Tata Steva
03-30-2011, 08:02 PM
So, I switched to F3: did I first shoot with one yesterday (a rented copy), before picking up my own today.
First impressions as a long time user and "worshiper" of EX1: it is a nice step up. I shoot life style TV shows and documentaries as well as stock footage and for my type of work this is a perfect camera. Although, I paid several "K"s more than I preferred I understand there is a bit of novelty factor involved being a "first" of it's kind. Having this camera now, means I hit the ground running...
As a strait shooter (not editor, colorist, producer or director that I am not) I can say that this camera sits in my arms much better than EX1 did. With the lenses I currently use (Tokina 20-35/2.8 and 28-70/2.8) and smallish Genus wide angle matte box on Genus GMB/A rails, Redrock follow focus and Sony 60 batttery camera is more balanced and easier to hold using viewfinder or LCD. The shoot I did yesterday was a "run and gun" 2 segments custom homes renovation involving interviews and B-roll of various trades working inside and outside the house in construction. I was basically able to do the whole day of shoot with only one lens (20-35) with out really need to change lenses in "dangerous" (dusty) environment.
One thing is obvious: this lady is thirsty! Forget small Sony batteries. Those are going to be only a back up. One big Sony battery was done much faster than with EX1 doing the same show last week.
My new set up on tripod sits far better than EX1 did. With Genus/RR kit EX1 was always "nose heavy" and sitting funny on the tripod. F3 is much better.
Yesterday, I took the rental camera in the morning wit out the manual and felt comfortable handling the various command/selection buttons (coming from EX1) but now with my own I will need to do the proper reading to get familiar 100% since differences are there.
Funny thing was that I did not miss "zooming" at all. It's kind of revival of times gone by when I was using 16mm cameras with out "do everything zooms". Kinda same feel as when I shoot stills with my Canon "L" and Leica primes (that I prefer over zooms).
I am definitely excited about the idea of having a Birger mount adapter one day. Being able to use all Canon lenses on F3 will complete my lens demand. MTF adapter performed great. I had no issues removing Sony's PL adapter that came with the camera. All smooth...Tonight, I even mounted almost forgotten Nikkor 500/F8 mirror tele on the camera. Looking forward using this glass for "special occasions".
That's it so far. All together, F3 is a good evolution step from EX1. It mixes up DSLR's advantages (large sensor and sensitivity) with proven qualities of EX1/3 line. The fact that I am able to use almost 100% of accessories from my old camera makes up a bit on the financial side. In my case, I brought back from store "just a body", nothing else. All other stuff was here.
I am ready for a next shoot!
http://sisoje.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v19/p887569901-4.jpg
http://sisoje.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v20/p716342888-4.jpg
First impressions as a long time user and "worshiper" of EX1: it is a nice step up. I shoot life style TV shows and documentaries as well as stock footage and for my type of work this is a perfect camera. Although, I paid several "K"s more than I preferred I understand there is a bit of novelty factor involved being a "first" of it's kind. Having this camera now, means I hit the ground running...
As a strait shooter (not editor, colorist, producer or director that I am not) I can say that this camera sits in my arms much better than EX1 did. With the lenses I currently use (Tokina 20-35/2.8 and 28-70/2.8) and smallish Genus wide angle matte box on Genus GMB/A rails, Redrock follow focus and Sony 60 batttery camera is more balanced and easier to hold using viewfinder or LCD. The shoot I did yesterday was a "run and gun" 2 segments custom homes renovation involving interviews and B-roll of various trades working inside and outside the house in construction. I was basically able to do the whole day of shoot with only one lens (20-35) with out really need to change lenses in "dangerous" (dusty) environment.
One thing is obvious: this lady is thirsty! Forget small Sony batteries. Those are going to be only a back up. One big Sony battery was done much faster than with EX1 doing the same show last week.
My new set up on tripod sits far better than EX1 did. With Genus/RR kit EX1 was always "nose heavy" and sitting funny on the tripod. F3 is much better.
Yesterday, I took the rental camera in the morning wit out the manual and felt comfortable handling the various command/selection buttons (coming from EX1) but now with my own I will need to do the proper reading to get familiar 100% since differences are there.
Funny thing was that I did not miss "zooming" at all. It's kind of revival of times gone by when I was using 16mm cameras with out "do everything zooms". Kinda same feel as when I shoot stills with my Canon "L" and Leica primes (that I prefer over zooms).
I am definitely excited about the idea of having a Birger mount adapter one day. Being able to use all Canon lenses on F3 will complete my lens demand. MTF adapter performed great. I had no issues removing Sony's PL adapter that came with the camera. All smooth...Tonight, I even mounted almost forgotten Nikkor 500/F8 mirror tele on the camera. Looking forward using this glass for "special occasions".
That's it so far. All together, F3 is a good evolution step from EX1. It mixes up DSLR's advantages (large sensor and sensitivity) with proven qualities of EX1/3 line. The fact that I am able to use almost 100% of accessories from my old camera makes up a bit on the financial side. In my case, I brought back from store "just a body", nothing else. All other stuff was here.
I am ready for a next shoot!
http://sisoje.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v19/p887569901-4.jpg
http://sisoje.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v20/p716342888-4.jpg