Our latest articles were focused on the large format glass. We attacked this topic as a result of the growth of sensor sizes, especially in cinema cameras market. Our chart and in-depth article performed well and educated a lot of filmmakers that are eager to get their hands on those lenses. Thus were have decided to make another educational comparison, this time regarding large-format cinema cameras. Read below.
Large format cinematography
The advantages of using large format cinematography in storytelling are clear. You get a lot more from everything. However, some significant downsides are mainly connected to media, power management, and price. Large format cinema cameras cost a massive amount of money and are not for the faint-hearted.
Fortunately, the market is expanding, and camera companies offer large format alternative packed with a much more affordable price (large format to the masses?).
We wrote an in-depth article about the Kinefinity MAVO LF and how this camera was used to create a stunning short film in a fraction of the budget of other options available.
Large Format Cinema Cameras: High-level Comparison Chart
The chart below contains large-format cinema cameras available today. It’s important to note that this is a high-level comparison (Macro- not Micro) for a general view and observation. Regarding the price factor: There are cameras that in order to shoot large format (full sensor readout), an external device and license must be purchased which can make the final cost of the camera higher by thousands of dollars. Also, again, this chart was created for general observation. Numerous factors were not calculated in the final formula. The chart contains the following large format cameras: ARRI ALEXA LF, ARRI ALEXA Mini, ARRI ALEXA 65, Panavision Millennium DXL2, Canon C700 FF, RED MONSTRO 8K VV, Sony Venice and Kinefinity MAVO LF.
Important note: We are working hard on those original charts and infographics for the filmmaking community. Thus, you can download the image for your personal use. In case you desire to embed the chart on your social media or website, please give proper credit to Y.M.Cinema Magazine linked to this article.
The chart is high definition so you can view on a large screen (press the chart get a larger view).
Why was the new Panavision camera excluded?
? The DXL2 is mentioned.
No info on Panavision price, because I belive they are considered “priceless” by insurance standards. Panavision is rental only. You can’t buy priceless.