BBC Natural History Unit using Epics

[Christian Munoz D]

Trouble can be expected over 500mm with vibration and it seems more apparent with the higher resolution. Its finding suitable Zooms for wildlife which is our current quest. Mostly our tests were done at 4k and 3k, though some high speed at 2k.

Testing the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Telephoto Lens and the Canon zoom EF 200-400 mm f/4L IS 1.4x is a must. You guys will be amazed with the improvements on those new lenses for video shooting.

[Mitch Gross]

About those optical adapters. BBC is using the HDx35 B4/PL Optical Adapter AbelCine developed with IB/E Optics. This converter was never intended to cover the full 5K image area of the RED EPIC. It does cover all formats of 4K and depending on the individual lens mounted to it, can sometimes cover some 5K formats.

And I'm happy to say that I beloeve we've outfitted them with accessories which should work quite well for them in the field.

[Mike Van Laanen]

Can you share any shots Christian? Would love to see what that 200-400 1.4x can do.

[Christian Munoz D]

Mike I am under NDA I can't comment or post at this time.

[Mark Deeble]

Steve, we've been using Epics since September in Africa for wildlife - using everything from 500mm Nikon primes down to 10x macro. The camera is great!
Fan noise can be an issue when filming some subjects ( e.g. close blind-based filming ) and at high ambient temperatures, you need to be aware of heat management using a variety of different fan settings.
That said, it is great camera for wildlife. Pre-roll and time lapse functions would make it a REALLY great camera - but those are probably coming.

The biggest change we have found to our operation is the field side of data management - generating proxies and then back-ups ( 2 x mirrored drives plus LTO's ) all in the field - in the past we used to go days without running a generator, now it seems to be on 24/7!

[Paul Harding]

Does anyone know where I could hire a HDx35 B4/PL To do some testing before buying, I am in the UK?

[Joe Pontecorvo]

Testing the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Telephoto Lens and the Canon zoom EF 200-400 mm f/4L IS 1.4x is a must. You guys will be amazed with the improvements on those new lenses for video shooting.

Any word on when the Canon 200-400mm f4 will be released?

[Denis Buhot]

Steve,


I prefer the 5K, 96fps or the 4K 120fps, slowed down in post (sharpness in 4K / 5K is best) so that we also have post zoom cut aways and slowed down in post. Editing is now the new art form and most people don't get that!

Tell them, experience still counts for somethings!

Kennan Ward

Hi Kennan, what shutter speeds have you favor at 4K/120 fps, when using long lenses and moving subjects ?

[Denis Buhot]

Trouble can be expected over 500mm with vibration and it seems more apparent with the higher resolution. .

Hi Dave, I'm using big lenses at times, over 500mm... Do you mean vibrations are worse with EPic than with the R1, due to the camera. Or you are speaking in general ??

[Dave Blackham]

About those optical adapters. BBC is using the HDx35 B4/PL Optical Adapter AbelCine developed with IB/E Optics. This converter was never intended to cover the full 5K image area of the RED EPIC. It does cover all formats of 4K and depending on the individual lens mounted to it, can sometimes cover some 5K formats.

And I'm happy to say that I beloeve we've outfitted them with accessories which should work quite well for them in the field.

I liked the HDx35 but the HDx2 was useful too. It really depends on what your aims are and which adaptor works best with the lens your intending to use and the sensor area you want to cover. Also the Abekas x2 adaptor tested well at 3k with an HJ18 tighter than 75mm.

If any one is going to buy convertors Id recommend doing your own tests with the lens model your intending to use. What works with one lens may or may not work with another lens model.