Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Why does Epic look like a 5D DSLR?

Frank_L

Banned
Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
56
Reaction score
0
Points
0
It's good that the Epic will be lighter than the Red One and be better. But anyway, how do you mount it on a tripod with rails? Does it have a quick release plate, and how much do you think it will weigh with Red zoom lenses, matt box, follow focus and LCD or/or Bomb EVF?

Also, does anyone else think Red One looks like a real movie camera compared to the Epic? Will Epic look like an oversized 5D?
 
...I think you are confused about the modularity of the epic. If you want to you can have the option to have it extremely small and hand held. Because after all it is a digital stills and motion camera. Thus a form factor that could be made into that resembling a dslr is key. If you wanted it to be a more substantial camera then you can add on to it for increased functionality, etc.

And as for your other questions, they are a bit too general to really answer. It really all depends. Far too many variables between manufactuers and models, etc.
As for mounting there are several options. Have you never seen a base plate that screws into rails before? Curious as it seems like a fairly common thing. Even that however, is not the only option for mounting, as of course it will once again depends on the tripod and the system of mounting you can choose. Dovetails, etc.

here is the official spec sheet. for reference:
http://epic.red.com/downloads/RED_SPEC_SHEET_EPIC.pdf
 
There are a lot of photos and setups you should take a look at. The camera is modular and will be capable of all sorts of configurations. DMSC means digital motion and stills camera.

This site has a bunch of links right back to Reduser as well as handy summaries of the past year of development: http://camerarentalz.com/red-news/

Look at the Red New Archives on the right and work up from October announcements to see photos and comments.

Scarlet and Epic Details is particularly chock full of photos. http://camerarentalz.com/scarlet-epic-dsmc/
 
Will Epic look like an oversized 5D?
Nope.

Remeber The first cell phones were about as big as the average backpack. A person would have to carry it in its own case alongside their body. Today, some cell phones fit under the crack in a door or even in your mouth. (lol)

2010 now... Technology does do a great job of making life easier.

EPIC is smart pieces of metal in charge
 
maybe this photo will answer your question:
xds4ut.jpg
 
...I think you are confused about the modularity of the epic. If you want to you can have the option to have it extremely small and hand held. Because after all it is a digital stills and motion camera. Thus a form factor that could be made into that resembling a dslr is key. If you wanted it to be a more substantial camera then you can add on to it for increased functionality, etc. ...

I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

I do see the very real benefit of the small form factor for some types of motion shooting. But that's not the same as buying a $25K movie camera and using it in situations where a $1K stills camera would give better results.
 
I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

I do see the very real benefit of the small form factor for some types of motion shooting. But that's not the same as buying a $25K movie camera and using it in situations where a $1K stills camera would give better results.

Because you're travelling and don't want to carry two camera systems?

Because you want HDR stills?

Because you want to save money and only own one camera to do everything.

Because you want Red's touch focus for stills?

Because you want to extract stills from motion (eg high shutter speed, 25fps motor drive equivalent)


But sometimes, a video DSLR will be more stealthy and the better choice!
 
I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

I do see the very real benefit of the small form factor for some types of motion shooting. But that's not the same as buying a $25K movie camera and using it in situations where a $1K stills camera would give better results.

The small DSLR style form factor is a natural for Steadicam use or a hand held 3D rig. You can build the camera to suit the task every time you take it out of the case.
From what I have seen so far it will be a superlative stills camera too. Certainly in a class with the $7k DSLRs and far superior to any $1k DSLR.
 
Why is EPIC configurable into a "DSLR" form factor ?

Why is EPIC configurable into a "DSLR" form factor ?

I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

When you try it, you will change your mind.
 
I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

What makes you think the DSLR will perform better? Which one will perform better? Sure, there are some that will provide higher resolution, but I doubt they will provide the DR and shutter speed options, let alone the ability to shoot high quality motion on a whim. Quality comparisons for still photos remain to be seen, but I don't see someone buying an Epic just for stills. Perhaps a Scarlet S35 if they want stills and motion. Or Epic if they want motion with the added bonus of stills. If a Canon 1DsMxx or Nikon D3x fits all your needs, then Epic is probably overkill and not what you're looking for anyway.

DSMC is about modularity. I think RED's marketing dwells a bit too much on the side-handle, SLR style configurations. There are plenty of other viable set-ups that are just as compact. And for those of us who are familiar with Picatinny / NATO rails system and accessories, it's easy to dream up all sorts of wild combinations to experiment with. NATO accessories or going to rock the industry once people get it all figured out -- wildlife and EFP shooting is about to get an adrenaline shot.
 
It's good that the Epic will be lighter than the Red One and be better. But anyway, how do you mount it on a tripod with rails? Does it have a quick release plate, and how much do you think it will weigh with Red zoom lenses, matt box, follow focus and LCD or/or Bomb EVF?

Also, does anyone else think Red One looks like a real movie camera compared to the Epic? Will Epic look like an oversized 5D?

When you hold the Epic, or even the Fixed Scarlett for that matter, in your hands as I did,
you will immediately fill that what you have in your hands is a Master Piece of an Image Capture piece of Gear,
that it is like no other you ever held in your hands before.
 
Why are so many people comparing Epic with DSLR?? Completely different kettles of fish!! I use the Red One and Canon 7D's together on shoots. I know what the Red can do, and I know what the 7D can do. In my perfect world, I have my Epic...and I can ditch the 7D and shoot everything in Red....but, with the size and weight of the Red One, there are situations where the 7D is a best case solution.....not perfect...but gets you through the shoot. The fact that the Epic can shoot Hi Res Video AND Stills and is fully configurable makes it a near perfect camera.....for everything!!!!
 
There has been allot of hype and confusion around here lately but I'm glad people are finally realizing what is most important in a camera. Image quality is nice, but what we really need is bigger cameras that looks really "movie-ie". Like most other people on these blogs, I'm not actually that good at directing, cinematography, or any other aspect of film-making. When people see my results from a job, they're usually only mediocrely impressed at best. That's why I NEED to impress people with how big and pro my camera looks. It's the only way I can attract more clients. Come on Red, at least offer something like a "Cinema Pro" package, where we can chose to buy the Epic encased in a giant shell with dual-shoulder mounts and at least three fallow-focus rigs. I know you're new focus tracking technology is an amazing step forward in film-making, but there is only one problem... cameras just doesn't look that "pro" unless nine people are operating a single rig.

So please Red, most of us just don't have the eye for cinematography or the vision for directing. At least give something big and "movie-studio-looking" so we can at least feel like we're pros on set for a little while.
 
There has been allot of hype and confusion around here lately but I'm glad people are finally realizing what is most important in a camera. Image quality is nice, but what we really need is bigger cameras that looks really "movie-ie". Like most other people on these blogs, I'm not actually that good at directing, cinematography, or any other aspect of film-making. When people see my results from a job, they're usually only mediocrely impressed at best. That's why I NEED to impress people with how big and pro my camera looks. It's the only way I can attract more clients. Come on Red, at least offer something like a "Cinema Pro" package, where we can chose to buy the Epic encased in a giant shell with dual-shoulder mounts and at least three fallow-focus rigs. I know you're new focus tracking technology is an amazing step forward in film-making, but there is only one problem... cameras just doesn't look that "pro" unless nine people are operating a single rig.

So please Red, most of us just don't have the eye for cinematography or the vision for directing. At least give something big and "movie-studio-looking" so we can at least feel like we're pros on set for a little while.

Boy, I have the feeling I've worked with you :laugh:
 
I am fully confused by DSMC concept. Why would anyone who can afford an Epic configure it like a DSLR and use it to take still pictures? Just carry around a DSLR, which will perform better.

So, which DSLR will give you 120fps? Or 18 stops of DR? Or touch focus?
 
When you try it, you will change your mind.

Stuart,

I guess I'm underestimating the Epic's stills capabilities. As I've felt that a camera like Nikon's D7000 is better for photography.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...0.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview

I'm assuming the Nikon will have better autofocusing, more metering options, slightly higher resolution and be better supported in programs like Lightroom, Camera RAW and Bridge. The Nikon body weighs under two pounds, while the Epic body is six pounds and may need more attachments than just a lens to get it to work well for photography.

However, looking at the specs of DSLR's more carefully, it does seem that Epic's 13.5 stops is more than what the current crop of DSLR's can provide.
 
Stuart,

I guess I'm underestimating the Epic's stills capabilities. As I've felt that a camera like Nikon's D7000 is better for photography.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...0.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview

I'm assuming the Nikon will have better autofocusing, more metering options, slightly higher resolution and be better supported in programs like Lightroom, Camera RAW and Bridge. The Nikon body weighs under two pounds, while the Epic body is six pounds and may need more attachments than just a lens to get it to work well for photography.

However, looking at the specs of DSLR's more carefully, it does seem that Epic's 13.5 stops is more than what the current crop of DSLR's can provide.

Take a good look through this thread. It might change your mind about the 13.5 you mentioned.

The link is on the word "this" in the sentence above.
 
Last edited:
I'm ignoring HDRx™ right now, b/c the samples I've seen look amazing but not realistic enough to be ready for serious stills work. And when Epic actually becomes available, we don't know what the latest DSLRs will offer in terms of HDR, so I think I've been fair to the Epic.


P.S. Aaron, I've looked at that footage, and I don't see how the increased DR is useful w/o bringing the range in in post and probably adjusting some of the colors. And how do you do this in Photoshop, Camera RAW or Bridge w/ Epic still files?

I'm not saying that the increased DR and 120FPS aren't nice and there won't be situations where a stills photographer will want them. But I think, on balance, a DSLR is better suited for stills work than is an Epic (of course I could be very wrong). So in my eyes, it comes down to convenience. But if you are carrying all the kit to shoot with an Epic, is a DSLR really going to be much more to lug around?

Again, JMHO, I could of course be wrong and OBVIOUSLY don't know the Epic as well as people like Stuart, et al.
 
Back
Top