MrSMW

Rumored cameras are terrible at video. And photo. 😜

A7RV for sure: 100% of my stills needs, plus the ability to provide some roaming video capability during ceremonies and speeches whilst the pair of FX30’s are doing static locked off duty. Maybe I am guilty of buying into the negative Canon hype wagon… I quite like the pairing of R3 for video, R5 for stills and maybe an R7 for gimbal…but not sure about lenses. Out of all the camera brands, I have had; Nikon, Fuji, Panny, Leica, Oly, Sony, but never owned a Canon, not even a compact! I suppose what puts me off a little is the cost because though it’s not an absolute dealbreaker, it would be (by far) the most expensive set up!

Don't know, haven't got one. I did buy an XH2...then sent it back, unused. I may still go the Fuji route but after what has been 12 years now of Fuji and then Panasonic and actually having a need for reliable AF, it is one factor putting me off both brands right now. Panny is fine for stills...in fact they both are and OK at static subjects. Fuji is better still (IMO) but it's in the video tracking where there are still question marks for me...

Cool. I am going to insist all my weddings from now on are 'Dune inspired' 😀 Seriously cool piece of filmmaking IMO. OK, I know the budget is 100 gadzilion and there are green screens and crew of thousands yada yada yada, but still... Yes, he may well be shooting it on FX3's and why not, but the lenses will be uber-expensive PROPER cinema ones. (Ie, not from Meike or 7 Artisans) 😆 Yep, but I only need one unit to be hybrid and the other two are 100% video. Having the ability to shoot stills in a pinch is a bonus and saves having to have a dedicated back up camera, ie, I could shoot on just 2 in an emergency and not 3. But choosing an FX30 as a hybrid and only piece of kit for such use, as a pro, no that would be a bit extreme! I am ONLY looking at a pair of FX30's in this regard. Considered but all options considered, I prefer the other options. The R6ii kind of looks interesting but not actually looked properly yet. I am a bit put off by all the Canon shenanigans to be honest and find it difficult to keep on top of all the crippling. I just feel like an investment in Canon requires too much effort these days. Unless already invested in the system, but as what would be a Canon noob, no thanks. But Tamron, yes, knocking it out of the park right now for me. 35-150mm f2/2.8 = big (ish) but not stupidly so and that focal range and ability for me to never have to change the lens on that unit (my mainly stills, occasional video at very specific times), is extremely appealing. 20-40mm f2.8 = err, hello, perfect focal length for me as a wide stills and perfect video length APSC crop (30-60) also. Also looking at the 11-20mm f2.8 (17-31 on the FX30) for gimbal use. It will come down to what is the most important factor of all for me and that is how the whole system works and right now, Sony is my best option...

While I think of it, I only found out very recently that there is a significant difference between the FX3 and the FX30 and it's not the sensor. It's they removed the mechanical shutter. The FX3 makes more sense to me as a hybrid because it has one...but then it's not quite what I'd be happy with being 12mp for photography. Zero issue with 26mp APSC...but with e:shutter only/no flash... But as I just said, I am not looking at or expecting the FX30 to be the 'do it all' camera, but instead my A and B video cams for my wedding work.

Same as an XH2 but less than an XH2S...the latter of which it is closer to in spec. Arguably though, the XH2 is more photography orientated with a decent video capability. The XH2S has greater video chops but is less pure photographer, especially when it comes to say commercial or landscape. The XF30 can of course take pics, but no one would really buy this because it can so to my mind is very much that 'content creator/videographer/travellers' camera. It fits 2 of 3 of my needs very well. Better than anything else right now, XH2S included, though as an out and out hybrid, the XH2S kicks the FX30's arse no question.

Watched it along with 1/2 a dozen others. True 'cinema' camera? Probably not... Content creator/wedding videographer's camera. I think very much so.

I'm sitting on a fence 🤪 Currently off-loading a big chunk of my L Mount kit... It's not 100% definite that I will not be shooting L Mount next season, but if I am it will be... A. Because something too good is coming not to wait and in the meantime, muddle along with the S1R and S1H. B. Or even just 'muddle along' with the S1R and S1H, but will need to get another S1H. The second S1R and S5 are going as what has been this years' set up has had too many compromises and workarounds to continue with in it's current format...but a single S1R + pair of S1H set up could work, - it's just a bit bigger and heavier than I'd ideally like, the tracking AF is an issue but otherwise, is still an option. Ideally though, I'd like to see something new... A Nikon based system is still a contender. 'Z8' preferable to Z9 from a size/weight perspective, but it's currently only a speculation so... Yes I bought a single XH2 and lens to try out on a real world job (the only test that counts) prior to my season ending, but it arrived too late and I just sat and looked at it for the best part of a month. Sent it back yesterday, but it's still a contender... Sent it back basically whilst I still could just in case I don't end up going that route. Nothing lost either way! But right now, struggling to see past Sony on 2 counts... Count A. It's the most complete system currently that ticks most, if not all of my boxes. Count B. Perhaps the most important consideration for me going forward is I just want the tools to not impede me from a creative POV, or at least have the most minimal compromise as possible. Size, weight and AF are key to that. Otherwise no, not going to mix brands. I need cross platform bodies and lenses and ideally all 3 bodies identical for handling purposes. Or at least only 2 types from the same brand. But even that causes issues... The difference between S1R and S1H is quite considerable. S5 just throws it off even further. Handling full stop. 3x different screens. 3x different on off buttons... The list goes on... Having said that, the only brand mixing I might consider is Nikon + OM System as in single Z9 plus pair of OM-1's as the set up there would not be affected by mixing brands. I have 3-4 months...

Well, an FX30 plus Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 which would together form my principal wedding day video set up (along with another on a gimbal plus static duty and roaming 3rd stills-orientated but sometimes video unit) was in the shopping basket all day yesterday. Just about to push the button when the notaire (French property lawyer) contacted me to say, "you need to pay a 12k deposit on your new house purchase". With just 13k in the account, that took the Sony & lens out of the basket 🤑 Haven't really got any time to play until well into the new year anyway so probably for the best...

Yep. I'm keeping a close eye on old Nikon... Right now, off-loading most, if not all of my current system, I'm sitting on the fence regarding a new system... My 'ideal' would be within L Mount, they pop something out that meets my needs, but we're talking literally the next 3-4 months to be available or I can't do it. Sony as an ecosystem ticks the most boxes right now and with an A7RV + 2x FX30 combo is the most likely contender. Fuji XH2/XH2S combo sits in the wings as an alternative and it's more the lens choices which I struggle with slightly as in Tamron makes for Sony the 'ideal' lenses for me and there is no Fuji system equivalent...and that's a pretty big deal. But Nikon has THE camera that intrigues me the most. Apart from the Hassie X2D, but as that has zero stills capability, it's pure fantasy. The Z9 just is, as they say, da bomb. And if it's capability does come in reduced size Z8 format as is rumoured...and that can happen within the next 3-4 months, then yay, I have another contender to consider. But otherwise yes, Nikon seem to have some momentum right now. I hope they keep that moving forward.

It depends... 8k (or above) for 8k sake? Nope. Delivering anything at 8k isn't even on my radar right now, but I guess one day it probably would be a la gramaphone-vinyl-CD-MP3 etc... Down-sampled is where it's most interesting to me, - 6 or 4k. Resolution/detail. I'd still pick a less noisy/cleaner, higher DR 4 or 6k any day though for/in pure video terms Of most interest to me personally though is the hybrid potential, ie, the ability to pull stills. I've pulled them from 4k and it was a bit hit and miss, - sometimes great other times not. 6k was better so I can only imagine what 8k is like...and that for me is why the Z9 right now is without having to consider the entire sytem, but as a single camera body, is by far and away the most interesting camera to me right now. I don't want to rig something out. I just want it in my hands with a lens. I use a lot of slo mo. 8k 50p internal will provide that and the stills capability (as long as the shutter speed isn't too slow and shooting for slo mo footage, you can easily crank up that shutter. And I do. All the time.) But as above, not at the expense of noise or DR and if there is anywhere where the Z9 for instance could be criticised, it might be in the DR, so if someone came along with say a 6k sensor that bridged the gap between 4k and 8k, I might be interested... You listening Pannyboy? 😘

The XH line has holes for it to attach to but as far as I am aware, the XT not. I believe it is a decision to really differentiate the 2 lines which is interesting because then how will that play out with the lesser models and the X100. The latter is the one I am interested most in… X100V with 40mp sensor?

Apart from the LCD type, for sure.

Yup. XH2 and XH2S. I was OK with that and it kind of made sense ie, pay for and bolt on a fan if you want or need and if you don’t, well then you ain’t spending your hard-earned unnecessarily, plus smaller and lighter unit without. Give me built in or bolt on ever time, ie, anything without is a no go for me these days. I do like the form factor of the XT but the simple reality is it’s not the right tool for the job for me.

"Fujifilm says the camera can shoot 6.2K/30 video for 90 minutes or 4K/60p for 60 minutes at 25°C (77°F); these numbers drop significantly at higher temperatures, and there's no option to add a fan to compensate". And with that sentence, it died for me. My typical shooting temps are anything from 20-40 degrees C and some of my ceremonies & speeches can go over 1 hour. No fan. Dead to me. I could for this longer form stuff use 6k 25p, but still, those times are for 25c and not the 40+ and direct sunlight I can be working in. Why oh why oh why Fuji did you not keep this tilt LCD that both the XT3 and XH1 had with the XH2?! XF30 stays in the shopping basket.

I’m going to check it out for sure… The ONLY thing bothering me with the XH2 was the screen. The lack of 8k here does not bother me and I wasn’t really interested on the XH2 anyway because it’s not 50/60p. I know, I know, moon on a stick etc, can’t have it all, especially at the price, but I’m otherwise not bothered about anything beyond uncropped internal 10 bit 422 4K 50p. Maybe 100p for very occasional use but otherwise don’t need it. OK, off to see what the XT5 is…

Yup, massively underrated, especially by keyboard warrior camera collectors. Get out there and day in day out all season long, try shooting these jobs and folks will soon learn what works. And what doesn’t. I was considering the Sigma 18-35 again for the FX30 as I had it as a workhorse adapted on an XT3 a few years back, but nah, I’ll just crank the ISO up one stop and go with something smaller & lighter! Still a cracking lens after all these years but nah.

Something else I discovered last night that I had not previously seriously considered, was the ability to shoot APSC raw. If I understand it correctly, the A7R5 has the ability to assign this feature to a function button and produce a file equal to, if not higher quality than a typical FF 24/26mp file. That's pretty huge actually as I could probably then get away with not going the Tamron 35-150 route...as it's a bit of a monster and settle instead for the 28-75mm f2.8 which is a bit more reasonably sized and use it as and when required, as a 40-105mm in crop mode. That has a lot of appeal to me as kit bloat is something that really has not helped my cause over the last few years. I really want to get back to a more minimalist approach. That is still 3 cameras, - I can't get around that and it's non-negotiable. For ceremonies, I need one locked on the brides face, another locked on the grooms, whilst I roam and get longer, rear or simply just different perspectives. Ditto speeches except it's one locked on the person speaking, second locked on the couple, third roaming/guest reactions, the wider scene etc. Portability is MASSIVE. I can't...or rather am no longer prepared to get out of the car, sometimes parked 100's of metres away, and make anything but one single trip to or from the church. It's my new rule of thumb that if I cannot carry everything in one single direction whilst still operating at least one bit of kit, I don't need or want it. I have used the crop function before I should add... For video, with Panny, I have to use it for 4k 50p video and for stills, with the S1R, have used it a couple of times. Cropping from 60mp over 47mp should be even better. I think...unless I am wrong, the Sony has the ability to shoot APSC raw whereas the Panny can only crop the Jpeg but the raw retains it's full size. At least the latter is the case with my S1R, ie, in Lightroom, the full size raw is still available should I wish to use it's full potential, but with the new Sony, it's an actual APSC crop raw?

Two reasons... A: Overkill for my needs. B: Real world run n' gun usability/size/weight for hybrid style shooting. My needs are different to that of the purist wedding photographer I once was and also different to the purist videographer. If I was ever to become a purist photographer again, my choice would be simple; 2 bodies and a set of 3 or maybe 4 prime lenses and I'd simply switch between those 3-4 as required. If I was providing a zero stills service, ie, was a purist vidoegrapher then yes, something like the FX6 along with a pair of FX30's might be my choice with Sony. However, as a purist in either field, I probably would not use Sony, but Fuji for pure stills and stick with Panasonic for pure video on the basis that both would work brilliantly in either field. I know that as a former Fuji shooter of 10 years and because Panny is what I currently run. It's the specific requirements of shooting hybrid that causes the issues... Fuji is still an option with a combo of XH2 and XH2S's, but I still have some niggles over lenses and a couple of other lesser issues, but it could still be a contender for me. Brand preference aside, I think Sony is just edging it for the hybrid shooter. Nikon Z9 still makes the most sense also for the hybrid shooter and for one single reason and that is if in doubt, as in whenever the situation presents itself, "stills or video?", then arguably it's one of very few cameras on the planet where you can just point the thing in video mode and then pull off the stills later also. 8k 50p internal? Regular speed or 50% slow mo PLUS hi res stills as good as any 24mp FF camera? Err yeah, I'd have some of that action...and maybe still will... Ultimately it comes down to 2 factors: 1. Real world use case and right now, for the hybrid shooter, Sony are No.1. As a system, ie, not any single piece of kit as arguably, as above, Nikon has THE camera right now. 2. Availability. I'm still hoping that Panasonic will drop my ideal mashup of the S5/S1R/S1H into a single body. I don't want much, just; S5 size body but with S1H vent and rear screen, plus something at least close to the S1R stills capability. That would be it, right there. Right now, my ideal S5/S1R/S1H mashup does in fact exist. It's made by Sony and called the A7RV.

Available shortly… S1H being collected tomorrow for a sensor clean before sale. S1R going off to hopefully have a ding sorted that has made the battery door a bit stiff, plus needs a new eye cup after a dog bit it. Yep, weddings can be dangerous places! S5 also departing to have the LCD hinged repaired. That one was totally me. Sigma 28-70 and Panny 25-105 I am currently holding onto just in case L Mount announces anything as those 2 are good workhorses for me. Meike 50mm T2.1 in EF Mount with the Fotodiox VND adapter. All the rest is being collected by MPB tomorrow!

Along with the A7RV it also appears to have better SOOC colour. ”Define better?” In side by side comparisons, same lens, closest same settings etc, it looks better to my eye. Slightly less yellow than of recent (which itself replaced ‘greenish’), a fraction more muted and contrasty?

From what I have seen of the FX30 and A7RV, they have tweaked a few bits again and it's just tipped the 'colour science' for me into the actually like it camp. Yep, all of that and exactly that. Unfortunately, I have to do something... I'm grateful to have just been fully working again this year, but it's been 'painful'. Partly the sheer workload which has been insane, but mostly just fighting the tools to achieve the result. I really cannot...and do not, need to be going into another year doing that. So will not be. Otherwise yes, I think it's more like they will being something out next year, but what and probably too late for me. I know some disagree and don't think companies need to inform us of their plans but as a business user, I disagree and have to make informed decisions based on fact/availability etc.

Expensive full stop! But if I had gone that route, it would be as much a video camera for me as a stills, ie, genuine equal hybrid use. An FX6 is a completely different beast, - pure video and as such, utterly useless to me/for my needs. Z9 has moved the game on well beyond the S1H now. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my time with the S1H, but the Z9 has almost double the stills resolution, without a filter, plus uncropped 8k 50p whereas my S1H can only do 4k cropped. From a purely 'pulling stills' from video, as a hybrid shooter, that is ENORMOUS. In camera, no rigging, - I am a hybrid wedding shooter not a purist filmmaker. You skim reader you 😜 I wrote: 100% video use, as in 0% photography use. Other than backup if required in a pinch. Actually, I have only been using LCD for years now so the lack of a viewfinder with the FX30 doesn't bother me and with this and the A7RV, they have improved both the auto WB (which I mainly use for my work) and colour compared with all other and preexisting models. For the first time, I actually quite like Sony colour! My needs are pretty simple yet VERY specific. 20+ years ago, I started out as a film photographer. Around 15 years ago, I switched to digital. Around 12 years ago, I added a video element and have been developing that ever since from being a photographer who offered a year on year, gradually improving/more consistent/more comprehensive video coverage, to a true one man band hybrid operator. For the last 3 years, other than one single 'photo only' job, everything I do is 50% photo and 50% video. Actually it's 100% photo and 100% video, ie, at every job I do the same work as both a photographer and a videographer. How? Part tech, mostly development, the latter of which has had a lot of trial and error. I have 'achieved' the results I have partly because of and partly despite, the kit. I now need to remove...or at least greatly reduce the 'partly despite' part of the equation. My needs are quite straightforward and the exercise here is simply, "brand aside, which tools are going to best allow me to do creatively what I need to do with the least compromise and least frustration". Right now, as in today, that is Sony. I need 3 cameras to do my job. Most of the time, I work with 2 and with something like the Z9, could actually use just 1. But at every job, there are 2 key times when I need 3 bodies; 2 static video and 1 roaming hybrid. Rest of the day I need; 1 roaming stills + 1 roaming video + 1 gimbal. The first 2 requirements could be combined into a single camera, a la Z9 and arguably could be with the A7RV, but for my needs, the A7RV is not a Z9, so in this instance, prefer the combo for the 'rest of the day', to be a dedicated stills unit in one hand and a dedicated video unit in the other. Other reasons: I can't keep compensating for less than stellar AF. AF is a key requirement for me at times and to date, I just have not had it so having to do workarounds (such as shooting at f8). No more! IBIS is a key. Other than static video, maybe 90% of my work is handheld. I don't have time to faff with tripods or monopods and am not a fan of the 'handheld' look. I can't be using a gimbal all day long either, only at very specific times. Lenses. It's not just about the bodies, but the total system. Of course there are compromises whether it be cost or size or weight or any other factor but my needs are the largest sensor possible in the smallest bodies possible all at a certain minimum spec level. One of the key lenses for me is the Tamron 35-150mm f2/2.8. It's relatively large. Larger than I'd ideally like, but that compromise is exchanged for the need to rarely have to change my lens (just twice, near the beginning of the day and towards the end, to something wider) and my ideal working focal length just happens to be 35-150! Ie, I rarely have (but do have some) requirement to go wider but never longer. Only 2 camera brands can currently shoot this lens; Sony natively and Nikon with an adaptor, but just what the performance is like with adaptor is a big Q as there is little info out there. Some, but not much and not really enough for a 8k+ investment to find out! The summary of all of the above is I removed brand out of the equation and then with all other factors considered...for MY specific needs, then it's a clear 'win' for Sony. Today. I'm not investing a single penny today. First off, I am packaging up my XH2 and sending it back for full refund. Then I am off-loading all of my L Mount kit that I am not going to use ever again (4 bodies) and some of the glass, but holding on to a few lenses on the off-chance that L Mount plop out a new camera within the next few months that ticks my boxes. I think the chance of that is slim, at least in time for early March when I need all my kit in place for the start of the next season. Conclusion: There are several ways to skin the proverbial cat, but there is usually one that is better than the other options. Right now, that's Sony. Again, for MY needs. YMMV!

Well, it's not 100% final, but looks like I am going to be going all in on Sony... The XH2 has been sitting on the shelf for 3 weeks. I have not touched it. Not shot a single frame or clip of video. It's going back. Return has been arranged. After years and years and years (12 actually) of wrestling with trying to find the 'perfect' system, I have somewhat reluctantly come to the conclusion that I have little choice but to become part of The Borg Collective, AKA Sony. Love Fuji, but I'd be juggling bodies and lenses all day. Love Nikon and arguably, the Z9 is THE hybrid camera to have right now and ticks all of my boxes, but it only ticks all of my boxes as one unit of three...and Nikon themselves don't currently have anything else that works for me and multiple systems is not really an option. L Mount. Oh L Mount. I wish you had what I need and in terms of outright image quality, you do, but what I actually need is a combo of the S5, the S1R and the S1H (in a single body, not 3 completely different ones) and maybe it's coming...and that is why my decision is not 100% made yet, because you still have 4 months to make it appear. Canon. Not quite... Sony offer me more of what I need with less compromise so... Isn't anyone else. I can't do M4/3 for stills and that is 50% of my work. A7RV (100% stills + about 10% video) plus battery grip (for the big lens) 2x FX30 (100% video, one in hand, on Spider holster or tripod, the other gimbal) Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 Tamron 35-150mm f2/2.8 Ultimately, it's about the system and regarding the above, the compromises are about as minimal as they get... Compromise 1: Flip out rather than tilt screens on the FX30's. Compromise 2: Err, it's Sony and I'd rather champion the underdog? It's a bit of a no-brainer for me. I hate change. I hate change for change sake for sure, but the system I currently have just has not been working for me. It's been getting in the way and I have been grappling with it for 2 seasons now. As above, the clock is ticking Pannyboy. You still have a chance but it's really slipping away fast now. Maybe even one of your siblings, Leica or Sigma might slip something by and you know I would love an FP3 to 'my spec', but I can't pin my hopes on you as I have a business to run and a new season that starts in 5 months time... But then you don't have the lenses I desire and Tamron in E Mount does. I don't hate Sony. I've never hated on Sony. I just don't love 'em like I do some other brands, but ultimately, I'm a fella trying to earn a living.

Just in order to help out here and not pollute another thread, my fave cameras right (that exist) now are: Olympus OM-1 Fuji XH2/XH2S Nikon Z9 Hasselblad R2D2 (or whatever it’s called, the latest one anyway) And a ‘would love to and in some ways do but it’s so fucking flawed for my real world needs’ goes to the Sigma FP. Sony can go and do one. If there was no other option then sure, but to me they are just the most boring and uninspiring of tools.