So why should I buy a FS-100?

[Gabe Strong]

Originally Posted by Buba Kastorski

I am replacing my cameras with the only purpose - to get better image quality, and not because my clients complain, they never do unless you shoot a paid job with an iPhone :), but because I want it, I want better picture, I want better sound, I always want something better than I have :)
and it's been a very long three years that I can't find anything better (I don't want to go over $10K ) than EX1 and 1/5D, I am ready and really want to, but FS-100? no thanks, it has APS-C, but 21Mbs is today's consumer video standard;
so, like guys from the red community say :"remember remember the third of November"

I'm biased. I own an FS100 and LOVE it! I also despise DSLR's for
shooting video. That being said, some use DSLR's, get great results,
and like them, so to each their own. BUT I would say, be careful believing
everything you read online. As an owner, I can tell you the FS100 does NOT shoot
at a maximum bit rate of 21Mbps. It shoots at a maximum bit rate of 28Mbps.
The video quality is VERY good. Clearly stated in the official specs of the camera
in the official sony brochure is the maximum bit rate
of 28 Mbps.....see here:

Sony Product Detail Page NEXFS100U

I can confirm, as an owner that it can shoot 1080 60P video WITH SOUND at 28 Mbps.
Normal bit rate for 24p and 30p is 24 Mbps and it can also shoot in 'lower' bit rates,
although I don't know why you would ever do that. BUT stating that it is 21Mbps
is not true.....not really. It goes higher than that.

[Shaun Roemich]

Why? Because THIS is so much more impressive than a dSLR with kit lens... <sly wink>

Seriously though... if your specific way of working doesn't support this form factor then don't buy it. For us, it's a no-brainer and we (and more importantly, our CLIENTS) are blown away at the value.

[Chris Hurd]

Since the topic of this thread is the FS100, it has been moved where it belongs (from our 7D forum).

[Monty Wentzel]

I was hoping to get the perspective from those of us who use 7d's....

[Chris Hurd]

If you want to know "why should I buy Camera X" then you should be asking the people who
actually own Camera X, because they're in a much, much better position to tell you why you
should buy it, which is what you said you wanted to know.

If all you really wanted was reassurance from other 7D owners that the 7D is all you need, then
the question should have been "why should I not buy any other camera." I learned the hard way
a long time ago to keep Ford questions in the Ford forum and Chevy questions in the Chevy forum.

[Chris Medico]

I have and shoot video with a 7d. I also have a F3. Given a choice I will pick the F3 EVERY TIME over the 7d (for video).

I love my 7d but its not a video camera. The F3 (and the FS100) are real video cameras.

So I would ask the same question in reverse. Why continue to use a camera that does video as an add-on and not as its primary purpose?

[Monty Wentzel]

I guess for many of us when the 7d/5d first starting showing us the great image made with the shollow depth of field and large sensor there wasn't any other cameras producing this quality for this price. Some will argue I guess, but at the time bringing the ability to focus and shoot clean low light scenes was ground breaking.

And again for the price point these cameras were unbelieveable. At the time I had a huge 3 chip JVC with an external harddrive that cost $8800.00. This camera could not match the cine look and feel of the 7d. With the three chips and lens it was like looking through a telescope even when at a wide angle.

Fast forward to today and now this same cine look is standard and is offered in some fine "video" cameras.

Excellent audio inputs, longer record times and an even better picture quality.

Just waiting to see what Canon offers this Thursday and we'll start the decision on which camera to get.

[Thomas Wong]

I have used 5D for two years. I am about to get a FS100 unless there is something new from NAB2012.
I am happy with the 5D quality. But it's still just a camera.

Here is some reasons that make me move back to camcorder (beside the quality and features)
I lost a line of jobs from an advertising company after the first job. Why? because i was using a 5D, they expect tv commercial need video camera to shoot. They have 5D, and even more choices of lens too. And then they notice 5D have the capability to shoot great video, and i have never been called for video production. And I ask them after months, they said, oh yes, we can take the video ourselves.

DSLR is just too common, when i did wedding video, there are 5-10 people using a 5D, and they are just a guest! It also happen to me many times when doing video with 5D at wedding and events, people keep asking me to take a photo for them. Even I insist i am just a videographer, they will insist me to take a picture for them.

If your clients are more corporate side, it is better use a professional camcorder, because it's not something too common that everyone could get one. If your jobs are mainly non-commercial such as wedding, DSLR is enough, even you will be asked to take pictures.

[Aaron Almquist]

I've been shooting on the 7D and T2i for the past two years. I own my own business in wedding film production but have been shooting alot of commercial gigs as well.

To keep this post short and simple.... It is simply not acceptable to ever ask an actor or company VP to change their clothing because of moire or aliasing you get with a DSLR.

Enough said.

[Bruce S. Yarock]

Thomas,
I've experienced similar situations. Great image on the 7d and 5d, but too many around. They're like flies on shite. I did a lot of shooting with my two 7d's ( only kept one), and hated having to do seperate audio and short record time. I kept one 7d, and use it for some beauty shots, etc. I;m very happy with the FS100, for many reasons. In addition to the great cine look, long record time, other features not found on the dslr's, It looks like a real rig. I went to a gig the other day with the FS100 on my shoulder rig, Zacuto evf and z finder, follow focus, and wireless receiver, and the client was amazed. He said it looked like something out of "Transformers" or the Matrix! The FS100 can shoot as a minimalist rig, or be set up like a big momma pro camera. And whether we like it or not, to most of the clients, "size does matter". Walking in with a rigged out FS100 sets you apart from the guy showing up with his dinky little dslr.
Have fun
Bruce Yarock

[Thomas Wong]

Bruce

Thanks to have the same thought as mine. Yes, Size really matter. Sometimes i think, even i hold a canon XHA1 HDV, people will think I am more professional than holding a DSLR. And you will have more respect as a videographer when using a camcorder.

[Bruce S. Yarock]

Thomas,
I actually used to shoot with a Canon XLH1, and loved that camera. I also had 2 A1's, because often do multi cam shoots. Then I started using the 7d's more,loved the look, but was frustrated by the limitations. So when I decided to buy the FS100, I sold everything except one of the 7d's ( I also do some photography). After getting the Fs100, I realized that I needed at least one companion camera, so I bought an NX5. I love the way that the FS100 and NX5 match up so well. And no more tape drop outs!!!
I do miss the XLH1 for run and gun. The fS100 is more clunky when you add all then stuff I have, and you have to be constantly tightening and watching little bits. Tonight my frezzi light came loose from the shoe, I lost a tightening knob from the bottom of my follow focus. In other words, there's a lot more to be aware of when you use it for chaotic, run and gun situations. Oh but those beautifull close ups with the blurred background...
Bruce Yarock

[Matt Davis]

Here's the point at which I committed to buy an FS100...

Down with DSLRs! Travelling Matt

I've not been disappointed by the FS100, either.

My clients noticed and appreciated my move from Z1 to EX1, and they've felt the same with the FS100.

I still shoot with the DSLR, and occasionally go out with the EX1s, but as time goes on, it's FS100 all the way.

[Matthew Hurley]

Originally Posted by Monty Wentzel

I shoot with a 7d and it's so easy. Every camera has issues, but you just work around them and learn to work with it.

It's no longer about quality video, I mean it shoots so good, how much better does it need to get? Sure there are cams that spec out better, but really a good dv tape cam does fine and a 7d/5d does so well...why do I want to spent $6k on a new camera that's not going to make my films any better.

No ones been complaining, if anything they think I shoot with a $50k camera for it to look so good.

Other than the buzz of buying new gear what will I get for spending $4000.00 more than I shoot with now?

I'll buy one if I can be sold on why I should.

Monty

Well! If a sharp picture,no artifacts,no moire,no rolling shutter and ease of audio imput is a factor in what you do,then get the FS-100. It is the bomb as they say! That and you can turn it into "FrankenCamera" as I have. Think Lego on steriods. My rig pictured is set up for both hand held and tripod use. Usually have the "Techni color" setting as the picture profile and bypass the camera,s codec and go HDMI out to an Atomos Ninja set to Apple ProRes HQ.

Stunning!

[Les Wilson]

@Matt: Cool. A levitating Gumby running boompole! Awesome.