C100: C100MII vs A7s?

Miklos Nemeth said:
Practically, you never tried 4K with A7S, right?
Click to expand...

No, but the usability factors make it a non-starter for me. I've seen the 4k footage and it's pretty impressive, but not as good as the dedicated 4k+ cameras I've used. It's really a bummer that the dual record is impossible off the A7s, I didn't realize that when I purchased it. I've used external recorders a lot and recording errors are just part of the game, not usually a big deal if you have the masters because it's just a shot or two, but if that's the only media it's not acceptable to me.

If I can't use something in the field for clients it doesn't make since to spend $2k... even if I'd love it for certain types of shots. My hope is that a Shogun mk2 comes out with some of these features addressed. Actually I'd love a Blade that had 4k functionality, 5 inches is my preferred size for on camera recorder. My 7 inch is just a director's monitor.
 
As for the OP, you don't say what you shoot, which would have some impact on my decision. I just sold my C100 M1s for an A7Ss. The Sony is a more flexible, useful camera overall, IMHO, especially considering the price difference. IQ seems very comparable, with a slight nod to the M2 perhaps in sharpness, but I prefer Sony color science (entirely subjective), and low light is better on the Sony than the M1 and probably still better than on the M2, and I feel like the DR on the Sony is 1/2 stop better. If you want auto features, it's a no-brainer, the Sony wins hands down (AF is great and it has auto ISO which is amazing if you're shooting R&G). If you want a camera you can grab and go out of the box, the M2 wins, but only for tripod work (the Sony is so light it easily wins for handheld), and Canon still does not have a good R&G lens, IMHO (although I've not tried the Sigma 24-105mm). The new Sony 28-135mm/f4 looks quite impressive. On the lens flipside, E-mount lenses all use focus by wire (except the aforementioned), which stinks if you want to use manual focus. My $.02
 
rental.jpg

Lensrentals.com
Rent and do your own test comparisons. How can you take the opinion of others who all have their own biases, preferred looks and needs?
It's about what you like and want, not what they do.
 
Thanks for all the reviews and help guys. I've decided on the C100MII. I did a ton of research and it came down to I've always used Canon's and love their color. I think the C100MII paired with an Atomos Shogun will do me well. I have a friend locally who has the A7s and he loves it. So when my camera arrives next week we're going to do a comparison (non scientific) between the two. It will also give me a chance to see the Shogun with 4K since the C100 does not shoot that. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Looking forward to a new chapter in shooting.
 
groveChuck said:
View attachment 96074


Lensrentals.com
Rent and do your own test comparisons. How can you take the opinion of others who all have their own biases, preferred looks and needs?
It's about what you like and want, not what they do.
Click to expand...

The price difference might suggest which camera is better..... looks like the the C100 is twice as good as the A7s. I know which one I would buy, actually come to think of it, I did buy it.
 
Doug_EX said:
Just wanted to be sure that you were aware of this.
Click to expand...

Yes, thank you. I bought the Shogun to pair with the C100MII for the HFR since the Ninja blade does not do 1080/60p. But more than that, for future proofing a little if I decide to get a second 4K camera like the A7s. I'll use the Shogun for the C100MII in HD and when my friend and I test out the two cameras, he with his A7s, I'll get a chance to see what the 4K recording looks like on the Shogun. So a lot to be excited to play with when the C100MII arrives next week.

Oh, plus the screen on the Shogun is just insane. Battery is horrible tho. Looking to go v-mount for my full rig. The money pit never ends.
 
Last edited:
Michael Thames said:
The price difference might suggest which camera is better..... looks like the the C100 is twice as good as the A7s. I know which one I would buy, actually come to think of it, I did buy it.
Click to expand...


I know I'm just parroting a common thing on here (or anywhere), but... you can't really look at it like that. There's no "better" when we're talking about cameras. There's more beneficial in certain circumstances, and less beneficial in certain circumstances. And price doesn't necessarily reflect what's going to be more useful for a given person.
 
sonofaresiii said:
I know I'm just parroting a common thing on here (or anywhere), but... you can't really look at it like that. There's no "better" when we're talking about cameras. There's more beneficial in certain circumstances, and less beneficial in certain circumstances. And price doesn't necessarily reflect what's going to be more useful for a given person.
Click to expand...

Yes, I said that with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.
 
Just to weigh in on this topic. I have owned the C100 for over two years and love it. I also have an A7s which I see as a great 2nd camera to the C100 which can also shoot stills when I need that (and slow motion, amazing low light, etc....) I purchased the Shogun not because I felt I needed 4K, but because I wanted a larger field monitor and the 4K recorder would be a bonus. For my purposes however the Shogun did not fit the bill. What I received was a poorly built monitor around a seemingly great LCD panel. In fact, the poor battery life and lackluster build quality (the power button on mine got stuck inside the casing every time it was pushed) caused me to send it back. I really wanted to like it but I cant justify paying $2000 for something that felt like a $200 Liliput monitor, even if it does record in 4K. The panel itself looked amazing however and I'm sure someone will be coming out with a similar product soon (or Atomos can figure out a way to professionally encase it)
 
I actually have both the A7s and the C100 MK1 and now more recently have taken the plunge on the SONY FS7.

Here are my thoughts, I started (like most people here) with the 5D3, loved that cam and then got enticed by Blackmagic and that sharp image. I didn't jump until the BMPC 4K cam was out as I thought that would be a good future proof replacement but how wrong I was when I went down that road! :D
I love the image of the BMPC 4K but boy oh boy it was a struggle to use on many of the fast paced, quick interviews and b-roll jobs so I decided to u-turn as can't afford to keep both then went for the C100.
Love the C100 and has served really well and was for the sure the right decision for about a year, almost perfect! not problem until I started getting asked for 4K specific jobs where I needed to deliver content for large screen events.
I had to hire a RED for a couple of jobs and tried GH4s but I really needed a 4K all in one solution that could serve both quick and 4K and when the FS7 dropped, I knew they nailed it with this cam

The FS7 has a learning curve with SLOG3 but I feel the investment is well worth it, I get everything I had with the C100 with ND's and XLR's as well as high speed and 4K, this is the cam that works straight out of the box and yes its 2K more than the C100mk2 but then no need for the Shogun etc (if 4K is needed)

I finally brought the A7s to replace my C100 after using it on night club event shoots as it just can't compare to any other cam for the low light and is a great b-cam for my FS7.

I wouldn't compare the A7s too much to the C100, they both shoot great clean imagery and no client is going to question quality from both, its all about how you feel using day to day.
The C100 is a much easier camera to use straight out of the box but when you start getting used to new kit it really doesn't matter as the A7s or even the FS7 are now just as easy to use set up after practice


My C100 MK1 is currently up for sale here in Dubai :thumbsup:
 
Good comment, cane141.

I would like to know how many $ you have invested, or feel a need to invest, in memory for the FS7 to handle your 4K jobs.
 
@cane141

It was interesting to hear your response since you had several of these cameras. I would still like to hear what you think about the FS7, a7S and Blackmagic. Maybe you could start a separate thread as I am sure many people would be interested in your opinion and I don't want to hijack the Canon thread.

For me the Blackmagic's 12 bit gives the picture an organic feel over the a7S. I don't have any experience with the FS7, but it seems like it's a small jump in sharpness and noise. It's still 10 bit so I'm wondering what you think about the picture quality between the FS7 and Blackmagic camera. When I compare the a7S with the BMPCC, the a7S's image seems a little "plasticky" for a lack of a better word. Any improvement with the FS7's 10 bit?

Sorry to jump into the Canon thread. I've used the C300 on a short film and got decent cinematic results. I'm sure the C100 is comparable. The a7S seems to do just as well as a C300 for a lot less in my opinion.
 
Kraut69

The $$$ invested in these cameras don't really mean much in the market anymore as different clients all have different needs and depends on what projects you shoot on a daily basis, so actually, the best investment is to rent your cameras to suit each gig, but I personally prefer to take a hit and get to learn my kit over time and push these cameras to see what they can do, to further my game! So for me, its well worth the investment, personally.
I also tend to try and sell and buy my kit as smart as I can to re-invest in the quest for the holy camera grail:laugh:

In terms of NEED for investing in the FS7 to handle 4K jobs, these 4k delivery gigs are few and far between so really there is no need. Its more to replace/upgrade my C100 Mk1 to what I think is a far superior camera that has everything the C100 has but waay more, high speed and 4K which will undoubtedly come in handy for some projects not all though.

I do feel the need to re-invest more frequently nowadays than say 10 years ago to keep up with whats going on currently as no job is the same and the tech is getting smarter and adding much more production value at lower costs.
It's a very volatile market and these camera tools are fast becoming disposable and morphing so fast.

I see other cameramen investing much more heavily into cameras like the RED Epic Dragon that I question myself but maybe they are on to something as RED doesn't seem to be fading away like everyone thought it would when others manufacturers entered the 4K cine scene ( thats another tired conversation though )
 
googgoings

I personally think the FS7 just sits a little above where the C300 is, in the camera line up.

For me I also love the Blackmagic image but then sometimes the practicality of something like the C300 or the FS7 helps me get more confident shots and too be honest as long as it can shoot with good DR and is 10bit then the FS7 comes pretty close and is good enough for certain gigs plus the high speed is awesome and yes it's overused but its still a great tool and a great look.

Again I'm not sure it's even worth comparing the Blackmagic to the FS7, its almost like you need both for different jobs as well as the A7s, it's great for events and low light as we all know. I certainly am not going to take a BM along to a night event to shoot so thats it, decision made, you need both if you feel thats the type of regular work you get.

I do't see the point of comparing the A7s to the C300 either, they are both 8 bit cams but for image the C300 has the superior image for me personally.

Unfortunately, the BM URSA for me has the most superior image of them all but so painful to work with... I may go back for the pain if they bring out an updated version in a smaller package.


RE-EDIT: The A7s with Shogun at 4K vs the C300 image is different matter though and I guess, I would say they even out as there are some impressive clips A7s + Shogun clips of late...
 
Last edited:
jmsbf said:
…
Sell A7s - buy C100 mark ii for A cam, and use the Sony A6500 for b-cam and gamble work (Zhiyun Crane)
…
Click to expand...

How would you match the colors of the A6500 to the C100 II? Wouldn't Canon 80D be a better choice for b-cam and gamble work?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top