Scarlet framerate question...

[DJK]

Hi, I have what's probably a stupid question, but despite everything I've read, I've yet to come across the answer. Now, maybe the answer is really obvious, but I'm kind of new to the world of professional camcorders, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can, so please bear with me...


When they talk about the Scarlet's maximum framerate (120 fps), would anything over 24 fps be solely for the purpose of overcranking for slow motion, or could you actually record and then play back footage at, say, 60 fps? Because I'd really like a camera that's also capable of 60p, and I'd been looking at the EX1/3 (which only do it in 720p, of course), but now I've been reading all about the Scarlet, and it's gotten my attention (higher resolution for cheaper), but I'm left with these questions.


Also, another question I've yet to find a definite answer to is, will the fixed-lens version of the Scarlet have optical image stabilization? Or is this not yet known? Because I've only come across threads with speculation about that. The thing is, I'd researched the hell out of the EX3, and couldn't have been more sure about it (except for the price, which was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but it's possible that I'll be able to afford it soon), but then I started to research the Scarlet. So now I'm really curious as to how it compares. Higher resolution, I already know, but what about this other stuff?

 

[Aaron Newsome]

When they talk about the Scarlet's maximum framerate (120 fps), would anything over 24 fps be solely for the purpose of overcranking for slow motion, or could you actually record and then play back footage at, say, 60 fps?

you'll really need to consider exactly what delivery method and device you will be viewing these high fps files on. if you're on a computer, using a file format that the computer can view, with a format that supports high frame rates, with a player that can play them, yes you can view high frame rate material on a computer at their native frame rate. high frame rates of course will require a really fast computer, especially at hd and beyond resolution.

most likely though, the delivery method and format you choose will have limits on frame rates. bluray, sd dvd, flash web video, broadcast tv, etc. these will all have standard frame rates they support.

 

[Stephen Gentle]

Also, another question I've yet to find a definite answer to is, will the fixed-lens version of the Scarlet have optical image stabilization? Or is this not yet known? Because I've only come across threads with speculation about that.

Possibly, but I really doubt it. You have plenty of resolution if you want to stabilise it in post (since you're only going to be delivering at 2K max, so you have plenty of headroom).

The thing is, I'd researched the hell out of the EX3, and couldn't have been more sure about it (except for the price, which was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but it's possible that I'll be able to afford it soon), but then I started to research the Scarlet. So now I'm really curious as to how it compares. Higher resolution, I already know, but what about this other stuff?

Well, as you said, there is the frame rates and the resolution, which are far higher. Scarlet may also give you more dynamic range, but we won't really know about that until it is released. I've had some minor "jello effect" shooting with the EX3, and this may be better on Scarlet also. Having the flexibility of the different lens mounts (if you're not going for the fixed lens package) is a big plus, as well as the modular design.

 

[DJK]

you'll really need to consider exactly what delivery method and device you will be viewing these high fps files on. if you're on a computer, using a file format that the computer can view, with a format that supports high frame rates, with a player that can play them, yes you can view high frame rate material on a computer at their native frame rate. high frame rates of course will require a really fast computer, especially at hd and beyond resolution.

So, other than the demands on your computer, and the potential limitations of your delivery method, there shouldn't be any other problems producing 60p footage that plays back in real time? I mean, I assume you'll need a big, fancy, expensive editing program, which I'll have to invest in (Any recommendations? I'm on a PC, btw...), but other than that, the Scarlet should essentially be able to replace a camera like the EX1/3, that records 60p, and do it at 3k, instead of just 720?

Possibly, but I really doubt it. You have plenty of resolution if you want to stabilise it in post (since you're only going to be delivering at 2K max, so you have plenty of headroom).

Okay, well, I assume that they'll be selling a shoulder mount for the Scarlet, right? I mean, I saw that they had one for the RED ONE, but I'm not really clear on what will and won't be compatible with the Scarlet.

Well, as you said, there is the frame rates and the resolution, which are far higher. Scarlet may also give you more dynamic range, but we won't really know about that until it is released. I've had some minor "jello effect" shooting with the EX3, and this may be better on Scarlet also. Having the flexibility of the different lens mounts (if you're not going for the fixed lens package) is a big plus, as well as the modular design.

Any word on the low light performance, or any idea what should be expected? I mean, in researching the EX3, I'd constantly heard how great it is in low light, and that would be a huge plus for me. So it's one of the things that would worry me about going with the Scarlet instead.