Fdr-ax100 vs. 5dm3?

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kat.hayes

Active member
I'm fairly new to video and want to shoot some footage on a tripod of a dog running that I will need to take into After Effects and do some work on. I will shoot 1080P at 24fps and I think I would prefer a more cinematic feel to the footage. I'm not too concerned with the recording audio because I can add that in post. I have access to both a FDR-AX100 and a 5DM3.

Based on what I described, which camera will be better for my project?

Thanks for any advice!
 
Do you like your images more sharp and clear or do you like blurred backgrounds? I would say use the AX100. It's more suited for such type of shooting with its deeper dof and ability to easily AF, plus the sharper image help.
 
You asked if I like my "images more sharp and clear" or if I like "blurred backgrounds" it was my understanding that I could achieve both sharp images and blurred backgrounds with the 5DM3, though you seem to be saying that the AX100 can also get blurred backgrounds? I didn't know you could control aperture to do that. I know it's easier to focus with.

by sharper image, do you mean if I shoot 4k, or does it also shoot sharper 1080p footage than the 5DM3?

thanks.
 
Do you have access to both cameras? Run a test and see which one you like better. Many cameras can work. Not too much info about your project to go on. Will the footage be in slo-motion? Will you be panning the camera? What is the end use of the footage? TV, internet etc...
 
The 5D MKIII will get significantly more background blurr... But, first the image is softer than the AX100 if you compare resolution, both in 1080p and 4K but the difference is more visible in 4K (even when both viewed at 1080p), and you'll have to focus manually with the 5D and it's not easy for a moving subject.

The AX100 will be an easier package to use for someone who wants to get the footage easy and looks good, it will have good AF, not too shallow DOF, good sound, will record for longer time continuously, will have a long zoom range without needing to fiddle with changing lenses, it's just easier and better for your specific situation.

If you wanted to shoot in lowlight, wanted very blurred backgrounds, want to get artistic with lenses, wanted a more ''filmic'' look, and had the time to plan and set up every shot, focus manually, expose manually, change lenses, say shooting short films, music videos, then a 5D would be the better camera.
 
Thanks for the replies! I did a quick test with the AX100 outdoors in soft natural lighting at 1080P 24fps on a tripod. I was shooting footage of a dog running back and forth from the side profile without panning or moving the camera. I took the footage into Premiere first and After Effects and on each frame where the dog is in motion the detail seems to be lacking. I do not know off the top of my head what the shutter speed was set to, though I thought it was set fast. What if anything can I do to get sharper footage? What is a good shutter speed for doing this?

Thanks.
 
kat.hayes said:
Here is a screenshot of the dog in motion.View attachment 102711
Click to expand...

Try reshooting in 1080 60. Set shutter speed at 120 and leave the aperture and gain in auto. See how that looks and if its sharp enough.. then set the aperture to manual and open it up til you get the shallow depth of field your looking for. Then depending on the light, you'll have to expose using the ND's. If necessary you can play with the shutter.

Looks like you're auto focusing on the pine needles also which is the biggest problem.

The AX100 tends to overexpose some so you may want to back the AE shift back a point or two.
 
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