Snowfun

Burano is even getting some positive comments on reduser… so it must be good. I love the naming convention.

There is no objectively “best” camera for any one task. Is it the best for you? That’s the key question. Given that you’re drawn to Sony the answer is possibly yes. But others will be able to reference many other cameras. Personally I’d rather take my Blackmagic but that’s probably the style of camera which is neither wanted nor needed. I’d give more detail about what you want the camera to do - how you use it, when you shoot, what your priorities are (AF? Audio? Etc.) which puts any responses into context. But the FX3 is a super camera and is quite probably “better” than the A7S3.

Great work as always!

I suspect that a primary problem with fora is that over time they become too one-sided, narrow minded and restrictive. Reduser doesn’t tolerate criticism - it would be fabulous to engage in (and learn from) genuine debate about braw vs. redcode etc. But that can’t happen because anyone who extols the virtues of braw will undoubtably be met with hostility. Here, it possibly isn’t a great idea to discuss Bloom’s reviews - why not? They are often informative and entertaining. But… Fora tend to become echo chambers and new, different or dissenting voices leave (voluntarily or otherwise). I fear that the majority of users go to their forum of choice (photo, automobile, hifi, whisky etc.) simply to have their views (or buying choice) reinforced and validated. Lots of us remember interesting (?), useful (?) or controversial (?) contributions from those who are no longer here. We might not have agreed with or liked or even understood them (young Zach…) but they presenting a range of opinion to keep things lively. And why don’t the “experts” (eg JB and, yes, even PB) pop in from time to time to share and discuss ideas? This space manages to retain neutrality with respect to brands and I think that is possibly unique. But - and without being deliberately critical - it has also driven people away. Why? Personally I’d like to see Andrew promote a topic of the month - eg “does 8 or 10 bit really matter?” and let a thoughtful, knowledgable and informative debate develop. And develop without being lost in “what camera should I use/buy?” or similar posts. Or a discussion about audio options at relevant and appropriate prices and level or expertise. The forum then becomes a place of genuine learning and debate not simply an exchange of opinions. But perhaps I miss the point…

Although some of the people here actually enjoy processing and playing with raw files. With no time constraints or commercial production schedules to worry about, us amateurs are permitted to enjoy raw and, by implication, might justifiably complain when a new camera doesn’t do raw. We’re just in touch with a different reality. But in the commercial environment of “bigger productions” I agree with the point you make.

If money isn’t a limiting factor, I’d be tempted to get a Komodo. Not hideously expensive but something to grow into and grow with. Lots of opportunities to explore lenses and being creative in post. And just a hint of je ne sais quoi to keep the juices flowing. But (apologies) that’s not helpful since you’ve already narrowed it down to two. Full frame for creative opportunities?

Took 2 Sony RX0ii away last week. All the holiday memories are stored on the iPhone. Well, all but the memory of wondering why I bothered to pretend I’d use the RX0…

As a BM pocket user I’m not sure I even have “features” let alone enough to give them up…

University professor so I’ll definitely be replaced… not convinced that’s such a bad thing!

Kessler K pod plus head approx £1200 Payload approx 70 kg. The Celestron telescope mount is approx £900.

I use a Kessler K-pod with Hercules head for Astrophotography. It stays where you put it. Not “budget” but certainly a lot cheaper than a quality cine tripod. I hate carrying it because it tries to snap my arms but once it’s in position it’s superb. One alternative might be to go for a telescope tripod - these are solid and not needing fluid heads are cheap(er). A Celestron Advanced VX Mount for example will come with a study set of legs and you could easily amend the mount.

“Work” isn’t primarily film or video related. I make short films to illustrate the courses/lectures I teach at University - so it’s me talking at a fixed distance in front of a green screen and the P4k plus Nikon 24mm is perfect for my workflow. I have a “studio” set up and the P4k lives on the tripod. My recently acquired P6k has a Nikon 50-300mm attached (and bolted to a frame) so not easy to change. Given the price of BM’s pocket series it made sense for me to get the P6k for fun rather than dismantling the set up and using the 4k.

Aida HD for Teams meetings… P4k for work related videos. P6k for fun. Photographs - primarily iPhone, occasionally A6000.

BM Pocket. Either the 4k or 6k - I’d let your lens preference decide. But only if you’re looking for the best image quality at the price - if convenience is a priority then I guess any of the affordable mirrorless cameras on the market (Sony, Sigma, Panasonic, Canon etc) will do a superb job in capable hands. if the camera is fixed and you know the preferred focal length then the 6k plus a Zeiss EF would be a good combination. Or a used (and cheaper) Nikon alternative with F-EF adapter. The choice isn’t really “what camera?”, it’s how do you want/need/like to work? AF or MF etc.

Update for anyone interested. I got a P6KG2 (I don't really need built-in ND and WEX were offering a free viewfinder). I also bought a lovely Nikon 50-300mm AIS ED (from Grays of Westminster) which looks fun although I have not yet assembled enough Smallrig bits and pieces to adequately support it. I suspect it'd pull the front off the Blackmagic if left unsupported. Balancing it on the tripod will be a challenge. I also have the Nikon 24,28,50,85 (Urth F-EF adapters) and I got what must be the most awful lens I have ever handled - the Canon EF50 (optically I'm sure it's wonderful but it feels utterly dreadful and even more cheap than it was). What little footage I've seen from the monster zoom looks quite promising and the sheer imposing nature of the thing definitely inspires me to want to get out and film stuff. There is something special about a smooth focus ring. And enjoying the process is, for me, at least as important as the product (which realistically only a handful of people will watch so arguably is actually the least important aspect of the activity...) Couple of downsides: the battery grip seems to make the camera reluctant to switch off and the Kondor Blue cage simply doesn't fit (the USB C cable holder is in the wrong place and is too small). Now replaced by single NP batteries and a Smallrig cage. Battery grip for sale!

I think the 12-40mm and 40-150mm might be a better combination for me. I'm leaning towards the 4k - primarily because of the lens selection (I already have a Voigtlander 10.5mm MFT but no EF). Given the uncertain future (?) of MFT I might be left with redundant glass in due course but it is relatively cheap now. And presumably even EF isn't the best investment anyway. I don't really need internal ND, I have a bucket full of Hawk Woods NP970s and the smallrig adapters, a smallHD monitor (if/when my knees are too old to cope with the non-tilting display) and I confess to quite enjoying the "features" that would undoubtably be limitations in a professional environment. I've run both now for several years (starting with the A7S and the 2.5k, Pocket, micro and 4k) so 100% understand! But I prefer the simplicity of the BM. Even If at times it is an annoying simplicity. This question arose when I woke up and decided to upgrade the Sony to an FX6 and only then did I start to actually think about it...

I’m bored of my A7S3. There’s nothing wrong with it. It exposes. It focusses. It churns out Prores raw (with the Atomos). It’s damn good. But it’s boring and there is no joy in using it. So I thought I’d get a second Pocket. (The one I have is used as a “studio” camera I use for work-related videos on sticks - set up with Nikon glass). But 4k or 6k? If I get the 4k I can also get the Olympus 12-100 f/4 and the 100-400 f/5-6.3 obviously in MFT. If I go for the 6k (probably pro) I’d get the Canon EF 24-105 f/4L. The Olympus lenses might be more fun to use (easier to manual focus?)… but there are some advantages to the 6k pro. The image from either would be absolutely fine (until I ruin it in Resolve…) I know the specification and technical differences - but which would be more fun? Thoughts?

I’m not sure that really matters. What we really should fear is when humanity is bereft of the ability to distinguish between propaganda - irrespective of the source - and useful, factual information. And, possibly worse, lacking in any apparent desire to be able to differentiate between the two.

Astonishing what this stuff is capable of. And equally astonishing how cheap they can sell it. There were times I assumed Blackmagic had moved into refrigeration - everything is “pretty cool”.

My Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM. Why? It’s a silly choice. But I do a lot of aurora filming and that lens is perfect. (I also use the 14mm f/1.8 GM but since I’m only allowed one that’s it).

I’m a fan of Kessler stuff. Yes, it’s relatively expensive (possibly stupidly so) but it’s rugged, does exactly what it’s told and has more bolt holes in convenient places than I would ever need. The kessler quick release plates are Arca compatible. https://kesslercrane.com/products/kwik-release-receiver-only-mg1001 I have acquired a silly amount of Kessler stuff over the years so as I say I am a bit of a fan. But it’s possibly not a direct alternative to the ones you mention.

This must be a claimant of the title for the “best”? Sony E 18-110mm F4 G OSS

Take care Andrew. Let the family’s love carry you all through this.

“Professional” if I was permitted additional words - convenient, useful, adaptable, manageable, cost-efficient… I am not a professional broadcaster but for my use they are super little cameras especially when matched to the Atem. https://aidaimaging.com/hd-100a/ I have two of the cheapest model.

I use them for delivering recorded and live lectures & meetings (using Teams). The Atem handled the green screen side of things so I had the Keynote slides behind me.