FS100 - Low light performance with lens stopped down

[Matt Davis]

Currently shooting R&G for the build of a 'Brand Experience venue' - EX1 and DSLR on sticks for timelapse stuff, FS100 with kit lens for hand-held 'snatch' shots.

NO RIG.

Just hand-held like a box brownie for chest height, hung like an EX1 for floor level, held like a hair dryer for eye level to overhead shots (rushes need 180 degree rotation, but hey - my edit).

The EX1 still has a big edge for wide zoom range and hitting focus in a hurry, but the images from the FS100 win every time. Which is why I'm reaching for the FS100 more and more for R&G.

Yes, for 2 days straight, have used the Kit Lens exclusively. Started out with the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS with Metabones adaptor, but need that telephoto reach and then slap it back into wide angle. Although kit lens at f8 is a little better than EX1 at 2.8 for depth of field, if you can dare use the Kit Lens wide open, it gets the better shot.

Now, if the FS100 had Slow Shutter and an intervalometer 'timelapse' function, maybe I'd swap. OTOH, the noise and the distortion from the EX1 might prevent me.

Again - NO RIG. Yet. But let's see what a Half Inch Rails custom job does when I get mine.