Skateboarding videography with LUMIX S1H and Ninja V

We spend a lot time talking about ProRes RAW and the latest cameras, but that’s not all we do! Ninja V remains a versatile and reliable tool for filmmakers and videographers regardless of their camera and budget. Melbourne-based Skateboarding filmmaker James James is a prime example of how filmmakers use Ninja V to unlock the best features from your preferred cameras. In James’ case the hero cameras are the Panasonic LUMIX SH1 and ever reliable workhorse, the LUMIX GH5. Being able to capture 4k 60p ProRes on the Ninja gives James the option to create high quality slow motion footage when filming skateboarding and other action. Add to that the ability to shoot Log from his LUMIX cameras and accurately monitor on the Ninja V using his preferred LUTs allows James to better gauge exactly how the images will look when they reach post.

For this production James took his crew to the mythical Preston DIY spot on Melbourne’s city fringe. The abandoned supermarket site has gained legendary status over the years – and during COVID the spot saw and incredible amount of new additions from the dedicated local DIY’ers and Writers. Even if you don’t skate it’s worth a visit to take in the unique atmosphere and examine some of the finest DIY concreting in Greater Melbourne! On the day James shot it was approaching 37° celsius (in the shade), the sun was blazing and barely a cloud in the sky. Sounds like a difficult shoot, but the Ninja V was up to the challenge and worked perfectly providing daylight viewable monitoring and long recording for hours.

James has been shooting with the Lumix / Ninja V combo for more than two years and it has proved reliable and tough companion under what are sometimes challenging circumstances (check out James’ #myatomosrig). Aside from the compact size and durability, James loves the Ninja for its bright monitor and arsenal of monitor assist features such as focus peaking, false colour, 1:1 and 2:1 zoom/punch-in and the ability to pre-load his preferred LUTs. The Ninja V also gives James a superior screen for monitoring on the move and not having to depend on the smaller built-in camera monitor, or relying purely on instinct to get the shot. Another much loved feature of James’ is the instant playback and loop functionality of the Ninja V. Simply set the in and out points using the edit mode, loop it up and let the skaters bask in the glory of nailing the trick! The Ninja V also allows James to tag favourites and rejects, meaning no digging through hours of footage looking for best shots – and saving valuable time back in the edit suite.