Video on MFT

[DerekW]

Re: Video on MFT

Video was initially added to DSLR cameras to keep the DSLR camera in the press reporter's hand. So that one person with one bit of kit could supply still pictures for the hardcopy newspaper and movie for the web version of the newspaper.

Otherwise the simplicity in number of items to carry would mean that the iPhone would be the default reporters tool. I have been filmed by a reporter from the local rag, using an smartphone to get my opinion on a local building plan, the filmed reports appear on the rags web site, the voice recording used to collect opinions for transcribing for print use and text on the web..

If you look at the adverts for the RED camera you will see a movie camera moving into the still camera space see:

http://www.red.com/shot-on-red/photography

The size of the basic RED camera is similar to the EM1, however the accessories could require a small truck to move them.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Video on MFT

<snip>Some people ... may very well discover they find video useful some time in the future<snip>Ian

When we had our own children, video cameras were very expensive, big, heavy things that were as much trouble as the children themselves...

Having become a grand father, I find myself recording short "movies" on the iPhone, as the little chap discovers the latest "trick". Of course these now go on the Cloud for the rest of the family to see and enjoy.

I've recorded a very small number on my compacts but have never used the main cameras.

Being an "experimenter" I have done a few time-lapse sequences and I expect with the new capabilities will do several more. Certainly will be trying out the full capabilities of the new cameras, when I get my hands on one, and have even purchased my first HDMI Cable to view the results...

[latestarter]

Re: Video on MFT

All I can say is those that are not experimenting with video do not know what they are missing.

The bottom line which I am sure the manufactures realise is when I next upgrade my DSLR if it doesn't have video I would not buy it, and I am sure I not in the minority on this .

Nail - head - firmly struck

[Ricoh]

Re: Video on MFT

I think the ayes have it.
Amen.

[Zuiko]

Re: Video on MFT

I suppose the bottom line is that with cameras like Olympus that are so customisable, unwanted features need not get in the way because dedicated buttons can usually be configured to perform another purpose.

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Video on MFT

Not everyone uses their cameras purely for leisure!

I primarily use my cameras for work, recording and documenting paintwork issues and corrosion on large yachts.

Having the ability to take high quality video, and make video notes is essential to me, so I voted yes.

For what it's worth, Canon used to provide a handy utility where a 30 second audio recording could be attached to still images, allowing time to provide a description and location if required. This was immensely helpful to me as I often take several hundred images when conducting a survey, many of them close-up, so it can be difficult working out where they were taken later.

[Bikie John]

Re: Video on MFT

It has been very interesting to read all these opinions, specially from those who like having video capability.

My own view is similar to Ricoh's and Hec's. I don't feel any need for it but that is no reason not to include it, specially if the market demands it. However I am worried that it may detract from the performance of the camera as a stills machine for all sorts of reasons. Most have already been discussed - more complexity and therefore higher probability of problems, R&D money going on video when it could have gone on stills etc. etc. But I think there are some subtle effects going on as well.

As an example, the 12-50 zoom which was introduced with the E-M5 is a nice lens, if rather slow. However it has a power zoom, which I think was introduced for video use. I could never get on with it - and for quite a while it was the only weathersealed Micro-4/3 lens available. Since the E-M5 didn't play very nicely with Big-4/3 lenses it was the only choice. So here is a concrete example of the stills photographer's experience being made worse by the camera accommodating the requirements of video.

I am pleased that so many people are finding video useful - and to be honest I am a little surprised at the volume of support that we have seen in this thread. I will probably always have some reservations but will just have to move with the times and get used to it.

John

[OM USer]

Re: Video on MFT

Do I remember correctly a video clip showing an Olympus PR chap stating that video (perhaps even 4K) video is something they are looking to drastically improve?

How about the ability to shoot moving gifs of short duration?

The extra video based connections on the E-M5II grip are nice. I've always thought that the video grip on the panasonic was a bit over the top as it looks to be heavier than the camera and rather cumbersome. I'd rather see a tethering cable to a belt clip box of gizmos to keep the camera light and handheld.

The link to the video forum had a post about shooting with legacy zoom lenses and pointed out that you had to set the focal length for stabilisation. I have often thought that the lens adatpers should have a "lens focal length stabilisation" ring so you can quickly dial in the focal length if you swap legacy lenses or zoom a legacy zoom lens.

[Ian]

Re: Video on MFT

I have often thought that the lens adatpers should have a "lens focal length stabilisation" ring so you can quickly dial in the focal length if you swap legacy lenses or zoom a legacy zoom lens.

That's quite a good idea.

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Video on MFT

I have often thought that the lens adatpers should have a "lens focal length stabilisation" ring so you can quickly dial in the focal length if you swap legacy lenses or zoom a legacy zoom lens.

That's quite a good idea.

Ian

A control ring around the lens mount (XZ/OM style) would be ideal for this adjustment.

Such a control ring would be ideal for filter fade or transitions.

As you can guess, having looked at the new camera specs on video, I'm seeing a whole new set of possibilities.

[Mdb2]

Re: Video on MFT

Hi all, this is to me at this point in my photographic time is interesting to say the least. Up until this week I have never used video on any of my canon cameras, or Olympus em1. ( just changing to olympus but keeping my canon birding gear for BIF) I was out birding this week and was near enough to capture a pair of grebes mating, although I took several hundred shots on my 7D sigma 500 prime the quality of the stills was excellent. It still could not convey with stills the courtship ritual ( head shaking And weed presenting) being a little frustrated I had a eureka moment of discovery and used the video part of the 7D although I had never ever used video before i was quite pleased, the message did come over in video. To those more practised than myself the short videos I took would they probably be not to impressed. They are a little shaky and was not even sure were the switch was etc etc. I now over time will try to edit the video for a better result and will in future be less stringent with myself and embrace this new found mode. So if you haven't guessed, So my vote is yes. Now I will have to find a used light-weight directional mike. More weight to carry!
Kind regards mike

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Video on MFT

Hi all, this is to me at this point in my photographic time is interesting to say the least. Up until this week I have never used video on any of my canon cameras, or Olympus em1. ( just changing to olympus but keeping my canon birding gear for BIF) I was out birding this week and was near enough to capture a pair of grebes mating, although I took several hundred shots on my 7D sigma 500 prime the quality of the stills was excellent. It still could not convey with stills the courtship ritual ( head shaking And weed presenting) being a little frustrated I had a eureka moment of discovery and used the video part of the 7D although I had never ever used video before i was quite pleased, the message did come over in video. To those more practised than myself the short videos I took would they probably be not to impressed. They are a little shaky and was not even sure were the switch was etc etc. I now over time will try to edit the video for a better result and will in future be less stringent with myself and embrace this new found mode. So if you haven't guessed, So my vote is yes. Now I will have to find a used light-weight directional mike. More weight to carry!
Kind regards mike

By far the best reason, I have heard, for having video capability on any camera.

From what I have heard of the IS on the new E-M5 MkII this type of capture would be easier and inherently better quality. The skill of operator will always remain the biggest influence, of course, but as the technology improves, more people will see the benefits.

[latestarter]

Re: Video on MFT

I had a eureka moment of discovery and used the video part of the 7D although I had never ever used video before i was quite pleased, the message did come over in video.
Kind regards mike

I am on the same journey as you with video both with the 7D and E-M1. It can be great fun but another learning curve for me.

With that many still shots of the grebes, it would be worth making a time lapse clip as well. Too many variables to go into here but you can make more use of that many stills and create a great movie clip as well.

If you have enough shots of the head shaking and weed presenting, this motion will clearly come across in the time lapse compilation.

I did a similar thing with the Hoegh Osaka when she was grounded in the Solent being circled by tugs and the police boats chasing off the nosey parkers who deliberately sailed inside the exclusion zone to get a better look.

I would not buy a camera now without the video facility.

On the microphone front - I bought a Rode VideoMic Pro for the Oly E-M1. It weighs 85 grammes and performs superbly. The battery lasts over 70 hours. It also fits perfectly inside a Carte D'or ice cream container for added waterproof protection when travelling.

[Mdb2]

Re: Video on MFT

Thankyou Graham.
The downside which I touched on about using video is that it could now be even more costlier and weighty than just stills! I took 3 short clips but was surprised at no sound being taken? Will have to look this up in the manual of the 7d and as the grebes were quite close I will try my EM1 with 40-150 pro lens and converter, the upside is it does keep the old grey matter working.
Kind regards Mike

[Mdb2]

Re: Video on MFT

Hello latestarter, not sure if that would work in my case the shots were not all sequential, ie at 8 FPs. however I do know what your on about, more food for thought.
Kind regards mike