They look good but they really are nothing like a true video-cinema camera. Plus, they are lacking so many important features. They we're invented for journalist and they are perfect for that, but use as a true video-cinema camera is really just a trend that will fade.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on April 14, 2010 at 5:26 PM
I'm gonna have to disagree with you Carl, these cameras are just the first generation of these new hybrid cameras. They are only going to get better, whatever limitations they have now will be fixed with more firmware updates and the next generation versions . I see this as the future of film, but only time will tell how fast this catches on, and how widely it is adopted. I remember a similar argument about film vs. digital, and I think this is going to end up the same way, but we'll see. It certainly is a game changer for anyone on a budget, and these cameras are also much more mobile. Supposedly George Lucas is using a 5D II for some cockpit scenes because the regular film cameras won't fit. Only time will tell.
When the technology that these cameras are using reaches its real potential they will be used in a dedicated cinema camera, not in a dslr. The RED Scarlet is the size of a dslr but will be a true cinema camera and Panasonic has just announced a new cinema camera using the technology they tested in the gh1.
It also depends on the situation, these cameras work but they are not even able to produce the minimun bit rate for broadcast. So if you are a professional or aspiring pro, you couldn't get a job using these and all your footage would be rejected. The compressed codecs also can't stand up to any real manipulation in post or real color grading.
If you are self producing a entire project than sure, they are a cheap alternative.
George Lucas lost all merit when made the last three Star Wars movies.
Also, the Season Finale of "House" was filmed entirely with the 5DII. I can imagine in the right hands, especially those who deal with videography, will make it work, and make it work right. 1080p HD on a big screen, most wont even have a clue that is was done with a DSLR!
Not all 1080p is created equal. House is a trendy show, and dslr's are trendy. they are probably planning a bunch of run and guns shots in tight quarters and under low light, perfect for them. As I said before, these camera's are just test dummies for technology, when Canon finally gets it right, they will put it in a dedicated cinema camera just like Panasonic is doing and Sony too.
Mike, I do agree, a great cameraman can make great images no matter what type of camera, still or video.
Discussion
6 repliesAn interesting article on the use of Canon DSLR 5D to film the finale of the House tv series.
Interesting times.
I've been blown away by the quality of video from my 5D Mark II
It also depends on the situation, these cameras work but they are not even able to produce the minimun bit rate for broadcast. So if you are a professional or aspiring pro, you couldn't get a job using these and all your footage would be rejected. The compressed codecs also can't stand up to any real manipulation in post or real color grading.
If you are self producing a entire project than sure, they are a cheap alternative.
George Lucas lost all merit when made the last three Star Wars movies.
Mike, I do agree, a great cameraman can make great images no matter what type of camera, still or video.