[James Houk]

While we’re at it, let’s get some hits on this one:

[James Houk]

I would have loved this Final Cut when I was ten! Blows all the consumer crap away!

Wonder how many seats they can sell to 10 year olds… 5 million?

What an FCP X Ad Campaign Might Look Like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgXUh1HrYOw

*Sony PMW-F3 (Preordered!)
*Final Cut Studio 3

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[James Houk]

“As I pointed out in a previous post, for instance, FCP X actually is suitable for a respectable fraction of Apple’s user base even now, and because it’s not sold as an ‘upgrade’, users who migrate to it are free to sell off their copies of FCS3.”

…Unless you want to ever open up your old FCP7 or earlier projects. Seeing as there is no capability to open older FCP projects… most editors are likely to hold onto their Studio 3 copies. Even if we move to Premiere or Avid those Studio 3 licenses will let us access our old projects natively, and export XMLs and such as needed.

*Sony PMW-F3 (Preordered!)
*Final Cut Studio 3

[James Houk]

It was a $16k street price for body only. The dealers all signed paperwork agreeing to not sell it for less than $13,300. So that’s the going rate. $18950 for kit with glass.

Obviously, $13,300 is a very different price than $18,000 for just the body!

I think at $18,000 I would have gone with the AF100 for the time being.

*Sony PMW-EX1
*Letus Ultimate
*Final Cut Studio 2

[James Houk]

Reasons why I am on the PMW-F3 preorder list and will have one in February:

-SxS & Batteries match workflow and accessories I already own for use with my EX1.
-HD-SDI out will permit 10bit external recording for clients who desire it, with SxS for backup and offline editing purposes.
-Super35 sensor means PL glass can be used with no cropping. Full frame glass can be used with about a 20% crop. AF-100 sensor is 20% smaller than the PMW-F3, which means significant cropping when using PL or fullframe glass.
-MTF is making an adapter that will permit me to use my Zeiss ZF Nikon mount lenses on the PMW-F3.
-In the videos I’ve seen the PMW-F3 out performs the AF100 in terms of picture quality. Resolution, detail, clarity, everything. The fact that the chip was built from the ground up for this camera is probably part of that.
-Low light capabilities look phenomenal.
-Rolling shutter appears to be very minimal. On par with the EX1.
-Moire and aliasing are not a problem. Performs admirably.
-Deep focus shots don’t fall apart.

-Fact is, my client base doesn’t want to deal with the RED post workflow. When they do, I can rent.

-I’ll be putting rails on this, yes – but overall, it’s going to be much easier to use and much lighter than my EX1 was with the Letus adapter.

-Intrigued by Sony’s powered zooms for this camera

Do I wish it was cheaper? Sure. But I don’t see a competitor providing what I want for a better price. The AF100 looked nice until I saw the specs and footage for the PMW-F3.

RED requires heavy post work. I don’t need that on a daily basis. A lot of indie stuff I work, they don’t want that much post work. Some clients will be happy with the internal 4:2:0. For others I’ll use an Aja Ki Pro Mini or such.

The fact is, this camera will pay for itself in work, and when I want to trade up I’ll get the rest back out of selling the camera.

If it doesn’t work for you, don’t buy it.

But be accurate about the price comparisons please! It’s not $18,000 without lenses! It’s $13,300 without lenses. Sure, Red said Epic-S will be around $12,000. By the time they actually release it (after all the more expensive Epic cameras) that could easily be $13,000 or $14,000. And that’s just for the brain! Doesn’t even come with internal recording. So add all the accessories! I’m guessing to deck out the Epic-S you’re still close to $20k without lenses. And it may well not be out until Fall. If then.

For me, the PMW-F3 in February is the best answer. If it’s not the answer for you, that’s fine. Move on.

Everyone acts like this is all a giant conspiracy to overprice the camera. Supply and demand. A commodity is worth what people are willing to pay for it. And I assure you, there are people willing to pay Sony’s asking price for this camera.

*Sony PMW-EX1
*Letus Ultimate
*Final Cut Studio 2