applications i would have access to a shoulder rig with all the needed bells and whistles for sound, power, external monitor, follow focus, etc. Until this video i was thinking of going GH4 + native Olympus 12-40 f/2.8, but now I'm hesitant. What are your thoughts. The low light and auto focus kind of scared me on the GH4 from what you were saying, but I need to be able to capture moving vehicles. I would even consider the New A6500 if that changes the opinion. Any advice ASAP would be awesome!
I actually prefer not having in camera conforming for slow motion video. I loved that about the Sony A7SII. I could shoot a lot in HD slo-mo and if I change my mind later and don't want slo-mo after all, I'm not stuck, so win for the A6300 for me.
Would you have chosen the GH4 if the a6400 was the comparison?!
Thanks for a great video!
Which one is better for music video?
I always shoot with a little crew, with my ZOOM H4N and Rode NTG2 aside.... so I just have to worry about the imagery. In you were in my case, would you pick the A6300, am i right?
what lens was that on the gh4?
Hi is the Panasonic GH4 camera still relevant for TH-cam videos for beginners?
what's with the label on the Panasonic?
You mention the in camera high fps conforming.. What's the advantage of having it done in camera?
I think slowmotion...and less rolling shutter. That's I have understood from a Yuri Palma and Philippe Bloom interviews
Super in depth. Loved the review
Should I upgrade from G7 to Gh4 in 2018? Is it a big difference of picture quality (bitrate etc) ?
hi
is sony alfa 6300 compitable with rode mic pro or only sony pro[pietry mic fits?
Which would you choose after both cameras have the add-ons you recommend in your guides?
The a6300 would be much more appealing since it wouldn't overheat at all indoors and do much better out. For youtube stuff the a6300 but if I had to do any interview work I'd still pick the GH4.
what about the panasonic G7 vs a6300?
probably the exact same responses...
G7 has the same 4K video as the gh4.
Get panasonic g7 because better than sony a6300
Awal Seidu well its not as good at photos, auto focus or getting a shallow depth of field which is ideal for professional videographers.
+PeglegMedia but you know that a6300 is also not good for videographers.
i think you kind of answer it... but if i were to use a camera for shooting short films would you use a6300 or something else?
Thanks for the review. I have the A7s which is the big brother of the a6300. It has some of the features that you found lacking in the a6300, and the full frame 35mm sensor paired with vintage prime lenses is an affordable way to get astonishing shots. But where you go Panasonic or Sony it's Canon that is being left in the dust with their refusal to add features that have become standard for other manufacturers.
I shoot short movies and videoclip, no doubt that for more "run and gun" type of shootings the GH4 is overall more reliable. But hey, that s-LOG 2 (and possibly 3) with a reasonable 800 base ISO and 14 stops of dynamic range... Well it wasn't covered so much in this video but as a filmmaker that's a huuuge deal; image-quality-wise the a6300 totally blows the GH4 out of the water.
Correct me when I am wrong, but dxo-Mark measured only around 12 and not 14 stops of dynamic range at iso 800. Still the result are pretty good and the sharpness is outstanding.
Real question about workflow for everyone who would like to participate: What REALLY is the advantage of having the GH4 conforming down to 24fps from a high frame rate for immediate slo-motion playback? Point being, why not simply choose to do that in post? (I'm in FCPX, so conforming is a one-click operation - even quicker now with my own custom shortcut as I do this ALL the time with my 60p footage from my c100mkii). Just curious here! Thanks!
One less step (even though it isn't that much work) but it makes experimenting with different frame rates on the spot easy and instantly viewable.
which one is best for short film ? or any other camera?
I've a question about the 6300 & overheating.
I like the sensor size, the low light, the focus, but I'm worried about it not working.
I live in Vietnam, and it's incredibly hot and humid here. I'm looking to use the camera for narrative film making, not talking heads, so I imagine each time it'll only be shooting a few minutes rather than non stop.
Is the ambient temperature going to affect it, or is the overheating more from long shooting times?
Hey Caleb I want to start of by saying I love your channel. I was recently thinking of making the switch from MFT (Panasonic G7) to the Sony a6300. I love the video quality on the g7 but now I've been doing photography more than video and I've been using my G7 for photos. I know for photography the a6300 is way better especially with low light and its fast auto focus. Do you think this change will be better for the best of both worlds? Or would there be any MFT recommendations for photo and video, since I already invested in glass and would have to sell it to make the switch? Maybe wait for the GH5 that is soon to come out? Thanks ahead for the response if you read this.
A have come across a few reviews now and I wonder why nobody talks about codecs at all. Coming from shooting with DSLR with crappy h264 files and missing possibilities to grade in post really kill it for me. For me, the codec inside a camera is as important as the sensor or the lense. Why have you not talked about those at all and how does it behave with those cameras?
Greetings (film student)
Really fantastic video, and just what I needed! Just to help me a lil more with my decision... Which camera has better slo mo in terms of image quality? Thanks again
great review. Im a sony guy but this was the most fair review I have seen.
One of the best reviews I have seen,
Thank you.
Thanks Niro!
Would the 6300 work well with a handheld stabilizer? Im gonna be using it to take footage in my gym. Bootcamps, fitness classes etc. Or is there something better for that use?
Calab how do you feel about the Gh5 is it worth the upgrade?
Pick the Gh4 for events/documentary. Pick the Sony a6300 For NARRATIVE work (better lowlight, slog 3, larger sensor and better image)
Can you do a test of the a6300 with a speedbooster?
Can it even use it? - The f stop extra is awesome, but I really like it because of the wider FOV
Can you tell me which lense would be best for a6300 shooting music videos
Nice comparison.) I notice when use my 6300 at 4k, at 1/50 shutter speed rolling shutter not so noticeable.
Great video! I have the a6300 as my first all around photo/video and so far I love it. A few things are not cool like the rolling shutter & overheating but you just learn to live with it. Other features I love though is the wifi easy to transfer photos & video and do edits on a phone for really quick production.
Love your videos Caleb, i've been watching many today lol! I've Been using the GH4 this year many times, and I've been wanting to buy a used one now that the GH5 has come out. Do you think its worth it, or should I look at other options, seeing as I'm budget conscious and don't want to buy a $2500+ camera kit. Love Sony a7's and even the GH5 but def out of my budget. Would love to hear your thoughts. Autofocus is also a big deal to me, and I'm sure many others out there. Cheers!
Overall, a nice review. Your comment about sometimes having a dropped frame between the 4gig clips on the GH4 is something I've never seen. I have shot a number of events that run from an hour up to over 2 hours and I've never seen any problem between clips. The only cards I use are the 64 and 128 gig SD Extreme Pro U3. I'd be interested in knowing what card you used when you saw the problem. My Sony FS100 chops the files the same way but I have never had a problem with that camera either. If you're using U3 cards and have dropped frames, I would send the camera back to have it checked out because that's something that should never happen.
the real question is? what camera did you use to record this ?
Nice video. I'm currently wondering if I should get the A6500 or wait for the GH5. I'm looking forward to your review of the A6500 when it comes out.
Thanks dude. Was getting ready to get a 6300 but someone said I should do a GH4 but you explain it well and now I know which to do for (:
Two questions: how did you light this video. And which camera did you use to record this video. Thanks in advance!
love it but A6300 what if i have it on ronin m the shoot will me good?
Thanks for showing example of rolling shutter or ISO.
Hello, man...what you have in your right hand? :) What is this, it's a custom RIG? Thanks
Amazing video, I'm considering to buy one of them, but do you think it worth to wait the GH5 ? Will it get higher ISO performances and better framerate ?
thanks for the honest review, I'm going with a GH4
Does it has a mobile app to control the settings? Let's say if im doing youtube, i just need to set the focus once if im sitting. Can i do tht via the mobile app?
Hey Caleb, can you explain those jarkhands you use in a single video, which will be really helpful..
what should i buy between gh 4 and 70d ?
Caleb... best to have as a 60fps camera to compliment c100? (color matching, quality)
As usual great video...Thank you....If you don't mind me asking what type of work do you do..??? I want to start shooting interviews and some bRoll myself.!!!
I've shot over 35 weddings on 2 GH4 cameras they are amazing... we also shot the a6300 for about 4 min before it overheated and I tossed it in a lake along with our a7s/rii's
Jk we didn't toss them in a lake it was more of a pond
Really??
Hey Caleb Hows going man? What kind of Camera are you using to record this video?
Cheers for this. I bought an a6300 on Friday, just before you posted this. I'm very happy with it so far but have only had a little of testing. Battery life I can see being an issue, but I'll work it out. I mainly got it, though, for the 18-105 F4 power zoom lens, which is absolutely awesome. To match that on the Gh4 I'd need multiple lenses and wouldn't get the constant aperture... Looking forward to 4K filming with it, and seeing how mine copes with overheating. I'll be picking up a cage anyway so not too much of an issue, it's primarily a B camera so should be running for prolonged times anyway... :)