Why F3 over Red One ?

[Viddovation]

I saw this post before I went back and read your other one. I was going to post "You're right about those types of jobs, but then... why not use a DSLR???"

But, you said it here: you're trying to make the people who rent your gear see the difference between the F3 and DSLRs. Universally why I don't want to own anything until I don't have to worry about paying it back.

Because the F3 is a lot better than a DSLR in quite a few ways. We've been over many of those here before. But yes - it's also about differentiating myself in the market from those with DSLRs and looking professional, and producing a professional products.

And I agree with your point about paying off gear - that's why I'm not investing in a RED Epic. For me, I was short on cash up front for the F3, but the credit card will be paid off this month or the next, and the camera will earn it's purchase price shortly thereafter.

And perhaps, down the road I'll sell it for an Epic-S. Who knows. Gotta shoot today with something I can afford today.

 

[TimurCivan]

God this thread got long....

I invested my money in the Lenses i have, i will be using them for decades. Not the camera, which will be done for in 3 years. 13k for a rockin 1080p camera is a steal. After this F3 i will probably never buy a camera again. Let someone else pay for the next Epic, Epic2 etc. I looks at it as the "DSLR" of the big guns, RED, Alexa, F35. Cheaper, Easier, image looks awesome, and is scalable from the small $300 rental of a xdcam + Canon 24-105, up to the decent budget corporate using Cookes and a Gemini recording 444 sLog. I dont get why everyone is riled up. The F3 fills the Gap, with a balance of speed and performance.

I only care about giving my customers the best quality production FOR THEIR MONEY, while turning a profit. This is a business, not a weekend hobby. Sometimes you have to compromise a little on the camera to make sure it all gets on the screen within budget and looking great, this is a Director of Photography's PRIME objective; its the responsible thing to do. I'm finding lately budgets are down in a time of recession. I also believe in employing my crew members, and making sure no one is killing them selves with an unfair amount of work for the wage. Asking a lone 1st AC to carry a full kitted MX from one location to another is not only alot of work, but its a safety issue. We need DIT's, 2nd AC's, and more than one grip. Whether the shoot is on 5D, HVX200 or Epic. The money needs to be spent on what the camera is pointing at, and the people making that image happen. This thread says to me that times are tough for everyone and people are doing more and more in each job, with less and less pay. I need a camera system that makes the clients happy ( excellent quality), and gives me lower overhead ( higher profit margin). Thats the point of a business.