EX1 Test - ASC members gasp

doondoon

doondoon

Well-known member
A tremendously accomplished DP/DIT friend of mine (will remain anonymous) who recently attended a camera test reports about the Sony XDCAM EX1.

"The main thing I can comment on is image quality. When viewed on a big screen projected from a Panasonic DLP projector model PT-DW10000U, in a side by side comparison with images from the D20, F23, F900R, and 35mm film, it looked fantastic. It looked more as less as good as these cameras. Unbelievable. As I say, there were many gasps from the ASC audience."


I've haven't heard back whether or not the footage was captured to the cards or out of the HD-SDI. Will report back when I learn more.
 
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I missed that event because I was out of town but spoke to someone involved today who confirmed that the tests were recorded to the SxS card and NOT through the SDI.

I'm going to try to get a look at that footage in the next couple of weeks and will report back what i see.
 
Yes. They were blown away by the quality.

They said there would be no problem shooting material with the EX1 that closely matches the F23 (with just a bit more noise).

The F23 is considered the reigning king of HD cameras in terms of noise and sensitivity. It was the camera used to shoot most of Cloverfield and the upcoming Speed Racer.
 
"The F23 is considered the reigning king of HD cameras in terms of noise and sensitivity. It was the camera used to shoot most of Cloverfield and the upcoming Speed Racer"

The other camera being the HVX200!!!!! Sorry, couldn't resist. Back to thread.
 
I'm sorry but I have seen EX-1 footage and F23 footage and I just can't imagine the difference between 4:2:0, and 4:4:4 8bit and 10 bit, on the post side alone it is enough to draw a clear line between the two. Secondly I'm just not buyin the EX-1 lens performing at the same level as Cine glass, and last I have seen nowhere near 11 stops of dynamic range from the EX-1. Will it look good, sure match an F23?? I seriously doubt it, not the least of which is Sony is one of the best at crippling technology so as to not threaten their upper end line.
 
LighthouseMedia said:
I'm sorry but I have seen EX-1 footage and F23 footage and I just can't imagine the difference between 4:2:0, and 4:4:4 8bit and 10 bit, on the post side alone it is enough to draw a clear line between the two. Secondly I'm just not buyin the EX-1 lens performing at the same level as Cine glass, and last I have seen nowhere near 11 stops of dynamic range from the EX-1. Will it look good, sure match an F23?? I seriously doubt it, not the least of which is Sony is one of the best at crippling technology so as to not threaten their upper end line.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. I agree with you on all counts, as I'm sure many in the audience did. Hence the "gasp" that doondoon described.

I won't say anything else until I see the test footage myself.

(I have also seen footage from both cameras, but not a side-by-side comparison)
 
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Lighthouse I agree 100%. It didn't make sense to me either... Perhaps the EX1 footage was shot under "perfect" circumstances ?

On the other hand, I can't argue with the reaction from a handful of very respected members of the ASC. That within in and of itself speaks VERY loudly to the quality of the image, and I'm assuming my reaction would be the same.


If the quality of the EX1 looks as good as was reported, I don't think that means huge hollywood productions are going to stop using the D20, F23 or "real" cinema cameras. I'm sure Sony and Panny knows this and aren't worried about cannibalizing their higher end gear.

Think about it, can you see Roger Deakins or Darius Khondji shooting their next multi million dollar feature on the likes of the EX1 or the HVX ? Maybe with the Redrock adapter or perhaps the Letus Extreme? That's really funny !

It's just not going to happen. Perhaps some smaller productions with big names attached will go with smaller rigs... but it will certainly be the BIG exception (that everyone talks about) and NOT the rule. It'll be another Danny Boyle or Steven Soderberg moment that will inspire indie filmmakers... which is awesome. Just keep it in perspective.

In the meantime I can't wait to see the EX1 filmout.
 
I think the footage looked good enough that the guys thought pretty highly of it. IMHO the gasp was a statement like" not bad for a 6K camera". I think the EX deserves at least that.
 
It just depends, perhaps the content of the EX footage offers the explanation for the gasps!

Perhaps it was comprised of incredible looking babes from the Sony Booths at E3 games event and... erm!

Okay well, that would make me gasp hehe.
 
That's cool that they liked the image and were impressed. I edit for ESPN and ABC. They do DVCPRO HD projects using top of the line cameras. I see high quality footage everyday. I am also super impressed with the quality of the EX1 footage. It's not a perfect camera, but it's pretty amazing for the price. Please see the camera for yourself before calling anyone crazy for their reaction to the footage!
 
There was a static shot that I saw that made me stop and think WOW. It wasnt set up particularly well either, a quick shot someone took. Think it was shot about half way down the zoom range if I recall.

My point is Sony could put particular EX1 shots together that could make anyone go a bit gaga over them
 
This particular set of tests were not done by Sony and were designed to be an objective comparison of the cameras (and 35mm film) for use in feature shooting.
 
Any way for anyone to get their hands on the shots and post them up? Be interested to see them.
 
The point of this particular test was to project the images on a large screen - it was this projection that so impressed the audience of ASC members.

Posting them wouldn't prove much beyond the the beautiful imagery we've already seen.
 
Did I ask or mention that I needed a point proven??

I simply asked if anyone could post them I would be interested in seeing them, as others may well be also.
 
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