Photograph and Camera talk
-
I've been trawling around some of the news sites this morning as NAB is happening right now. I'm a bit late to the party, but have just seen the announcement of the Canon XC10.
It's a fixed lens camera that can shoot 4K video, with a 305 Mbps broadcast quality codec, and 12 MP stills. It's got a 27-576 mm equivalent zoom lens, and possibly professional grade (i.e. metal body) build quality.
Downsides are that it can't shoot RAW images, and there aren't XLR connectors for microphones.
The amateur videographer community has already slated it, because they think it's expensive for the functionality on offer. But, as usual, I think that they're missing the point.
-
But if you wanted XLR connections you could bolt an Atomos Shogun onto it.
-
I think that all the wannabe indie film makers are complaining that Canon have made a camera that offers similar functionality to existing models by Sony or Panasonic at a higher price. As usual they're looking at the spec sheets, rather than use cases.
For a start the Canon can record at over 300 Mbps internally. None of its rivals can, as they top out around 100 Mbps. Broadcast quality for 1080P is 50 Mbps, so I'm guessing the Canon could be used for TV production at 4K without an external recorder.
Given the price and weight of the XC10 it's likely to have a metal body, and be more durable than some of the cheaper cameras.
The other criticism is about the small sensor size. If you're wanting to do shallow depth of field you want bigger, but a lot of indie film makers overuse it, and end up with everything being out of focus.
Besides, Orson Welles used Deep Focus on a certain film, and it worked out well for him.
I think that the issue is too many armchair experts on the Net are spec sheet warriors. If you need a bigger sensor, interchangeable lenses, or can't afford the pricetag then it's not for you. There's no need to rant about Canon not having a clue about the products they're producing. There were similar rants about the Canon C300 being overpriced, but it found an market in the professional sector…
But as a portable solution then it sounds really neat. It's not perfect, I'd like to see XLR connectors and RAW output for stills (though that might come in a firmware update), but I'm interested.
-
Ah, in that case it's like saying a Leica M is overpriced because you can get a cheaper camera from a different brand cheaper with a higher MP count and autofocus. That misses the point that the glass is fantastic, and it's beautifully made.
OK, Leicas are probably overpriced, but they're lovely!
-
Sony A7II and 55 1.8 FE inbound
-
@derivative666 Thanks for the virtuous circle….
-
Nice camera @derivative666, I'm very tempted by the A7S, which is the video optimised model.
Have you seen the upcoming Zeiss Batis lens? It's got an OLED display for the aperture and focal distance, and optical stabilisation.
I'm waiting to hear if Sony announce the new R1 today. That's rumoured to have a curved sensor, which simplifies lens design and improves performance. It'll have a fixed lens, as the original camera did.
-
@graeme The A7ii needs to be exchanged today. It won't take a charge. So far I am loving the menu system and button design. Much different than Canon and Nikon systems. Low light capabilities is very impressive zero hunting in low light. Was getting usable images at 12800. The weight is much heavier than I anticipated. Build is exceptional. My biggest issue with the camera so far is the shutter noise
I have seen the Batis lenses and will be picking up the 85mm 1.8 when it releases. Right now the only lens I have is the 55 1.8 which is unreal. Will be picking up the 35 1.4 next month.
I read about the RX1 yesterday. Looks like a great cameraI, bet that 35mm 2.0 is a beast. Looks like it will be the epitome of "street"
Really impressed with Sony over the last 3 years. They have really upped their camera game and look to be real serious players in the market.
-
Well apparently nothing wrong with camera was using a micro usb cable that was for gopro didn't realize it would made a difference or perhaps I have a bad cable.
-
Glad to hear that the camera's OK, and look forward to your reports of the new lenses. I'm liking the Sony designs right now too. Will have to get one at some point.
I'm a fan of the mirrorless designs, as they tend to be lighter. My brother is largely shooting on an Olympus OM-D these days, because it's about half the weight of his big Nikon.
Unfortunately Sony haven't announced the new version of the RX1 today.
-
Was also disappointed @Graeme . I have had the RX1 for about a year and absolutely love it, that said was excited for a potential upgrade. It is my favorite camera that I have ever owned.
-
Out looking at cameras, and I found the Leica M-P Safari…
-
-
Thoughts?
Is this replacing the PowerShot? Or just another addition to the arsenal?
