FS7: FS7 or FS5 ?
- Thread starter Amadou
- Start date
Viscount Omega
Carbonite Member
Same here but I use a couple of tricks with Sony cameras.
The issue of banding with 8-bit stuff comes into play when trying to add contrast to flat log footage.
I add all the color saturation I want "in camera", then I change the black gamma level to narrow and -7. This gets me close but not enough contrast.
Then, instead of adding a stock contrast plug-in, I create a duplicate video track on the timeline and create a composite and add a "soft light" over the existing track. This really crushes the blacks and can be varied according to the shot. This is much less damaging than adding regular contrast. (I use Sapphire FX but anything like it will work).
Then, if deepening the colors in camera is not enough for a filmic look, (it never is) I add a color/saturation LUT. These are different from a LUT that affects the gamma. Those are brutal on 8-bit stuff. I also apply Neat video noise reduction before rendering.
Another thing that Sony/Magix Vegas users can do to eliminate banding (if there is any) is select 32-bit floating point video levels in the project properties before rendering.
All this lets me travel to places and use an A7S II with its small size and get good images whereas something like an Amira would not.
But, truth be told, Amadou, you're never going to be happy until you sell your wife and kids and get a VENICE.
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dmitrizigany
Veteran
Yeah, that black ND Filter knob is really stylish! I would definitely say that makes the FS5mkII a better looking camera than the FS7!
Bassman2003
Veteran
I think that goes without saying...
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
But I just had to say it any way, didn't I?
Bassman2003
Veteran
I guess you did.
Liam Hall
Veteran
sleekmedia
Well-known member
Im going to throw a curveball....
I know external recorders aren't many's cup of tea but my vote is for the following....
1. FS5 MKI with Raw Update - used (they are all over the place) = $3500
2. Atomos Shogun Inferno with Power Kit = $1800
3. (3) x Atomos 1tb 4K SSD = $1000
Total = $6,300
This gets you 12-bit Raw CDNG and ProRes RAW which I can say from first hand experience is absolutely wonderful to grade and renders FAST even on my MacBook Pro. From my experience ProRes Raw is a step up from anything 10-bit I shot previously to its release and it is all I shoot now.
Also you get the advantage of a 1500 Nit monitor for ensuring critical focus which will be a big help to a focus puller or Director for viewing and you are going to need either an external monitor or a good aftermarket viewfinder anyhow for either FS5/FS7 regardless in my opinion as the stock LCD is just not going to cut it.
Not to mention the Shogun inferno comes with a ton of other valuable tools such as advanced audio monitoring, additional XLR inputs with options for setting timecode, numerous focus peaking, zebras, false color tools, and most importantly onboard LUT / Atom HDR monitoring for realtime viewing and immediate playback of the "look" you are shooting when shooting LOG profiles which I would not want to be without when shooting a feature.
At that price you could still throw in a used follow focus system, gimbal, or some lighting and still be coming slightly higher or around the price of the FS7. I know I will get backlash for my next comment but in my opinion I will take an FS5+Shogun over a barebones FS7 any-day and I use them both regularly.
The FS7 is absolutely a better standalone camera there is no contest there. 10-bit is better than 8-bit (pretty worthless I agree) but neither camera "standalone" is going to get you the cinematic results of the total combinations listed above.
I would put money into the FS5 and all the required additionals before purchasing a bare bones FS7. Just my opinion....
I know external recorders aren't many's cup of tea but my vote is for the following....
1. FS5 MKI with Raw Update - used (they are all over the place) = $3500
2. Atomos Shogun Inferno with Power Kit = $1800
3. (3) x Atomos 1tb 4K SSD = $1000
Total = $6,300
This gets you 12-bit Raw CDNG and ProRes RAW which I can say from first hand experience is absolutely wonderful to grade and renders FAST even on my MacBook Pro. From my experience ProRes Raw is a step up from anything 10-bit I shot previously to its release and it is all I shoot now.
Also you get the advantage of a 1500 Nit monitor for ensuring critical focus which will be a big help to a focus puller or Director for viewing and you are going to need either an external monitor or a good aftermarket viewfinder anyhow for either FS5/FS7 regardless in my opinion as the stock LCD is just not going to cut it.
Not to mention the Shogun inferno comes with a ton of other valuable tools such as advanced audio monitoring, additional XLR inputs with options for setting timecode, numerous focus peaking, zebras, false color tools, and most importantly onboard LUT / Atom HDR monitoring for realtime viewing and immediate playback of the "look" you are shooting when shooting LOG profiles which I would not want to be without when shooting a feature.
At that price you could still throw in a used follow focus system, gimbal, or some lighting and still be coming slightly higher or around the price of the FS7. I know I will get backlash for my next comment but in my opinion I will take an FS5+Shogun over a barebones FS7 any-day and I use them both regularly.
The FS7 is absolutely a better standalone camera there is no contest there. 10-bit is better than 8-bit (pretty worthless I agree) but neither camera "standalone" is going to get you the cinematic results of the total combinations listed above.
I would put money into the FS5 and all the required additionals before purchasing a bare bones FS7. Just my opinion....
Viscount Omega
Carbonite Member
Ain't no curveball.
I've already tried that set-up and threw it back to B+H. SDI cables and all.
The low-light performance blows and you're also going to be hauling around all that Shogun junk. GTFO.
Yeah, it's fat footage compared to 8 or 10 bit but I didn't think it was worth the extra hassle. I'd rather grade "in-camera" with 8 bit than go through all that crap.
I recommend the VENICE. (of course, I do)