Mckinnise, as far as I know, there are only half solutions for ProRes on Windows. Meaning, you can read the ProRes files but won't be able to output or transcode to ProRes. If you want to stay on Windows, my recommendation is, get Premiere Pro CC or CS6 and edit the files natively. Adobe Prelude, which is included with Premiere Pro CS6 or can be downloaded from the Creative Cloud, is a great application to import and preview AVCHD.MTS files from Panasonic cameras.

Hands down, the best NLE out there to edit AVCHD (.mts or .mov...etc.) is Adobe Premiere Pro CS6/CC. I use Media Composer/Symphony, Premiere Pro, and Vegas on the same computer, and have no issues editing the native AVCHD files in Premiere Pro, even without a CUDA graphics card. The other 2 NLEs choke when trying to edit the same files. Note: My Vegas is old version 10; hopefully versions 11 and 12 had improved on this regard.

I'm using the Panny 12-35, 7-14, and 45-200. They all work great on both cameras. I also have a loupe for the GH3 that helps for those outdoor shoots. Focus peaking on the G6 is pretty nice.

I have both the GH3 and the G6. The G6 is a great interview/gonzo run and gun type camera...but I find the image breaks up slightly when there is a lot of fine moving detail..like wide shots of traffic, people, and landscapes with trees and tall grasses waving in the wind. That might be due to the avchd codec. When shooting with the GH3 in 50mb mode, I've had numerous positive comments about the quality and dynamic range. It kills the Canon 7D in terms of image quality. If I had to choose one camera--I'd go with the GH3.

I've been on the fence with getting a BMPCC or the BMCC, but now I'm rethinking a GH3. The main thing that's changing my mind is stability. I'm doing a lot more live event style shootings lately and I've had write failures multiple times with the GH2 hack, even running in lower bitrate mode, and I finally had a failure on a critical moment that will make me never hack my camera again. The GH2's stock 720p out resolves a stock 7D's 1080p, that's good enough for me.

I quadruple the GH3's advantage of HDMI output, even though it's not full uncompressed. Also it will work with the new cheaper UH-I SD cards like the Sony 40mbs/95mbs, that are half the cost of the Sandisk extreme pro, yet should be more than enough for stock bitrates and allow you long record times.

You might want to look at a GoPro Hero3 as your B cam. It would also give you 1080 at 60p, plus the 2.7k option. I hear the GoPro also outputs full HDMI. Whichever route I go, GH3 or BMPCC, I'm definitely getting the GoPro also.

I would have kept the hacked gh2 and bought a voigtlander 25mm, slr magic 12mm and an 85mm Rokinon f/1.4. the lenses will far outlast any camera upgrade. but that's just me.

All I can say is I would not shoot a feature with a 28mbit codec...

The Black Magic cam is now out of the running. Stuck between the GH3 and the G6.

Anyone have any experience with either on the big screen? I am especially concerned about the G6 image holding up since it only has a bitrate of 24 mbps.

The answer is here, 'I will be lighting for the look I want' If you can light effectively the camera is less important. The subject matter of what you're shooting should drive your equipment selection. If it was a comedy, then you would NOT want a BMCC because it would give more dynamic range than you need and more difficult workflow. If you're shooting a drama about a boy who hides in the shadows, then getting the BMCC would be best. If you want shallow depth of field, you need good glass. Same for low lighting. If you're outdoors perhaps two cameras would be best, if you're filming improvs. Lastly, figuring out a new camera is that last thing you want to do when trying to something new, a full-length feature. So @Butt is probably right!

Maybe consider spending most of your budget on good glass and then rent a BMCC MFT in October and then either buy one (or a BMPCC) later? No matter how great your camera is, sticking a coke bottle on the front of it probably won't result in the images you want.

3- Lumix G6 + Better glass

With your limited budget it seems to me that option 3 is best.

As good glass matters!

Early October is not that far away, while I am very confident that some users will have a BMPCC by then.... will you be one of them? I would not trust a pre order being placed now to be fulfilled by early October.

Plus the benefit of getting a good camera NOW means you can practise with it right away, and a camera you're experienced with will undoubtedly perform better than a new camera you haven't used yet.

@all Papalapap-GH2 hack Vitaliy with a patch from Nick is the best choice still

I've used G6 for several weeks now and focus peaking on it is not 100% accurate on camera's screen without zooming in as you'd do on GH2/3. The screen on G6 is 720x480, and since G6 does not output live HDMI image, screen and peaking is all you'd have for focus pulling. Could be nightmare to get critical focus in shallow DOF shots, especially on fly-by-wire lenses, so I'd advise to be careful and test before buying.

Also, there are cases where video compression quality on G6 is not sufficient. Smaller shot sizes with people as subjects it'll likely do well enough, wide shots with plenty of fine detail, not so well.

If image quality is top priority, I'd say GH3 or BMPCC. GH3 you can buy without waiting, and there'll be time to test how to get the best out of it. BMPCC, if you can get it, will likely give best image for grading and will be closer in usability to proper cinema cams... tough decision.