Buying for the job I want or the job I have?

R

randomname

Well-known member
About a month ago I decided that I'm ready to move on from DSLR shooting. I've loved working with my 5D, but I'm just tired of the codec and soft image. Since I decided it was time to upgrade, I've been agonizing over what to switch to, and I've basically narrowed it down to two options.

1. I've been offered a great deal on an F3, it has the 4:4:4 upgrade, berkeley top plate, batteries, media, and a Nikon mount for $7500.

2. Buy a C100 and an external recorder and keep my 5D MKiii as a B camera and for whenever I need slow motion.

On the one hand, the C100 fits really well into my workflow right now and feels like the natural next step for what I'm doing. All of my glass is EF mount and There would definitely be a real immediate benefit from having a B camera. That being said, I've always been quite taken with the F3, I love the image and the DR, but in my current work I don't think I'd be able to make much use of things like 4:4:4 out. I really want to be doing the kind of work where the F3 would really shine, but is buying one really going to help me get there? and will it be worth completely overhauling my equipment setup and workflow?
 
I'm not a big fan of "If you buy it they will come" equipment purchases. On the other hand though, if you really need an F3 or C100 to handle client needs, then by all means get one. It's business!

As a side note... Talking about moving on from DSLR shooting, I have a client we have been renting an Alexa kit to handle their projects with. They saw some footage I shoot with a 5DmkIII and now we are shooting all their stuff with the Canon.
 
I'd recommend you stick with the Canon. You've already got the glass and probably other accessories that will integrate nicely with it. Maybe have a look at getting the C300 though. As the added benefits of higher colour space, an EVF and a better codec will help speed up production. Plus that added colour space can be great when you need room to move in post. I wouldn't go buy one straight from Canon though, try and pick up a second hand one first if possible. Use it as your A cam and if you keep the DSLR then you still have a B cam that is compatible.

I shot a feature towards the end of last year on the C300 and we had a 5D and 7D as our secondary cameras when we needed to get quick coverage on difficult to re-shoot scenes. So far in post it has been great to be able to move around with the added colour space of C-log. And the DSLR's hold up quite nicely against the C300.

The only reason I say C300 over C100 is that the C100 wouldn't be much of a step up from a DSLR. So why even bother upgrading? You should only up grade if your needs have increased and the least you want to do is prepare for the future. The C100 wouldn't add enough as an upgrade in my opinion as you will find that you will quickly out grow it.
 
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