Am I A Traitor For Wanting More Than One Camera?

[Sean Connery Smith]

Traitor... lol

 

[David Peterson]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am considering getting the tilta armorman 2. and also am still considering an off camera like a7s II or BMCC, although the bmcc isn't great in low light so based on what you guys are saying it would be better to get the a7s II

Maybe consider a secondhand a7S mk1? As 1080 could be good enough for low budget shoots, so can skip out on the greater outlay for an a7S mk2. (I think the a7S mk2 gets to be so expensive you might as well get the FS5 for a bit more! Which then puts you into a totally different class of camera over any mirrorless/DSLR, which makes the extra cost of a FS5 vs a7S mk2 worth it) Also the new Sony a6500 (or a6300 + cooling cage) is worthwhile considering as you "budget shoot" camera. Plus don't forget taking another look at the Panasonic G80, which is Panasonic's best mirrorless camera (until the GH5 comes out early next year... will have 10bit internal!! http://ironfilm.co.nz/panasonic-gh5...extension-low-light-improvement-over-the-gh4/ ).

As for the BMCC MFT (never get the EF!), I'd recommend instead the BMMCC (it is like a BMPCC V2.0). As for lowlight... I couldn't be too concerned about that, as if you can handle the low light restrictions of the RED MX sensor then you'll be perfectly happy with what you can do in low light with the BMMCC (and a BMPCC focal reducer).

 

[Matt Uhry]

I mix in my a7rii where appropriate. Much better than the WPN/DGN if you need portability or have to shoot in very low light. Great camera.

If you've got production support, have enough light, need variable frame rates, need to plug in a monitor WPN/DGN is much better.

Just depends on what you're shooting. Most of what you get will depend on your talents and the resources you can commandeer....
not saying that cameras don't matter at all but if your work is sub-par it's probably you.


Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

 

[Emir Aksay]

a sony a6300 is great for quick gimbal work with its video AF, but its useless without a gimbal with too much rolling shutter. And its not too bad with lowlight..

 

[Brian Merlen]

dont mind owning both an alexa and red either. You need the right tool for the job.
But i think this discussion was originally about owning a a7 or a blackmagic on lesser jobs.
id rather not own an inferior small camera and compromise image quality. A stripped down RED is small enough for me.

yea that works but the alexa mini has built in NDs, even smaller possibly? though i never use mine its always renting so i lug this alexa M around like a mule lol

 

[M.Halsell]

The cost of ownership for a DSLR is generally inconsequential in compared to the pro series of Sony, RED, ARRI or Panasonic. Very little debate regarding cost of ownership, stealth, media and general purpose use and performance.

Owning 2 or multiple pro camera systems requires more vetting, as well as scrubbing thru the company financials to zero in on money made as well as money left on the table. This can aide in which camera tool or gear can plug a hole or open more opportunity. At this level, situation assumes you are a small enterprise and know you market and customer base quite well.


For the creatives, based on cliente, you will have a good sense of how much demand there is for your talent and marketability. If not at a reasonable spot on the professional food chain, do what one must to make it happen. Life is too short for second guessing or unorganized thinking.

 

[Kazu Okuda]

yea that works but the alexa mini has built in NDs, even smaller possibly? though i never use mine its always renting so i lug this alexa M around like a mule lol

My problem with mini being compact is the absolute need for the EVF unless you have a wcu for camera control.
Bcus the wifi app sucks... The small redtouch being able to fold over and also using the noga as a top handle sometimes (haha) with a redvolt, usually has been the lightest for me.
Smallest i built a mini was probably with the evf, top plate, and a switronix slim with a tv logic.

 

[Fahnon Bennett]

I've always thought having enough equipment to cover what you're doing and cover gaps in your kit is the way to go (if it makes financial sense). A cinema camera is panful to use for event work in comparison to a C100 with DPAF. I shot a little video for a magazine launch that took place in a lounge so dark you could barely see. It would have been distracting to use a light. A7s to the rescue. Would have been impossible on my newly acquired Scarlet because REDs aren't built to see in the dark. The C100 is the most convenient large sensor camera I've ever used and the A7s the most flexible.

I'm going to echo what others have said and say get a C100, BMPCC or an A7s, depending on what your secondary needs are. If you're shooting guerrilla style, Id go for the original BMPCC over the BMMCC because the pocket with a pancake lens on really looks like a toy P&S and no one will ever ask you for a permit using one.

By the way, if someone can't make a great image with any one of those three, that's a problem. Sure Red is better, but those cameras produce some damn fine images; especially the Blackmagic...