Camera Choices Made Easy By Circumstances And Need
My long and very indulgent vacillations on what video camera to buy became very easy in the end.
I bought the video camera that did the best stills and video in a reasonable price bracket.
I bought a second G9.
the potential of the G9 exceeds my needs, but it is nice to know there is a little up my sleeve (10 bit 4:2:2 4k unlimited in V Log-L with firmware and a Ninja V). I do not know it well enough yet, but I feel that there is plenty to discover and much more to refine.
The BMPCC4k is the cleanest path to RAW video (a long way further than I need), the OM-1 has the best AF and stabilising (the EM1x is close), the GH6 is probably the best overall (but the G9 is close), but at the end of the day, for a little over $1000au ($1350au with the excellent 12-60 kit), it is hands down the best value. I have saved enough even against the cheapest other option to afford the Ninja V that would upgrade it and my Olympus cameras (The EM1x is also excellent with a Ninja, offering RAW video).
I will not rig out the second G9 like this, as it is more of a stills camera first, but it can be customised for all the same video options.
It also has, and this is important, the same quality and work flow as my current G9. Learn one, know both.
Use them together and the are identical in performance and results. Two cameras gives me effectively unlimited recording, because I can alternate the mandatory short “naps” as I on/off them with complimentary footage from another or even the same angle.
Add in accessory and battery compatibility and it is the “smart” choice.
So, when push came to shove, I went to what I know and trust.