There may not be a lot of 4K video content available right now for consumption on 4K TVs, but there are a number of consumer and prosumer cameras that will let you make them. To demonstrate the 4K capabilities of some of its cameras, Panasonic commissioned a filmmaker, Michael Grecco, to create a short film, Forever Young, using those products – just in time for the NAB video-production trade show.
The film was made using the Lumix GH4 mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera, the wearable A500 POV action camera, and the X1000 prosumer camcorder – all capable of shooting in Ultra High Definition (UHD), the 4K standard for home viewing. The film clocks in at just less than six minutes. It takes advantage of a desert terrain, and at times the backdrop almost looks like a sepia-toned film with very sharp detail, even when displayed on monitors with less than 4K resolution (never mind that the storyline is hokey). That’s one benefit camera makers like to tout: A video downsized from 4K to 1080p looks great. If you have a 2K or 4K display, or the Apple 5K iMac, you could watch the YouTube clip at either the 4K or 2K settings.
With a number of varied cameras at his disposal, Grecco changed the point-of-view in several shots. One camera, the wearable A500 POV, made it on screen as it was worn by a mountain biker on the dirt road that an attractive woman and her elder companion blazed through in a Porsche. We were happy that she did slow down when driving past the cyclist.
Behind-the-scenes footage shows the 4K equipment being set up and used in their rigs (you can watch the BTS clip below). Complementing the Panasonic cameras were a number of compatible hardware pieces from partners such as DJI (the drone maker), Zacuto, and Convergent Design. Cinematography was aided by Hot Rod Camera’s Micro Four Thirds PL lens mount and a Leica Cine Lens supplied by CW Sonderoptic. Even Porsche gave some support. The setup is more Hollywood production than home movie, although it shows even the consumer gear is capable for studio-quality filming.
