As you know, PedalQuest is not just about the joy of cycling but also about capturing those moments with a quality that can evoke nostalgia and transport you to a world of history, myth, and folklore.
Embracing the Cinema-Quality Dream
Several months ago, we made a significant decision to elevate our content by investing in a professional cinema camera, the Z CAM E2. With its 4K resolution at 120 FPS and over 11 stops of dynamic range, this camera became our cornerstone for producing images with stunning detail and accurate colours. Its capabilities allowed us to craft visuals that aim to rival those seen on TV productions, and we took great pride in post-processing our footage in DaVinci Resolve, achieving a dreamy, film-like quality that hopefully resonates emotionally with our audience.
The Z CAM E2 was instrumental in creating that PedalQuest look and feel—an aesthetic that intertwines the rugged beauty of Scotland’s landscapes with the rich tapestry of its folklore and myths. It allowed us to capture the stunning contrasts of light and shadow, highlighting the eerie allure of ancient forests and the majestic serenity of mist-covered highlands.
The Challenges of Cinema on the Go
However, the road to achieving these cinematic dreams was not without its hurdles. The Z CAM E2, as powerful as it is, came with a steep learning curve and logistical challenges that are often overlooked in the production process. The camera’s design is tailored more towards a professional crew, making it less ideal for our dynamic, on-the-go cycling shoots.
From the gimbal’s constant rebalancing to managing an array of cables and accessories, the setup frequently became an exhausting ordeal. Each adventure demanded a meticulous preparation routine which involved multiple batteries, focus calibration, and complex rigging processes. All too regularly, I found myself missing spontaneous moments because of the time consumed by these technicalities.
For instance, during one memorable shoot in the Edinburgh Pentlands National Park the presence of strong wind transformed what should have been an exhilarating hike into a race against the elements, all while juggling the extensive Z CAM setup. And whist the opportunity was there to lean into the winds and capture the joy and excitement the strong weather brought, it was all lost due to the focus being completely off — an irony that’s all too familiar to filmmakers who work in the wild.
Seeking a Balanced Solution
Recognising these limitations, we embarked on a quest to find a more balanced solution that wouldn’t compromise on the quality PedalQuest is known for. After extensive research and field tests, we discovered the Lumix S5 Mark II—a compact yet powerful camera that ticked all our boxes without the cumbersome baggage.
The Lumix S5 Mark II offers a full-frame sensor, superior low-light performance, and fast, accurate phase-detect autofocus, all encapsulated in a compact, intuitive body. The transition to this camera was like night and day in terms of ease of use, accessibility, and ultimately, the freedom to be more creative and spontaneous on our cycling adventures.
Camera Specs
- Lens: L-Mount
- Sensor: 24.20 MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video: 6K/30, FullHD/180fps
- Focus: Phase Detection AF
- Exposure: ISO 50-204800
- Stabilization: 5-axis
- Shutter: 1/8,000 – 60s
- Burst: 30fps
Advantages of the Lumix S5 Mark II
- Full-Frame Sensor: This sensor provides exceptional low-light performance and a wider dynamic range, capturing intricate details even in the darkest of shadows.
- Phase-Detect Autofocus: This feature ensures quick and accurate focus, vital for capturing dynamic scenes on the go, especially when I’m biking through uneven terrains and need to focus on the action.
- Compact and Intuitive Design: Many of the buttons and dials on the camera are very familiar to me, coming from a photography background
- 6K Open Gate Recording: The camera can record in 6K “Open Gate” which means it records the whole sensor and not just a 19:9 crop, which adds vertical height to the shot and allows producing vertical and horizontal production at the same time. This functionality allows us to shoot both vertical and horizontal footage simultaneously, catering to various storytelling formats without the need for multiple takes.
- Seamless Integration with DJI Gimbals: This camera’s native support for DJI gimbals eliminated the need for multiple adaptor cables, making life so much easier.
One unforgettable scenario that highlights the need for this change occurred at last year’s Christmas market in Edinburgh. The Z CAM E2 struggled significantly with the low-light conditions, resulting in exceptionally grainy footage. Although some grain can add a nostalgic or artistic touch, the results were far from what we envisioned. The Lumix S5 Mark II, with its improved low-light capabilities and seamless V-Log recording, ensures that such moments are captured beautifully, ready for colour-grading without the unnecessary fuss.
Streamlining the Production Process
The switch to the Lumix S5 Mark II is not just an upgrade in hardware, but a transformation in our production process. The new setup helps eliminate the friction that previously hampered our creativity and efficiency. The fact that the S5 II can quickly be mounted on a gimbal and start recording within seconds means we spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring and documenting our journeys.
Beyond the technical improvements, this shift also impacts the storytelling phase. By reducing the amount of gear we need to carry, we can venture deeper into Scotland’s rugged landscapes, uncovering and sharing tales of folklore and myth that might have otherwise gone untold. For instance, exploring the legend of the Kelpie at Loch Shiel or capturing the spectral beauty of the Clava Cairns should become a more fluid, immersive experience when the equipment is less burdensome.
This change also increases the frequency and consistency of our content uploads. During our time with the Z CAM E2, the tedious post-production workflow meant fewer videos and longer wait times for our audience. Now, with the user-friendly system of the S5 II, we can ensure quicker turnarounds without sacrificing quality.
Looking Ahead
Our journey does not end here. The realm of visual storytelling is ever-evolving, and we at PedalQuest are committed to keeping pace with technological advancements that enhance our ability to share Scotland’s mystic appeal. The flexibility offered by the Lumix S5 Mark II allows us to maintain a high level of production quality while embracing the spontaneity that is integral to adventure cycling.
We are excited to bring you along as we continue to blend the allure of Scotland’s natural beauty and mythical past with the vibrant experiences of today. Your support and enthusiasm drive us to push the boundaries of our creative endeavours, inspiring us to explore more and share the stories that matter.
Join Us on Our Journey
Thank you for being part of the PedalQuest community. Follow us on this journey to explore more stories, create new memories, and celebrate the seamless blend of past and present through our lens.
Until the next adventure, keep pedalling and exploring!
Yours in cinematic cycling, Yannic & Allyson
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