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View Full Version : Another Red camera model goes the way of the dodo bird...



Duke
2011 May 22nd, 08:12
The 3k for $3k is long gone.

The S35 is gone. (Yes the Epic-M came into existence, but with different specs and a different chassis. The Epic-M is really a new model.)

Now the interchangeable 2/3" is gone.

In a live feed with Ted from Red, he answered a bunch of questions (good news about Epic BTW, the read speeds are drastically faster so the rolling shutter is about half of the Red One) But.. he said the 2/3 interchangeable is not slated anymore.

This will be a devastating blow to a lot of small indie film makers. Oh and all those people that bought up 16mm (2/3") cinema lenses. Ouch!

Daniel Rutter
2011 May 22nd, 09:04
Are you really surpised that they've cancelled these? They're becoming a big company, screw indie film makers... they make more money from Red-one and Epic-M purchases and rentals.

Duke
2011 May 22nd, 09:53
This just another big disappointment to those Red fanbois that have waited for years to get their favorite version of a Scarlet at an affordable price. (In certain circumstances there are advantages of a 2/3" sensor over an S35 sensor.) Now its scarlet fixed or Epic-M in S35.

I contrast that with Sony's multi-tiered price point approach. Since you can think of S-Log as RAW-Lite that gives a few more stops of DR similar to xHDR in the Epic, I think the smartest thing Sony did was release the F3 to retail at $13,300 (great sensor and easy work flow) with an upgrade to S-Log and 4.4.4 rather than buying a new camera if you need extra DR and color.

The Scarlet fixed has some serious limitations. How many more indie film makers are now going to say 'screw Red' in return?

Gillvane
2011 May 22nd, 10:52
Would I like to shoot with an Epic? Well, yes I would. Is that gonna happen anytime soon? Probably not.

I dont' think anyone should wait around any longer for affordable Red cameras. Either they are in your budget, or you should look at alternatives.

This NEXFS-100 looks plenty good enough for your indie film, and it does cost anything close to what an Epic will:

http://vimeo.com/22491707

Gillvane
2011 May 22nd, 11:00
The Scarlet fixed has some serious limitations. How many more indie film makers are now going to say 'screw Red' in return?

True, but it still has a very nice fixed lens, and a good sensor. I think you could still make some great images with it.

Halsu
2011 May 22nd, 13:45
The 3k for $3k is long gone.

The S35 is gone. (Yes the Epic-M came into existence, but with different specs and a different chassis. The Epic-M is really a new model.)

They're not gone, they have evolved.


Now the interchangeable 2/3" is gone.

Where exactly did you hear this, are you sure you got it right? There's no mention in the red or scarlet forums, one would assume that this kind of an announcement would be a pretty hot topic over there?

Duke
2011 May 23rd, 10:42
It was an interview with Ted, the representative of Red, that usually goes around demonstrating the Scarlet camera. I know you've seen his videos.

I didn't look at Reduser, but it did come up on Scarletuser, followed by a lot of speculation about what he really meant. It was funny because by the end they concluded what he meant (without anything to base it on) was about the opposite of what Ted actually said.

You can argue about that with Red as they should be responsible for their own representatives. Besides its "subject to change" therefore their announcements don't really mean anything.

dop16mm
2011 May 24th, 10:37
RED is long past looking out for the little guy. The current product line is aimed squarely at equipping digital 3D studio productions. The fixed lens scarlet seems perfect for this. There are many that believe that the deep focus 2/3" format is better for 3d, and software controllable matching lenses will make rigs even smaller. I would have liked an interchangeable scarlet to use my vintage 16mm glass, but I'll probably settle for a GH2, which gets me a large and small sensor in the same package.

The reality is that affordable 35mm-look cameras are far too compelling, even at high compression ratio's, it is good enough for most screens a small film would ever make it to. Of what's available now, the FS100 seem to be the most indie friendly rig out there. Low light sensitivity allows for lighting with small indie friendly lights, and can still look good. The kit lens would work in most situations where you don't need super shallow look, moving shots, etc, probably supports followfocus via lanc. Stripped down with the 16mm pancake it would work on hand-held stabilizers.

Sadly without added grain 16mm - 2/3" just looks like video. I recently watched Mildred Pierce on HBO, and thought just that. I love 16mm, but part of that is the grain. Clean 2/3" digital just doesn't cut it.

Halsu
2011 June 8th, 13:12
The rumors of the death of the Cinema Scarlet seem to be premature: from cine gear expo a few days ago -

http://twitpic.com/572hrr

antman
2011 June 8th, 13:52
I could care less, 2/3rds, it's absolutly useless to me for the way I shoot. If I want deep focus, I throw on a wide and stop it down a few clicks, no big deal. It's just a matter of a month or two before they announce there will be no scarlet 2/3rds fixed either. Anyone that waited and still does for these guys to deliver is a dumb ass! straight up!

They got their ass handed to them by Sony. Sony was smart enough not to try and reinvent the wheel. They just took whats available and pieced it to together. And guess what?? They were able to produce several affordable camera that exist, and are for sale, for people to use. MY GOD, THE CONCEPT OF THAT. Imagine a company delivers a product ONTIME, WAIT The FS 100 was early. WOW, That sends a shiver down my spine. Seriously though, The funniest part is they tried to be so technically superior and unique, it totally backfired and now look at them, Nothing for sale, and they look like dicks.

Now here comes the "well they just sold a bunch of epics, blah blah blah, and more fukin blahhh. WHO cares, it still has no bearing on me what so ever. Why, because I cant afford it, second, for internet, epic really isn't necessary. The Canons do just fine for this medium. I dont need 120 frames a second, Besides ultra slow motion is annoying after two or three seconds regardless.

Dr. Benway
2011 June 9th, 01:31
IThe funniest part is they tried to be so technically superior and unique, it totally backfired and now look at them, Nothing for sale, and they look like dicks.

Why, because I cant afford it, second, for internet, epic really isn't necessary.

Bit of a fetish camera isn't it? And yeah, the Internet. Can't wait for 5D MKIII to arrive then I might be able to afford a MKII and slum around with THAT for a few years.

antman
2011 June 9th, 05:25
@Dr.Benway, Whats it like living in Tiawan? Are you an american? do you teach there? just curious. I find it fascinating that your living there. Seems like an amazing place.

Dr. Benway
2011 June 9th, 05:58
@Dr.Benway, Whats it like living in Tiawan?

Hey. I am living in a small seaside town in Chonburi, Thailand. Chonburi is 90 minutes drive from Bangkok. Close enough for regular visits but without the pollution. Thailand's fun and challenging. As a New Zealand expat teacher I get to work with plenty of Australians, Americans, and Brits - it's a lot of fun.

Life here is very easy for expats, though I do take my work seriously, which is sometimes stressful. And it can be dangerous for those who get too mixed-up in the nightlife and with too many women.

I'm in pre-production with my students - we are about to make a ghost story (their choice, a Thai preoccupation) - which I am currently writing a screenplay for. No storyboarding (don't have the time), straight into directing on the spot after a period of script familiarisation.

But yeah, life is cool here. I have a baby on the way in about another four weeks, and we're just trucking along.

antman
2011 June 9th, 06:56
sweet, congrats on the bambino. Is it your first? If so, boy are you in for a change. (mostly for the better, but the sleep deprivation is a bitch, I had twins, so it was double duty. lol

Sounds a lot like the production we recently wrapped where I teach. Lots of fun to see kids grow into promising young filmmakers. And to sit back and think" I taught them that". Very rewarding it is. Maybe sometime I will get the opportunity to go to thailand. I did date I lady from there when I was in my twenties, the best part was her cooking. lol

Halsu
2011 June 9th, 07:02
I could care less, 2/3rds, it's absolutly useless to me for the way I shoot. If I want deep focus, I throw on a wide and stop it down a few clicks, no big deal. It's just a matter of a month or two before they announce there will be no scarlet 2/3rds fixed either. Anyone that waited and still does for these guys to deliver is a dumb ass! straight up!

They're slow indeed, but everything they have delivered so far has pretty much blown all competition out the water. I have no ultra-shallow DoF fetish, but i do have a desire for high image quality and flexibility - which is where Scarlet will shine. I personally am still geeking out over scarlet, it's pretty much my dream camera come true (one day, eh).


They got their ass handed to them by Sony. Sony was smart enough not to try and reinvent the wheel. They just took whats available and pieced it to together. And guess what?? They were able to produce several affordable camera that exist, and are for sale, for people to use. MY GOD, THE CONCEPT OF THAT. Imagine a company delivers a product ONTIME, WAIT The FS 100 was early. WOW, That sends a shiver down my spine. Seriously though, The funniest part is they tried to be so technically superior and unique, it totally backfired and now look at them, Nothing for sale, and they look like dicks.

Well, there's Red One and Epic-M...

...anyway, FS100 is a cool camera, priced rather close to expected Scarlet price. Apart from DoF, there's no competition really, at least specs wise. And as far as DoF goes, the kit lens on it is F3.5–6.3, so the shallowest available DoF should actually be rather similar to Scarlet fixed and it's constant F2.4 lens (the more you zoom in, the smaller the difference should be, according to the numbers - fully zoomed in they should be almost exactly the same). Of course, buying fast primes will give FS100 shallower DoF.


Now here comes the "well they just sold a bunch of epics, blah blah blah, and more fukin blahhh. WHO cares, it still has no bearing on me what so ever. Why, because I cant afford it, second, for internet, epic really isn't necessary. The Canons do just fine for this medium. I dont need 120 frames a second, Besides ultra slow motion is annoying after two or three seconds regardless.

It may have no bearing for you, but does have a lot for the industry.

antman
2011 June 9th, 07:05
Halsu, your always so calm and collective. you crack me up.

Halsu
2011 June 9th, 07:14
Halsu, your always so calm and collective. you crack me up.

Thank you, I'm here all week. Try the veal.

1
2011 June 9th, 07:14
mostly for the better, but the sleep deprivation is a bitch...

This solved all such problems for me (wife not so lucky):

12048

antman
2011 June 9th, 07:24
ear plugs, haha, at first I thought that was a block of cheese. lol. Yes those will be the best 99cents you will ever spend.

antman
2011 June 9th, 07:25
Thank you, I'm here all week. Try the veal.

lol.

Duke
2011 June 9th, 07:47
It may have no bearing for you, but does have a lot for the industry.

It remains to be seen if it will have any effect on the industry at all. What matters is what the competition has available if/when the Scarlet does come out.

If the 3k for $3k had come out when they talked about it, it may have been revolutionary. The end of this year isn't that much different than the next NAB. You've been telling me the Scarlet will be here soon, just wait, since 2008.

Lets face it, the Scarlet 2/3" is intended for 2k and its delayed again. It will be in direct competition with the Panny, Canon and Sony prosumer offerings. A major point of the FS100 is that it can handle almost any lens. Use good, cheap Nikon primes and that thing can practically see in the dark. The Scarlet 2/3" can't on either account.

And its likely that Panny, Canon or Sony will have another model out by the time the Scarlet is actually available. Canon has solid state cameras with full raster internal 4.2.2. I'm expecting them to throw a S35 sensor in one and release it next. It wouldn't surprise me if it was a Sony sensor.

Something like that would probably be Sony's next model release too. Imagine if they did that as a firmware upgrade on the F3. (It's sheer speculation on my part, but its not the sensor or the SxS recording media that is the bottle neck.)

The Epic 'lite' will be out because its the same production line as the Epic. The Scarlet is not the same production line. If there is too much competition Red may decide its not profitable to make a Scarlet 2/3" at all.

antman
2011 June 9th, 08:53
I'm not sure why Red would make a fixed lens over a removable lens model, it doesn't make sense to me. It would be cheaper, easier to produce and give a heck of a lot more options. They could always make a propietery lens mount and sell their glass exclusivly without the option to use others glass. Thats pretty much what it is now, but with less options for focal lengthes. And they could make a fast lens where you could get some decent shallow dof if you want it. Idk, maybe Im looking at it all wrong, or maybe they dont want to let the R&D they put into it go wasted. It does seem odd though.

1
2011 June 9th, 09:25
It does seem odd though.

Not really.

JJ is a marketing whizz-"kid". Nothing more. But he's REALLY good at that.

- get a huge crowd all excited; create buzz
- align with a big forum and its owner
- when voices of doubt start to crop up, show some T&A
- once the "word is out" the bigwigs will take notice, at that point:
- option to drop initial buzz product (too many headaches with whiners and moaners anyway)

The inclusion of hoes in the latest Scarlet sample just manifests my unaltered opinion of the whole RED deal (although it did look stunning! :hv20-smilie77:)

Halsu
2011 June 9th, 11:57
It remains to be seen if it will have any effect on the industry at all. What matters is what the competition has available if/when the Scarlet does come out.

We weren't talking about Scarlet, but Epic. It's out there right now, making it's effect as we discuss here...


If the 3k for $3k had come out when they talked about it, it may have been revolutionary. The end of this year isn't that much different than the next NAB. You've been telling me the Scarlet will be here soon, just wait, since 2008.

Yep, they've been slow ;-)

But in the other hand, there's still nothing that competes with Scarlet in the sub $ 50 000 range from any of the other manufacturers (Alexa is the closest contender, i think). It's still revolutionary.


Lets face it, the Scarlet 2/3" is intended for 2k and its delayed again. It will be in direct competition with the Panny, Canon and Sony prosumer offerings. A major point of the FS100 is that it can handle almost any lens. Use good, cheap Nikon primes and that thing can practically see in the dark. The Scarlet 2/3" can't on either account.

It does compete with those, partially, due to it's low price point. But it also competes with cameras like Arri's Alexa, Sony's HDCAM SR series etc., cameras that are tens of thousands, if not over a hundred more expensive, as a perfectly valid no-excuses tool for feature film photography etc. It's not a prosumer camera.


The Epic 'lite' will be out because its the same production line as the Epic. The Scarlet is not the same production line. If there is too much competition Red may decide its not profitable to make a Scarlet 2/3" at all.

Yes, and cows may fly.

Halsu
2011 June 9th, 12:07
I'm not sure why Red would make a fixed lens over a removable lens model, it doesn't make sense to me. It would be cheaper, easier to produce and give a heck of a lot more options. They could always make a propietery lens mount and sell their glass exclusivly without the option to use others glass. Thats pretty much what it is now, but with less options for focal lengthes. And they could make a fast lens where you could get some decent shallow dof if you want it. Idk, maybe Im looking at it all wrong, or maybe they dont want to let the R&D they put into it go wasted. It does seem odd though.

They are making both. A fixed lens camera AND an interchangeable lens camera. They are also making their own fast primes to go with the latter.

This said, at F2.4 throughout the entire range, the fixed lens isn't exactly slow either. I personally am looking forward to buying that version, for the simplicity, compactness, flexibility and speed of operation - and i think so will many, many others.

And as far as choices of focal lengths goes, you naturally have MORE choices with a zoom than with any collection of primes, as you can use any random intermediate value between the prime choices. And i assume they will produce tele / wide converters for an extended range at a later time too.

Halsu
2011 June 9th, 13:46
We weren't talking about Scarlet, but Epic. It's out there right now, making it's effect as we discuss here...

Seems like Vincent Laforet of 5D MKII fame just bought one:

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/

1
2011 June 9th, 19:02
It's still revolutionary.

The Alexa?
Or the unavailable Scarlet?

Not a bad slogan though: "SCARLET, the IMAGINARY Revolution!"

Duke
2011 June 9th, 23:56
But in the other hand, there's still nothing that competes with Scarlet in the sub $ 50 000 range from any of the other manufacturers

You have a lot of faith in a company that has proven you wrong again and again.

I think anything that's produced now beats anything that's not produced now. You can only compare two things produced at the same time. Scarlet isn't one of them at this time. Red has eliminated three proposed products already and added another proposed one.

Its been a marketing ploy of Red from the beginning to compare what they might produce in the future to what was produced by the other companies in the past. It makes Red seem better than it is.

Epic, great camera from what I hear. Can't afford it.
Red MX, great camera. Can't afford it.

FS100 - quasi revolutionary. $5k full S35 sensor, sees in the dark.
F3 - Quasi revolutionary - a baby Alexa upgradable to 4.4.4.

Scarlet = someday maybe.

When Red actually sells something I can afford then talk to me. In the mean time they are selling sizzle, not steak.

Halsu
2011 June 10th, 03:16
You have a lot of faith in a company that has proven you wrong again and again.

With schedules, they suck. But with gear, they rock. I like it this way rather than the opposite.


I think anything that's produced now beats anything that's not produced now. You can only compare two things produced at the same time. Scarlet isn't one of them at this time.

Well it exists indeed, even though it's not available to us mortals.


Red has eliminated three proposed products already and added another proposed one.

I'd like to have a shot at the mushrooms you take, must be cool there in the alternate universe ;-)

But nope, they have not, as far as i can tell they haven't eliminated anything. All their announced cameras have changed from the early specs, but none of them is discontinued.


Its been a marketing ploy of Red from the beginning to compare what they might produce in the future to what was produced by the other companies in the past. It makes Red seem better than it is.

Red One has been out there for years, and it's still unmatched by anyone else in the sub $ 100K range.

That's a good evaluation point i think, how do the competitor's newest products compare to Red's four year old camera?


Epic, great camera from what I hear. Can't afford it.

Me neither. I'll be renting it occasionally though.


Red MX, great camera. Can't afford it.

Me neither. I have been renting it occasionally though.


FS100 - quasi revolutionary. $5k full S35 sensor, sees in the dark.

Yep, a nice one. But not much more specs wise than the DSLR:s.


F3 - Quasi revolutionary - a baby Alexa upgradable to 4.4.4.

...yep, though it's in the same rough "unnaffordable by us" ballpark as Red One, to which it loses in all aspects...


Scarlet = someday maybe.

Someday, likely.


When Red actually sells something I can afford then talk to me. In the mean time they are selling sizzle, not steak.

They sell Red One and Epix-M.

Halsu
2011 June 10th, 03:21
The Alexa?
Or the unavailable Scarlet?

Not a bad slogan though: "SCARLET, the IMAGINARY Revolution!"

I replied to "If the 3k for $3k had come out when they talked about it, it may have been revolutionary." so take a wild guess ;-)

Duke
2011 June 10th, 07:52
Well it exists indeed, even though it's not available to us mortals.

We can't shoot a movie with 'exists but isn't available'.


But nope, they have not, as far as i can tell they haven't eliminated anything. All their announced cameras have changed from the early specs, but none of them is discontinued.

That's obfuscation. Or are you still planing on buying a 3k for $3k? Or that the Epic lite is the scarlet S35 even though the electronics, price and specs have all changed?


Red One has been out there for years, and it's still unmatched by anyone else in the sub $ 100K range.

You've never heard me say the Red One was anything less than good to great. I'm not a fan of the work flow, but in the right hands it can be great. No doubt. I don't think resolution tells stories though, and in a lot of peoples opinions the Alexa is great (and less than $100k by a long shot.) Red is unmatched in resolution, but color-wise, I prefer the Alexa.


That's a good evaluation point i think, how do the competitor's newest products compare to Red's four year old camera?

And it only took them the first 2-3 years to get the software right. LOL Again though we're talking about something affordable like the proposed Scarlet.


Yep, a nice one. But not much more specs wise than the DSLR:s.

Spec-wise a DSLR should be great. Image-wise, not so great. The FS100 has true HDMI out, full picture profiles, less aliasing and moire, no 12 minute limit, etc.


...yep, though it's in the same rough "unnaffordable by us" ballpark as Red One, to which it loses in all aspects...

Well since a Red One body is now about $25k and really about $38-$40k to properly outfit, and an F3 body is ~$13.5k and really about $20k to outfit its about half the price. Not at the same price point at all.

Since mere mortals do stretch on occasion and buy two EX1's they could also get one F3. Especially since many of the accessories are transferable (batteries, media, etc.) And when you compare the rental of a Red One for very long, you've got the price of your F3.


They sell Red One and Epic-M.

Yep, but not to guys like you and me. :hv20-smilie24:

Halsu
2011 June 10th, 08:33
That's obfuscation. Or are you still planing on buying a 3k for $3k?

I'm still planning to buý a 3K RAW fixed zoom camera. The price has doubled, but it's still a steal in my opinion.


Or that the Epic lite is the scarlet S35 even though the electronics, price and specs have all changed?

Yep, it is, it fits the same slot in their lineup. Just like the small Scarlets got upgraded to use HDR, so did the S35.


Red is unmatched in resolution, but color-wise, I prefer the Alexa.

I've done post with both, and i can get the image i want from both color / dynamic range wise. Even if Alexa has 1-2 stops more measured latitude, i've never noticed the difference in practice.


And it only took them the first 2-3 years to get the software right. LOL Again though we're talking about something affordable like the proposed Scarlet.

I guess that's one thing that makes us different - i actually LIKE beta testing, and i don't mind working with not-yet-perfected tools, be that hard- or software.


Spec-wise a DSLR should be great. Image-wise, not so great. The FS100 has true HDMI out, full picture profiles, less aliasing and moire, no 12 minute limit, etc.

Yep.


Well since a Red One body is now about $25k and really about $38-$40k to properly outfit, and an F3 body is ~$13.5k and really about $20k to outfit its about half the price. Not at the same price point at all.

That depends on what you mean by a proper outfit... 40k Red is a different beast from a 20k F3. But my point was, bot are out of average user's price range.


Since mere mortals do stretch on occasion and buy two EX1's they could also get one F3.

...and also a Red One. Many have.


Yep, but not to guys like you and me. :hv20-smilie24:

Oh, they do. Both are for sale at Red online store. All we are missing is the dough ;-)

Duke
2011 June 12th, 08:29
For EX1 owners with a 35mm adapter the media, batteries and lenses are all transferable. For me that means a full outfitted F3 for less than $14k with S-Log. :hv20-smilie24:

Halsu
2011 June 12th, 10:43
For EX1 owners with a 35mm adapter the media, batteries and lenses are all transferable. For me that means a full outfitted F3 for less than $14k with S-Log. :hv20-smilie24:

So, you got the Ex1 etc. for free then??

;-)

Duke
2011 June 13th, 12:31
So, you got the Ex1 etc. for free then??

;-)

Sure I paid for the accessories. But there are a lot of EX1s and EX3s out there and lots of people will be able to transfer them. (Note: I did say "for me".)

Buy a Red and you can't transfer the batteries, cards, remote, etc. They have flimsy non standard mini XLRs, etc. You ought to be able to use your HD Monitor though at one time there were certain brands that were incompatible. (They may have fixed that by now. I don't know.)

My point was that when you buy a Red you have to buy a certain amount of accessories. The true cost is significantly higher than buying the brain.

Now the Scarlet fixed won't have those costs, but it won't have the capabilities either. An 8x zoom is pretty limited. With a 2/3" sensor you can create shallow DOF with a longer lens. You can't with a fixed Scarlet.

Halsu
2011 June 13th, 15:22
With a 2/3" sensor you can create shallow DOF with a longer lens. You can't with a fixed Scarlet.

Depends on the definition of "shallow". In my experience, at the focal lengths that are practical for most shooting (which fixed Scarlet covers plenty), f2.4 gives enough of the "shallow look" for my taste with a 2/3" sensor in a vast majority of cases. It's the same as shooting with S35 at f5,6 to f8 range, which is quite common in feature films.

Dr. Benway
2011 June 14th, 04:39
...the best part was her cooking. lol

Yes, great cooking. I am an ex-chef and like many we get rusty very quick - it's a pleasure to have her cook and she genuinely enjoys it. Yep, first kid too. Off to the hospital for an ultrasound tomorrow - four weeks to go. Nice. :)

Duke
2011 June 15th, 23:35
Depends on the definition of "shallow". In my experience, at the focal lengths that are practical for most shooting (which fixed Scarlet covers plenty), f2.4 gives enough of the "shallow look" for my taste with a 2/3" sensor in a vast majority of cases. It's the same as shooting with S35 at f5,6 to f8 range, which is quite common in feature films.

I agree that f2.8 on the 2/3" is about the same dof control as f8 on the S35. Also, most films are shot f5.6 to f8, but that's when they don't want particularly shallow DOF, just a film look.

The problem is with the Scarlet fixed is that you're then stuck. If you want to emphasize something more than that you can't. Its not that much bigger than and EX1 sensor, but the lens is a lot shorter. Its too short a lens for that sensor. The Scarlet fixed will be able to do what you want a significant portion of the time if you work at it. But in other ways its going to be limiting.

Resolution doesn't tell stories, but DOF control can help to tell them by conveying emphasis.

BTW, I did pull the trigger on an F3. The baby Alexa tag really is deserved.

Gillvane
2011 June 17th, 10:39
I agree that f2.8 on the 2/3" is about the same dof control as f8 on the S35. Also, most films are shot f5.6 to f8, but that's when they don't want particularly shallow DOF, just a film look.

The problem is with the Scarlet fixed is that you're then stuck. If you want to emphasize something more than that you can't. Its not that much bigger than and EX1 sensor, but the lens is a lot shorter. Its too short a lens for that sensor. The Scarlet fixed will be able to do what you want a significant portion of the time if you work at it. But in other ways its going to be limiting.

Resolution doesn't tell stories, but DOF control can help to tell them by conveying emphasis.

BTW, I did pull the trigger on an F3. The baby Alexa tag really is deserved.

Can you please post some F3 footage with a Noir look, lots of deep black shadows? Not low light, I've see that already.

Duke
2011 June 17th, 18:27
Can you please post some F3 footage with a Noir look, lots of deep black shadows? Not low light, I've see that already.

Why would I want to? That look is an exercise in planning and post, not camera capability. With a Red, F3 or even film you're going to want to have a bright light from the side controlled with barn doors to avoid spill, then in post punch up the contrast.

Of course you can crush your blacks, but then if it goes too far, or its too noisy, you're stuck with it.

FWIW, the line I heard Roger Corman say was "The cheapest special effect is a line of dialog."

Halsu
2011 June 17th, 21:49
I agree that f2.8 on the 2/3" is about the same dof control as f8 on the S35. Also, most films are shot f5.6 to f8, but that's when they don't want particularly shallow DOF, just a film look.

Scarlet is f2.4, not f2.8, so that gives it about half a stop more shallowness. On the other hand, EX1 is f1.9, so that gives it half a stop back. The difference between the two probably isn't big in practice, about half a stop to a stop advance for Scarlet. This said, i've been pretty happy with what i get with EX1. There's more to images than DoF.

Scarlet definitely is not the camera for someone obsessed with shallow dof.

Duke
2011 June 17th, 23:41
I think we both agree that extreme shallow DOF is overused. It should only be used to make a point or convey something special. Some guys think they need to make an entire move with a shallow DOF.

And I like the EX1 for its versatility. Run and gun, ENG and still capable of DOF control. 3 chips, solid state, lots of control. Its a great camera and was ahead of its time. I think it just compliments the F3, especially with the work flow. What I can get rid of is the Letus Extreme with EX1 optimized achromat.

I just gave up waiting for the Scarlet... last year. I have movies to make.

Halsu
2011 June 18th, 03:53
I think we both agree that extreme shallow DOF is overused.

Word.


And I like the EX1 for its versatility. Run and gun, ENG and still capable of DOF control.

It's been my favorite too.


I just gave up waiting for the Scarlet... last year. I have movies to make.

I'm still waiting for scarled, but i haven't slowed down a single bit while i wait when it comes to making moving images.

Like always, i shoot with whatever suits the job, be that my own HV20, or rented EX1, 2/3" broadcast camera, Red One or 5DMKII or whatnot. And that's what i will do in the future too - Scarlet will be my replacement for HV20 as the camera i own, and as such it will replace a wider spectrum of rental gear than HV20 does (hopefully slowly paying for itself in 2-3 years), but i'll still be renting i.e. larger sensor cameras for the jobs that require them.

Duke
2011 June 18th, 07:55
Scarlet will be my replacement for HV20 as the camera i own, and as such it will replace a wider spectrum of rental gear than HV20 does (hopefully slowly paying for itself in 2-3 years), but i'll still be renting i.e. larger sensor cameras for the jobs that require them.

I can appreciate that strategy, however three rentals and you've often paid the price of a new camera. (I don't do commercials or shorts.) Why not buy a camera, use it and rent it out, then you get to keep it?

Did you see the SCCE shoot out? 12 cameras (Alexa, film, F35, Red, AF100, Sony F3, Phantom Flex, Weisscam HS-2, Canon 1D MkIV, 7D, 5D Mk II, and Nikon D7000) A snippet of it is here:
http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-one
(Note: you can't be behind a proxy and see it. You have to direct access.)

They had 140 camera and support crew who were experts in each of the cameras and scientifically tested most of the big chip cameras. They didn't draw conclusions just gathered the results. Zaccuto made a documentary that will be out later on blu-ray. They are just starting to release results.

Alexa was the winner in most people's opinion. Red MX won on resolution of course. Red wouldn't let an Epic participate even after Epic's release. (Which causes me to wonder.) Jim Janard specified how he wanted the Red MX set up.

Barry Green, the Panasonic guru, said this "The F3 looked excellent in the SCCE tests, it was frequently mentioned in the same breaths as the Alexa, it blew the F35 into the weeds, and it was all done without s-log." Now beating an F35 is really something. As I recall an F35 costs six figures.

I thought this was interesting "film actually has phenomenal highlight detail, but isn’t actually that good in the shadow detail."

"The F35, for example, didn't fare nearly as well as I expected, the F3 pretty much handed it it's butt on a silver platter. The Red MX did pretty well, definitely besting the F35 and most of the others, and dominated in resolution. The Alexa stole the show. It was just astounding. It was dominant and to my eyes the clear winner, and everyone I spoke to agreed. Just no comparison. And film? Well, that was one of the disappointments. Film just didn't dominate. Always good, but (except for res) the Alexa was always as good or better. The F3 did extremely well. The f3 was indeed a baby Alexa."

Still waiting for full results of course but the F3 and Red MX had about the same DR. With S-Log the F3 will have at least another stop of DR to go with that extremely good signal to noise ratio, -63db.

Duke
2011 June 18th, 08:06
Scarlet will be my replacement for HV20 as the camera i own, and as such it will replace a wider spectrum of rental gear than HV20 does (hopefully slowly paying for itself in 2-3 years), but i'll still be renting i.e. larger sensor cameras for the jobs that require them.

I can appreciate that strategy, however three rentals and you've often paid the price of a new camera. (I don't do commercials or shorts.) Why not buy a camera, use it and rent it out, then you get to keep it?

Did you see the SCCE shoot out? 12 cameras (Alexa, film, F35, Red, AF100, Sony F3, Phantom Flex, Weisscam HS-2, Canon 1D MkIV, 7D, 5D Mk II, and Nikon D7000)
http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-one
(Note: you can't be behind a proxy and see it. You have to direct access.)

They had 140 camera and support crew who were experts in each of the cameras and scientifically tested most of the big chip cameras. They didn't draw conclusions just gathered the results. Zaccuto made a documentary that will be out later on blu-ray. They are just starting to release results.

Alexa was the winner in most people's opinion. Red MX won on resolution of course. Red wouldn't let an Epic participate even after Epic's release. (Which causes me to wonder.) Jim Janard specified how he wanted the Red MX set up.

Barry Green, the Panasonic guru, said this "The F3 looked excellent in the SCCE tests, it was frequently mentioned in the same breaths as the Alexa, it blew the F35 into the weeds, and it was all done without s-log." Now beating an F35 is really something. As I recall an F35 costs six figures.

I thought this was interesting "film actually has phenomenal highlight detail, but isn’t actually that good in the shadow detail."

"The F35, for example, didn't fare nearly as well as I expected, the F3 pretty much handed it it's butt on a silver platter. The Red MX did pretty well, definitely besting the F35 and most of the others, and dominated in resolution. The Alexa stole the show. It was just astounding. It was dominant and to my eyes the clear winner, and everyone I spoke to agreed. Just no comparison. And film? Well, that was one of the disappointments. Film just didn't dominate. Always good, but (except for res) the Alexa was always as good or better. The F3 did extremely well. The f3 was indeed a baby Alexa."

Still waiting for full results of course but the F3 and Red MX had about the same DR. With S-Log the F3 will have at least another stop of DR to go with that extremely good signal to noise ratio, -63db.

Gillvane
2011 June 27th, 00:27
Seems like Vincent Laforet of 5D MKII fame just bought one:

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/


http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2011/06/09/red-epic-5k-and-hdrx/

It's pretty stunning looking footage.

Dr. Benway
2012 August 29th, 20:51
The reality is that affordable 35mm-look cameras are far too compelling

I agree, and couple that with an engaging story and beautiful/careful lighting choices...

PoolboyFilms
2012 August 30th, 02:15
Hey. I am living in a small seaside town in Chonburi, Thailand. Chonburi is 90 minutes drive from Bangkok. Close enough for regular visits but without the pollution. Thailand's fun and challenging. As a New Zealand expat teacher I get to work with plenty of Australians, Americans, and Brits - it's a lot of fun.

Life here is very easy for expats, though I do take my work seriously, which is sometimes stressful. And it can be dangerous for those who get too mixed-up in the nightlife and with too many women.

I'm in pre-production with my students - we are about to make a ghost story (their choice, a Thai preoccupation) - which I am currently writing a screenplay for. No storyboarding (don't have the time), straight into directing on the spot after a period of script familiarisation.

But yeah, life is cool here. I have a baby on the way in about another four weeks, and we're just trucking along.

Whenever I get back from visiting Thailand, people (Americans) ask me, "How was Taiwan?"

MrMicah
2012 August 31st, 16:33
So you can answer ... Well, its a bit different to here in Southern Canada. :hv20-smilie02: