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I own one. It's a fantastic second camera. There's no way I would want one as my primary camera. Pros: - Image quality is brilliant - Integrated gimbal and 4th axis (the whole reason for the camera to exist) - Very flexible to use in many scenarios with options like the Flex unit - Raw license is now $1 (too bad I didn't wait!) - The 8k is one of the best low-light cameras on the market - Probably matches really well with the S1R II - Lidar autofocus works really well (within its limitations) - Subject tracking mode is really fantastic - Integration with high bright remote monitor is amazing - Swappable lens mounts means you can use DJI's DL lenses, Sony E mount lenses (I had infinity calibration problems and sold the E mount unit), L mount, M mount, and thanks to third parties, EF mount and PL mount lenses Subject tracking, in particular, is great for stuff like vehicle mounting. The high bright + flex integrations also allow for some really cool creative stuff if the flex unit is mounted on a monopod, for example (think jib/crane shots, zooming into spaces, etc) Cons: - A really awkward camera to use for non-gimbal stuff - Weirdly inflexible (like if you choose ProRes, it'll be ProRes HQ, if you choose PRR, it will be PRR HQ except in hfr modes where it will be PRR standard) - To get the better recording codecs (ProRes 4444/PRR), you need to use DJI's special media ($800/TB + $300 reader) - Lidar autofocus doesn't work past around 10m - Flex unit is expensive - High bright remote monitor is also expensive (plus needs transmitter for more $) - A bit heavy (I use mine with Ready Rig most of the time so I don't think of the weight much) - 6k model has fairly poor RS, 8k model allows choosing really bad RS or less DR - Even though many lens mounts are available, lens selection is very limited by gimbal capacity, if you don't want to use the 4th axis, you can use more lenses if you add a counterweight, but the 4th axis is really one of the big selling points - TB50 batteries, though you can get third-party battery plate replacements for v-mount or TB51 (I just have 3 TB50's - when they crap out, I'll switch to the Alvin's v-mount plate which I ordered early on, but didn't end up using (yet)) There are probably more of both that aren't coming right to mind. Glad to answer any specific questions.

It is, but true artists love the craft. That's why they are artists and not accountants. When talking about AI for creativity it's always about the program used, never the person doing the work. "How do I make this easier?" is the question of an engineer or someone who wants to cut corners. Now we all use some sort of AI for our day to day jobs. I get it. It's either that or get out. But no self-respecting artist goes into the daily creative grind thinking I should embrace tech to increase my output and spend my free time on TikTok.

As the poster above said, the cinema look is hand-crafted. I would add dramatic lighting to your list. Think of the great Italian chiaroscuro painters from the XVII century. By nailing that artistic expression you're 99% into cinematic. Lots of light makes things uninteresting, didactic.

Hi, Who here has used an dji ronin 4d? Whats your experience? What are the cons and pro's? (The weight seems a big con. 5kg..) maybe also its size is an issue, as its quite the setup. And it might not fit in places where an mirrorless might fit. But I never used or seen one, so I am not sure. Cheers

Although it's not exactly what you're looking for, I'd have to second the Nikon Series E lenses. They truly are remarkable little lenses. I haven't been able to find a good copy of the 35mm 2.5 but the 36-72, 50mm and 100mm are nice little lenses, especially the size of the 100mm. Also the older non-ai lenses are pretty spectacular as well. One lens I hate to mention because it does get such bad reviews is the 35-70 3.3-4.5 ai-s lens. It's tiny and a lot better than the bad reviews give it. I mean, it isn't great, but there's something very Nikon in its not greatness. Another zoom lens I love, which I assume you're familiar with is the Canon FD 35-105mm 3.5. This lens is ALMOST parfocal. Obviously constant aperture. Internal zoom. Fairly compact. I've had a few copies over the years, then end up selling it because I didn't use it too often, regret it and seek another one. My most recent copy I put on the Sigma FP and here's a sample of it at 105mm wide open... No mind-blowing image by any means, but fairly sharp wide open and I like the way it handles the highlights. Of course it's a mess in direct light... as I found out last week during a shoot. However, there are rumors that Canon considered putting the L badge onto it because they were so happy with the lens. As far as primes, other than the Nikons, the Takumar lenses are a personal favorite of mine. I've heard people argue that the 28mm 3.5 is one of the best 28mm lenses they've used. I haven't used that one but the 35mm 3.5 is excellent. I've used a couple of the wide angle Tokina lenses from the late 70s, early 80s and they were decent, but I think they were f/2.8 lenses. Obviously you could get a cheap Neewer fixed ND to pop on the lens and leave there to give you that slower stop and to protect the front of the lens. Also check out the old Vivitar lenses, I have a set of mostly Tokina made ones in the m42 mount and I have always been very fond of them. The image instantly feels like an old 70s made for TV movie. I'm probably going to sell them though, not because I don't like them, I just have too much stuff and really need to scale back. I guess you could also look at some of the older Zeiss Jena lenses... even the MF ones would give you the slower apertures you were looking for wide open. Great thread! Wish there were more threads like this on here like it.

Decided I am selling my S9...I know. It's a killer camera. I realized I want something more durable as my a-cam. I got it for a killer deal, but that also just makes it all the more easy to sell as I am pricing it low at around $900 WITH the Smallrig cage. After further thought, I want a camera that is weather sealed, and reports about the rear dial going out (it feels soooo cheap) do not give me the most ocnfidence.)

Totally get the frustration, mixed feelings here too. But honestly, I’ve been directing AI content for agency work and even for music videos where the budget wouldn’t cover full CGI. It’s not about losing work, it’s about adapting. Most clients are abroad and on tight budgets, so outsourcing is just reality. Learning to guide AI creatively is how you stay ahead, not get replaced!

Husband and father.

What kind of job was it? Can you talk about it?

This is always the problem with any AI discussion. I abhor GenAI, but I do like the ML tools in various software that they refer to as "AI" (even though it's really just a better magnetic lasso or something like that).

Hey everyone, I had to take some time off for family matters, but I'm back to creating new music to share with you. So this week we have... On my Horror 2 page: "NIGHT STALKER 3" https://soundimage.org/horror-2/ On my Puzzle Music 8 page: "ANCIENT MAGIC" https://soundimage.org/puzzle-music-8/ And on my Sci-Fi 14 page: "OFF-WORLD DESOLATION" https://soundimage.org/sci-fi-14/ As always, they're 100% free to use in your projects in Mp3 format, just like my thousands of other music tracks. Btw, it's great to see that people are utilizing my Ogg Music packs...I'm so glad they're helpful! Here are links to them: https://soundimage.org/ogg-game-music-mega-pack/ https://soundimage.org/ogg-music-packs-2/ Enjoy, stay safe and keep creating! 🙂

Whoops, we did blow right by that focusing direction one didn't we lol. I just automatically go to super takumars when I think of awesome character, slower, and readily available primes for cheap, they're the kings. To be fair, it's in the list of preferred characteristics, so maybe theres some wiggle room for the right set. If it's a requirement, I'll double down on my Olympus OM recommendation and also throw out SSC Canon FD lenses, there's a 17mm 4, 28mm 3.5, 35mm 3.5, and a 50mm 3.5 macro and 100mm f/4 macro. Bonus/wide lens could be the 24-35mm 3.5 L which might be just over budget.

I don’t mind…and in fact, welcome AI, if it is for specific tasks rather than replacing creativity. When it replaces the; pen, paintbrush, camera, then yes, strong dislike, but if it can reduce my non-creative edit time, then great.

Surprisingly, it seems that Minolta didn't make so many slower lenses? This list here might not be complete, but it barely lists any slower ones: https://www.rokkorfiles.com/Lens Reviews.html and the page on the lens history doesn't include many extras either: https://www.rokkorfiles.com/Lens History.html Is Flickr still a thing? maybe some searching on there might reveal some other options, and with bonus sample images too.

OP asks for lenses that focus the Canon way.... Queue long discussion of lenses from Nikon, Pentax etc. OP asks for lenses that are slow to use wide-open.... responses include stopping down faster ones! 😆 😆 😆 Lots of people really just waiting for you to finish talking so they can go back to stream of consciousness without any thinking required!

Last month, I officially lost my first (as far as I know) video job to AI. I'm sure it won't be the last.

So fuck it

Pretty amazing what gen AI is capable off now though.

And that is just Section 13b in building 21 on site 17. There’s also an entire empty facility just in case ‘missing’ deliveries from MPB via DHL, turn up.

I like perfection because you can muddy it up but as the saying goes, you can’t polish a turd. Anything I can do that makes my workflow better, enhances creativity because it allows a greater effort to be focused in that regard. I feel and have felt for a long time that the tools have been getting in the way hence the streamlining. Arguably the tools have been good enough for quite some time, but there have always been real world niggles. No excuses now, anything I don’t manage or get wrong is on me. Again, has been arguably for a long time, but being realistic, as a one man band hybrid shooter and with no manual, it’s been a learning curve and though that curve has flattened significantly long since the 15 years I started (shooting hybrid), it’s still a ‘work in progress’. And always will be.

The cupboard in question

If you want a vintage set from the same range that are pretty uniform and readily available then the Nikon Series E are worth a look. They are available in the following focal lengths. Prime Lenses: E 28mm f/2.8, E 35mm f/2.5, E 50mm f/1.8, E 100mm f/2.8, and E 135mm f/2.8. Zoom Lenses: E 36-72mm f/3.5, E 75-150mm f/3.5, and E 70-210mm f/4.0. Obviously, no wider than 28mm may or may not be a deal breaker for you personally. The zooms are one touch such was the fashion at the time but are good performers. As I say they are all from the same range so are more matched than having to pick from this and that branch of, say, CZJ etc. You can get them for an average across the set of around £75-90 per lens plus budget £10 for each F to EF adapter. Plenty of examples to peruse here https://www.flickr.com/groups/1032976@N23/pool/ If you can stretch the budget, the Contax Zeiss range is compelling but for 1/3rd of the price the Series E range is a decent option.

There are so many options out there with those requirements. Any of the major brands had some real gems depending on the era. Anything 2.8 will really clean up at 3.5 and still be vintage soft vs modern and clinical. 2.8 copies will allow you to not get jammed up in low light situations when you might need it but you can live in deep focus the rest of the time. I have the whole Contax Zeiss set and they’re a perfect blend of vintage and not too sharp. great color. Can be found cheap now. Also highly recommend the Yashica M42 stuff and Konica AR for cheap underrated options.

I went away for the weekend and came back to find some cool posts on this thread! There are definitely benefits in terms of consistency. I still haven't been able to find a vintage zoom with a useful focal length that focuses in the right direction and doesn't have smeary bokeh. Also, I'm not a huge fan of the 12+ element stacked flares that usually come with those lenses. The best I've been able to find it he Olympus 35-70 f3.6 but I wouldn't call it a character lens. I saw this video about a year ago and tried to get one. I had a seller mislabel their listing and ended up with the variable aperture version. I was pretty irritated by this and it went into a drawer, only coming out when I dropped it off at Goodwill. I haven't looked again since. Or f4 on S35. Absolutely. That's a case for M43 that is seldom made. But it also kind of forces you into wide, expensive glass. At least for vintage lenses. It's a bit of a catch 22. Bought this one a couple of years ago. It wasn't for me. I was in agreement that it was the worst Nikon lens I'd ever tried. I found one of these with an M42 mount a few years ago. I really thought that it would scratch the itch but my copy was remarkably sharp. Amazing for the first zoom ever made. This is actually a pretty neat idea. It might also work with step-down rings. It could also be a good way to standardize light transmission between lenses. I think I'm going to try this.

Thanks for sharing, might be the only lens that can compete with the first nikon 43-86 zoom😉 After some research, a little while ago, i got the 2nd edition? of the nikon 43-86mm. One odd thought later (like how bad could it be? ) and a first edition was on its way... easiest way to tell them apart is the first has the text on the inside of the filter ring from memory. The second gives a more pleasing image for the masses, the first is er... more subjective, dare i say it a specialist lens for particular projects. Now i guess i have to find the adapter to suit as its been awhile.