MFT cameras don't share the same wide field of view as a full frame DSLR. In addition the 4K Video setting on the Panasonic DMC-GH4 is further cropped in when compared to it's own 1080p setting.
One benefit to shooting 4K video is the extra resolution that will allow you to recompose, level a shot, or even zoom in to frame when outputting to 1080p. Seeing how my Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens became less 'fisheye-like' with the 4K crop, I was also curious about using the extra resolution to correct the remaining distortion and finally outputting to 1080p. Nothing new as many users have 'de-fished' the Ultra Wide look from early GoPro cameras. I attempted to DeFish a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera Clip with my fisheye lens that ended up looking great, but 1080p can only be stretched so far.
Here's a video showing different crop factors between 1080p using the Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 (@12mm) and the Rokinon 7.5mm MFT Fisheye Lens.
My tests with the GH4 4K Video show that the image is far from perfect, but far better when attempting to defish from a 1080p file. There's an obvious loss of sharpness towards the edges if you're really nit picky, but in many cases where you have to work in very tight situations with a GH4, taking advantage of the extra resolution in 4K is a good option. (BTW no sharpening has been done in post in this video)
Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye Lens for MFT Cameras
Emm
Post author@Archie - Let me try later. I am mostly in FCPX and haven't defished in premiere. I'll see what I can find.
Archie
Hi Emm, I am trying to use the "Lens Distortion" plugin in Premiere Pro to "Defish".
Using GH4 in 4K mode with a Samyang 8mm EF lens (with dummy adapter).
Any suggestions for settings? I am simply doing a curvature of -15 and looks good but I feel I am misisng something. Playing around with de-centering, I am not able to nail in the best settings. Got any tips?
Darryl
I am thinking of getting the Rokinon 8mm T/3.8 Cine Fisheye Lens (for Video DSLR Olympus/Panasonic Micro 4/3 Cameras. I know its a few dollars more but I was wondering if this lens would be a better choice than the 7.5mm used in the video and article?
julian
@emm, I was actually wondering if HDMI and composite SD signals could be output simultaneously from the GH4 body.
Also have you setup the blue tooth module for alexmos board? I have had the module for a few weeks now, but am waiting until after a scheduled project next week to install it (I don't want to mess with the setup while I have everything working properly 🙂
Thanks
Chris Knight
@Joel - the Samyang (Rokinon/Bower/etc.) fisheyes vignette if you use a focal reducer. For example, using the 8mm NEX-mount on the A7R gives a serious vignette. The A-mount Samyang 8mm fisheye has the same problem. (But the other Samyang A-mount lenses look great on FF!)
Emm
Post author@Chris Knight - Yeah we're all over the Bay Area, just depends. Typically i'll post on twitter if i'm in a city.
Chris Knight
Excellent examples. I have my GH4 and the Samyang fisheye and might try playing with this. Also remember the "Ex. Tele Conv." setting, which switches to one to one pixel mode for even more in-camera crop fun.
I've seen equipment that will take 4k shots and "pan" across them for 1080p footage, including correcting for the angle so as you pan it looks like the camera's panning.
Still trying to figure out where in the bay area you guys are at...Shots of Monterey, Concord. I'm in San Jose if you ever want to meet to talk equipment. (Starting a series of shoots for a short subject film this month!)
Emm
Post author@julian - The interface unit uses the HDMI port, so if you have that mounted, you can only use the interface unit.
editwizard
The thing I noticed is how nice the Rokinon lens looks compared to the zoom. I really like the look - seems sharper, and a little more saturated too.
What do you feel like the resulting real-world full-frame equivalent view is?
About 20mm?
Emm
Post author@Antonio Pantoja - The GH4 is pretty popular right now, I think there will be a huge push for affordable high quality speed boosters this year. I don't have any more information than what's already on the internet.
julian
Thank you so much for this comparison. I have been struggling with my current camera upgrade decision and was looking for examples from the 7.5mm rokinon. This comparison is exactly what I have been looking for. Cheesycam is the best!
PS: I'll try to send you some of my build details soon as I have setup a came-7000 rig with nyrius wireless HDMI & a servo based follow focus. Do you know if the GH4 is capable of outputting an HDMI signal as well as an SD composite signal at the same time without using the IO interface unit?
Joel
Debating between the MFT fisheye or EF fisheye with focal reducer. I like how clean and compact the MFT is, but the extra stop and a little wider is good too. Not sure how wide with a focal reducer the GH4 can go till the vignette is too distracting. Any advice?
Antonio Pantoja
Emm, this is awesome!!!
Any insider information about a speed booster to adapt Canon EF to the GH4? I have even heard talks about a Canon mount. I am sooooo excited about this camera but like you, I have a big L series assortment.