What if………… .
This time last year, Black Friday and Christmas wore me down with bargains. I held on for a while, but eventually it got too much.
Panasonic were offering the GH5 mkII for $1600au, the GH6 for $2600au and the S5 (kit) for $2100au.
All of these were bargains, all were much better than I expected and all at a time when I was probably settled for the most part, but I had the chance to fix a few video issues I was aware would likely come and bite me (note; they have not yet).
I had two G9 mk1 cameras, neither with the upgrade key**, but both firmware updated to be surprisingly good at video.
I did not have unlimited (actually battery limited) recording, a decent Log profile, wave forms, shutter angle or high bit rate, All-i recording.
I went with the S5 kit, because it was the best buy I felt. Even though it added a new format, had some compromises (still no All-i, some cropping, some time limits), it freed me in other ways and it was such a good buy. Most reviewers agreed, the image quality was superior even with all the other limits.
The GH6 was frustrating with it’s expensive card needs and still compromised AF, the GH5 II was comparatively old tech.
The S5 was just the easiest path to better video if that was my only short-fall. Even the APS-C, 8 bit options were lauded by many as very good, so no fuss, no pain and a whole new toy.
Like most people, I did not of course, imagine a G9II would appear with so much to offer*, but still, there was likely going to be something.
A stills grab from a 1080p, G9II file.
What could I have done better with the benefit of hindsight?
The GH5II would have been ideal as the needed filler.
We all know a camera like that can do an awful lot. Probably more than I need.
It gave me pretty much everything on my list, was low maintenance (same batts as the G9 mk1, no ridiculous card needs, better but not excessive recording options). As cheap new as a second hand one only days before, it was sensible, with remote live streaming as its trick card.
Where would that have led?
For me probably a G9II anyway, because it is just better in most ways, possibly the 10-25 f1.7 super lens and/or the set of Sirui anamorphics and maybe a couple of Sirui Nightwalkers. The GH5II would then make an excellent B-cam.
Do I regret the S5?
I am a little disappointed in myself that I broke away from M43, something I did intellectually, but not completely happily. Two kits are messy but workable and do fill some holes. The bizarre run of cheap L-mount lenses has made a difference.
There is actually nothing it offers that is greatly improved over M43, the lenses I have picked up have been the key.
Still, more options and some possible future proofing.
I feel that the future is likely either (a) I call this game quits soon an go back to an obsessive hobby, or (b) I will creep slowly into full frame land with a solid, basic stills and video kit using M43 for all things it is better at with a ton of depth to get me there.
Probably just another camera to be honest and maybe a 24mm from someone (probably Sigma). The G9II has upgraded M43 for me, nothing much to do there now.
For me sport, wildlife etc are very much a matter of having the gear, so one day when I am no longer shooting M43 (when everything is literally worn out), I will simply drop the things I cannot achieve.
*I think most people assumed the G9II would be much the same as the Mk1, with time, Vlog-L, and resolution limits. I even assumed you would again have to buy the key for Vlog-L. Nobody thought it would be a S5.2x with added stuff.
**This adds V-LogL and wave forms.