F3: Is the F3 still a good buy?

IronFilm said:
Nah more often people used Nikon F mount lenses than Canon EF mount with the F3. Because Canon is a royal pain the ass to use when Nikon is simply better.

Also the newer F3 cameras which shipped with slog would've had the free slog update already on it which doesn't however give 444. So getting a little older one which went with the paid update instead is the way to go if you can.
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I don't believe more people used Nikon, but it doesn't matter.

This link below says the following:

"New models PMW-F3K/RGB, PMW-F3L/RGB, both equipped with 10bit S-Log 4:2:2 and RGB 4:4:4 output, are available starting March 1, 2012."

https://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/ext/eblasts/streamline/0312/0312_10bit_SLogStandardweb.html

Wouldn't that mean they would have included 444 as well?
 
NorBro said:
I don't believe more people used Nikon, but it doesn't matter.
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When the F3 launched the HDSLR revolution was still in its very early days, so there wasn't the same masses of Canon shooters as there are today, and there was zero EF to FZ option when it launched. And when it did finally arrive, it was far more expensive than the Nikon F mount adapter.

You can see exactly the same situation played out with RED! In the early days of RED the vast majority of shooters used Nikon F mount lenses if they wanted a cheaper option than PL mount. Canon EF only really become a serious common option as the HDSLR shooters moved up the ranks enmass.
 
I'm pretty new at this. Been cramming articles last few days. Should I pull the trigger on the only Sony F3k on ebay right now? I only see one F3k so is 'k' rare or something? Or am I supposed to be looking for an older Sony F3 so it has 444 as somebody earlier was saying? Just getting a little nervous because I just sold my C100 and need a camera and everything it needs for basic videography right now (I think I just need to also order the Canon lens adapter and S x S reader)....in other words which body do I buy if I've got to get an F3 body right now?
 
haha, wow. I started to read the 'sold' items on ebay. My last post sounds so stupid. First, I think most of them are the 'k' and second, I see many 'k' now that I searched pmw f3k instead of sony f3. Looks like whatever has the S log upgrade is more expensive. Still figuring out if 444 is important based on the listings.
 
rafster said:
haha, wow. I started to read the 'sold' items on ebay. My last post sounds so stupid. First, I think most of them are the 'k' and second, I see many 'k' now that I searched pmw f3k instead of sony f3. Looks like whatever has the S log upgrade is more expensive. Still figuring out if 444 is important based on the listings.
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"K" simply means that the camera originally came bundled with three prime lenses. . . . 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm f/2.0. Great lenses, by the way. I kept my lenses when I sold my F3 because I love them on the FS7. But that's all "K" means. Every F3 body ever sold was exactly the same as every other F3 body so don't let the "K" or "L" suffix influence your decision. BTW, the F3 remains an excellent camera. Strap on a 10-bit external recorder and a Zacuto viewfinder and you've got a great piece of gear if you only need 4K and no HFR. I'd say the image looks as good if not better than my FS7 or F55 for HD.
 
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Look at what I wrote about the Ks and Ls above...they are the bodies that included/shipped with the features you should want.
 
You should absolutely get one with the SLOG 4:4:4 option. At the prices the cameras are going for now, it would be foolish not to.

Also, if you can find one, get a camera that's had the Element Technica bodyarmour modification. It massively streamlines the camera and makes it much easier to work with.
 
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