Comparison

[Paul Joseph]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post on the forums so I wanted to begin by saying hello and that I can't wait to be a part of this community. I have been hearing from a lot of people that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Red One are relatively close in quality. I know that they can't be too similar, given the fact that one shoots in 4k and one shoots in 1080p. However, do you feel that the 5D is a valid competition for the Red?

-Paul

 

[IAN SUN]

I'm gonna go with, no.

 

[paulherrin]

i'm sorry, but there's no reason to start a thread like this again. i know we're not all aware of the history of bickering about dslrs, but i assure you it's an ongoing thing. just use some simple logic and you can determine which best suits you.

 

[Evin Grant]

Paul, the 5D can, in certain instances and in very controlled situations produces an image that is very pleasing, it is not a very production friendly camera and does not really compare to a Red MX or Epic in regard to actual numbers, see below....

Red 1 MX:
Measured Resolution: 3.2K
Codec: Redcode RAW lossless compressed quality, 4:4:4 equivelent
Useable Dynamic Range: 12+ stops
No aliasing
Minimal Skew

5DII:
Measured Resolution 1.4K
Codec: H.264 Lossy Mpeg compression 4:2:0 color subsampling
Useable Dynamic range: 9-10 stops depending on settings
Serious aliasing issues
Highly noticeable skew

What these numbers tell you is that when it comes to post you will be working considerably harder with a much less maleable image. Also the 5DII really does not belong off a tripod if you want to avoid serious skew and jello cam, and with the aliasing issues you have to watch any high contrast lines or pattern detail. The 5D makes a fine D/crash cam and even a good choice for documentary is some instances but as a primary profesional filmmaking tool it leaves a lot to be desired. Of course we're creative people and many filmakers are living with these issues because of the price/performance ratio of these cameras.

 

[Corrado Silveri]

Hi Paul,
welcome on the board.

Personally, I did all the tests that I could do. And I have my answers.

Please, do some appropriate test. Shoot something critic and difficult. And judge by yourself.

To give you a reference, I used the 5D in a single production in 2010. And I have made dozens.

It's pretty easy to figure out what we can answer here on Reduser

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

I've shot a feature on a 7D and recorded sound on another picture shot with a 7D.

You can make great images with these cameras.

I think that they are a leap up from cameras that were available three years ago for a lot more money. (Think HVX200 and Letus)

I freaking love them.

They are however absolutely not competition for the RED.

Other have made part of the argument... the numbers sort of speak for themselves.

What most miss however is that before the DSLR's a LOT of people hadn't seen hat they could achieve with 35mm 1080p footage.

Sure there was the EX1 and other systems that worked... but they were still sort of new and expensive. They were gaining traction then whammo, this thing comes along and EVERYONE can afford to do S35 cinema style photography now.

So that's why there is all this buzz.

As to comparisons to the RED... a lot of people have severe limitations when it comes to RED.

First off... a lot of people are only now starting to look at real 1080p images. When that first happens it kind of blows you away- and you can not be critical. Even once it wears off... a lot of folks decide they can't tell the difference between DVD and 1080p anyway.

(The film guys are shaking their heads solemnly. Just remember film guys... most films are 2K and displayed much bigger than 1080p video typically is!)

OK... second thing: A LOT of RED footage is edited & finished at 1080p

So... people agog at the first 1080p they've seen... RED is being shown to them at 1080 next to well shot 1080p DSLR footage.

They can't see a difference.

So, does that make DSLR's great and able to compete technically with RED?

No.

Does it give DSLR's a market edge?

Yep.

For a while until more of that DSLR footage crumbles during post people will keep thinking its awesome. After they pay the colorist everything they "saved" versus a RED rental and then some, they'll change their tune.

So, and speaking as a DSLR fan and owner, they can not truly compete with RED, and anyone who says they can just doesn't know what they are talking about or looking at.

 

[Anson Fogel]

I'm gonna go with, no.

While perhaps not in the pantheon of greatest reduser posts ever, it certinaly deserves a huge round of applause as the best use of restraint in a post, and is still cracking me up.

I'm gonna go with, um, no. AWESOME.
:gun::yesnod::dupe::emote_popcorn:

 

[IAN SUN]

While perhaps not in the pantheon of greatest reduser posts ever, it certinaly deserves a huge round of applause as the best use of restraint in a post, and is still cracking me up.

I'm gonna go with, um, no. AWESOME.
:gun::yesnod::dupe::emote_popcorn:

Stop, you making me blush :beer:

 

[IAN SUN]

Forgetting comparisons to pro Digital Cinema cameras like the RED One. The 5D is a fantastic addition to the range of tools available. What other good options are there for the amazing isolations you can more eaisly achieve with the FF images produced by the 5D?

 

[Mark Pugh]

What other good options are there for the amazing isolations you can more eaisly achieve with the FF images produced by the 5D?

... which just makes me want to see Red produce that FF35 Epic, (rather than shoot on the 5D).

 

[Paul Joseph]

Thanks for the responses.

As for bringing up an old topic, I just stumbled upon this forum a few days ago and had no idea that it had been an ongoing debate, so I apologize for that.

I am personally waiting for the epic, however I was asking the question with hopes of gaining insights from those having used both, no harm intended :smiley:

 

[IAN SUN]

Thanks for the responses.

As for bringing up an old topic, I just stumbled upon this forum a few days ago and had no idea that it had been an ongoing debate, so I apologize for that.

I am personally waiting for the epic, however I was asking the question with hopes of gaining insights from those having used both, no harm intended :smiley:

No worries Paul, no actual animals were hurt in this ongoing discussion :beatdeadhorse5: :wink5:

Welcome to the Community, it's a great place, hang out : )