j_one

Andrew, you are really fixed on this possible impending GH4 firmware update. Did some inside source slip some info a while back that has you this excited (if you are)?

I appreciate everyone's feedback and comments. Its been great to see where everyone stands in terms of importance on Color, DR, Low light, workflow, 4k debate, etc. I sold the a7s yesterday. I had a gut feeling i was making a mistake as i was talking to the guy I was selling it to about the camera. It felt I was giving over a loved puppy I could no longer take care of. Dramatic, yes, but I already knew the camera is capable of great color. So for me to be selling it for my frustrations with color felt silly. Here's the thing about these cameras: like we all like to remind ourselves to dibble in the sentimental side of the art of filmmaking, "cameras are just tools". Now these tools have their own methods and character that DO affect the look and message of your film. But they come and go, because thats the damn nature of technology. NAB is literally weeks away. Its not like i didnt give the camera my full attention and technical consideration. I spent two of the three weeks I owned it for researching plenty of picture profile settings that worked for people (including the ones suggested in this thread), considered different grading workflows and techniques in both Resolve and Premiere w/ filmconvert. I tried conversion luts as well as different Impulz luts. I worked with the camera snd didnt find the look I personally want for my work, which in all honesty, is offered best by 5d mk III RAW (cursed be the workflow). The a7s is amazing. Just not for me, for the different work that I will be doing. I sure as hell will be renting it plenty times, though. But again, NAB is around the corner. I dont need to force my attachment to the camera like this. So like what most of you have been saying...shoot, test, shoot more, compare, and trust your gut. In terms of 4k, I just like how downscaled, unsharpened 4k feels like actual actual true detail in a 1080p timeline vs sharpening 1080p footage on post. It isnt a necessity. A7s footage is crazy sharp with great detail. But then, look at the 1dc downscaled. Same look and feel as the a7s imo, but even more detail without feeling video-ish. Hell, look at a7s 4k. Same premise. Stop saying 4k capture is pointless or not a necessity as much as DR or whatever other attribute. It has its great benefits that DO still contribue to the overall look of yiur film if handled correctly in post. As for my next camera...I think im going to just chill with my lx100, my bmpcc, and my a5100+speedbooster for the time being, and then just rent for bigger projects. I think i still need to figure out the type of shooter i am, as well as the type of footage I prefer to reproduce. Do i LIKE crushing blacks and blowing highlights? Do i like seeing flat footage? Do I REEALY care about sharp images?

Hi all! I've been following this forum for almost a year now, so I thought I'd finally jump in and join discussions! Glad to be a part of the great community here. I've been an owner of an a7s for about 3 weeks now, and I'm loving everything about it, from low light abilities to its dynamic range (8-bit or not). There's just one big deal breaker that has me ready to sell it to a potential buyer tomorrow on craigslist: the colors from the camera. To be frank, I despise the color rendition. I've taken great measures to ensure that white balance is on point with my scenes, and that my exposure reflects what has produced great results for others online. Even still, I find that color accuracy is just plain off, usually containing too much red/yellow, and other times just plain iffy. Accurate, vibrant skin tones mean a lot to me, and this camera just didn't give them like others do in lower budget cameras (canikon, apparently samsung). I now see why people say this camera's picture looks like film; DoF aside, the colors feel like a vintage film stock! I don't only work on narrative projects. I have corporate work that I do almost on a weekly basis, so it's important that I have a camera that produces accurate, vibrant colors right out of the camera (if not fairly close). So as a result of my frustrations spending weeks tweaking and experimenting with slog2 and cine2/cine4 profile settings (as well as neutral) in my grade, I'm switching to the NX1. If any of you have an opinion that contests this decision to switch for the sole reason of COLOR, please voice it! I understand that every shooter is different and has different needs/taste...I'd just like to hear what the rest of you have to say. Because I am hesitant. The a7s is still an excellent camera. Pros and Cons relevant to me as a shooter _______________________________________ a7s: ++ Untouchable low light (makes looking a photography and light totally new, fewer situation limitations) ++ ​Dynamic range + Full Frame (I can do without, s35/apsc is enough for me) + Film Look (color wise, subjective) + Full Sensor Readout, Quality 1080p (contests some 4k that is downscaled in this camera price range) + Small files, codec that is easy to edit/grade - In terms of grading, irritating "log" profile that is Slog2 (Sgamut is an ugly color space without a proper conversion LUT, which the a7s doesn't seem to have made specifically for it. Overexposing around +2 stops helps skin tones but not by much) - Weak battery - Not much of a stills camera compared to competition (IMO) NX1: ++ Best 4k APS-C + More accurate colors + Layout/Ergonomics + 28 megapixels + Well supported/growing firmware + h.265 - transcoding h.265 - Limited Dynamic Range So do I throw in the towel, or do I keep this amazing camera and subscribe to Color Grading Central and continue to get my color correction/grading skills up? Thanks again guys!

​I second this. I snagged mine used on amazon for about $300+ as well, and IQ wise, it's the best money on a camera body I have probably spend if thinking in practical terms. Great codec, great picture, workable low-light an dynamic range. Couple that with the speedbooster I placed on the mount, and you have a near-full-frame camera that's an excellent B-cam for the a7s (if not a worthy A-cam on it's own).

I really wouldn't pay them any mind. The more attention your film gets, expect 10 more tweets like that to come. But as long as our work is receiving honest, positive feedback, if not praise...it shouldn't matter.