Digital camcorder's / DSLR's and the cinematic look

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duder1234

Member
Hey guys,

I've been trying to decide which camera to get based on the image(s) it is capable of rendering. I've spent most of my time looking at DSLR's (5d mark ii and panasonic GH2) and the Sony FS100. I was under the impression that the DSLR's produced an image that was a bit more "cinematic" when compared to the Sony FS100. I like the FS100's ability to capture audio out of the box and all the other features that come with a dedicated camcorder. The only thing that is turing me off are the images that I've seen from the camera (most are videoish). Nothing has yet to catch my eye and scream "looks a bit more like film".

After reading through all the responses in my thread (as well as combing through this website), it seems that its not necessarily the camera, but the operator, lighting, shot composition....well, the CINEMATOGRAPHY that will determine a cinematic look/feel.

A brought this topic up in the FS100 thread, but was directed to post my concerns in this forum...hopefully to get a bit more educated.


Here is the link to my other thread for reference:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...lity-to-capture-that-quot-cinematic-quot-look

Any info, comments, or suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
 
duder1234 said:
After reading through all the responses in my thread (as well as combing through this website), it seems that its not necessarily the camera, but the operator, lighting, shot composition....well, the CINEMATOGRAPHY that will determine a cinematic look/feel.

A brought this topic up in the FS100 thread, but was directed to post my concerns in this forum...hopefully to get a bit more educated.
Click to expand...

^ I think you nailed it there.


Each camera offers a different set of strengths and weaknesses, but I would safely say it's more about the person behind the camera than the camera.

The main difference, if I were to pick just one, would be sensor size. You've got a Full Frame, APS-C and m4/3rds listed there. That effects FoV, inherently DoF, and the type of lenses you can likely use.
 
Yeah, you answered your own question pretty well. A DSLR will get you a cinematic look faster and easier. Simply attatching a fast lens will let the user shoot with little or no thought on lighting and give the shallow DOF many crave. This isn't a always a good thing though, like you said, ultimately it comes down to the user, not the hardware. I love shooting on my GH2, but only because it's in my price range. If I could afford a Red Epic or Scarlet I wouldn't even think about shooting on a DSLR. ; )

Also, the 3 cameras you listed (5D, GH2, FS100) are all priced wildly different, and like Ryan mentioned you're looking at 3 different sensor sizes. You can probably rent a FS100 for a reasonable cost. That may be a good option to get your hands on the camera and spend a day shooting with it.
 
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