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5 Affordable 4K Cameras for Shooting Ultra High-Definition Video
You no longer have to spend an arm and a leg to shoot 4K video. Last year in PDN, we recommended six cameras to help you ease your way into shooting 4K video, which offers approximately four times the resolution of HD. Now, here are five new models that are not only less expensive than last year's crop, they're also smaller, more rich in features, and, for the most part, they look and feel like "traditional" digital cameras-not heavy, cinema-style rigs.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GH4
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the world's first mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera with 4K video capture, offering pro-level video tools in a small camera body for a reasonable price. The GH4 features a newly developed 16MP Digital Live MOS sensor designed to reduce the wobbly "rolling shutter" effect you can get when you pan too aggressively with a CMOS-based camera (which typically becomes more pronounced in crisp Ultra HD). For the ultimate in detail, crank the GH4 to Cinema 4K mode (4096 x 2160). You'll hit bit rates of 100Mbps for both Cinema 4K and the more standard 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) using IPB compression, so video quality will look clean with little artifacting. You can also shoot full 1080p HD with an ultra high bit rate of 200Mbps in ALL-Intra compression, or 100Mbps with no recording time limit. Other handy video features include the ability to choose between MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD video formats at a variety of frame rates according to the usage; and options for VFR (Variable Frame Rate) or Time Lapse/Stop Motion Animation without postproduction processing. Panasonic's also selling an optional new Interface Unit (DMW-YAGH) for the GH4 that enables more powerful video transmission. The Interface Unit ($2,000) complies with Full HD (4:2:2 / 10-bit) offering four parallel output, which can be used for 4K (4:2:2 / 10-bit) output, both with time code.
PRICE: $1,700
INFO: www.panasonic.com
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000
If the...