1DC: Canon 1Dc vs RED Epic Dragon comparison

AndreeOnline

AndreeOnline

Veteran
James Miller has been kind enough to post two frames from his cameras (he is a 1Dc and a Epic Dragon owner).

Unlike many other "comparisons" he used the same high end Zeiss Otus lens for both cameras. The Canon file is 4k and the RED is 6k. You can download a .zip with two .tif files as well as the original .R3D.

we.tl/MJBqC80M6a
 
Only really says if you want more res, the Dragon is the better choice, which is to be expected.
 
Astonishing how the 1DC's image is on par with the highest-end film and digital cinema cameras today. Image quality doesn't get much better than this little DSLR really.

I would have absolutely no problem intercutting these beautiful images.

iKxTCgA.jpg

VyqGmRU.jpg


(Note the 1DC's image has a narrower depth of field making the distant background appear lower in resolution)
 
I definitely wouldn't say on par or even close. LOL. While 1DC is a really good camera, it's very limited in terms of pushing and pulling information from the image. Even in looking at these images I can tell that while the 1DC is good, its probably about as good as its going to get. Not to mention the colors are more true in the Dragon. This comparison could have just as easily been 1DC vs. Black Magic Cinema 4K. Both images would be good but neither would or should compare to Dragon.
 
They are two totally different camera systems, LOL.

On one hand the RED Dragon: a machine that you "boot" to shoot with. And then black balance. It kind of doesn't use batteries, but rather "bricks" that hangs off the back. It can be hand held, but probably needs to be rigged. Price of media is pretty steep.
But if you are in a production environment that has no trouble working around these things, then you get compressed raw workflow with "16 bit" color depth and high frame rates.

On the other hand with the 1Dc: you have internal 4k (well resolved and artefact free) to CF-cards. You power it up when you go out the door and leave it like that—it's instant on. It DOES shoot stills too, not only on paper. But it doesn't shoot high frame rates and you'll get the rolling shutter effect if you whip the camera around. Canon Log is a really nice versatile profile that grades well in 8 bit (it was the main objective in its development), especially in 4:2:2.

One system is for flexibility and the other for portability. And maybe stealth, since even though the 1Dc is a large camera it doesn't draw THAT kind of attention.

The comparison isn't meant as a pissing contest. Neither from James' or my side. Please don't turn it into one. Neither camera needs defending, but comparisons makes understanding easier.
 
AndreeOnline said:
They are two totally different camera systems, LOL.

On one hand the RED Dragon: a machine that you "boot" to shoot with. And then black balance. It kind of doesn't use batteries, but rather "bricks" that hangs off the back. It can be hand held, but probably needs to be rigged. Price of media is pretty steep.
But if you are in a production environment that has no trouble working around these things, then you get compressed raw workflow with "16 bit" color depth and high frame rates.

On the other hand with the 1Dc: you have internal 4k (well resolved and artefact free) to CF-cards. You power it up when you go out the door and leave it like that—it's instant on. It DOES shoot stills too, not only on paper. But it doesn't shoot high frame rates and you'll get the rolling shutter effect if you whip the camera around. Canon Log is a really nice versatile profile that grades well in 8 bit (it was the main objective in its development), especially in 4:2:2.

One system is for flexibility and the other for portability. And maybe stealth, since even though the 1Dc is a large camera it doesn't draw THAT kind of attention.

The comparison isn't meant as a pissing contest. Neither from James' or my side. Please don't turn it into one. Neither camera needs defending, but comparisons makes understanding easier.
Click to expand...
+1
 
Rick Augustus said:
I definitely wouldn't say on par or even close. LOL. While 1DC is a really good camera, it's very limited in terms of pushing and pulling information from the image. Even in looking at these images I can tell that while the 1DC is good, its probably about as good as its going to get. Not to mention the colors are more true in the Dragon. This comparison could have just as easily been 1DC vs. Black Magic Cinema 4K. Both images would be good but neither would or should compare to Dragon.
Click to expand...

Defending the 1DC is not defending Canon, because the 1DC is a camera concept, as well. Defending the 1DC is also defending a preferred method of shooting.

-Instant on
-internal 4k
-small enough for most custom configurations, but not so small you can't hold and operate comfortably without accessories.
-multiple formats. s35, FF35, and a personal favorite APS-H.
-weather proofing
-all right-hand operated settings, as an option. This is important for anyone pulling their own focus.
-skin tones that don't need post work.
-quiet (in this case fan-less) (although, the mirror slap kills this feature, wish there was a perpetual mirror lock up while in video mode)
-in camera looks can be baked in. (there are some caveats here, but the theory of the thing)
-low light was a bench mark, but also hit the point of no longer worried about low light. makes shooting anywhere at anytime much more feasible.
-minimum 12 stops latitude (just nudges the line, but also was the first dslr with the option)
-efficient power use with small light weight batteries.
-an image that holds up with the best cameras in the world.

There are still FEW, if any, cameras that do these things as well. While I have my gripes with Canon, the 1DC is a camera system, and I support this kind of camera concept, from any camera maker.
 
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James0b57 said:
Defending the 1DC is not defending Canon, because the 1DC is a camera concept, as well. Defending the 1DC is also defending a preferred method of shooting.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

And it's not like its perfect. The list you are maintaining has quite a few boxes to tick. Still, most of its limitations are easy to understand why they are there - with many being based on technological limitations.

I am sceptical to whether Canon will ever make a 1Dc mkII, but I would welcome a second effort with faster chips (framerates) and 10 bit, preferably internally.
 
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