F3: F3 or F5

M

Matt09

Carbonite Member
Hi guys, a little new to this professional film making business but I'm wondering which model for the F3 and F5 is worth it's price. My budget isn't really tight but I'm more of a person who wants to use my money to the fullest potential. Also I'm a big sony fan too :x.
 
If you only need 1080p I'd take pick the F3. Prices today are so low today and it's a great camera. But it's also a camera at the end of its life so looking at the future there are many other options. Difficult to give a solid recommendation because there are so many good cameras these days. Try them out before deciding!
 
ReelWorksMedia said:
F55! Go for it man.
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F55 feels a bit too extravagant and pricey for my taste but it certainly looks appealing though, but not really what I feel like I should go for.
Osslund said:
If you only need 1080p I'd take pick the F3. Prices today are so low today and it's a great camera. But it's also a camera at the end of its life so looking at the future there are many other options. Difficult to give a solid recommendation because there are so many good cameras these days. Try them out before deciding!
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I've tried an F3 with a friend who had it and it was extremely good and you mentioned it's near its end, I feel like I should probably wait a bit longer. I don't really need it urgently but my own camera is getting a bit rusty and having technical issues at times but stlil manageable.
 
Matt are you looking to make films,. doing some corporate work, how high are your standards for what should be in an image?

Most these F cameras get around the same image and I'd say the biggest differentiator in how good the image looks from camera to camera really comes from other factors and not the camera itself at all (when talking Sony that is).

Hard to answer your question without knowing your goals..
 
You might consider checking out the FS7. Its not released yet, but so far a lot buzz is going around that its on par with the F3. It will cost less and can do internal 4K. Might peak your interest.

So far, its on my radar as well. That said, its not out yet so the verdict is still out on it, but it looks like its going to be a really nice working mans camera.
 
starcentral said:
Matt are you looking to make films,. doing some corporate work, how high are your standards for what should be in an image?

Most these F cameras get around the same image and I'd say the biggest differentiator in how good the image looks from camera to camera really comes from other factors and not the camera itself at all (when talking Sony that is).

Hard to answer your question without knowing your goals..
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My work revolve around film making and I've seen what an F3 can do and it looks about what I'm looking for, I'm not sure on the other F camera's and what other factor's they provide but from what Osslund mentioned, F3 is near it's end, and I wouldn't mind having a newer model camera.
ReelWorksMedia said:
You might consider checking out the FS7. Its not released yet, but so far a lot buzz is going around that its on par with the F3. It will cost less and can do internal 4K. Might peak your interest.

So far, its on my radar as well. That said, its not out yet so the verdict is still out on it, but it looks like its going to be a really nice working mans camera.
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And wow, from what I've seen on the price. It looks a tons cheaper than the other F series and apparently you can pre-order it now before the end of October. Although on the quality is a bit unknown, I think i'll play it safe and wait for someone to make a review on it.
 
Yea, I think I am in the same boat. So far, I am liking the FS7. I am also going to wait until it gets some real world face time before I jump on it. So far though, it looks like it might be a nice tool to add to the mix.
 
The F3 near its end? Far from it. Marketing ploys make these kinds of statements seem viable but if you don't have an ignorant producer asking for "4K" when better looking 1080 would be more appropriate for a given project, then the F3, just like the C300's, are viable for as long as it will turn on and operate. If you are making indie films, the F3 is a perfect as well. I have seen the footage from an F3 in major theaters three times now and it holds up just fine. The key, like mentioned above, is knowing all about s-log and how to grade something properly. This is the case with all Sony cameras (less so with an Arri, which isnt 4K either!)

Check here instead: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?319981-Untitled-documentary-project
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?321843-Music-video-shoot-F3-Sigma-s-log-to-sd-cards
 
I actually have not watched many of these movies to be honest. I think I'll give some of these a look and see good F3 is on professional film making.
 
VinceinLA said:
The F3 near its end? Far from it. Marketing ploys make these kinds of statements seem viable but if you don't have an ignorant producer asking for "4K" when better looking 1080 would be more appropriate for a given project, then the F3, just like the C300's, are viable for as long as it will turn on and operate. If you are making indie films, the F3 is a perfect as well. I have seen the footage from an F3 in major theaters three times now and it holds up just fine. The key, like mentioned above, is knowing all about s-log and how to grade something properly. This is the case with all Sony cameras (less so with an Arri, which isnt 4K either!)

Check here instead: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?319981-Untitled-documentary-project
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?321843-Music-video-shoot-F3-Sigma-s-log-to-sd-cards
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VinceinLA said:
And this link
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?317621-The-NEW-PMW-F3-s-log-footage-collection
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Thanks, I'll give these Threads a look.
 
I'd be looking strongly towards the FS7 personally. It's self-contained - no need for an external recorder like the F3, the image should be VERY similar to the F3, and you have the option of slow-motion as well.
 
Worth noting that the F3 really needs an external recorder to do it justice, the F5 doesn't. Just worth factoring in the cost and relative inconvenience of such. I'd also say the ergonomics of the F5 are better than the F3, even before allowing for external recorders.

That said, at 1080, the basic quality difference between the two is not great. But the F5 is 4k capable, so if you think that may be important not too far in the future, then again, bear it in mind.

As regards "end of life" then I'd distinguish hard between effective end of sales life (when the manufacturer stops selling it) and end of usable life (when hardly any are getting used) - and there is likely to be quite a gap between the two. The F3 may have reached end of sales life, but I expect a lot to be making films for quite a few years to come.
 
I agree with grug and harddive. I did a lot of work with the F3 in 8-bit and even then it was pretty impressive but to get better mileage you do need 10-bit and for that external recorder. For the hassles of external cablinng, power requirements, maybe issues triggering over SDI, media cards or SSD's I think it'd be worth paying DOUBLE the used price of the F3 for a new shiny FS7. Even the fact you can add RAW and later prores are major feats. I can't even believe I can say "sony" "internal" and "prores" in the same sentence.

:shocked:
 
A used F3 is the best bargain in the business right now. The best bargain if you have 4 - 5 grand more is an FS7
 
Alangordon.com is selling an f3 for 3500!


I've shot 5 movies of the week, 1 indie feature, and a mini series all on the F3 this year. I'd say the F3 is alive and well.
Would I take an F55 or Alexa if given the option? Maybe, but I'd rather give that extra money to production design or locations department. Lots of factors in making a good film.
 
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