Shooting narrative feature on PDW-F800 and/or PDW-530?

T

tylerrad

Active member
I'm planning to shoot a narrative feature, and I'm wondering if there is any precedent for using the PDW-F800 or PDW-530 (in independent production or otherwise -- something I could see online or rent/purchase)? Is there any reason in particular one/both of these would be unsuitable for the task (in this instance, small crew, odd locations [and perhaps remote areas])?

I believe both of these cameras will shoot 1920/1080 24p (or 23.98p), correct? In terms purely of image quality, is one a better candidate than the other? (Online videos, often heavily compressed, make it difficult to tell -- also, many of these are shot with odd, not cinema-friendly frame rates, etc.) Are both capable of shooting with 180 degree shutter?

The PDW-530 can be had used for around or under $5000. I haven't found a PDW-F800 used for sale. Do used models sell for under $5000 (under $10k)?
 
I can't say if either camera would be suitable or unsuitable for your production because you haven't provided anywhere near enough information for anyone to base an opinion on. However, I can tell you a couple of things that might be helpful. The PDW-530 is a standard-defintion only camcorder and that's why you can get one dirt cheap. Nobody in their right mind is wants to shoot SD these day.

On the other hand, the F800 is the pinnacle of high-end ENG/EFP cameras and you won't find a better all-around HD camera for high-end production. They still cost $32,000 new and you probably won't find a used one for less than $25,000 unless it is beat to hell. Plus you need to budget thousands of dollars more for a good lens, batteries, etc.

I hope that helps.
 
we just tested an EX3/SxS -vs- EX3/422ProRez -vs- Alexa/444ProRez/LogC -vs- F3/444ProRez/Slog

the Ex3 had the stock Fujinon
the Alexa & F3 had Cooke S4's

projected in P3 (wide gamut) on a 16 foot screen from a callibrated Christe2200 in DCi2K

what we learned is that the Ex/SxS has a ton more noise that either of the two highend camera's, the EX3/422ProRez is significantly better, not a hair's breath between the Alexa & F3 on screen.. the diffrences are all in the camera department's ease of use.. ALexa wins on that file clearly....

Endgame is doing another EX3 test with a B4 mount and Canon glass... can't tell if the EX3 is held back by the glass, but it is much softer than the S4 camera's.

But so far the EX3 does not fill us with buckets confidence for shooting drama... we like the form factor and light, fast, DoF, & simple to grab pickups

Decision will be made by next weekend...

d
 
Benjamin Button, Jennifer's body, Public Enemy all major features shot on 2/3" format cameras. Films like Hurt Locker and Black Swan shot on S16mm have similar DOF and FOV character.

PDW-F800 is one of Sony's high end Cine-Alta models, arguably superior to the much older F900. But you won't find them cheap on the used market.

Correction: Jennifer's Body was mostly 35mm film, some Phantom HD camera footage.

Other films, shot by David Mullen as DP in HD video and printed to 35mm film: When Do We Eat and D.E.B.S (Sony F900)

Miami Vice was shot with a mix of 35mm film, Sony F900 and Thompson Viper HD video.

House Bunnys was shot on Panavision Genesis (modified Sony F900)
 
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update - we are going with the F3, we liked the 16mm style DoF of the EX, but the noise is well... noisy...
 
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