How Will You Use Your F3? at DVinfo.net

Steve Kalle · February 14th, 2011, 02:52 AM

What areas do you plan to use your F3: TVCs, indie, corporate, weddings, event, ENG, etc...

Which lenses will you use: Nikon, Zeiss, Sony 'F', Sony Alpha...?

Dean Harrington · February 14th, 2011, 07:15 AM

The camera is going to generate a whole host of uses from weddings, documentaries, corporate to TV commercials. ENG event shooters and such are not going to find a use for this camera as of yet. When the X14 lens comes out a few might invest for that purpose but a X14 is not going to cut it in that field ... you would need a X18 lens at least to make it marketable. If I go with this camera and that's a big IF at the moment, I would keep my EX3 for ENG related purposes. It has more uses in multiple areas of work.

Brian Drysdale · February 14th, 2011, 07:56 AM

Once you start using the bigger zoom ranges, the larger the lens is going to become. So, to keep the lens size down to something that's practical for ENG or event work probably you'll need to limit the max aperture, which could mean that you could roughly have the same DOF as a f2 zoom lens on a 2/3" camera.

There are all sorts of trade offs when selecting a camera.

Michael Carmine · February 14th, 2011, 08:47 AM

I will be using the camera for visual effects shots and 2nd Unit work for prime-time TV in the USA. I will go with the Nano or Ki pro mini. The studio will want the 10-bit for the smoother compositing but I like the size of the 8-bit recorder. I hope to put this camera to work before the 2010/2011 season ends in April. I am coming from 35mm film but the network just won't pay for the transfers anymore. Short sighted, because the shows I work on have a 20 year re-run life all over the world. My problem is I need to put all the parts together and test and have "sea trials" before a real shoot. The s-log is what I am really excited about for feature work and the TV producers who want quality.

Alister Chapman · February 14th, 2011, 09:06 AM

I'm going to be using mine for my extreme weather shoots, filming natural extremes etc. I'm not after the sensationalist "as close as you can get to a tornado" type shots, but more interested in the beauty and awe that mother nature can sometimes present, so nice, stable tripod shots, wide vistas and dramatic skyscapes.

I will also be working on some aviation history projects and a BBC natural history project and hope to use it for these. I will be using it with a NanoFlash most of the time.

If that isn't enough I have a 3D feature in the pipelines and a couple of 3D docs and the plan is to use a pair of F3's on one of my hurricane-rigs.

Lenses will often be Nikon DSLR lenses with higher end PL glass rented in as appropriate.

Still hanging on to my EX1R for run and gun.

Michael Carmine · February 14th, 2011, 09:44 AM

I will use my Zeiss Super-Speed pl lens, 20-35 Canon pl-mount zoom, 200mm Leitz pl-mount, 300mm Century. Would be interested in the small light weight zoom from Sony 17-50? I will not sell my 35mm Arri or the Canon 7D. I have sold my Aaton a-minima and Canon 5Dm2 to raise cash for F3.

Chuck Fishbein · February 14th, 2011, 10:55 PM

I'll be using it mostly for documentary and stock footage projects. I think the lower light capabilities will be handy in a recording studio and city streets at night or dusk. After seeing some of the early tests projected on a large screen, I was sold. I like that I'll be able to get a high end look from the camera, as well as being able to match it with the 2 EX cameras I already own.

I most often work as a one-man operation and I think the size of the camera and the fact that I'll be able to utilize a large collection of fast Nikon glass, that I already own, will be a winning combo. And I too, will be using it with a Nanoflash for now. Being able to carry a camera, tripod and a bag of lenses without a donkey is an asset.

Considering the difficulties I have had with the EX1 and Ex1R in bright light, I've already lined up for a Zacuto EVF.

Finally, I won't be concerning myself with S-Log for the time being, but it's nice to know it'll be there for future projects.

Crazy Duck Productions!

Erik Phairas · February 14th, 2011, 11:26 PM

If I get one I'll be making the same old crap I always make. Dune videos and fan films. Probably wind up getting the NXcam if it comes close enough to the F3.

Timur Civan · February 19th, 2011, 07:36 PM

Narritive films, Music Videos, Television Episodics and Corporate Video.

I bought a Full set of 6 Cooke iPanchros 18 - 100mm, Cooke Varotal 18-100 T3 Zoom and a Duclos 11-16mm T2.8

Based in NYC if anyone is interested in rentals or testing.

Giuseppe Pugliese · February 22nd, 2011, 01:12 PM

Mostly narrative, feature films, music videos, short films, commercials, some tv work, maybe some sitdown celebrity interviews.

Thierry Humeau · February 22nd, 2011, 09:43 PM

ENG, Docos and News Mags. Most of this being currently shot on 5D or XDCAM HD & EX. The only step back I see with the F3 vs the 5D is a loss of shallow depth of field capability but other than that, everything else should be much more cameraman friendly.

Thierry.

Timur Civan · February 23rd, 2011, 12:36 AM

The dof loss is not as much as you think.....

Even w/ my T2.8 lenses the dof is plenty shallow.

David C. Williams · February 23rd, 2011, 01:18 AM

Exactly, basically a one stop difference. Run T1.4 on it and listen to your AC curse :D

February 14th, 2011, 02:52 AM	#1
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	How Will You Use Your F3? What areas do you plan to use your F3: TVCs, indie, corporate, weddings, event, ENG, etc... Which lenses will you use: Nikon, Zeiss, Sony 'F', Sony Alpha...?

February 14th, 2011, 07:15 AM	#2
Dean Harrington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tokyo Posts: 898	F3 ... The camera is going to generate a whole host of uses from weddings, documentaries, corporate to TV commercials. ENG event shooters and such are not going to find a use for this camera as of yet. When the X14 lens comes out a few might invest for that purpose but a X14 is not going to cut it in that field ... you would need a X18 lens at least to make it marketable. If I go with this camera and that's a big IF at the moment, I would keep my EX3 for ENG related purposes. It has more uses in multiple areas of work. __________________ Sony EX3, Panasonic DVX 100, SG Blade, Nanoflash, FCP 7, MacBookPro intel. http://www.deanharringtonvisual.com/

February 14th, 2011, 08:47 AM	#4
Michael Carmine Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NYC/CA Posts: 34	Uses of F3 I will be using the camera for visual effects shots and 2nd Unit work for prime-time TV in the USA. I will go with the Nano or Ki pro mini. The studio will want the 10-bit for the smoother compositing but I like the size of the 8-bit recorder. I hope to put this camera to work before the 2010/2011 season ends in April. I am coming from 35mm film but the network just won't pay for the transfers anymore. Short sighted, because the shows I work on have a 20 year re-run life all over the world. My problem is I need to put all the parts together and test and have "sea trials" before a real shoot. The s-log is what I am really excited about for feature work and the TV producers who want quality.

February 14th, 2011, 09:06 AM	#5
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	I'm going to be using mine for my extreme weather shoots, filming natural extremes etc. I'm not after the sensationalist "as close as you can get to a tornado" type shots, but more interested in the beauty and awe that mother nature can sometimes present, so nice, stable tripod shots, wide vistas and dramatic skyscapes. I will also be working on some aviation history projects and a BBC natural history project and hope to use it for these. I will be using it with a NanoFlash most of the time. If that isn't enough I have a 3D feature in the pipelines and a couple of 3D docs and the plan is to use a pair of F3's on one of my hurricane-rigs. Lenses will often be Nikon DSLR lenses with higher end PL glass rented in as appropriate. Still hanging on to my EX1R for run and gun. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

February 14th, 2011, 11:26 PM	#8
Erik Phairas Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 628	If I get one I'll be making the same old crap I always make. Dune videos and fan films. Probably wind up getting the NXcam if it comes close enough to the F3. __________________ EX3, Q6600 Quad core PC - Vista 64, Vegas 8.1 64bit, SR11 b-cam

February 14th, 2011, 07:56 AM	#3
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Once you start using the bigger zoom ranges, the larger the lens is going to become. So, to keep the lens size down to something that's practical for ENG or event work probably you'll need to limit the max aperture, which could mean that you could roughly have the same DOF as a f2 zoom lens on a 2/3" camera. There are all sorts of trade offs when selecting a camera.

February 14th, 2011, 09:44 AM	#6
Michael Carmine Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NYC/CA Posts: 34	I will use my Zeiss Super-Speed pl lens, 20-35 Canon pl-mount zoom, 200mm Leitz pl-mount, 300mm Century. Would be interested in the small light weight zoom from Sony 17-50? I will not sell my 35mm Arri or the Canon 7D. I have sold my Aaton a-minima and Canon 5Dm2 to raise cash for F3.

February 14th, 2011, 10:55 PM	#7
Chuck Fishbein Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Weehawken New Jersey Posts: 210	I'll be using it mostly for documentary and stock footage projects. I think the lower light capabilities will be handy in a recording studio and city streets at night or dusk. After seeing some of the early tests projected on a large screen, I was sold. I like that I'll be able to get a high end look from the camera, as well as being able to match it with the 2 EX cameras I already own. I most often work as a one-man operation and I think the size of the camera and the fact that I'll be able to utilize a large collection of fast Nikon glass, that I already own, will be a winning combo. And I too, will be using it with a Nanoflash for now. Being able to carry a camera, tripod and a bag of lenses without a donkey is an asset. Considering the difficulties I have had with the EX1 and Ex1R in bright light, I've already lined up for a Zacuto EVF. Finally, I won't be concerning myself with S-Log for the time being, but it's nice to know it'll be there for future projects. Crazy Duck Productions!

February 19th, 2011, 07:36 PM	#9
Timur Civan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 120	Narritive films, Music Videos, Television Episodics and Corporate Video. I bought a Full set of 6 Cooke iPanchros 18 - 100mm, Cooke Varotal 18-100 T3 Zoom and a Duclos 11-16mm T2.8 Based in NYC if anyone is interested in rentals or testing.

February 22nd, 2011, 01:12 PM	#10
Giuseppe Pugliese Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York Posts: 392	Re: How Will You Use Your F3? Mostly narrative, feature films, music videos, short films, commercials, some tv work, maybe some sitdown celebrity interviews.

February 22nd, 2011, 09:43 PM	#11
Thierry Humeau Telecam Films Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 723	Re: How Will You Use Your F3? ENG, Docos and News Mags. Most of this being currently shot on 5D or XDCAM HD & EX. The only step back I see with the F3 vs the 5D is a loss of shallow depth of field capability but other than that, everything else should be much more cameraman friendly. Thierry. __________________ Thierry Humeau, DoP Télécam Films www.telecamfilms.com

February 23rd, 2011, 12:36 AM	#12
Timur Civan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 120	Re: How Will You Use Your F3? The dof loss is not as much as you think..... Even w/ my T2.8 lenses the dof is plenty shallow. __________________ Director of Photography - www.timurcivan.com Sony F3, Cooke lenses, sunny disposition.

February 23rd, 2011, 01:18 AM	#13
David C. Williams Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: melb.vic.au Posts: 447	Re: How Will You Use Your F3? Exactly, basically a one stop difference. Run T1.4 on it and listen to your AC curse :D __________________ www.davidwilliams.com.au