35mm?

35mm has much more resolution than a DVX100a. It also cost about $1 a min versus .08 a minute for DV. (That doesn't include getting the film to video and syncing up sound.) Film can handle contrast levels 10 times what a DVX can handle.

Scott
 
Hi;

I too am new to the group and I am an Independent Filmmaker and I look forward to sharing ideas, tips and general information on this site.

After reading this post about the cost of 35mm film, I thought I would add my "2-cents worth". I hope it helps and thanks for reading.

This comparison was passed on to me from another filmmaker a while back. It has helped me to budget my productions and I thought I would share it with you.

Remember; this is for illustrative purposes only.

Comparing costs between formats.

35MMfilm 16MM/S-16MMfilm
CineAlta 24P HD video
Digi-Beta

The scenario for this comparison is based on having 50 minutes of shot material ready for off-line editing. To keep things simple, it's assumed that there will be a full color-corrected edit performed after this stage. These numbers were based on commonly accepted market prices for film/tape, processing and transferring/down-converting (no equipment costs included). This is for illustrative purposes only, but it's a handy reference nonetheless.

FILM/TAPE LENGTH
• A 400' roll of 35MM film is 4 minutes long.
• A 400' roll of 16MM film is 11 minutes long.
• A standard load of HD tape is 50 minutes long.
• A standard load of Digi-Beta tape is 40 minutes long.

RAW STOCK
• 35MM film is $68.75 per minute.
• 16MM film is $14.50 per minute.
• HD tape is $1.76 per minute.
• Digi-Beta is $.65 per minute.

PROCESSING
• 35MM film is $26.40 per minute.
• 16MM film is $8.00 per minute.
• HD tape is N/A.
• Digi-Beta is N/A.

TRANSFER
• 35MM film is $9.50 per minute.
• 16MM film is $6.50 per minute.
• HD tape is $2.80 per minute.
• Digi-Beta is $1.90 per minute.

TOTAL COST
• 35MM film: $104.65 per minute x 50 = $5,232.50
• 16MM film: $29.00 per minute x 50 = $1,450.00
• HD tape: $4.56 per minute x 50 - $228.00
• Digi-Beta: $2.55 per minute x 50 - $127.50




 
InvisionProductions said:
Are you possibly refering to a 35mm adapter, which recreates similar traits of actually shooting on 35mm film?
That's how I read his question...
 
Depends on what you shoot. A 35mm adapter has many disadvantages: serious light loss (usually 3 stops or more counting the lenses), it flips the footage upside down (with the exception of the LetusFE) and increase setup time on set. You'll also have to invest in a decent set of fast lense, a monitor to flip the image, a follow focus to do proper rack focusing etc. And of course you have to learn how to light properly to compensate for the light loss. So if you do run-and-gun filmmaking, the extra commitment might not be for you.
 
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