Quality?

[George Allen]

In 3 years im going to be touring the USA filming a documentary, i will be required to shoot a lot of nature shots, encompassing the likes of high altitude, damp, hot and cold whether conditions! I have two questions surrounding the 'RED' camera:

1: I have noted that there is a lot of text saying that the 'RED' cameras are worlds ahead of current technology on the market. How is this?

2: Would any of the RED cameras be suited to my journey? A body with the ability to change lenses would be a added bonus... I have a budget of $7000 USD to spend on my last camera!

 

[Steve Freebairn]

In 3 years im going to be touring the USA filming a documentary, i will be required to shoot a lot of nature shots, encompassing the likes of high altitude, damp, hot and cold whether conditions! I have two questions surrounding the 'RED' camera:

1: I have noted that there is a lot of text saying that the 'RED' cameras are worlds ahead of current technology on the market. How is this?

2: Would any of the RED cameras be suited to my journey? A body with the ability to change lenses would be a added bonus...

The RED would be a great camera if you can afford to rent or buy one because it offers high quality at a great price point. One thing to consider is that things will be very different 3 years from now, think of the fact that 3 years ago, RED was considered a hoax. There is only one RED camera announced that isn't even out yet that doesn't have interchangeable lenses, so I think you'll be fine there. I would strongly suggest reading through the Crucial Ordinance threads and also through Brook Willard's FAQ

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1462

 

[Julio Quintana]

$7000? Even if you get the cheapest Scarlet for $3750 (which isn't available yet), you have to plan for all the accessories. For documentaries, the 640 GB RED Drive is a must, which that alone will cost you $1100. Want to see what you're recording? The smallest monitor is $1700. Need extra batteries? $500 each. If $7000 is your total budget, I personally don't think RED is for you.

 

[Dan Hudgins]

3 years is forever in Digital Cinema time...

3 years is forever in Digital Cinema time...

Three years is a long time for things to change in Digital Cinema, by then Acam may get something that works, and Canon may upgrade the 5Dmk2, so you have a very long time to think about things, and maybe save enough more to get a Scarlet, which may be lighter weight to pack around.

It also depends on where your "film" is going, TV in Europe at 25fps, a film transfer (if they still make film then) at 24fps, or NTSC rates?

If you need 30fps then you have many options. RED ONE is good for a 24fps option, and Scarlet should be as well.

The frame rate and end use are important factors to think about before you start shooting since frame rate conversion for filmout is not a good choice.

You can also purchase maybe a used RED ONE in three years, and sell it when you are done to stay under a cost of $7000. Or do the same with a Super16 camera, etc.

 

[Julio Quintana]

Oh God. I just realized that you were asking for technology advice for three years from now. Before you ask, I can't tell you who will win the World Series in 2015. Damn it, now I've wasted two posts. I need to go to sleep...

 

[George Allen]

Haha! no its fine, All forms of advice are good! You didn't at all waste two posts Thank you for all your advice, I know that $7,000 dollers isn't much, but maybe in 3 years things will be cheaper, or the exchange could strengthen up a bit! Either way, I hope i will be able to get extra funding to get a camera that will truly excel my cinematography (as that is primarily my role).

Me and my mate are starting to save up now. We plan to put aside 15,000 pounds 21,000 dollers. In 3 years. If we get anything more than that, i will surely put it towards getting a red.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

George, this is an interesting question you have asked. But one that could have many answers. Here are three questions to ask yourself when the time comes to buy a camera.

1. What is the aesthetic goal of the film? In other words what do you envision it looking like. Some documentaries want to represent reality, others want the look stylized or cinematic.

2. Is the priority image quality or content? I know the instinct is to say both, but if you had to choose one to place priority on what would it be.

3. Will there be a business plan in place, some sort of ROI projection? If you drop a lot of money on a camera package, can you envision making the money back?

If you were making this film right now, I would steer you away from RED because I don't think it would be the right camera for your project. I would advocate the EX-1. Very nice images, easy workflow and you could buy a used package in your budget ballpark. A RED One package that is accessorized to handle documentary style filmmaking (extra batteries, handheld support, etc) is going to run you quite a bit of money, not to mention the storage you'll need if you shoot a lot of material. EX-1 will get you nice images that if shot well and color timed by an experienced colorist will hold up in the final product.

Now, three years from now. Who knows. Maybe you can pick up a RED One at a significant discount from the current asking price. Bu you still have ergonomics that will need to be addressed. Perhaps Scarlet or a camera from another company will fit into your budget and needs at that time. Only time will tell.

Best of luck when you do embark on that journey!

 

[George Allen]

Cheers for your response! I am definitely after a cinematic look within the documentary. Although i am already in possession of a Sony FX1 (my second ever video camera, and i treasure it like hell). But since i am going to go to some pretty amasing places, and clime some pretty impossible mountains (literally and figuratively) i want to do every scene justice, something that i know a FX1 would not deliver. Don't get me wrong, iv used the FX for loads of stuff, and over all its a great camera; but because of its fixed lens it limits cinematographic possibilities.

So yeah, thanks for the advice, i think im going to try and raise sponsorship to get a red. I love the idea of a small camera company starting up and taking an industry by storm, so in turn im all for supporting them

 

[Trailangel]

Canon A1 is the way to go for doc.
Shoot tape while on the go... easier.
Image and lense quality great.
Would be able to shoot much more footage.
Audio on camera better!!!
The right too for the job.

 

[Lee Saxon]

The only way I would buy an HDV camera in 2009 (to say nothing of in 3 years) is if I had already tried selling blood, organs, and sperm on the black market and still couldn't afford a Red (or whatever other RAW cam is available in 3 years).