DSLR vs video cams - dynamic range comparison

[koffiejunkie]

Found this on some other forum.

http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-one

They tested a bunch of Pro video cams and a handful of pro/semi-pro DSLRs, in dynamic range. The results are rather interesting!

 

[bwana]

A synopsis of the results maybe?

 

[koffiejunkie]

LOL, I didn't take note, I'll have to watch it again.

Basically what they did is they got a bunch of cameras, and asked the manufacturers to provide a camera tech to set the cameras optimally for the test. Then they gave them two scenes, one that is very low light, one that is very bright, and asked them to set the cameras so that they will make the best of both situations *without* being changed in-between.

As can be expected, the 5D did pretty well in the underexposed shot, but there was one video camera that wiped the floor with everything else. The 7D performed spectacularly in the on the highlights - much better than the 5D - but 35mm film pretty much ruled this along with the aforementioned video camera.

 

[bwana]

Thanks. I really need to start thinking about doing some video - final cut pro X seems like it was designed with us in mind.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Thanks. I really need to start thinking about doing some video - final cut pro X seems like it was designed with us in mind.

I think you need to sort out your storage methods first - video takes lots of space!

 

[bwana]

I think you need to sort out your storage methods first - video takes lots of space!

I can always get another box!

EDIT - I need to anyway - all my drives smell like cedar!

 

[genetic]

Interesting link! Although the DSLR's performed well, the dedicated video camera's still surpass the DSLR's in most fields when it comes to video. The Arri 35mm (motion picture) camera still reigns supreme.

If you want to shoot video - use a dedicated camera designed for the job. The same goes for stills.

 

[ponder]

...but there was one video camera that wiped the floor with everything else.

Which one was that?

 

[koffiejunkie]

Which one was that?

Like I said, I didn't take notes. Watch the video!

 

[noxibox]

Interesting link! Although the DSLR's performed well, the dedicated video camera's still surpass the DSLR's in most fields when it comes to video. The Arri 35mm (motion picture) camera still reigns supreme.

If you want to shoot video - use a dedicated camera designed for the job. The same goes for stills.

You mean the Arri digital camera?

The DSLRs can clearly do brilliantly for low light. But they need some work on the other end, and for now that means lighting accordingly.

If money is no object then buy whatever will do the job best. That's not the position in which the majority of filmmakers find themselves.

Which one was that?

Probably the Arri Alexa. Film camera was terrible with low light, but as expected handled overexposure well.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Didn't check out the link, but if you're serious video/stills/timelapse guy, just get a RED EPIC...

 

[EchoZA]

Arri all the way, I have an anomophic Arri lens from my father... pity there is no camera to go with it