Predicament, need some advice

[mosizzle]

Ive been in the market for a new camera. I mainly shoot shorts and after doing some research Ive decided the Canon xh-a1 would be a great camera. Now I was about to go through with this until I saw how soon the Red Scarlet 2/3" will be releasing. So my predicament is what should I do, get the A1 and then get the 35mm adapter and what now or should I wait and get a scarlet 2/3"? This brings up several other questions, like will the scarlet 2/3" have the same dof? Will there be any private companies that will make plates and mounts that would make the rig a little cheaper? And just how much will the release of the Red cameras hurt the value of cameras like the A1?

I was really hoping to get a hd cam to use this summer. But now I thinking otherwise. Any other insight and info would be greatly appreciate. I admit I'm a noob to the whole Red industry.

 

[Peter Majtan]

Ive been in the market for a new camera. I mainly shoot shorts and after doing some research Ive decided the Canon xh-a1 would be a great camera. Now I was about to go through with this until I saw how soon the Red Scarlet 2/3" will be releasing. So my predicament is what should I do, get the A1 and then get the 35mm adapter and what now or should I wait and get a scarlet 2/3"? This brings up several other questions, like will the scarlet 2/3" have the same dof? Will there be any private companies that will make plates and mounts that would make the rig a little cheaper? And just how much will the release of the Red cameras hurt the value of cameras like the A1?

I was really hoping to get a hd cam to use this summer. But now I thinking otherwise. Any other insight and info would be greatly appreciate. I admit I'm a noob to the whole Red industry.

First of all the first Scarlet out won't be the 2/3" 3K model, but rather the S35 5K model. Ultimately I believe the Scarlet range will make a major dent in that particular segment. Whether to wait or buy the Canon now - only You can decide that. All I can recommend is that if the Canon pays itself in few months - go for it...

Peter

 

[Peter Hodgins]

Ive been in the market for a new camera. I mainly shoot shorts and after doing some research Ive decided the Canon xh-a1 would be a great camera.

I would get the Canon and forget the 35mm adapter idea. Write and Direct and Shoot and Act in your shorts. Follow all the RED news and find out all you can about the RED and its competition. Spend the next year educating yourself on the Digital Cinema Industry. Most importantly make 5 shorts in the next 365 days. Learn about sound equipment and lighting ... get a crew together ... to make shorts ... get quality people to crew and act in your shorts ... after all this think about upgrading your camera equipment. That's my advice ... (free). Did I say scrap the 35mm adapter idea? Put together a reel of six of your shorts ... if they're any good ... someone will give you a RED!

 

[mosizzle]

I see what your saying. Im just concerned that if I get the canon in a month, and then the red drops a month or two after that, the value of the canon would be cut in half.

 

[Peter Hodgins]

I see what your saying. Im just concerned that if I get the canon in a month, and then the red drops a month or two after that, the value of the canon would be cut in half.

It will be at least a year before the Scarlet 2/3 inch could possibly affect Canon prices.

 

[mosizzle]

why do you think i should scrap the idea of getting a 35mm adapter btw. the reason i would like one besides the obvious purpose of the dof is cause my friend who is a photographer has an assortment of canon lenses that i could borrow.

 

[rod bradley]

I think Peter's advice is dead on.

I own a Red -- and I also own a Canon A1 as well.

When you're getting your feet wet, dealing with the 35mm adapter can be like dealing with a cinema production camera that isn't really a cinema production camera. If you have the DP and crew that can handle it and not get in the way, fine.

Learning the language of cinema, finding your voice, demonstrating you have talent, vision, et cetera, is not dependent on 35mm depth of field, or what kind of camera you're using (at least at this point in time.)

Features have been shot and distributed on lesser cameras than the Canon A1. And the release of the Scarlet, especially the affordable Scarlet, isn't predictable exactly -- and I'd guess it's at least six months away -- of course myself and everyone else is hoping it's sooner.

If you have the fire in the belly and have material ready to go, in head and/or on paper, there is no reason the Canon won't serve you well, with or without adapter. And remember, with the adapter, you'll probably need other pieces of gear, a heavier tripod, and definitely a follow focus.

Play on the instrument you can afford and can handle, get your chops -- then move up. Your Canon will still have value -- and will have already given you value in terms of an instrument of learning.