The Art of Resolution

[David Rasberry]

Hey guys, I just want to share a blog post by Joe Rubinstein that is a thoughtful response to the question of whether 2k and small format cameras like the D16 will soon be obsolete in a large format 4k and future 8k world. It is an outgrowth of an ongoing forum discussion we have been engaged in on the Digital Bolex site. Food for thought.

http://www.digitalbolex.com/art-came...ion/#more-2425

 

[Phil Holland]

The fun thing here is in terms of resolution and format I agree what this is all about.


One advantage that you get today by being a Red shooter/owner is that since 2007 you've had access to that size "format" and close to that S16 resolution. Shoot in 2K or even 3K on Mysterium-X and you'll actually be able to create a S16 preset on Dragon to mimic the format itself and have the resolution to back it out.

When scanning S16 it topped out around 2K perceptable resolution, which is why I think the D16 is a cool idea especially with the form factor they are exploring. S35 topped out around 4K pure resolution.

However, there's a reason that S35 became such a popular format and resolution is part of that equation. As is common working distances, DOF, etc.....

That's also why Red put the time, effort, and cash into a digital film alternative system.

Now that's not the only reason to shoot on a format however, and Joe does a good job explaining some of the benefits of S16.

It's important not to ignore the popularity of larger sensors and formats though.


The interesting thing about Epic Dragon for me is that you'll actually have access to essentially 3 motion picture formats.
What I call "damn near VistaVision", Super 35mm, and Super 16. (and if you're crazy Super 8, go for it)


4K as a display medium today is going to be a bit more picky than film ever was due to consistency and demands of quality laser projection and monitors.

The goal isn't sometimes being king of the mountain and defining the best of everything because that's largely subjective. The true goal however should be to have the freedom and option to shoot your content on any format you choose.


I'm a camera and lens nut and I love most modern formats for one reason or another. However, I'm certainly on the resolution side of things and I've been the same way with my still images. In fact I want to close that gap between the quality between my stills and motion. Red's allowing me to do just that.

Then again I'm one of those nuts that finds skin detail to be a beautiful thing, in fact it can lead to an extra level of nuance in expression if you think about it.

 

[BigLu]

Phils a Monster at this.

 

[David Mullen ASC]

I agree with the article in general -- there's nothing wrong with variety, including in resolution. The difference is that in the distant past, resolution was more closely tied to money... an indie film wasn't going to be able to shoot in 65mm even if it were right for the project. Now that is less of a restriction and the format can be chosen more for artistic reasons (unless you want to shoot on 65mm film, and then you're back to financial impediments) but with digital, there is less of a clear-cut correspondence between budget and resolution. Though it's not eliminated, especially for visual efx work or many other aspects of post. But for shooting live-action, it's less of a problem if you want to capture in more resolution.

However, in the rush to sell 4K TV sets, I'd hate to see filmmakers from being restricted from creating softer images.