comparison

Canon EOS RP and Fuji X-T30 announced – a Grand Canyon sized gap in 4K technology

by

Oh look! It’s time for Canon to roll out their old chips again! The EOS RP has an identical sensor to the 6D Mark II, with a micro-lens array design more suited to mirrorless lenses. Canon openly admit in interviews that the RP cannot even do cropped 4K/30p without overheating. Even the modest bump in frame rate would have necessitated “a larger body design”, they say. Not sure I believe them, but clearly the technology is behind the curve.

Most disappointingly of all, it turns out that the EOS RP lacks Dual Pixel AF in 4K video mode, like the M50, which means it’s a “no-buy” from me and better to stick with the EOS R until the pro body is released, which perhaps, is the intention.

Fuji on the other hand – an even smaller, lighter (380g) and cheaper camera has a full-width 6K sensor readout without overheating and most of the 4K video features of the superb X-T3 for under $900, with F-LOG, 120fps 1080p and bonus 10bit 4:2:2 external output.

There is a GULF between Canon and Fuji in their video technology.

Read moreCanon EOS RP and Fuji X-T30 announced – a Grand Canyon sized gap in 4K technology

25 ways the Sony A7S trumps the Canon 1D C

by

This began as a 10 point list. It grew…

I am huge fan of the 1D C’s image but not the camera itself and especially not the price. The 1D C when it was introduced offered an absolutely lovely image and still does but now the playing field is rapidly changing.

Exactly how does the Sony A7S compare on paper to the 1D C?

Read more25 ways the Sony A7S trumps the Canon 1D C

Which 4K camera for the masses? GH4 vs Blackmagic Production Camera

by

Already we have 2 affordable 4K interchangeable lens cinema cameras due and we’re only a month into 2014. Red Dalsa created the first 4K cinema cameras and these were first shot with on set in 2006 (The Dalsa Origin – Wikipedia)

Since then the rate of progress needed to commercialise such powerful hardware and sell it to consumers for $2000 in the case of the GH4 and $4000 for the Blackmagic Production Camera has been relatively speedy. Quicker than the time taken for full frame DSLRs to break the $2000 price barrier. Red never did succeed in making an affordable 4K cinema camera for the masses or a DSLR replacement.

Neither camera is entirely finished yet but I’ve seen footage from both the new cameras and shot with their predecessors for much of 2013. Here’s my opinion on how their strengths and weaknesses are going to work out…

Read moreWhich 4K camera for the masses? GH4 vs Blackmagic Production Camera

5D Mark III raw video (Magic Lantern) versus KineRAW MINI for image quality

by

The €3199 KineRAW MINI is the latest affordable raw cinema camera to be released. Featuring a 4K Super 35mm sensor it is a rival to the Blackmagic Production Camera and an alternative to shooting raw on the 5D Mark III with Magic Lantern. It shoots 2K / 1080p Cinema DNG uncompressed raw internally.

Having now spent more time with the camera for the full review (coming soon), I was curious to see how 5D Mark III raw video stacks up against a dedicated cinema camera with a sensor purpose built for video – not stills.

With the help of a new EOSHD test scene, we’re about to find out –

Read more5D Mark III raw video (Magic Lantern) versus KineRAW MINI for image quality

The REAL difference between normal DSLR video and 5D Mark III raw video

by

To learn more about using raw video on the 5D Mark III, get your copy of the EOSHD 5D Mark III Raw Shooter’s Guide here

What is the real advantage of installing Magic Lantern for raw video on your Canon DSLR, specifically the powerful full frame 5D Mark III?

Is it possible to finally SHOW it? Yes it is.

Here is the most in-depth comparison yet between the standard video mode and raw and why the image quality is worth your attention.

Read moreThe REAL difference between normal DSLR video and 5D Mark III raw video

Sony RX100 Mark II (M2) Review – evolution in times of revolution

by

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/70979462[/vimeo]

When I reviewed the Sony RX100 exactly a year ago it was genuinely novel. The closest image quality yet to a DSLR in a pocket camera.

Can the RX100 Mark II improve enough to stay interesting?

Read moreSony RX100 Mark II (M2) Review – evolution in times of revolution

Kinefinity KineRaw S35 Hands-on Review

by

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/67513738[/vimeo]

Fancy grading yourself? Download my pack of original files from the 5D Mark III and KineRaw S35. The file contains selected Cinema DNG frames and CineForm RAW .Mov clips from both cameras.

The Kinefinity KineRaw S35 is the most complete debut camera I’ve ever seen. Packed with features, it simply doesn’t feel like an S35 version 1.0.

Read moreKinefinity KineRaw S35 Hands-on Review