DSLR Vs. Sony Z7U with 35mm Adaptor

[Nigel O’neill]

I have noticed that mixing older HDV cameras such as the Z1P or FX1 with the nextgen cameras such as an NX5, EX1 or EX3 can be problematic, even if you white balance them side by side. For one, they have have different sensors (CCD vs CMOS), and in the latter cameras, the operators can change the picture profile or gamma of the image. In general, I have found the skin tones to me more natural in modern cameras out of the box, but blacks in dark scenes can be a little brown. I have found it quite difficult to match DSLR footage with HDV or AVCHD footage shot on typical handicams. The lenses on most handicams cannot match the cinematic quality of prime lenses.

[John Rofrano]

[Nigel O'Neill] “I have noticed that mixing older HDV cameras such as the Z1P or FX1 with the nextgen cameras such as an NX5, EX1 or EX3 can be problematic, even if you white balance them side by side.”

I agree. Hey, if I could make an FX1 look like an EX3 then who needs the EX3? lol.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[David Forrester]

For what it is worth. I studied this issue years ago and snubbed the Letus adapter. Why? The Letus is too expensive. 2: It has a rotating disc or a vibrating disc and the image is definitely affected. 3: The image has quality and resolution losses and with an already marginal HDV image, you want all the help you can get – not a lesser amount. 4: Get a Sony FS100, the image clearly outperforms a Z7 (I have the Z5 as well – so have some understanding of your dilemma).

The Pros and Cons: For the FS100 you need to get good optics – most still lenses work very well – choose them carefully; The Z series has 12 or 20X zoom, ND’s. The Z7 has HDV – not the best. PROS with FS100: You will have AVCHD a far better codec than HDV; more choices in paint settings; choice of any optics your heart desires; more sensor latitude; outboard recording; shallow depth of field, but not extreme as in a FF sensor (my Canon 5D is a pain in the ass to follow focus up close with a f 1.4 or 2 opening), but on the FS100, a S35 sensor, the balance is perfect.

It really was a DSLR killer and it has met with great popularity. Some even claim it approaches the F3. This might be a time to upgrade.

Then there is also the KiPro Mini external recorder that can give you better results for the Z7 – but that is a $2,000-$3,000 add on when you look at rod rail support, battery, charger and CF cards. The KiPro will output 1920 x 1080, 10 bit, 4:2:2 in Apple ProRes (4 qualities) or AVID (3 qualities) from either camera, but it reads from an 8 bit source. HDV is 1440 x 1080, 8 bit, 4:2:0 – not the best. AVCHD is 1920 x 1080; 8 bit; 4:2:0 and can record 60 fps in HD – better. The Kipro reads the sensor with your paint profiles and records to high qualities with 422 color space. You might not see much improvement upon immediate review – but when you start to edit it in post – that is when the magic happens – clean clear shots and it stays that way. No banding, better resolution etc. but does nothing for shallow DoF – which is a camera issue. So there is an option.

At the end of the day, if you want really good stuff, and a pleasant DoF, the formula is: S35 sensor; good camera; high quality output > the KiPro or equivalent. And a nice touch: the KiPro gives you 2 extra audio analog inputs or 8 more via SDI which is nice.

Lots to think about.

Cheers,
Take 5

[Frank Stevn]

Thank you David.

I have to make a decision asap.

Lots to investigate about 🙂