Best products from r/gh4

Rigging it is easily the best way to make it usable for sure. The downside to rigging is that it gets bigger. (which for some is a downside, not really for me)
I'd start with the camera, if you're running just the camera I'd look at the smallrig cage. I've been really happy with their stuff. I would however take a look at what you're rigging onto it and ask yourself which cage to get, they have the gh4 cage, but they also make a "universal" small dSLR cage. I personally like the universal style (though I've not used it so take it for what its worth) because it has a clamping plate on the bottom and a hot shoe clamp. this secures the camera to the cage in 2 spots. I like the rigidity. (but I run heavy stuff on my rigs).
If you are running the GH4 with a YAGH the only option is the Wooden Camera kit. I've beat mine for 3 years on the road and its great. 100% recommend it. I went the YAGH rout because I was dropping this into a production environment, I needed the SDI out, XLR in and audio DAC, as well as teh TC for multi cam sync.
Now regardless of what cage you get the next and most important thing you can buy is the HDMI cable clamp. Dont skip this. if you want to use a monitor you'll need an output. I don't really care who makes the camera they all are flimsy and break. they are all expensive to have repaired. and Panasonic isn't repairing GH4s anymore to my knowledge.

Next I'd look at mounting. what are you putting the camera on? Its nice to set cameras down from time to time, even if you're just shooting handheld B-roll. I'd look at the CAMVATE quick release mount base. For like $40 you you get quick lease plate for your cage setup and a height adjustable rod clamp. you can then throw any tripod plate on the bottom of it and you're up and running. The rods give you the starting platform for future rigging.

With the camera now in a cage and on sticks. I'd look at a top handle. I'd get a smallrig again, but one with a nato slide. quick release is always the best option. so figure about $15 for the nato plate and then $60 for a handle. I like the handles with rod mounts so you can run an evf on them. I also would stay away from handles with leather or leather like wraps. they get hot and slippery with sweat.
alright we're getting there. this is where it gets more use case specific, what kind of audio are you running? also what kind of batteries are you running? and then do you use an external monitor or an evf?

For audio, if you're running externally, I'd look at getting some sort of battery plate that you can mount the audio to. CAMVATE again has a nice setup for a Vlock battery with all sorts of various regulated power on it. Its also built on a nice cheese plate.

After that, I'd look at a mattebox, then a follow focus, then monitors. but that gets pricey very quick.

so for links to everything:

Cage - $70.00
Rod Base and riser - $39.00

Nato Plate - $13.00

Top Handle - $60.00

Battery Plate - $100.00

Rods - $13.00

The last thing, if you have a monitor that you want to run on the rig, don't waste your money on the friction arms. they fall apart so fast. for about the same cost of a manfrotto arm you can get one of smallrig's double ball arms. I run this like 3 times a week and its great.

Monitor Mount - $50.00

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So all in total you'd be looking at about $300.00 and you'd have a solid base to start working with. You can probably do better digging around on amazon, or even going to ebay. but I don't have the time right this second to do that. but when you are looking at things make sure that everything is either quick release or thumb screws. trust me you do not want to have to carry a set of allen wrenches to build your camera every time.

The GH4 can record excellent audio from an external mic. I use mine with the [Shure VP83 microphone.] (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/966007-REG/shure_vp83_condenser_shotgun_microphone.html) I've done a lot of broadcast programming and commercials with this mic. Don't put the mic on the camera, put it on a boom and get it close to the person talking. This little boom is great for interviews.

Be sure to set the camera microphone gain to minimum and use the gain setting on the mic to get a good level. Also, be sure to get a shielded microphone cable (not a headphone cable) to minimize noise. As with any unbalanced mic connection, keep your mic cables away from power cables.

If the VP83 is too expensive, I've had great luck with the AT 829 which is built for Audio Technica's wireless system but works great with the GH4. Normally the mic is powered by the wireless transmitter, but the GH4's mic input also supplies the necessary power. Since this is a cardioid mic, it works great on a lightweight boom (I use a carbon-fiber fishing pole!) just above the talent's head. I've also used this mic on broadcast projects. The quality is very good.

No problem ,man. You gotta start somewhere and I like the fact that you are not only asking for criticism but you are positive about it and are taking it for what it is. A lot of people get offended bc they think the stuff they do is the best ever.

The Rokinons, in my experience, are not expensive. I think they have some literal Pro lenses that are really, really expensive, but the one I got is the cheapest they make bc it's the micro 4/3 version for our GH4.

https://www.amazon.com/Rokinon-CV85M-MFT-Aspherical-Four-Thirds-Panasonic/dp/B00IVQ6UHW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1467693190&sr=8-3&keywords=rokinon+85mm+t1.5

Like I said, I got that Used for $169 and it is amazing. It has a literal foot and meter marker on the lens itself so if you measure the exact distance from your subject you can just dial it in on the lens and boom.

ETA: The Rokinon is also T 1.5, so it allows much, much more light into the camera, so you can use it in low-light situations with relative ease, so that is a BIG plus. In fact, if I had to do it over again I probably just would have bought the set of Rokinons that they sell in 12, 35, 50, and 85mm. I like this one that much and I really don't use it that often.

/u/ jaejones - I recommend a 3-axis brushless gimbal rather than a traditional counterweight balanced stabiliser for the GH4.

My [Flycam 5000] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BJ1ULNK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00BJ1ULNK&linkCode=as2&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) is sitting on a shelf in the cupboard because balancing it and flying it are such a challenge.

For less than the price of a [£465.96 Glidecam HD-2000] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0020LB0MO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0020LB0MO&linkCode=as2&tag=hybrcamerevo-21), you can get a [£429.99 Beholder MS1 3-axis pistol grip gimbal] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B014II2URU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B014II2URU&linkCode=as2&tag=hybrcamerevo-21).

A brushless gimbal will give you a much more compact and easy-to-use solution - plus smooth handheld shots like these:

• [Limor & Moshiko Preparations by Vadim Action] (https://vimeo.com/132641600) (shot with Panasonic 15/1.7 and 7-14/4 lenses; Olympus 12/2, 45/1.8 and 25/1.8 lenses and a Sigma 60/2.8 - all with autofocus, no follow focus)
  
  
• [beholder 3 axis gimbal with panasonic gh4 by NOA Films] (https://vimeo.com/137750652) (shot with the Oly 12/2 - autofocus, no follow focus)
  
  
• [Installation for St Petersburg State Ballet on Ice by Vadim Action] (https://vimeo.com/133876085)
  
  The MS1's payload is only 850gm - so you will be limited to small lenses. If you want to fly the GH4 with larger lenses (e.g, with a Speed Booster and DSLR glass), you might want to step up to the [Beholder DS1 - which costs more at £560] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0194XFPZS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0194XFPZS&linkCode=as2&tag=hybrcamerevo-21), but is rated up to 2kg and can produce results like this:
  
  
• [The Amala, Seminyak - 4K Panasonic GH4 - Beholder DS1 by Head North Films] (https://vimeo.com/156789257)
  
  
• [Kerst met Anton Pieck Begijnhof Breda by Ton van de Merwe] (https://vimeo.com/149587808)
  
  
• [Voorjaar in ‘t Annahofke (4K) by Ton van de Merwe] (https://vimeo.com/164136005)
  
  Hope this is helpful and best of luck finding the right stabiliser!
  
  

I did see a video comparing low light GH4 vs GH5 and the results were impressive (in favor of the GH5). There are several compelling features... I don't/won't need it though.

I like the extension bracket idea. After realizing where the threaded mount hole is for the H1, I'll probably want to have some sort of extension to get the H1 away from the viewfinder.

I've added that Takstar mic to my Amazon wishlist. Looks like a decent bit of kit. Thanks for the tip!

I also did pickup a Benro "flexpod", model C-298n6 and a Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head
from Craigslist. (not my post, just linking for pics and review) I wanted a small, light travel tripod that was also good for Macro duties. Very pleased so far!

Two suggestions:

1. Better follow-focus: I tried the one you're buying and it did not feel solid. The cheapest, good FF I found is this one: http://www.amazon.com/upgrade-DP500IIS-Rlease-dampen-follow/dp/B00EAJK2CS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410786393&sr=8-1&keywords=fotga+dp500ii
   
   Even though it's under $200, I'd put it up against any FF at any price for general use.
   
   
2. What do you want to accomplish with the external monitor? It's resolution is so low and it's color so bad that you're better off with the built-in flip screen. It's going to be nearly useless for focusing. Personally, if I couldn't squeeze the SmallHD 7 into my budget, I'd either wait or maybe get the SmallHD 4

I would start with the PANASONIC LUMIX G X Vario Lens, 12-35mm, F2.8 for ~$700. MFT makes this more like the 35-70mm Canon EF for focal/zoom range. Plus when shooting 1080 video you can use the digital zoom (accesses the full 4k sensor) which makes it act like a 70-200mm lens. So you can get a lot out of one lens.

Next I would look at the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO for ~$1.1k. this would be for a wide fisheye lens if you do steady cam stuff.

Remember all cameras and lenses are just tools. You're the one that makes your content great. Those are my recommendations, good luck.

EDIT: added links.

First thing you should do is check your GH4's system frequency. It might be set to 24hz, if so then change it to 60hz. If that doesn't help, I'm using this one and it handles many resolutions at various frame rates. I use it in 1080@60 and it works great. A bit of rolling shutter effect, but it doesn't show up in the recording. A great little display for $130.

Sure! i used this one the fluid head is really nice and build as well
http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Professional-Camcorder-Tripod-FC270A/dp/B003UOMWOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458536372&sr=8-1&keywords=fancier+studio+tripod

HDMI to RCA requires an active converter which means it needs its own power source. I am wondering why SDI? Some sort of old-school SD monitor? Also, the GH4 can output analog to RCA with this cable.