ALEXA vs. RED?

[Gary Adcock]

Since Alexa is not shipping yet don’t you think this a little premature?

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows for the Digitally Inclined
Chicago, IL

https://blogs.creativecow.net/24640

[Pat Mcgowan]

Too early? I’d say it’s never too early to share reliable information about new tech. I run a small shop that wants a big look and I can’t afford to play around with 2 or 3 approaches. So if and when I do invest in either a RED or an ARRI this year I am going to need to do a ton of research.

The ARRI release site has some nice packaged reels plus a few clips from Hollywood DOPs that are very interesting.

However there is very little on the tech side. Given that RED EPIC has just released to existing RED customers and the ARRI has pre-launched I’d say this is a very good time to get the knowledge sharing going.

Isn’t that why this forum exists and isn’t that why you are a moderator here?

[Michael Bravin]

Pat

What sort of information where you looking for that does not appear on the ALEXA website https://www.arridigital.com/alexa ? I’d be happy to fill you in.

Michael Bravin
VP Market Development
ARRI, Inc.

[Pat Mcgowan]

A side by side feature comparison versus RED EPIC would be good. Also, information regarding sensor upgrades etc.. Anything that makes the case for choosing the ARRI solution given that RED has the dominant market position and is releasing a 5K sensor whereas ARRI is releasing a 2K sensor. That kind of thing. More in-depth field stories citing real-world reasons for choosing ALEXA…

Yes, I know it’s early in the game but things are moving at lightspeed.

[Tim Kolb]

[Pat McGowan] “given that RED has the dominant market position”

In what market?

TimK,
Director, Consultant
Kolb Productions,

[Gary Adcock]

[Pat McGowan] “makes the case for choosing the ARRI solution given that RED has the dominant market position and is releasing a 5K sensor whereas ARRI is releasing a 2K sensor.”

Well lets start there,
the Alexa sensor is 3.5K, thought that frame size in the first release of the camera will be limited to the Arriraw format. Currently on high end disk recorders can handle that format, but changes will come quickly to the others.

I am confident that there will be many side by side comparisons now that the camera has been launched and access to working models will be less stringent than the pre-release versions.

Having seen both Alexa and Epic models (don’t forget Phantom Flex and Penelope) in the Last 2 days in my role as Tech Chair for the Dir. of Photography Conf. at NAB, I can assure you that I will be hands on with both.

Alexa is built and designed with the ergonomics considered as much as the imaging tools needed for mainstream production with diligence given to placement of camera controls for both the operator and camera assistant. The update to ArriRaw will be impressive, I have worked in Arri Raw from the D21 and the dynamic debayer that they will do incamera to output to ProRes internally.

I have seen and held the Epic Prototype and RED too has quite the camera, but i will not say more until the Wed announcement.

I am just as interested in the Alura Zooms announced. I am a big fan of Fujinon glass and I cannot wait to get my hands on one of those.

Its going to be a fun summer.

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows for the Digitally Inclined
Chicago, IL

https://blogs.creativecow.net/24640

[Fred Jodry]

Pat, both cameras have plenty of resolution and at least reasonable sensitivity. After that, one`s a Panasonic and the other`s an Arri. The Arri Alexa attempts to take in colorimetry and half tones as close to film`s quality as possible. The Panasonic Red does not. Other than that, the differences between the cameras will mostly be dependent upon how your camera operators and parts suppliers and builders handle your business. For instance, I haven`t reviewed the viewfinders, you`ll have to, and in my case, my custom lenses builder guy won`t offer to make lenses with coatings matched to the colorimetry of the Red. “Film” or “high efficiency HEC” is more predictable and less odd, and he certainly doesn`t have to take extra orders from me!

[Pat Mcgowan]

What do you mean Tim? RED has a large installed base for digital video cams, ARRI does not. Or do they?

[Pat Mcgowan]

Panasonic owns RED?

[Pat Mcgowan]

Anxiously awaiting your reports Gary.