Radiant Images Camera Evaluation 2015

Teddy_Dem

Teddy_Dem

Well-known member
Wasn't sure where to post this. But this is interesting to watch:

https://vimeo.com/140441330


Radiant Images put 16 of the latest digital cinema cameras to the test with the help of David Stump, ASC. Each camera was tested and evaluated for under exposure, over exposure, color rendition, green screen, and an extended low light test. Our comprehensive testing enables filmmakers to evaluate and choose cameras and lenses based on visual comparisons rather than technical specifications.

Cameras Tested:
Arri Alexa Mini (00:21)
Arri Amira (03:27)
Arri Alexa Pro Res (06:39)
Arri Alexa Arriraw (09:44)
Black Magic Ursa (12:26)
Canon C300 MKII (17:19)
Canon C500 (21:58)
Red Dragon (25:57)
Red Weapon Skin Tone OLPF (30:11)
Red Weapon Low Light OLPF (33:20)
Sony A7RII (36:48)
Sony A7S (39:41)
Sony F55 (43:23)
Sony F65 (47:53)
Sony FS7 (50:53)
Panasonic Varicam 35 (55:15)

Side by side (01:03:34)


 
They messed up the FS7. That image is far too contrasty to be SLog2/3. The FS7 log image should look much more similar to the F55. It looks like they were shooting in custom with some kind of matrix funkiness on.
 
FrameFarmMedia said:
They messed up the FS7. That image is far too contrasty to be SLog2/3. The FS7 log image should look much more similar to the F55. It looks like they were shooting in custom with some kind of matrix funkiness on.
Click to expand...

Yes, seems like they also messed up the A7S test as well.
 
Awesome test, but yes, some cameras seem to be using sub-standard settings. The a7S for sure is not using slog2 (I don't think it's even cine4), which means it's at a huge disadvantage.

In any case, looking at the results for the C300 II, F55, RED Weapon and Varicam 35, compared with the Alexa, was very interesting. The DR is basically there already (some fall just a bit short, but we're comparing against an Alexa here!).
 
This video wins the award for the worlds longest and most boring camera test.

Its nice that somebody took the time to test this but seriously at a certain point a video test needs some sort of ability to have chapters or points to jump to quickly. An online video with a slider is not the best way to watch a video like this. This test should have been more of an interactive application to watch and compare different tests with user interaction.

Oh yeah and why does the A7S get tested here but not the GH4? Just because the A7S sucks in a lot of light does not make it any more of a cinema camera than the GH4. In fact one could argue the GH4 is a much better cinema camera since it has 10bit HD-SDI or HDMI output and true DCI resolution of 4096x2160 which the A7S does not. By definition the GH4 has much more in common with cinema cameras than the A7S could ever dream of.
 
Thomas Smet said:
This video wins the award for the worlds longest and most boring camera test.

Its nice that somebody took the time to test this but seriously at a certain point a video test needs some sort of ability to have chapters or points to jump to quickly. An online video with a slider is not the best way to watch a video like this. This test should have been more of an interactive application to watch and compare different tests with user interaction...
Click to expand...
When I find a long concert or an opera/operetta on YouTube and there are a few numbers/arias that stand out more than others - at least, to me - I often add the time stamps in the comment section despite not being the original uploader. In operettas, I also do it when I want to skip the dialog and get straight to the musical performances.
 
IronFilm said:
Boy oh boy did they screw up the A7s and FS7! And strange too to omit the GH4
Click to expand...

And what's with the daily rental rate $225 for the a7S and all their other cameras? Do rental houses mark prices up on the website so when a customer makes a call they feel good they got a good deal?
 
IronFilm said:
Boy oh boy did they screw up the A7s and FS7! And strange too to omit the GH4
Click to expand...

Oh my word the FS7 test looks horrific and it's so bad it calls into question the veracity of the rest of the tests.

That overly saturated Log Look is most certainly down to shooting in Custom Mode SLog with one of the awful matrix colour options selected. You do that once as an owner and immediately switch the camera into CineEI mode and never look back...
 
Just exclude the fs7 and a7s from this test.

It's quite accurate for all the rest.

Interesting how Canon went from horrible highlight DR to alexa league from the C500 to C300II. Also they're very different images in colour science, the C300 has a standard neutral one losing the Canon signature look apparent in the C500 Log images. It looks like Alexs now.

Also the Varicam is so freaking gorgeous and subtle, most filmic to me.
 
I don't know what to make of this video. On the outside it seems like a good idea but in practice it is very subjective in terms of camera settings. Looking at the BM Ursa then the Canon C300 II, the C300 II looked pretty bad in comparison (color & skin tone) imho. Is this true? I just don't think so in finished project shooting. Good for the outlook of BM cameras though given their prices. It is to be expected that the Varicam and Arri choices would be high on the list.
 
Very strange test. At least they should have complete setup information on each camera. Otherwise it just says, "If you set up a given camera badly, here's what it may look like."
 
Jim Ritscher said:
Very strange test. At least they should have complete setup information on each camera. Otherwise it just says, "If you set up a given camera badly, here's what it may look like."
Click to expand...
Back in my retail days - many years ago - many an uncouth manager would set up his TV displays that way because s/he wanted to sell the model with the biggest profit margin. And really fine tuning the most profitable model and placing it where the ambient light had the least negative effect on it was done practically by everyone.
 
The problem with tests like these is that people will always say the testers messed up their camera if the result from their camera doesn't look as good as an Alexa. I think this is why Zacuto stopped making them. Accusations of manipulation and all sorts of rude stuff thrown at them for a test they charged nothing for.

I will give it a watch once I get a spare hour though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top