$8200 Budget
- Thread starter Nasser
- Start date
Brian@202020
Veteran
Keep saving, get the PMW-F3
Over priced and doesn't do over/undercrank in 1080. I will probably get one myself for the ability to record amazing images with an eternal device, but the camera alone isn't worth it without the external device in my opinion. To get that camera to it's full potential it'll be quit a bit more than the AF100, so what you are basically telling him is buy a Lamborghini without an engine instead of helping him pimp out his corvette.
Chris Adler
Veteran
Bank the money and use it to rent something better when you need it?
Brian@202020
Veteran
Ok here is what I would do. Get the Klipon adapter until the Birger mount comes out, that way you can use your Canon glass. Get some class 6 SDHC cards, a rail system, the Swit batteries (so you can eventually power a NanoFlash), a follow focus, a mattebox, and a 5.6 - 7 inch monitor for sure. Then save a little more to eventually get a Nanoflash with at least 4 of their recommended 32gig cards. That chould round out your package nicely.
James Bridges
Well-known member
Hey Nasser,
The Nano really isn't overpriced for what you get. And you can take it from camera to camera. You'll keep the nano longer than any camera.
The Nano really isn't overpriced for what you get. And you can take it from camera to camera. You'll keep the nano longer than any camera.
Brian@202020
Veteran
$20K for a camera that records an inferior codec. As for the Nanoflash, it's a pretty amazing device. I bet you won't find anyone that owns it that regrets the purchase.
Viddovation
Veteran
Actually, it does do undercrank in 1080p direct to SxS cards.
And, it will output 1080 60p standard over Dual Link HD-SDI. You just need an external recorder. Considering that's 10bit HD-SDI 60p instead of AVCCam 24Mbps compressed 60p, I expect it will provide a far cleaner overcranked image.
And, the OP mentions he has an EX1 and an XHA1.
Having the EX1 should drop his additional expense in cards batteries and chargers for a PMW-F3. And, if he considered selling the XH-A1 that could realistically bring him $2000 closer to a PMW-F3.
"Overpriced" is a relative concept. If the Af100 had a 35mm sensor and 10bit output, I'd be much more inclined to go with it.
And, in a run and gun situation the 720 60p overcrank to SxS is very servicable.
This is the question, isn't it? Canon has always played it very close to the vest with their announcements, usually not releasing any information, or even hints, before actual availability.
Recently however the camera and lens divisions at Canon started communicating with each other (it used to be like the CIA and FBI before 9/11). And they aren't stupid. They read these forums. It would behoove them to start leaking some info before everyone has spent their allowance on an AF100.
Brian@202020
Veteran
A letus adapter is a good route with exception of the light loss. I've done quit a bit of stuff in the past with the Letus Ultimate and will always have a soft spot for it, but the ability to be fairly clean at 2000 ISO to me out ways that. I just sold my HPX170 and Letus ultimate and replaced it with the AF100 and so far am not regretting that decision.
I didn't know that about undercrank, it makes sense I guess.
This is the expensive part. As far as I know Sony has not released the cost of this external recorder and it could be very expensive. This is the only way I personally would use the camera.
This is all true and I didn't think about that. But without the external recorder it records to an inferior codec, so why waste the money?
The AF100's sensor is almost the same size as the F3's sensor. A crop factor of 1.19 and only 1/4 stop DoF difference. It's too close to make a difference.
Brian@202020
Veteran
Also I played with the F3 recently and was more than disappointed. I went there thinking I was going to put money down on it, but now I decided to wait. I originally thought it might compete with the Alexa when combined with the external recorder, but it most definitely will not. In my opinion it is overpriced, but if the clients are asking for it I probably will still get it.
Viddovation
Veteran
There's no requirement to use Sony's recorder.
I have a lot of respect for what the XDCAM EX codec accomplishes, and all the PMW-F3 footage I've seen looks comparable or better than the AF100 footage, even when it was shot on SxS - not externally.
Okay. External recording: For everything except 1080p overcranking the Aja Ki Pro Mini at $2000 gives you 10bit. Nanoflash gives you the same 8bit you can get from Af100.
Depending on when and where you need 1080p overcranking, cost could conceivably be as low as $1000. For narrative work particularly - just get a $1000 Blackmagic Decklink Extreme HD 3D card, and record straight to the Mac. Is that optimal? No, and it wouldn't work in the field, but for low budget narrative work i think it's a very acceptable comprimise. Kona 3G is $2000, also an option.
Af100 sensor is 20% smaller. Everyone will have a different opinion on whether that's acceptable or not.
I have a lot of respect for what the XDCAM EX codec accomplishes, and all the PMW-F3 footage I've seen looks comparable or better than the AF100 footage, even when it was shot on SxS - not externally.
Okay. External recording: For everything except 1080p overcranking the Aja Ki Pro Mini at $2000 gives you 10bit. Nanoflash gives you the same 8bit you can get from Af100.
Depending on when and where you need 1080p overcranking, cost could conceivably be as low as $1000. For narrative work particularly - just get a $1000 Blackmagic Decklink Extreme HD 3D card, and record straight to the Mac. Is that optimal? No, and it wouldn't work in the field, but for low budget narrative work i think it's a very acceptable comprimise. Kona 3G is $2000, also an option.
Af100 sensor is 20% smaller. Everyone will have a different opinion on whether that's acceptable or not.
Viddovation
Veteran
If you shoot primarily as a hobby, then despite my personal affection for the PMW-F3, the AF100 is more suitable, considering price. But, as some have said, the market will shift mid year... Sony will have the NXCam35 for same price range as AF100, and everyone is hoping Canon will bring something to the table. And Scarlet of course.
Why keep the XH-A1 though? Sell it for the extra cash. Your EX1 can shoot HDV compliant if needed.