RED Low light actualy scenarios

[Simon Knight]

Ok, i've read extensive posts about how "bad" the RED cameras are in low light.. I wonder if anyone has some footage or stills to give me an example..

I come from the Sony Z5 through an Atomos Nnja world - so yes, a very capable low-light camera. And to make matters worse, I truly believe in natural light and HATE using on or even off camera light....But through ProResHQ i'm using the Dynamic Range of video - so what, about 7-8 stops at best. Yes, through 4:2:2 color correction its a bit better than HDV 4:0:0...

BUT, shooting 4K through Scarlet, surely the increased DR of 13 stops will allow me a greater latitude? So am I going to see an advantage? Or am I going to be disappointed?

Thoughts and any real world explanations of where i'm wrong would be gratefully appreciated..

Regards

Simon K

 

[Mark Toia]

My tip is, leave the camera on 800 ASA... and use the brightest glass you can get your hands on.
Pushing the shot file out past 1600asa will add noise. Shots are still completely useable but not smooth and clean.
The EPIC monochrome however was amazing at 2000asa.

Here are some ad's I've shot in ridiculously low light
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/ftp/Toia_latest/TVS_APACHE_2012-1280.mov
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/ftp/Toia_latest/Randy_STARMILD_93sec.mov

And some stills from some night tests.

Hope this helps...

Monochrome

 

[David Battistella]

We can close this thread up.

Lol

low light is great on red.
Just use fast glass and learn about what you are working with, as Toia so eloquently explained with his images.

david

 

[Simon Knight]

Absolutely... close the thread... Mr. Toia you have energised and excited me... Those images are exquisite... And the monochrome is a beauty...

I'm done here.... damn you helpful guys.......!!!

SK

 

[Mark Toia]

Guaranteed some Alexa, sony or canon guy will jump in saying the EPIC is shit at night.... Alexa is better... sony has more range.. canon c500 is better at hi ISO.. (actually the last one is true)

Have fun Simon. But remember, bright glass is the key.

Cheers dude.

 

[Simon Knight]

yeah, i'm thinking of the Canon 50mm f1.4 for most dusk/night shots.. Not planning on going over f2 at all for the same.. And of course others will say "x-camera' is better. There will always be a better camera. But i'm glad the Scarlet is not the "useless" camera 'some' would have you believe...

So, Mark, is that Singapore or perhaps HK? I feel I recognise a few spots... Again I cannot thank you enough for such a simple example making me so happy. I really can't wait.

SK

 

[Olivier Madar]

Ah ah !
Go Canon 1.4 or 1.2, and forget to change Asa, that is all. Great demo, Mark !


Olivier