What is the competition???

[TimothyD]

I know this sounds like a joke, and in a sense it is. I do realize that there really is no competition for this camera... BUT...

I am getting ready to put in my order, but I have to list at least two competing cameras in order to get bids.

If Red was sold through B&H, Abel, etc. then I would just need three proposals for the Red camera, but since it isn't I have to find two competing cameras I guess, or two prices on a competing camera.


Anyway, here are my key criteria:

1. Camera must be suitable for ENG/EFP (No phantom, etc.)

2. Full raster 1920 x 1080 PROGRESSIVE minimum (interlacing not ok with me, pixel shifting also not ok)

3. Intraframe codec (not interframe)

4. 4:2:2 color MINIMUM!!!

5. 2/3" chip(s) minimum (No 1/2" or 1/3" chip(s)

Ok, I may add to that list.

So, while there is no real competition, I am guessing that the Sony F900 and a Panasonic Varicam are the two cameras that would be usable in ENG/EFP that meet at least some of my key requirements. (I know neither meet all, or probably even half)

Can anyone help me with specifics, and places that carry the cameras?

I need model numbers, and what-not...

Thanks so much for any help anyone can offer. This could be an interesting wall of shame so to speak for the other manufacturers:)

Tim

[Tom Lowe]

What about overcranking?

[TimothyD]

Hi Tom,

Nice feature, but not a key requirement for me. I do video for public relations at a university, so I could make use of it, but I don't HAVE to have it. It would be nice for time lapse, and I'll be glad to have it with the Red One, but I could live without it if I had to.

I'll be more than happy to put it to use though:)

[David Mullen ASC]

All those pro 3-CCD cameras use a half-pixel offset for the green CCD, except the Viper. That includes even the new Sony F23 HDCAM-SR camera. But those cameras still have 1920 x 1080 pixel CCD's (except the Varicam, which is a 720P camera.)

[TimothyD]

All those pro 3-CCD cameras use a half-pixel offset for the green CCD, except the Viper. That includes even the new Sony F23 HDCAM-SR camera. But those cameras still have 1920 x 1080 pixel CCD's (except the Varicam, which is a 720P camera.)

Thanks David,

I guess my question then is, if they have 1920 x 1080 sensors, why do they choose to offset the green CCD? I thought that was done to allow using SD sensors to capture more information than they would if aligned normally? (HVX-200 and HPX-500 for example)

Please excuse my ignorance on the subject, I had no knowledge of, or interest in HD until I found out that I would be able to upgrade our equipment for HD. Most everything I know is due to research here and on other sites.

Incidentally, I have seen footage from the HVX-200 and a number of Sony and Canon HD cameras. I have to say that the color on the footage from the HVX-200 was so far superior that it is the only sub $10,000 camera I would consider. Having said that, I want something with a removable lens and all of the normal manual features I rely on. Yes I know I can turn off the automatic stuff on prosumer cameras, but that is awkward and annoying...

So I still am hoping someone can tell me what they consider to be Red's closest competition in cameras that are suitable for ENG/EFP, and what places I should consider for prices???

Thanks so much,

Tim