FS100 vs Ex3

[LiamR]

It's interesting that several people have implied, but, not actually pointed out the fundamental difference.....DOF. It's a beautiful sight to behold to look at wonderful bokeh. But, this also comes with the price of requiring that focus be spot on, no room for error. In a run and gun situation, especially with manual focusing, and even with auto-focus, much more time and care must be given to the FS100. The half inch sensor size on the EX gives a pleasing bokeh, not as much as the FS100, but, considerably more forgiving of focus errors than the FS100.

That's why there is peaking.

I've heard the FS100 has less of a crop factor compared to the AF100 and even a shallower DOF (slightly) is this true?

The crop factor is 2x on an AF100 on the FS100 it is 1.5x, so yes, shallower depth of field.

 

[bgodoy]

[[ @Liam R

Yeah that's what I've heard, just needed to double check. ]]

In regards to price point, something I find quite interesting is the fact that the Ex3 maintains a heftier price tag than the FS100... Not sure what the original price of the Ex3 was when it first surfaced but considering it's a older model I would assume it would drop accordingly. Do Sony's usually maintain their integrity (as far as cost is concerned)? Comparatively speaking, they don't seem to drop as much as Panasonic's do...

Am I right or is it just me?

 

[morgan_moore]

The EX3 is very well known - maybe among producers who commission and pay for stuff - but dont really follow camera fashion - so it is still used a lot

Also it shoots nice 1080, so if you are doing a project that requires 1080 (and the 1/2 look) why upgrade

My EX1 - does what is expected of it - I have no desire to upgrade it

Hence retention of value

In terms of 'cost of life' which is cost - minus resale

My feeling is that the FS100 is this years trendy tool that could be overrun by a new trendy model

You may have seen the Af100 value drop with the launch of the Fs100

If something is released on nov3 like a $5-$6k 50mbs canon glass fit camera the FS could take a battering

Look at DSLRs - the 7d - its not worth much because the T2i has basically the same spec for half the money - my 7d was 1/2 value in one year

I get the feeling that the F3 will hold value - which is why earlier on I said it (if it is doable for you) is worth careful consideration - while the FS100 may not

with the F3 for 1080 S35look projects what is not to love - why upgrade

Dont forget - I still like the FS100 best

..IMO

SamMM

 

[danstone]

I own both the EX3 and the FS100. You can't really compare the two. Asking which one to get is like asking. "should I buy a Miata or an F150?" The EX3 is a run-and-gun broadcast workhorse while the FS100 is an improved DSLR designed for The prosumerish market. The EX3 provides a solid image for corporates, documentaries and reality shows. Lots of pro features and designed for ENG-style shooting. The image is usually pretty noisy (even when pulling out through HD-SDI) and the image is nowhere close to "filmic".The FS100 is designed to replace DSLRs like the 5D for hobbyist film makers and low budget projects. The camera is set up to be operated manually and is not designed for run-and-gun situations. Though there's an autofocus lens, many times you have to wrestle with what it autofocuses on. The image is nice and clean though not particularly filmic. The large sensor makes the camera ideal for those whose idea of a "filmic image" consists of one thing: shallow depth of field.The AF100 is the same thing as the FS100 with a slightly smaller sensor. This really only translates into a slightly cropped frame. One thing panasonic has on other brands is their in-camera filmic light handling created by FilmLook Studios. Most panasonic 24p cameras have it - all the way down to the DVX100. That's why even with a 1/4" sensor, it's almost impossible to make its picture look videoish.Just some thoughts. Hope it helps.

 

[Postmaster]

Can you tell me a bit more about FilmLook Studios and what they have done Dan, I hear that for the first time.

thanks, Frank

 

[danstone]

Can you tell me a bit more about FilmLook Studios and what they have done Dan, I hear that for the first time.thanks, Frank

Hi Frank! FilmLook is the company that revolutionized the process of making video look like film in the 80s and made it big by transforming televised sitcoms. They licensed their technology to panasonic in the early 90s. That FilmLook technology is what always has -- and still does -- separate Panasonic from other 24p cameras. www.FilmLook.com

 

[Chris Lawes]

I'm wondering if the sensor technology and colorimetry is much improved on the fs100 sensor vs the older ex3 sensor?

 

[robfilms]

Hi Frank! FilmLook is the company that revolutionized the process of making video look like film in the 80s and made it big by transforming televised sitcoms. They licensed their technology to panasonic in the early 90s. That FilmLook technology is what always has -- and still does -- separate Panasonic from other 24p cameras. www.FilmLook.com

dan-

thanks for adding to the conversation.

i remember filmlook.

i posted a job thru them that i shot on beta sp.

their "filmlook" took the video-ish look and lowered some detail w/o washing out the colors.

my client loved the final product.

i had no idea that filmlook helped panasonic develop the "panasonic look".

be well

rob
smalltalk productins

 

[plasticam]

b-

I was testing EX3 with FS100 briefly but we didnt get enough shot to judge much. I can send you links - but like I say- it's light.
I've shot a lot with both cams- in doc or run and gun I'll get you a better show on EX3. For narrative, scripted drama or talking heads- you'll be far ahead with FS. Yes it can be that simple. Simplify the analysis is my thought. both these cams have clear strengths and weaknesses. Remember one is a lens based system (slow, bulky by nature), the other is a video camera.

good luck