best stills camera for pre-visualizing RED shots.

[Isaac Bauman]

I was wondering, what still camera best approximates the super 35 sized sensor in the RED?

I'm a Canon guy, but from what I understand the 1.6x factor in most of their dSLR line is much too tight, and their full frames like the 5D Mk II are considerably bigger, more like an FF35 sized sensor.

So I was a little confused and wondering what still camera could best approximate the look of the RED? Minus the aspect ratio issue, of course.

 

[JoshBertrand]

Red's frame size is just barely wider and a bit less tall than a 1.6x crop still camera. I use a Nikon D300 for scouts and I find the frame size matches up quite well.

 

[Mitch Gross]

The Lumix GH-1 is great but hard to find as yet. The G-1 is the same size but without the HD video option. We even sell the Hot Rod adapter system so that you can put your PL mount lenses right on the camera. If you use Nikons or just about any other stills lenses there are adapters available.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I recently Pre-Ordered the Lumix GH1 from Abel, this little sucker is a beast of power, also getting the Hot Rod PL adapter, as I will use the Lumix as both location scouting, behind the scene references, and some Glamour photography with Cine lenses, first in line the 18-85, hehe, will be sure funny to see such little thing mounted on the back of the 18-85.

The 4/3 sensor of the lumix, will approximate closer to the R1 then the 5D II, and the fact that you can mount PL glass, is just super.

Do note that the Lumix 4/3 sensor size will make all your 35mm glass x 2.

ciao

 

[Liam Hall]

That 1.6 crop factor is comparing your Canon APS-C sensor with full frame 135 film not with Red One. Your Canon is a lot closer than you think.

Red One 24.4mm x 13.7mm.
Nikon D300 is 23.6x15.8mm.
Canon 500D is 22.3 x 14.0
Full Frame 135 film is 36mm x 24mm.

I have no idea why people are trying to sell you a G1, that's not even close to the same size sensor.

 

[Anson Fogel]

Much research we bought/use a Canon Rebet Xti/Xsi

Much research we bought/use a Canon Rebet Xti/Xsi

We researched this extensively as well. The Canon Xti/Xsi has almost exactly the same field of view / crop, and is very small, light, and can be had cheap used. We use Canon glass, so it was a no brainer. if using Nikon glass, well, the 300 is probably a good call.

The Xsi has live view, and we put a framing guide on the LCd screen using simple tape as well. Works great.

 

[Charles Angus]

Yeah, any 1.5 or 1.6 crop camera will be quite close.

 

[Michael Hastings]

I was wondering, what still camera best approximates the super 35 sized sensor in the RED?

I'm a Canon guy, but from what I understand the 1.6x factor in most of their dSLR line is much too tight, and their full frames like the 5D Mk II are considerably bigger, more like an FF35 sized sensor.

So I was a little confused and wondering what still camera could best approximate the look of the RED? Minus the aspect ratio issue, of course.

The 1.6 canon aps-c is almost exactly the RED1 size and probably the best bang for the buck is the 500d/rebel t1i which also gives you 720p 30fps and 1080p20fps video - for about $800 with an 18-55 stabilized lens.

From the RED.com FAQ:

The RED ONE sensor is an APS-C sized sensor, similar in size to those used in DSLR still digital cameras, as well the same area as Super 35 film. Sensor dimensions are 24.4mm x 13.7mm.

From canonusa.com spec for 500D: 22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C size) 15megapixels