Camera Recommendation 4K

[Bassman2003]

"RAW" video is like RAW photos, it needs to be developed in post. Not all cine cameras have a RAW option. RAW is more information but you need to create the color as opposed to just doing some color correction on normal footage. Not all cine cameras have RAW.

 

[kirkeric]

Thanks.

Now, you threw me for a loop. So, understand not all are RAW but those that are, now I feel like I completely misunderstand raw. What does it take to make RAW look right? When you say developed in post, that kind of scared me.

This is the C100. My understanding is that if saved in the 4:2:2 format (requires the external Ninja 2 like recorder thing), that this would be RAW while in camera I think it not.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1110655-REG/canon_0298c002_eos_c100_mark_ii.html

Appreciate your insight and interpretation of this camera.

Thanks
Eric

"RAW" video is like RAW photos, it needs to be developed in post. Not all cine cameras have a RAW option. RAW is more information but you need to create the color as opposed to just doing some color correction on normal footage. Not all cine cameras have RAW.

 

[Bassman2003]

This is a deep topic but the term RAW gets used in many different ways. The true term for RAW means that the camera's sensor information is recorded to the card without any type of codec or encoding. It is truly the raw sensor information. You then need a program in post to interpret the information and give it life. This yields better images because you are not limited by the camera's processing ability but a computer's larger ability.

Now then there is the usage like "raw footage from the camera" which basically means straight off the card, unedited.

 

[Joshua_G]

Thanks.

Now, you threw me for a loop. So, understand not all are RAW but those that are, now I feel like I completely misunderstand raw. What does it take to make RAW look right? When you say developed in post, that kind of scared me.

This is the C100. My understanding is that if saved in the 4:2:2 format (requires the external Ninja 2 like recorder thing), that this would be RAW while in camera I think it not.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1110655-REG/canon_0298c002_eos_c100_mark_ii.html

Appreciate your insight and interpretation of this camera.

Thanks
Eric

From the published specs, it looks like this camera shoot compressed files (MPEG, AVC, MP4, H.264) in-camera and RAW via its' HDMI output. The Atomos Ninja 2 and other external recorders can record high quality files in RAW, 10bit, 4:2:2 color matrix.

Shooting RAW means unprocessed and uncompressed data from the sensor. It means that the image looks very flat, with very low contrast, desaturated colors and no in-camera sharpening. In order to deal with the footage, one have to use a LUT, either in the NLE or in the color correction software. There are free LUTs by Canon and other independent manufacturers, as well as commercial LUTs, with varied prices range. Most of them aren't very expansive.

Shooting RAW and LUTs has a great benefit, since you get files in the purest form of video, the best that any given camera can produce. NLEs and color correction software on modern computers have far greater processing power than the in-camera processor(s). Also, one isn't bound to the 'baked look' made by the camera. Having RAW files enables the widest latitude for color processing, color correction, and image manipulation. This latitude is much narrower when dealing with compressed files produced by the camera.

When one wants to use a LUT in the NLE or color correction software only to restore the 'normal', or 'usual' look, without any extra color and image manipulation, bringing in the LUT is a matter of a mouse click in the software. Further image and color processing take specific know-how and skills.

The only drawback I can think of right now of shooting RAW is when the camera files need be handed to the client right after shooting, when that client doesn't use NLE with LUTs. In such cases, it's always possible to shoot compressed files in the camera. Even when recording RAW files in an external recorder, one can simultaneously record compressed files in the camera and get the benefits of both worlds.

The bottom line is that a camera that enables RAW (along with the option of in-camera processed files) is a great benefit. When RAW files aren't needed, there is always the option to shoot compressed files in the camera (MPEG, AVC, MP4, H.264 etc.').

One drawback of this specific camera is that RAW is enabled only via an external recorder. (However, should I have the money, I'd purchase that camera without a second thought, in spite of that drawback).

 

[kirkeric]

Finally Bought Camera

Finally Bought Camera

Hello all,

For those that are interested, I just wanted to close the loop on what I eventually bought. I went with the Canon C100 Mark II and began with a 24-70mm lens. I'm loving things so far, though I need to also get a little wider lens (16-35mm might be next).

Appreciate all the help.

On a separate subject, I'm looking for a decent slider that's both sturdy and isn't a killer on the wallet. I've seen a few and I guess sliders varying between 1 ft and 27 inches or so must be most common? I have one that's about 24 inches but not particularly the leg spread isn't very wide and the camera can tip over.

Any advice?

Thanks,
Eric

This is a deep topic but the term RAW gets used in many different ways. The true term for RAW means that the camera's sensor information is recorded to the card without any type of codec or encoding. It is truly the raw sensor information. You then need a program in post to interpret the information and give it life. This yields better images because you are not limited by the camera's processing ability but a computer's larger ability.

Now then there is the usage like "raw footage from the camera" which basically means straight off the card, unedited.

 

[jpham]

But did you ever get a 4K camera? the Canon C100 Mark II is just a 1080

 

[kirkeric]

I researched many options and by comparison, even at 190x1080, the Canon C100 is still superior in many ways due to the Super 35 sensor (which is a 4 K sensor). It's a fantastic camera.

Eric

But did you ever get a 4K camera? the Canon C100 Mark II is just a 1080

 

[DLD]

C100 doesn't output Raw video, only "uncompressed" footage via the HDMI. It ought to be enough for an experienced shooter who doesn't need 4K and can nail the exposure and the white balance.