Is F55 that special?

[Steve Phillipps]

Yes, I'm aware of that - it's the 4k that I'm wondering about. Never seen any mention whatsoever about any more than 60fps in 4k - Epic of course does 120fps in 5k right now!
Steve

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

If you really need serious over cranking get a Phantom 4K Flex, only $140K and started shipping this month.

IAC, the OP asked an open question: Is the F55 that special? If by special you mean; blow the doors off other cameras in pure performance, then not.

What I would call "special" is the versatility. Beyond that, I think Sony deserves some credit for the F55's compelling mix of price, performance and form factor - compromises and all. From a RedUser perspective I'm just glad to see broadcast friendly UHD/4K cameras hitting the market that can help speed the transition from HD to UHD/4K. That's good for all of us.

Cheers - #19

 

[Erich Roland]

F55 special?

F55 special?

Yes Sony has more updates up their sleeve coming out by the end of the year of which will give the cameras two modes of HFR - one being full scan sensor mode and the other being a 2k cropped version.

For anyone's interest here is a video shot in sony's RAW mode. I think it's what anyone would expect when shooting RAW, a look that can be harder to achieve if only using the built in codecs (although slog2 can be a good compromise.)

Good looking material. thanks Dennis.

 

[Peter Moretti]

I would say codecs most certainly can affect resolution. The h264 codec on the 5Ds softens the image substantially. REDCode above 7:1 drops the sharpness on many shots to below 1080p. I had an 8:1 shot with trees where it was just a fuzzy mess. The 1080p proxy had more resolution. Data has to be thrown away somewhere in comrpession, resolution is definitely a victim of lossy compression.

Yes, compression absolutely affects resolution. Compression works primarily by removing high frequency detail, i.e. resolution.

 

[Curt Pair]

Hey Taylor, thanks for the tips. Ive tried running and gunning with canon lenses and I just cant get the hang of focus, and zoom and changing iris. Of coarse the Sony F55 can change mounts and the Nikons are very good quality but same problem with short throw focus, and most still zooms being non-parafocal is a real problem for me every time you change the focal length a bit you need to re-check focus. I really want a cine lens if I'm moving fast. There are excellent compact lenses, the Optimo DP's are nearly the perfect lens and small, the (2) reds are very good as well. I haven't used the 2/3" converter for that style lens but I hear there is some optical loss, which makes sense as to why the footage looks less solid. regards, erich

Erich,

I have to tell you that when I first purchased my Epic, I too bought the IBE Optics HDx35 adapter. It may seem somewhat small, but that four to five inches in length is really difficult. I found that using that, in 4K (as it won't work in 5k) it really put a TON of stress on my back and neck! I'm used to to HDCam and the like, and your hands are typically in a particular spot. In moving them FORWARD 5 inches or so, it puts a TON of strain on my neck, and lower back. I used it twice and sold it!

I am using the Epic in MANY handheld situations similar to Taylor, but I use the Cabrio lenses to do that! I run with both the 19-90 and the 85-300mm. I can pack the Epic and one lens into a CineBag back pack. I can transport the OTHER Cabrio and the remainder of my accessories and laptop in the other backpack! I carry both on the plane! I started using either the Wooden Camera or the AllStar Cine shoulder pads and I'm ready to go! They snap into the DSMC QR plate. I can change to tripods within seconds!

I've got two different Nikon lens mounts, but don't use them much, as I prefer the feel of the PL Cabrios. I do have some Nikon AIS lenses and some zooms, but I still prefer the PL mount for critical focus.

With the motion mount, and shooting golf outside, I'll be able to dial in ND on an as needed basis instead of using actual filters. That speeds the process too!