F5: F5 for Videography/Indi Film

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samtheman

Well-known member
Hi guys, shooting events is my bread and butter. I currently own the PMW200 and paid almost $9000 which includes long lasting batteries and sxs cards.

Anyways, i'm really interested in the F5 for filmmaking and i'm able to return the PMW and spend money on top for the F5 which is better for me.

Does the F5 have options like peaking, white balance and a zoom lens available which are critical for event video like a broadcast camera or should i just invest in the F5 alone for filmmaking and keep the PMW for events. Just looking for advice.

Thanks.
 
Sony do have an ENG style zoom but for events a 2/3" ENG camera would make more sense to me. If you shoot weddings you'll move fast with a DSLR and get pretty weddingstyle footage. I would look upon the Sony F cameras as a good tool to make commercials, features, shorts and tv-series, but not the greatest run'n'gun kit. There's not one camera to do it all in a good fashion.
 
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I think you should do a little research on the forum before posting these type of questions as all the information is out there..
 
Sam, for events shooting I honestly don't think S35mm is the way to go - you only get one shot to capture something at an event, and focus is critical, the shallower DoF you get with a large image format simply makes it impractical for running around as much as you have to at events. I'd suggest sticking with 2/3" or smaller, something better suited to that style of shooting.
 
Hi Sam, there are all kinds guys shooting live events like weddings, shows, etc.. with super 35mm so although I agree 1/2" to 2/3" is probably better suited - there's no reason why you can't adapt yourself to shooting on the super 35mm format. I know a lot of guys using FS100, FS700, 7D, 5D, etc.. its just what you get use to and skilled at. There's no reason someone should tell you it "can't be done". :)

The F5/F55 has peaking, zebras, white balance options and most things you would find on a Sony cam. Combined with their OLED ViewFinder it can be an awesome setup for over the shoulder shooting, etc.. Accessing the audio levels right now can only be done in the menu. People with the F5/F55 are quite upset about that but are hoping they can somehow address it through a future firmware update. It doesn't seem that likely.

The F5/F55 is certainly what I would recommend to anyone as a hybrid TV/broadcast/commerical/cinema camera. As you probably already know it has 8-bit codec, 10-bit XAVC 422, and throughout the year will be adding SR Codec and increasing the high frame rates available, etc.. obviously it can shoot 16-bit RAW as well which is better for higher end applications.

Before getting the F55 I almost sold my F3 to a guy who strictly did events like you. Just like you, his main concern was the zoom lens since it is critical for events, etc. There are a few cheap options by using SLR lenses that guys here would be more than happy to recommend for anywhere from $250 to $2000. Then there is also the Sony FZ mount zoom lens which will actually work better with the electronics of the camera, its the Sony SCL-Z18X140 and goes for $9,999. You would need to add a zoom rocker to your setup though. Damn the F3 had a rocker built in, but now with the F5/F55 it disappeared!

Best of luck with your decision, I know its never easy deciding.
 
Thank you guys for your help, i think it's better just to use the PMW for events and get another for cine work. That's one expensive zoom lens Star Central. I was told that another $1400 sony lens would be announced at NAB (can't remember it's model number).

I can tell you that the PMW has been the perfect Events/TV camera , i was trying to save some dough instead of spending another $22k for an F5 with accessories. Can't have both things i guess.

Again, thanks for your help.
 
Its one of the cheapest motorized zooms I know, but yes its lots of money.

You could consider an F3 used or heck maybe even the FS700 is a better choice at this point.
 
I looked at the FS700, i actually held it too. Maybe its just me but i found it clunky and cheaply designed with bad placement of the LCD. High FPS look cool but i think that's overdone. The 4k Raw option is cool though.

I'd rather just get an F55 but that's almost 40k. Lucky you anyways :)
 
There is also the option of Af100 with B4 ENG mount you can power a J16 ENG lens (powered seperately) and its a nice compromise between event shooting and cinema. Lots of great 4/3rds lenses out there too.
 
Canon 1DC with B4 ENG mount with J16 Canon lens. ~ $15k today. 2k/4k no RAW.

FS700 with Odyssey + B4 ENG Mount with J16 Canon lens ~ $11k soon hopefully

F5 is honestly your best bet, especially if you can get that 0% 12 month financing deal. 2k/4k plus 3 internal codecs planned, throw B4 ENG mount lens on it and you will never worry about what you're missing again., you will not regret it.
 
starcentral said:
Canon 1DC with B4 ENG mount with J16 Canon lens. ~ $15k today. 2k/4k no RAW.

FS700 with Odyssey + B4 ENG Mount with J16 Canon lens ~ $11k soon hopefully

F5 is honestly your best bet, especially if you can get that 0% 12 month financing deal. 2k/4k plus 3 internal codecs planned, throw B4 ENG mount lens on it and you will never worry about what you're missing again., you will not regret it.
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You got what im going through dead on. I'm considering the F5. Thanks for your help.
 
You sell your other bits yet like that Alphatron EVF? I ended up buying Sony OLED.. no major regrets although I STILL HAVE NO ****ING EXPOSURE tools on my camera!
 
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