Wait, or spring for fixed lens?

[keifer]

I know no one has used them yet, obviously, but do you think that the 2K fixed lens Scarlet would end up being enough for basically hands on learning. I plan on shooting 4-8 short films over then next 18 months then maybe trying an ultra low budget feature. Do you think it would be worth it to save up more money and wait for the s35 or would the fixed lens be fine for my needs?

Sorry because this is all speculation, but I'm kind of learning on my feet here...

[J. Brennan]

I think something you should take into consideration is that the S35 scarlet is just a sensor while the fixed lens complete kit is basically everything you need to start shooting. Now, you'll still have to buy a few things, like recording media, matt box, extra batteries, ect...

But the point is that even though the S35 only seems like it cost just a few thousand dollars more then the complete kit 2/3, in reality you're going to have to spend around 20K to get just an average level pro kit on the S35.

The thing is, it isn't an all or nothing decision. You can buy the fixed lens scarlet, shoot with it, learn with it, and buy accessories for it over time. Then when the time comes that you want to upgrade, all those extra accessories you bought will still work on the S35. Then after you sell the fixed lens scarlet you can use that money toward getting the S35.

The thing is, just don't feel like you have to buy it all right away. Just buy what you are willing to pay for and upgrade as you go.

And by the way, it's a 3K fixed lens not a 2K.

[David Rasberry]

The fixed and cinema 2/3" Scarlets shoot 3K not 2K. Fixed should be a great camera, especially if the lens is on par with other Red lenses.

[keifer]

I guess I'm just wondering what the drawbacks of the fixed lens would be. Probably not as many for me right now but...

[J. Brennan]

the drawbacks of the fixed lens could also be positives depending on your situation.

One of the "drawbacks" is that the lens is fixed so you cant ever take it off and use primes or other zooms. But the thing is, if you're in this price range this could actually be a positive because you probably wouldn't be able to afford quality glass anyway and the lens that is fixed to the scarlet apparently is very nice.

Another draw back is the fact that it only shoots 3K. But the truth is, the words "only" and "3K" should never be used in the same sentence. for example if you shot your feature at 3K and became one of the lucky few who actually got your film noticed and released in theaters 3K is enough resolution to get a 2K finnish which is what most hollywood movies are finished at these days.

Something also to take into consideration is your depth of field would be similar to 16mm film but not 35mm film. However this could also be a positive depending on what you are looking for.

Also the fixed lens has one major advantage that the S35 does not have, and that is you'd be able to shoot up to 120fps (150 in burst mode) while the S35 can only do a max of 72fps.

[Michael Stanmore]

Kiefer, I'm sort of in the same boat. I've worked in TV for a while and made a few shorts... although my company has a Red 1... I don't want to use that beast while I'm running around making my short films to improve my storytelling skills..and to build up to running around making my little features...again to improve my storytelling skills and get me ready for the big tangle when there's 50 crew and all the pressure of a pro shoot.

For me, and for you too I suspect... this 3K fixed lens Scarlet is going to be an amazing camera.

A 3K fixed scarlet, a Macbook pro, and an idea. that's all you're gonna need to get started.

[David Rasberry]

Fixed lens Scarlet will also be the only version to have fully electronic fly-by-wire control of lens functions. Hopefully it will also have optical image stabilization like other HD video cameras in its price range with fixed lenses.