EX1 & SGBlade or a Panasonic AF100?

[weismangroup]

Hello Fellow EX1 owners. We've recently started work on a new documentary, and are deciding on whether to pick up an SGBlade and use our trusty EX1, or dip further into the budget and spring for an AF100. We also have 2 GH13's (hacked GH1's shooting at high bit rate), and have shot the trailer and first few interviews using the GH1 and EX1 side by side, (with main audio recorded with the EX1).

The other option is to keep going using the GH13's, but dealing with audio, lack of external monitoring, etc is not ideal for filming a full 1 hour documentary.

I pretty much understand the variables - e.g. - cost $1,000 vs $4,000 (we alreadt have a full set of Nikon glass for either the Blade or the AF100), complicated and large setup vs relatively compact, etc.

Just wondering if anyone out there has had experience in making a similar decision.

Regards,

Michael

ps. Trailer can be seen on our Facebook page at www.hebronthemovie.com and also on vimeo at http://vimeo.com/26380242

 

[maranfilms]

Either way, you will get a great image, I imagine you know the light loss issues with using a dof adapter, To me it's worth it at times because I love the Bokah from the Spinning GG, combined with nice glass and lighting, I think it looks the closeest to film of all the combo's out there.( If that s what your going for). Otherwise I always add grain, to my dslr footage to " dirty it up a bit".

I have a gh2, and I prefer it to the Af100, You really have to spend some time with the Af100, to understand how to handle the highlights, but now that many have them, and have tried and true settings, it should be easier to dial it in for a given situation.

If I were in your shoes, the Sony Fs100, would be a no brainer for me, I love that cam, and it's low light ability. truely stunning image quality, and the crop factor isn't as much as with the m4/3rds mount. Plus you already have a sony, so it may be easier to get use to, you can still use your nikon glass with it as well. I would look into it.

The moderator here by the name " Rick Benett" has both, and is very knowledgable and helpful, (he's a good guy) He can answer any question you will have. Now that I think about it, I think he did a thread comparing the two, but I could be wrong. good luck with your decision.

 

[ddh]

The SGBlade is an excellent 35mm lens adapter. I use one on the EX3 and it produces very good results. It doesn't beat the F3 and there is light loss but apart from that ... it's very good. Make sure you specify that you are using an EX1 camera as the magnifying glass in the SGBlade is specific to camera.

 

[vousetestouscons]

Would you choose an SGBlade over a Letus or are they about similar?

 

[ddh]

The SGBlade is one of the best of the 35mm adapters but I know many who swear by the Letus. When it comes to cost factor ... the SGBlade is
much more reasonable. In general, what I like about the EX3 is the adaptability in lense use. MTF (http://www.mtfservices.com/home.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=2) makes many adapters that use 35mm lens direct to the EX3. The magnification factor is hugh but is used by many nature videographers. If you don't need this type of lens adaptability then the EX1 is an excellent camera. The SGBlade is an excellent 35mm lens adapter. Here's a shot of what I call the mini-beast.