Fs100 or fs700

[Tim Lawrence]

That's another great point. Lighting and Lenses make a huge difference in your work. You could probably do better buying an FS100 and nice glass and a lighting kit vs getting a stock FS700.

On top of that, the FS700 has some great features, but according to bhphotovideo, both the HDMI and SDI are still only YUV 4:2:2. I just feel that you have more flexibility with the FS100 as far as other things you can buy to maximize your production.

 

[MattDavis]

Do I buy the fs700, future proof camera for future work or settle for the fs 100?

You could be looking at buying a secondhand FS100 from a user who wants to go FS700... (ahem, moving on)

You've got to look at your business and your pricing model. Assuming you've passed the 18 month point (at which most businesses without a plan tend to fail due to cash flow or because the owner goes back into employment), you'll need to decide if your camera is a status symbol or a cash cow. EX1s for me (and probably Sam too) have been Cash Cows. I've got two, I can't sell them to fund an FS700 because they're still in use. They've paid for themselves quickly, and now just generate cash. They are genuinely so good for certain types of job, I can't replace them with an FS100.

I can't sell the FS100 - I bought it last year, it's paid for its self, but thanks to the FS700, it's secondhand value is derisory compared to the value of owning it. If I sell it for £2k (kit lens is a keeper), and put that towards an FS700, it's not going to generate enough wow-factor for my clients to justify the £4k extra cost - I can't raise my day rate including kit. I will have to continue 'working harder' with the FS100 as the client will NOT SEE THE DIFFERENCE between the FS100 and the FS700, and the cost of slapping NDs on, and fretting over Picture Profiles, well, I'm doing that now and... I'd like the ease of the FS700, but I'm not ready to take a £4k pay cut this year just for that. You, my friend, may think differently. :beer:

Now, the EX1 effect was really strong when I upgraded from Z1s. Big, big factor - the agencies that booked me took the EX1 as the new kid on the block that was worth it. I considered going for a shoulder cam (Sony 350 or even 500) but that ecosystem costs a lot (batteries, bits, baggage) and the EX1 earned similar rates at an easier lifestyle. The Canon C300 is 'the next EX1' but is quite a step up and it's not perfect. And your day rate will have to go up to cover the higher investment. How much work are you going to lose by jacking up your day rate to afford the Status Symbol camera - you can SEE the difference between a Z1 and an EX1, but will your clients see the difference between an FS100 and a C300 if you really work at mastering your camera?

My clients prefer the FS100 image to the EX1, but I know the EX1 gets better shots on certain jobs than the FS100. The FS700 is, once you're done with the slomo and the promise of 4K, about NDs and CineGammas - both of which make your job easier but the client won't notice. As an FS100 owner, I'm not quite there with the jump in cost as one who owns an FS100. You might be.

My clients won't tell my images from a C300, and they want my shooting style - not my camera; but NEW clients may want someone with a C300/F3. All it takes is two or three jobs that require Slomo and the price is worth it - but I've not been asked for it. Timelapse - yes. Slomo - no. So a Canon 550D that shares lenses with an FS100 was a better investment.

See what I mean? You have to look at the numbers - cash, earning potential, client requirements, Unique Selling Points... let YOUR business and YOUR clients dictate YOUR camera choice. Impressing peers doesn't pay bills. Impressing clients pays bills and then some.

 

[Nostalgic]

Thank you Matt for taking the time.
I end up getting the FS100 for the reasons you mentioned.

 

[BrianMurphy]

Just wonder. if the owners of the FS1OO at that time could choose between the 2, how many of theme will get the 700?

This is a fair question and I will jump in despite being absent for some time here. I own an FS100 and bought it in February this year along with an NEX 7. These cameras replaced an HMC 150 and a GH1 it was three years and time for an upgrade. Some friends had adopted the FS 100 when it first came out and subsequently sold theirs and moved to a 700. I am not sure I would change what I have done. I like the 100, find the ND a bit of a pain, don't really need the super slomo and have profiles that work for my clients but I would like SDI. The images are superb and the look that many clients ask for. However that being said, I don't like the ergonomics of the camera, though I have a beautiful Berkey Systems rig. By the time I hang the Small HD DP and the Ninja along with the FF and matte box, the camera is huge and would be no different for the 700 since it is almost identical. Not ideal for run and gun docs or sports. Fine for the controlled movement situations with an assistant or crew not great for the one man band. The arrival of a servo zoom lens might help but I will wait to comment on it.
All of this to say that if I had the choice again I would go for the FS100 and buy another camera to service what I find awkward with the FS100/700 and that will meet or exceed the broadcast standards networks want; the Sony PMW200 which is about $8k with the $3.5k I would save buying the FS100 over the FS700.
I know many would disagree but everyone should really buy the camera that works for the work they do and not get caught up in the gear game. A pretty setup is nice to post pics of and show your buddies but if it can't make you money then it does not make much sense.
My two cents...