Which Professional HD cameras used by Hollywood?
I know Sony F900 was used in Star Wars Episode 2 and Collateral.
What are the other main HD cams? And if you know: How much are they?

While not technically an HD camera, the Panavision Genesis has been used on Flyboys, Superman Returns, Scary Movie 4, Click and Apocalypto. It is said to have 4 times the resolution of 35mm film, if blown up (if I remember the PopSci article correctly.) It doesn't have a price listed because it is for rent only.

Why not technically an HD camera? It records to HDCAMSR...!

The films listed as shot on the Genesis are the ones so far released--there are quite a few others, as well as a lot of episodic television. I did a short run for NBC which is airing on Thursdays: "Andy Barker P.I." with the Genesis, as well as a feature that will open sometime this year called "Balls of Fury" (trailer is viewable online).

900's and 950's are still quite a bit in use in television. Other cameras that are out there working are the Viper (Miami Vice, Collateral), the Dalsa (I guess--haven't yet seen projects shot with it) and the Arri D20 (just starting to work, mostly in episodic TV).

Charles,

I understand the workflow, set up, etc., with the Dalsa is very difficult and not easy. It's large, cumbersome and tricky with capturing and editing. This is from someone I know who has checked out the camera in L.A.

heath

I've also heard of the Thomson Viper, the Sony F950, and the Panasonic Varicam being used in major productions.

Star Wars 2=F900 with Panavision lenses, Star Wars 3=F950 with, I believe, Fujinon lenses.

heath

Thanks Marcus, can't believe I forgot the Varicam!

I typed that before I saw your post, so I would look pretty stupid if you hadn't omitted the Varicam. :)

So I'm curious about why the Genesis isn't an HD camera. Why isn't it? And how does it have 4 times more resolution then 35mm? After all it records to HDCAM SR.

I thought it was 1920 x 1080 only.

heath

Don't forget David Fincher shot 'Zodiac' with a Viper. I knew that before I saw the film and the general filmgoing public will never know the difference.
It was a great film from a drama and acting point of view as well.

I believe it is also, Heath. And it looks very good. Something that those who are eagerly awaiting their REDs to arrive and feel that any resolution less than 4K simply won't cut it should probably take note (probably a lot of the same folk who were thrilled beyond belief to move up to 720 or 1081i from 480i last year).

My friend has a 1080p LCD HDTV, and refuses to go back to SD. And he's a deli manager at the local grocery store, Publix. For us in the biz, so to speak, it's same thing--once you go HD, it's tough to go SD!

heath