Your Honest Opinion.

[Alexander Manning]

Ladies & Gentlemen of REDUSER,

I have an "Epic" question for you. There is no question that the EPIC-X is simply an incredible camera...but I want your completely honest opinion. I am a commercial filmmaker working for studio that is thinking about purchasing a EPIC-X. With the exception being it's subpar low-light capabilities (that may be me coming from the Canon C300) - I am absolutely blown-away by everything in this camera. Given now the state of Digital Cinema Cameras now and the incoming wave of 4K technology into the consumer/prosumer world - I ask a question:

Would you purchase an EPIC-X now or wait till NAB '14...I know the Dragon sensor upgrade is fantastic and we'll have the ability to upgrade when we feel it's necessary. I know we could play this game all day long and never "jump in", but something deep inside is telling me that the timing just isn't right.

We would buy the camera mainly for two reasons - the slow-motion capabilities and the amazing 13.5+ stops of dynamic range, and partially the resolution (most of our stuff goes to web/TV) for interview cropping...etc.

Looking at these 4K consumer cameras (some with some pretty good DR) gives me the feeling we're a bit late to the game and that the price paid doesn't justify what could be available right around the corner...and for cheaper.

Would love to know your honest opinions. Thanks!

Best,
Alex

 

[Phil Holland]

Thus far, none of the 4K consumer cameras I've seen are "great" for the typical rigors of actual production work.

Remember, some folks are happy shooting with DSLRs that state 1080p resolution, however resolve less than 700 lines.

All pixels aren't created equally and that's part of the equation here. As is REDCODE RAW for that matter.

Digital cinema cameras are not about making quality and cost compromises, they are created to produce the highest quality images. That's an important thing for people and producers to understand.

Also, do consider what format size/sensor size these cameras shoot in as that's very important.

 

[Nick Morrison]

The Epic is a great camera, you won't be disappointed!

 

[Stacey Spears]

NAB is not far away if you wanted to wait. Keep in mind that products announced at NAB may take a while to come to market.

 

[Matthew Scott]

My honest opinion is that you're crazy to buy an Epic right now (although I'm confused by your post because it says that you are thinking about buying one, and have already bought one). The sensor is old tech (over 6 years old?) and my guess is a body change is coming in the next year or two, "modules" keep getting canceled or taken back to the drawing board, so modularity isn't a strong point either. You know the camera is amazing, no doubt, and so do many other big time producers/cinematographers. It's proven itself over and over and since the price drop, it's a great deal! BUT! It's 2014. XK RAW will be saturating the market in 6-12 months like you said. RED are game changers and do it right when it comes to tech (although their marketing dates and release phases require a lot patience/another camera in the mean time), but that's not to say other companies haven't been watching closely for the past few years who will be offering much more for much less.

 

[George Butterfield]

Would you purchase an EPIC-X now or wait till NAB '14...

Do all your homework and studying for the next Seven weeks ... then ask your question again, after NAB.

 

[D Fuller]

NAB has become the "future cameras" show.

In my opinion, if you need a camera in the next 6 months, nothing you see at NAB will be both breakthrough and available within that time frame. If you have a present need for a camera, the only reason to wait would be the possibility of a good NAB-related deal. If your need for a camera is more than 6 months away, I'd suggest you wait for NAB.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

I agree with David. Very few companies deliver products ready to ship at NAB.

 

[paul schefz]

I would be surprised if anyone would show even a prototype of a 4(+)k raw camera at NAB....there are a couple shipping, incl the BM now....but none really have the package red has.....size, resolution, compression, DR, system and price.....there are other cameras, some with features that compare but all in all.....
sony is really the only company with the sensors and the existing system...but I don't see them announcing a "f66" that really compares to red....
compression is the secret.....

 

[Alexander Manning]

We pulled the trigger and plan to upgrade to the Dragon when the price is right. Gonna need some help from you guys in the future - you'll probably be seeing a lot of me around here - haha!

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

Agreed that redcode is the thing that really sets it apart from competition

 

[Björn Benckert]

Ladies & Gentlemen of REDUSER,

I have an "Epic" question for you. There is no question that the EPIC-X is simply an incredible camera...but I want your completely honest opinion. I am a commercial filmmaker working for studio that is thinking about purchasing a EPIC-X. With the exception being it's subpar low-light capabilities (that may be me coming from the Canon C300) - I am absolutely blown-away by everything in this camera. Given now the state of Digital Cinema Cameras now and the incoming wave of 4K technology into the consumer/prosumer world - I ask a question:

Would you purchase an EPIC-X now or wait till NAB '14...I know the Dragon sensor upgrade is fantastic and we'll have the ability to upgrade when we feel it's necessary. I know we could play this game all day long and never "jump in", but something deep inside is telling me that the timing just isn't right.

We would buy the camera mainly for two reasons - the slow-motion capabilities and the amazing 13.5+ stops of dynamic range, and partially the resolution (most of our stuff goes to web/TV) for interview cropping...etc.

Looking at these 4K consumer cameras (some with some pretty good DR) gives me the feeling we're a bit late to the game and that the price paid doesn't justify what could be available right around the corner...and for cheaper.

Would love to know your honest opinions. Thanks!

Best,
Alex

The thing to buy now is Carbon Dragon. It kills the C300 for low light and it's available... And it goes without saying, any camera that is available now is better than one that is not. Especially if you need it now...

 

[D Fuller]

We pulled the trigger and plan to upgrade to the Dragon when the price is right. Gonna need some help from you guys in the future - you'll probably be seeing a lot of me around here - haha!

Good decision.

(Don't expect the price of the Dragon upgrade to change, but the price will be right when you can see how it would make a difference to your work.)

Have fun, and come back for advice any time. You'll find no shortage of opinions here! LOL!