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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

RED or Sony

To get back to the OP's question, I can't say for sure whether the Sony cameras will satisfy you coming from Epic, but I did myself choose an FS7 over a used Scarlet Dragon, and I feel that it was ultimately the right choice for me. Versatility-to-cost ratio was probably reason number 1 (built-in ND filters, ease of throwing it on my should, ability to use mount adapters/speedboosters, good codec, 180 fps in HD, built-in XLRs, long lasting batteries, etc.). And I too shared your concerns about the weight of a rigged Red as well as the additional costs of building a usable package.

But then, a big part of the choice comes down to taste -- if you just plain don't care for the image out of the Sony, be it FS7 or F55, then most of the other benefits of switching probably won't add up for you. I've found forerunners in the Sony line (FS100, FS700, FS700 + 4k RAW recorder module) practical to use, but I had never loved the image from this series until shooting CineEI/Slog 3 with the FS7. Combined with the XAVC codec, you get very good color and some latitude in post, and the LC709A LUT (the "Alexa" LUT) usually gets me pretty close to where I want to be pretty quickly.

If you want something even smaller as a B-cam/gimbal cam, I'd also suggest taking a look at the new FS5 rather than rigging up an A7S/RII. There are early reports of software bugs, but maybe give it a little time and then see for yourself-- there are limitations, but it's a lot of camera stuffed into a very small and inexpensive body, and with a lot of the practical conveniences of the FS7.
 
I have used my Weapon, Epic, F5/55 and FS7, A7s, 5Dm2/3 on everything from High end commercials to deep jungle pissing rain doc's and each has a place and type of production to use them on. Each one will do the job of the other, and each one may not be able to do the job of the other at times, but I find that sometimes you just don't need a super computer to add 2+2 and some times you do. If you compare todays cameras to the ones only a couple years ago it is amazing the images that they can make.. And I feel RED has a lot to do with that... other wise we would all be still shooting 1080 for most of our stuff. Or film.
Really it all boils down to your personal choice, project and client choice and budget.
I never saw Tiger Woods only play with his 6 iron all the time... although I bet he could probably be better than almost everyone else if he had to...
Would I love to use my Weapon for star time-lapse for some of my clients? Sure I would but that doesn't mean I won't pick up my A7s and know it will probably do a much better job than something else in a moonless night. I
t all depends on many factors. But there are a lot of good choices now that we didn't have only a few years back...

I wanted to add just one though. I have been working using digital cameras over 35 years as a director of photography and director, and I have never see or heard any feed back or an email or phone call from any one at the other non RED companies that make cameras when I had an issue or question about their product, not once in hundreds of times. But I have with RED always..... so maybe thats a reason for a choice.
 
RED is known for its color science and workflow, Sony is not really know for much, just BS. Unless you want to sacrifice those..
 
I was a Sony user before Red. I love their menu system, their all in one kit, and lots of good design choices. Here's what I hate:

1. The naming of their cameras by models that to the public seem meaningless... FS100 vs F7 vs A7. Yes they are different but model numbers as names don't evoke imagination.

2. New model every year. Meaning you got one year before your model is obsolete and no longer desirable. This is a bit different at the high end like F55 but still, everything else get's replaced.

3. No roadmap to their technology. They have enough money to fund every type of camera. Handheld, shoulder-mount, still vs camcorders etc. All cameras slightly different making you wish one had this tech instead of that technology. In the end, they compete against themselves as well as their competition.

4. Crappy audio. Their pre-amps are not great (not saying that Red is any better).

5. Premium for the name. If it wasn't for Red, Sony and digital would still cost $100K. DSLR probably wouldn't have had their digital revolution cause Canon still would not have "Got it".

6. Sony does sell modular. No different. BetaCams used to sell parts and pieces separately based only custom needs.

7. Jar Jar Binks... although not really Sony's fault...ha, ha.

Guess number 2 and 3 bother me the most. Although I can tell folks, I have a Red Epic Dragon, I rather say I have a Red Camera. That inspires people. It's no longer about what model and type, it's about a culture and artistic freedom.
 
Wil Wong said:
I was a Sony user before Red. I love their menu system, their all in one kit, and lots of good design choices. Here's what I hate:

1. The naming of their cameras by models that to the public seem meaningless... FS100 vs F7 vs A7. Yes they are different but model numbers as names don't evoke imagination.

2. New model every year. Meaning you got one year before your model is obsolete and no longer desirable. This is a bit different at the high end like F55 but still, everything else get's replaced.

3. No roadmap to their technology. They have enough money to fund every type of camera. Handheld, shoulder-mount, still vs camcorders etc. All cameras slightly different making you wish one had this tech instead of that technology. In the end, they compete against themselves as well as their competition.

4. Crappy audio. Their pre-amps are not great (not saying that Red is any better).

5. Premium for the name. If it wasn't for Red, Sony and digital would still cost $100K. DSLR probably wouldn't have had their digital revolution cause Canon still would not have "Got it".

6. Sony does sell modular. No different. BetaCams used to sell parts and pieces separately based only custom needs.

7. Jar Jar Binks... although not really Sony's fault...ha, ha.

Guess number 2 and 3 bother me the most. Although I can tell folks, I have a Red Epic Dragon, I rather say I have a Red Camera. That inspires people. It's no longer about what model and type, it's about a culture and artistic freedom.
Click to expand...

Well said, more proud of being a RED owner
 
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