The New Cinema Camera

[Teddy_Dem]

I really like the FX9, which is why I am so interested in what the FX6 may be. I am in love with the Sony Venice image and colors and really like the direction Sony are going in. It seems like recently when I am particularly impressed with the look of a show or movie, it turns out that is was shot on the Sony Venice.

I wish that Sony would make their X-OCN 16-bit linear RAW codec available to the masses at affordable prices. The X-OCN files that John Brawley posted from his camera tests before he shot “The Great” are gorgeous. The fact that both the FX9 and A7S3 HAVE 16-bit linear RAW outputs makes me wonder if there is an upcoming recorder that can record in 16-bit linear RAW. While I would much prefer it to be internal, I’m going to assume that patents are the reason that Sony uses attachments for RAW recording as even their top of the line cameras (Sony Venice, F55) requires the AXS-R7 to record the X-OCN codec. Also with the data rates that X-OCN records at the compression ratios seem to be greater than the 6:1 limit that the RED patent covers. As more and more affordable cameras are recording RAW files, expensive and bulky attachments to cameras feel like they should be a thing of the past. I think Sony has the best combination of the current camera technologies (AF, IBIS, Dual ISO, internal variable ND, high dynamic range, RAW codec, global shutter, high resolution, etc.), they just need to put it all together in a package that is somewhat affordable and not unwieldy to use.

At the same time I don’t have anything against 12-bit log ProRes RAW and think that it is a very fine codec, and I really had high hopes that it would be included in the Davinci Resolve 17 update, but unfortunately it was not. So I’m stuck with transcoding it before I can bring the footage into Resolve.

 

[Guest]

This list still holds up.


Might have to add the A7s3/Fx6 and Komodo, but the LF and Venice are still at the top, and the Arri Mini is still the workhorse. In the sub-genre of Red, they are still rated as DXL2/Monstro at top, and Gemini second.

 

[Guest]

A few new cameras to add eventually.


Sony A1

RED Raptor VV

Sony Venice 2

Kinifinity

Being the most notable new and essentially unknown cameras


The Sony A1 has been tested on Gerald Undone, and gets higher marks than the A7s3 in image quality, but suffers from overheating.

Venice 2 looks to go up in resolution and dynamic range, while sliming down the body with internal OXCN/raw (no need for the recorder add-on)

The Kinifinity looks to be amazing for the size and price. It won't be detrhoning RED in the 3rd place, but certainly comes close.

The RED Raptor, one of those cameras that meets the diverse needs of higher end media and content creation. Covers the gambit from movies to influencers and coporate. But doesn't look to be moving the needle on Dynamic Range or low light in the higher end cameras. So, this will likely be just a modernizing of features.