FS100. A real step-up from the VG10?

[Steve Mullen]

Originally Posted by Brian Drysdale

The Scarlet looks extremely promising, but it's a 3k 2/3" bayer sensor. Perhaps not the camera for the 35mm shallow DOF effect, but for a wide range of productions that are happy with a RAW workflow it could be hard to beat. A digital replacement for the 16mm film camera.

After reading thru posts on the RED it's clear that:

1) Looking at a sensor's size and comparing it to a film cameras aperture size is a popular way of thinking about "how little" DOF one can get, this ignores the both focal length and aperture. Having a 2/3 inch chip really doesn't limit the creative use of DOF. Likewise, having a S35 chip doesn't automatically get you the expected shallow DOF. And, in low light, a S25 chip can force you into so little DOF you can't keep anything in focus.

2) Amazingly, lots of folks do not understand what a RED "3K" chip really is. Nor, do they understand that HDSLRs discard rows/columns when shooting video. Thus, they don't understand how a RED works INTERNALLY and why it is used for making films.

3) Amazingly, many do not understand that RAW does not mean video is uncompressed. So they assume you can only record a few minutes of video on an SD card.

4) Likewise recording RAW doesn't force you into using its abilities. Even iPhoto works with RAW. RAW simply means no intra- or inter-frame encoding has been applied. Think of AVC-Intra without the "intra."

5) It might be wise to ignore chip size and focus on OPTICS. Simply assuming "adaptors" will get you past E-mounts is a major error IMHO.

CORRECTION: Not even Sony's A-mount adaptor gets one very far because A-mounts are not the lenses that offer you a lot. You'll need to enter the world of "adaptors" that mount to an E-mount camera but have no electronic or mechanical coupling. In this world you really on your own when buying and using. I cover a few in my book but there are dozens. Thankfully old photo lenses are cheap to try.

[Glen Vandermolen]

I've always had good DoF control with 2/3" cameras. I think the Scarlet will do fine.

[Steve Mullen]

The RED folks are having their own level of confusion. One post says Scarlet was canceled. Another says it will only have a fixed lens. Another says, but now it is a 5K camera. (None of this true.)

And, FCP users are tearing their hair out because perhaps all tape I/O has been removed.

I think everyone is having pre-NAB crazies with so much new VERY complicated stuff.

[Les Wilson]

What does this have to do with the FS100 being a step up or not from the VG10?

[Brian Drysdale]

The RED came up because their alternatives in the $6000 price range got mentioned. Whenever it comes out, the 2/3" Scarlet is RED's only likely offering in that price range.

Scarlet 8x meets the Iron Horse

Not large sensor, but promises other things.

[Glen Vandermolen]

That's a nice pic of the Scarlet. I haved a feeling that of all the recent NABs, this one might be THE one to attend.

I also looked at some of the posts on that RED website. For some reason, i always find that site a little unnerving.

[Les Wilson]

I didn't find specs. Does the Scarlet have built-in ND filters? Is that a standard PL mount?

[Brian Drysdale]

There are two versions of the Scarlet a fixed x 8 zoom version and an interchangeable lens version. The camera in the picture is the fixed x 8 zoom version. The interchangeable version has a mini mount of RED design.

The Scartlet x 8 zoom version does have built in NDs

Possibly built in NDs maybe less likely on the interchangeable version (it's a cinema type camera), but that remains to be seen. I expect it really depends on if there's a demand for them on that version.

Later this year, early next year there should be a range of camera choices from different manufacturers in this price bracket.

[Steve Mullen]

Originally Posted by Glen Vandermolen

That's a nice pic of the Scarlet. I haved a feeling that of all the recent NABs, this one might be THE one to attend.

I also looked at some of the posts on that RED website. For some reason, i always find that site a little unnerving.

I avoid it too. The site is like attending a pre-NAB press event in Feb. where you are fed "some" information. Eventually you stop attending and wait for NAB. For now, I understand what RED technology offers, but without a shipping product, I just keep it in the back of my mind.

[Brian Drysdale]

Also, rumours of a 4k Ikegami 4/3 with a PL mount at NAB