Comparing Camera Systems for Feature Films

Gabe Strong · July 30th, 2011, 03:15 AM

Yeah, the 5D Mark II can make an absolutely AWESOME still. Better than
a video camera by far! My point was kind of....that if you use a still
camera (which is optimized for stills) as a video camera....it is compromised
for motion pictures. And that if I use a FS 100 (which is optimized for motion)
as a still camera....it is compromised for stills. Now I can print off pictures
at 5x7 size, that would look close to 5x7's from a 5D Mark II......but with a
5D Mark II, you are NOT limited to 5x7! With a FS 100, you can't go much bigger
or you start losing quality. So, because the FS 100 is not optimized for stills,
it compromises the quality of the stills it can shoot. In a like manner, the 5D,
has compromises with it's motion. In both cases, If you don't care/can work around
it, it's no big deal. If you do care/can't work around it, it is a big deal! Maybe
you need a still bigger than 5x7! Better not chose the FS 100! Likewise, if you need
a camera that doesn't line skip causing aliasing and moire, the 5d would not be a great
choice.

Now, I'm sure you already know all this. In fact, I think you were kind
of making the same point I was. HDSLR's are great, because of their
cost/performance ratio. They may not be quite up to the large sensor
video camera quality, but they get close for much less money. So,
again, look at your budget. If you can't swing the money for a
'proper' video camera, you can get by with a HDSLR, especially if
you are a resourceful type! And honestly, your 'motion picture'
will probably look very very good.

As for learning, I still am doing it, and sometimes feel like I don't
know much at all. The more I learn, the more of the vast world of
'motion picture making' I glimpse, and realize I don't know much at
all compared to so many people. I guess we all just try to do our
best and get better every day.

July 30th, 2011, 03:15 AM	#31
Gabe Strong Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Juneau, AK Posts: 814	Re: Comparing Camera Systems for Feature Films Yeah, the 5D Mark II can make an absolutely AWESOME still. Better than a video camera by far! My point was kind of....that if you use a still camera (which is optimized for stills) as a video camera....it is compromised for motion pictures. And that if I use a FS 100 (which is optimized for motion) as a still camera....it is compromised for stills. Now I can print off pictures at 5x7 size, that would look close to 5x7's from a 5D Mark II......but with a 5D Mark II, you are NOT limited to 5x7! With a FS 100, you can't go much bigger or you start losing quality. So, because the FS 100 is not optimized for stills, it compromises the quality of the stills it can shoot. In a like manner, the 5D, has compromises with it's motion. In both cases, If you don't care/can work around it, it's no big deal. If you do care/can't work around it, it is a big deal! Maybe you need a still bigger than 5x7! Better not chose the FS 100! Likewise, if you need a camera that doesn't line skip causing aliasing and moire, the 5d would not be a great choice. Now, I'm sure you already know all this. In fact, I think you were kind of making the same point I was. HDSLR's are great, because of their cost/performance ratio. They may not be quite up to the large sensor video camera quality, but they get close for much less money. So, again, look at your budget. If you can't swing the money for a 'proper' video camera, you can get by with a HDSLR, especially if you are a resourceful type! And honestly, your 'motion picture' will probably look very very good. As for learning, I still am doing it, and sometimes feel like I don't know much at all. The more I learn, the more of the vast world of 'motion picture making' I glimpse, and realize I don't know much at all compared to so many people. I guess we all just try to do our best and get better every day.