Blog Post
The Cheap v The Expensive – The differences between $1K and $10K cameras
- By Kit
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- 23 Mar, 2016
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How do cheap DSLR cameras compare against their expensive higher-end rivals? Let us examine why dynamic range and sensor sizes matter. Many filmmakers straight out of film school will be using DSLR cameras which are amazing pieces of camera technology and allow people to get started out in the world of production, be it commercials, music videos, social media clips or just having higher quality images on instagram and so forth.
How do cheap DSLR cameras compare against their expensive higher-end rivals? Let us examine why dynamic range and sensor sizes matter.
Many filmmakers straight out of film school will be using DSLR cameras which are amazing pieces of camera technology and allow people to get started out in the world of production, be it commercials, music videos, short films and everything in between.
These cameras are definite workhorses and will teach budding filmmakers the ins and outs of how to utilise their machines to get the best out of them.
More often than not, the image quality is never doubted as even today, most videos being watched are HD (1080×1920 pixels) as you can read in our recent blog post here.
So why fork out an extra $9000 for a fancy 4K camera?
GREATER DYNAMIC RANGE!
What the heck is that you may ask?
Well in simple terms, this latitude offers shot compositions that cheaper cameras just can’t possibly perform. For example, interior shots that have bright light coming through the windows are now possible without too many concerns. Here is a breakdown of dynamic ranges with a few varying levels of cameras.
Low-light problems sorted!
With a lower grade DSLR, lighting is a consistent concern — but not in a good way. There is always a battle to ensure you have enough of it. Frequently you don’t, so you have to spend either a decent amount of time getting innovative with what you have accessible or with boosting the exposure in post.
With a higher-end camera, low light is not generally a hindrance. Truth be told, with a sufficiently wide scope, shooting in low-light circumstances can truly be investigated and used to set temperament and recount a story. Here’s a decent breakdown video by James Drake.
Digital Masters Blog
Aerial photography and video work has exploded since the introduction of low cost drones, and the pace that it is advancing is rapid to say the least.
After using our DJI Phantom 3 Professional (Lenny) for the last 3 years, we decided it was time to keep up and ahead of the playing field, so meet our new baby, the DJI Inspire 2 with the X7 Camera Kit (or SkyNet it has now been nicknamed).
The new super 35mm sensor now matches the same sensor we use on our Sony FS7, which can film up to 6k RAW! With 14 stops of dynamic range, and a set of four lenses (16mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm) the images we can now get from the air are insane.
We have put together a small showreel from some recent shoots to show some of the drones capability.
After using our DJI Phantom 3 Professional (Lenny) for the last 3 years, we decided it was time to keep up and ahead of the playing field, so meet our new baby, the DJI Inspire 2 with the X7 Camera Kit (or SkyNet it has now been nicknamed).
The new super 35mm sensor now matches the same sensor we use on our Sony FS7, which can film up to 6k RAW! With 14 stops of dynamic range, and a set of four lenses (16mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm) the images we can now get from the air are insane.
We have put together a small showreel from some recent shoots to show some of the drones capability.
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