{"id":4690,"date":"2014-12-23T07:30:07","date_gmt":"2014-12-23T17:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/auto-draft\/"},"modified":"2014-12-23T10:57:26","modified_gmt":"2014-12-23T20:57:26","slug":"panasonic-gh4-setup-function-buttons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/blog\/panasonic-gh4-setup-function-buttons\/","title":{"rendered":"Fun with Function Buttons: Filmmaker Setup Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stop digging through menus with a streamlined function button setup for the Panasonic GH4, and get instant access to the features you need the most for video production.<\/p>\n

The GH4 is a killer video production tool, packed to the gills with useful functionality. However, while the menu system is well-organized, navigating through over 30 pages of menu options<\/strong> (not counting submenus) to find the option you need can take precious time you don’t have.<\/p>\n

Getting the shot is what matters, and the GH4’s customizable function buttons are the solution. They allow you sidestep the menus and get directly to the setting you need for the shot in an instant.<\/p>\n

Ready to transform the GH4 for video production? Let’s go.<\/p>\n

\"Rear<\/a><\/p>\n

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The Lay of the Land<\/h2>\n

Before we dive in, let’s get the lay of the land.<\/p>\n

The GH4 has a total of 10 function buttons– 5 physical and 5 on the rear touchscreen. Customize the function buttons by going to Menu\/Custom (7)\/Fn Button Set\/Setting in REC Mode<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Function<\/a> \"Function<\/a> \"Default<\/a><\/p>\n

A total of 54 different functions can be assigned to any of the function buttons.<\/p>\n

\"Panasonic<\/a><\/p>\n

The 3 Laws of Intuitive Function Button Configuration<\/h2>\n

The ideal function button setup must be both logical and memorable<\/strong>. This makes all the difference. An intuitive setup means you spend less time trying to remember what each button does and more time taking care of business.<\/p>\n

Abide by these 3 laws for a winning function button setup:<\/p>\n

Law 1: Hardware First<\/h3>\n

The most useful function buttons are the 4 hardware buttons on the GH4’s right side. You hold and control the camera with your right hand, so these buttons are easy to reach with your thumb and index finger. Assign your most-used settings to these function buttons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Rear<\/a><\/p>\n

Law 2: Secondary Settings for the Lone Rider<\/h3>\n

The fifth physical function button is located on the left side of the GH4, next to the EVF. This lone function button is not in the most accessible position, but it is still useful. Assign a setting you use sporadically to this button<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Function<\/a><\/p>\n

Law 3: Non-Essentials on the Touchscreen<\/h3>\n

The remaining five function buttons reside on the GH4’s rear touchscreen. These buttons take longer to access and may even be completely inaccessible if you shoot with the EVF or use a loupe over the screen. As a result, assign non-essential settings to the touchscreen’s function buttons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Touchscreen<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Function Button Setup for Video Production<\/h2>\n

After extensive shooting and testing, this is the ultimate function button setup optimized for filmmaking and video production:<\/p>\n

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Note:<\/strong> Go to Menu\/Custom (7)\/Fn Button Set<\/strong> and select Setting in REC Mode<\/strong> to customize the function buttons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Video<\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s the rundown on each function button assignment, including the page where each setting is found:<\/p>\n

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  1. Quick Menu<\/strong> (page 1) — A custom Quick Menu (covered in the next guide) will give you quick access to the GH4’s more complex functions. The Quick Menu is now next to the other buttons that activate deeper menus, such as White Balance and ISO.<\/li>\n
  2. Focus Peaking<\/strong> (page 11) — Toggle focus peaking quickly with your right thumb while gripping the camera. The GH4 cycles through the various peaking levels each time the button is pressed:\n