Need some advice

J

JeffD7K

Active member
Does using a Ninja Star on a D7100 really improve the quality of the video? On my D7000 I do see a difference between the NikonHack and the standard codec. I am doing a lot of grading and do see the stock files having some issues. Does the 5300 have higher bit rate than the7100? I see that Nikon said that they are not interested in Pro Codec so the Ninja Star appears to be a good solution. I don't think the 7300 will have 4K and that is why I am seriously considering getting a Ninja Star next month. Any users? Any advice? Thanks.
 
I think the D7100 only outputs 4:2:0 color space. So an external recorder will only give you a better editing codec and bit-rate, but not a noticeably better image. It might allow for more frame rate options though.
 
Thanks. I downloaded a sample 422 Prores and was impressed by the ability not only to color grade but the ability to crop and retain a good image.
 
It should be cleaner and more details, since you won't have the artifacts of the internal codec. But the difference won't be obvious to the eye: you'll have to either pixel peep really closely or push the footage strongly to notice an improvement. But yes, even on the a7s, with its stronger internal codec, there's a difference.
 
You'll notice on shots where the encoder is being pushed, ie; wide shots of lots of trees with fluttering leaves, shots where both the camera and the subject are in movement, etc. You'll also notice it in green screen footage, it will be easier to get a clean key (with good lighting, of course). Just beware if you shoot lots of footage, the cards for the Ninja Star are pretty expensive. If you just shoot short takes and a normal amount of of footage, not a problem. But for those who shoot docs, long interviews, etc. I find the C-Fast cards to not be a very good value equation in comparison to the Blade with cheap hard drives or even more expensive SSDs.
 
Samuel H said:
It should be cleaner and more details, since you won't have the artifacts of the internal codec. But the difference won't be obvious to the eye: you'll have to either pixel peep really closely or push the footage strongly to notice an improvement. But yes, even on the a7s, with its stronger internal codec, there's a difference.
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I do a lot sweet light nature stuff so I think it will be worth it.
 
puredrifting said:
You'll notice on shots where the encoder is being pushed, ie; wide shots of lots of trees with fluttering leaves, shots where both the camera and the subject are in movement, etc. You'll also notice it in green screen footage, it will be easier to get a clean key (with good lighting, of course). Just beware if you shoot lots of footage, the cards for the Ninja Star are pretty expensive. If you just shoot short takes and a normal amount of of footage, not a problem. But for those who shoot docs, long interviews, etc. I find the C-Fast cards to not be a very good value equation in comparison to the Blade with cheap hard drives or even more expensive SSDs.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I see Cfast 64's on Amazon for $50 now and until the larger cards come down in price 4 or so of them should be fine. Thanks for the info.
 
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