8-bit vs 10-bit vs Prores HQ from the Panasonic GH5: What's the best option?
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Panasonic GH5

8-bit vs 10-bit vs Prores HQ from the Panasonic GH5: What’s the best option?

A comparison of what the best video format is on the Panasonic GH5.

One of the most confusing choices in the Panasonic GH5 is which video format do you pick? Your options are:

  • 10-bit 4:2:2
  • 8-bit 4:2:0, and
  • Prores or DNxHD via an external recorder

Previously, I had made a video explaining why 10-bit 150 Mbps was a bad idea, so you might want to watch that first:

And here’s the proof:

So, what’s the best file format for the Panasonic GH5? My thoughts:

  • For chroma keying, use an external recorder and shoot Prores HQ
  • For everything else, stick to whatever works best for you. It doesn’t really matter. Right now people have issues playing back 10-bit footage so I recommend you stick to 100 Mbps 8-bit 4:2:0.
  • Wait for the internal 400 Mbps firmware update. If Panasonic does a good job on that, then that’s the file format you will get the best quality from.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

7 replies on “8-bit vs 10-bit vs Prores HQ from the Panasonic GH5: What’s the best option?”

Hi Wolfcrow,

Your site is quite amazing! The way you break things down is truly helpful. I do have a question that nobody seems to be able to answer, but I think you can. I have the Fz2000/2500. It only has 4k 24p 8bit 420. But through HDMI uncompressed it has 4k 24 10bit 422 (I might be wrong?). Will the signal picked up by the Ninja Inferno (that’s the one I’m looking to get) limit the quality output? Or does “uncompressed” mean it won’t affect it?

Sorry about the wall of text. I’ve looked everywhere for an answer.

Either way, thank you for all the information you’re providing. :)

Regards,
John.B

Thank you very much for taking the time and helping me, and everybody who wants quality information, out.

I just realized that Wolfcrow is Workflow backwards, LOL! Great video. Very good to know since I was considering getting a GH5.

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