EX1 + Redrock Me2 vs. 5D MKI

[Robert Ruffo]

Hi there!

I am interested in hearing opinions about this.

We have both a 5D and an EX1 + latest Redrock adapter. The new Redrock has no visible groundglass ever - you can stop down to f22 if you want - and no "shower curtain effect".

In my own opinion

Pros of EX1 + RR:

1 - Much more actual resolution (is this my imagination?) With the new achromat my edge-to-edge is pretty much perfect.
2 - No aliasing/moire 5D aliasing and moire are constant issues
3 - Smoother color grads - 109 IRE using Cine 1 & 4
4 - 24p
5 - MUCH better codec, plus ability to use NanoFlash for even better still
6- Clips as long as I want.
7 - Looks mean/cool to clients.
8 - No neeed for external audio recording device
9 - Small active zoom possible 72% - 100%, and small adjustment of our lenses - so a 28 mm prime can become 25 - 35 (or so) without remounting
10 - Great LCD viewfinder, peaking, other conveniences

Pros of 5D:

1 - Very, very light, very, very small, no set-up time. Very discreet, although this is not that often important.
2 - SLIGHTLY better low-light capabilities. I'm not so sure they are THAT much better though. What do you guys think?
3 - Also a fabulous stills cam.
4 - Slightly different bokeh - is it really that different? I'm having trouble deciding....

 

[reem12]

The 5d and the 7d for that matter trumps an ex1 and adapter combo hands down. I hope to never half to use these heavy image degraders another day in my life.

 

[Robert Ruffo]

The 5d and the 7d for that matter trumps an ex1 and adapter combo hands down. I hope to never half to use these heavy image degraders another day in my life.

Not all adapters are created equal. Some of them are/were really bad, including the older Redrock, in my opinion. The 5D DOES trump MOST adapters.

But... The Me2 or the Ultimatte with an EX1 are not trumped by a 7D or 5D, image-wise. Not unless you consider sub-1080p resolution and frequent shot-ruining moire to be irrelevant issues. (Can you not see that moire on fabrics, bricks, ventilation grates?) Not unless you ever need to film an interview that is more than 10-12 minutes long, or need 24p, which only the 7D has. Not unless you plan on doing some grading post other than adding a very small amount of contrast.

I should note: We bought the Redrock adapter AFTER already owning/knowing how to use a 5D. We had 15 days to send back. We kept it. I so wished the 5d, at 800 gramms, to not have the problems it has, as lugging around what becomes a 20 pound (total, with adapter) camera is a PITA that requires a Steadicam upgrade, but...