At NAB we were finally able to get up close and personal with the highly anticipated Panasonic Lumix GH4, the sub-$2000 camera which offers internal 4K recording, as well as an optional YAGH interface unit. For months we've been wondering how well the GH4 performs in the field -- not just in tests, but in actual narrative filmmaking. Nick Driftwood has produced the very first non-commissioned short film using the GH4 -- a comedy, which is a little bit Euro Crime Caper, a little bit Spaghetti Western, and has a whole lot of camera geek goodness. Plus, it was written and filmed in just 2 days!

Aside from being truly funny, the film does a great job of giving an entertaining overview of Panasonic's new camera. Really, Le Cas GH4 is one part indie short, one part GH4 camera test, and one part pseudo GH4/5D Mark III shootout. The narrative follows Tony, a wise guy who has found himself in the possession of a "new shooter" -- a GH4 that shoots "4K!". The villain, a french speaking, presumably Italian gentleman named Don Canonioni, will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. ("Where is ze GH4? I want it!") And all of this drama culminates in a hilarious camera to camera showdown a la Leone's A Few Dollars More.

Unfortunately, there isn't much information available at this time about how Driftwood approached his film -- which lenses he used, camera settings, etc. (though he does say he'll share details soon). What we do know is that this film was an independent effort and wasn't commissioned by Panasonic, and that it was written and shot in just 2 days.

Check out Driftwood's Le Cas GH4 below!

The GH4 has been the topic of discussion for quite a while, because it seems to be an impressive camera with an even more impressive price. Here are a few key specs about the GH4 and the interface unit (for more in-depth information, check out our previous posts):

Camera Body:

  • 16.05 MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
  • DCI 4K 4096×2160 at 24p
  • UHD 4K 3840×2160 at 30p/24p
  • Full HD up to 60p
  • 3.0″ 1,036k-Dot OLED Monitor
  • 2,359K-Dot OLED Live View Finder
  • Support for 59.94p, 23.98p, 50p, & 24p
  • 4:2:2 8-Bit or 10-Bit HDMI Output
  • High-Speed 49-Point Autofocus
  • Magnesium Alloy, Weather-Sealed Body

Interface Unit:

  • 2x Monaural XLR Inputs
  • Line/Mic Level Switch & Phantom Power
  • Audio Level Display Monitor
  • 2x 3G-SDI Capable BNC Connectors
  • 2x HD-SDI Capable BNC Connectors
  • Quad-Link SDI Output for 4:2:2/10-Bit 4K
  • HDMI Output
  • Timecode In
  • 12VDC 4-Pin XLR Power Input

Preorders are being taken for the GH4 body ($1700) and the interface unit ($2000) now, but the body is expected to become available as of May 25th.

What do you think of Nick Driftwood's short? Share your thoughts about the GH4 in the comments below.

Links:

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Cinematography & Cameras