This meticulously made video proves that there’s no such thing as a ‘Perfect Camera’. The Compact Cinema Camera Shoot-Out compares the most talked-about compact cinema cameras on the market: RED Komodo, Canon C70, Z Cam F6, BMPCC 6K Pro, and Sony FX6. The conclusions are fascinating since there’re no defined conclusions. Read our thoughts on this ‘must-see’ comparison.
Comparing between cinema cameras
There’re tons of videos out there trying to decide what’s the best cinema camera on the market. One of the most known statements filmmakers hear is: “There’s no such thing as a perfect camera” and/or “The best camera is the one you have at that moment”. Well, there’s a lot of logic in those statements and the Compact Cinema Camera Shoot-Out demonstrates that very well. Although camera manufacturers compete with each other, the final product (=cameras) developed are solidly differentiated. Yes, you can compare the RED Komodo to Z Cam, or the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro to Canon C70, but most of the chance you will not get any defined conclusions. The comparison below proves that.
Compact Cinema Camera Shoot-Out: From RED Komodo to Sony FX6
The Compact Cinema Camera Shoot-Out was well crafted by Vistek YouTube Channel. You should definitely follow them to get a solid ‘real-world’ filmmaking education straight from the doers. Vistek tested a bunch of well-known compact cinema cameras: RED Komodo, Canon C70, Z Cam F6, BMPCC 6K Pro, and Sony FX6. The goal was not to decide what is the best camera, but to “help you decide which is the right camera for you”.
The tested parameters were:
- Cold Open
- Intro, testing caveats, & point-scoring
- Image Quality
- Dynamic Range
- 4K Resolution
- Low Light / High ISO
- Rolling Shutter / Hand Held
- Auto Focus
- Boot Up & Formatting
- Usability: Neutral Density
- Usability: I/O Ports
- Points Summary & Closing Remarks
Watch this highly educational and polished comparison below:
Discussion
Cinema cameras shootout
The Shoot Out reminds me of one of the most educational comparisons ever, made by Zacuto, back in 2011 titled “The Great Camera Shootout”. In that battle, film cameras were tested against digital cameras, and I remember that one of the conclusions was that film can’t be replaced by digital. Back then, the digital sensors were inferior to film, as stated by one of the DPs: “Film is another ballgame” as he compared that to digital. If you haven’t heard about the Zacuto shootout, check it out below. It’s an essential piece of educational content that every filmmaker should be familiar with:
Endless options
Nowadays, there’s an ‘explosion’ of ‘affordable’ cinema cameras entering the market. Hence, the mission to decide what camera fits you best is almost impossible. Let’s suppose you’re eager to make the jump from the DSLR world, and buy a cinema camera that allows you to shoot RAW or any other high-quality codec. What’re your guidelines? What’re questions should be asked? Here are a few:
- Do you want to impress your clients (yes… this is one of the reasons videographers get specific brands over others)?
- Would you like the best image quality overall?
- Do you need a Run N’ Gun setup?
Feel free to add more questions to the equation, as the list goes on and on.
Summary: What’s your cinematography bread and butter?
Eventually, you’ll realize that there’s no precise answer, as each camera has its own pros and cons. For instance, let’s suppose you’re a fast shooter that specializes in action sports. Then a global shutter would be preferred (RED Komodo) or a camera that has an extremely fast readout (Sony FX6 – concrete demonstration can be seen in the video). Or, on the other hand, all you want is to get the sharpest images possible. In that case, the Blackmagic Pocket 6K excels over others. And what about the Z Cam? Is it relevant? (Short answer: Yes). As you understood, the answer is far more complicated. Nevertheless, this is a personal decision based on your personal preferences. As for the shootout, we can reveal that the Sony FX6 has won. However, this conclusion was based on dry calculations. In a real-world situation, the involved factors are endless. In short, watch this outstanding comparison. It is worth it since it amplifies the dilemma, and that’s a good thing.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- RED Komodo 6K Digital Cinema Camera
- Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera
- Z CAM E2-F6 Full-Frame 6K Cinema Camera
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
- Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
The only problem with this shootout, you left out the BEST compact camera, the MAVO LF made by KINEFINITY! The MAVO LF shoots up to ProRes 4444XQ Internally. After shooting, just drop on a ARRI LUT and the footage looks like something that came out of the Alexa Mini. All footage cuts well with ARRI cameras too! Did I also mention the internal recording media used are standard SSD’s, that you can buy for $60! You can also use PL, EF, Sony E (manual functions) and Micro 4/3 Lens Mounts. Next time, Invite Kinefinity to the shoot out party.
Smart words. The MAVO had to be there as well.
Next time…
Has nice colour but has awful motion cadence – looks like an Alexa until something moves.
Why no Varicam?