This comes close to the ultimate shoot-out with one exception.
Zacuto has released the third installment in their Great Camera Shoot-Out of 2010. They brought in big guns (pun intended), called on top notch post-production facilities, and shot test sequences on 35mm film and a variety of DSLR cameras – including the Canon T2i.
What more could you want? Read more and I’ll tell you…
Click on the graphic or this link to watch. All three segments are on the same page and they’re well worth watching.
Zacuto makes high end support equipment for the film and video industry. They were one of the first manufacturers to make DSLR specific packages for shoulder mount and handheld use. While their equipment is more expensive than most, it’s also extremely well built.
To their credit, they don’t use the shoot-out video series to sell any of their products or services. They are providing a service to their industry and claiming a position of authority in the process.
The process is detailed on the site but the short story is they brought together top shooters, editors, special effects artists, and colorists. Other companies that support the film and video industry supplied 35mm film cameras, Fuji and Kodak film, processing and transfers, editing and full post production services.
They premiered the final films for a live audience at a local theater will a quality projection system. The questions and comments from the audience reflects their professional production credentials.
The end result? I don’t mean to spoil the experience so stop reading now and go watch.
The hands-down winner was Kodak 35mm film transferred to 4K digital video files. While there were scenes where the differences were slight, overall that format is still the gold standard.
This doesn’t mean that you must shoot 35mm film or your project is worthless. The DSLR’s looked great in most of the scenes and every piece of equipment has it’s strengths and weaknesses. Imagine having to haul one of those 35mm cameras around for a few days.
But I said that there was something missing from this shootout. And that is your experience.
There’s nothing like taking the time to shoot test shots with your kit then taking the footage all the way through to web, DVD or projection. In my experience it can take two or three times through this loop to resolve major questions and get a firm grip on how to make your gear give you the final video you want.
In this shootout they show three wonderful shorts all shot on DSLR. The quality of film making enabled by these cameras is inspiring. So grab that gear, call some friends, set up scenes that are real world for you, and create your own shootout.
Let us all know how it goes, we’d love to see it when you’re done.
-a-
