Re: Set-up - basics and work habits

Todd,

I'd rather chime in on your reply!

I'd recommend the Sony F3, especially now that they're essentially including the S-Log and 444RGB features for free (thanks in large part to the competition of the C300). I've been using F3's for almost a year now and am very happy with their flexibility, sensitivity and great rendition of skin tone (watch the Katie Couric interview with Eva Longoria this week on GMA - all three shots with F3's), and on the horizon is the new NEX FS700 which is a 4K version of the FS100 and kitted out with the Solid Camera add-ons becomes a very robust, compact 35mm sensor PL-Mount camera for about $12K. The imager must be related to that in the new F65 camera.

The recording format weakness with the FS100 (and lack of full quality output spigot, which also hampers the C300) will be accommodated with a full 444-10 bit or more output in the FS700. You'll probably also see this camera kitted out with Solid Camera accessories at the Sony booth at NAB. You still need this type of 3rd party kit to convert the NEX's to PL mount, but with adapters (unlike the C300) you can use any mount (E,PL, Nikon, Canon, etc.).

While 4K exhibition in the near term will be limited to high end cinema use, the ability to "down-sample" from 4K to HD will defiantly enhance the image and minimize moire and artifacts, and find additional use in VFX's. There will be lots of 4K stuff at NAB this year.

JS