Is it Time to Ditch Your DSLR and Get A Cinema Camera?

[@chadwin]

Sup Filmmakers! 😎 What would you rather have, a fully rigged out Mirrorless/DSLR 📷camera ORRRR a Professional "Cinema Camera"🎥?? 🤔

[@alessandrovalentino3406]

I think you can do a little of both. I am currently building up a rig for my Sony a7riii, but I am also keeping in mind that I want to be able to use it with a BMCC 6K when I get one. The only change I would have to make is the cage. Everything else will fit perfectly on the BMPCC 6K since all my lenses were originally Canon EF mount lenses. As you said it really depends on the kind of work you are doing, and also the level of compression / look the client desires.

[@chadwin]

James Nothing77 Yeah, I think that’s awesome you’re building out your A7Riii! I did the exact same thing with my a7s. I was able to use all of my rig with my BMPCC6K when I got it except the cage of course. I also have all canon glass so it works on all my cameras with an adapter or directly on the 6k. We’re on the same wave length 👽haha!

[@alessandrovalentino3406]

Awesome! From what everyone is saying about the BMPCC6K it will allow for a wide gamut of client work for an extremely low entry price. Sounds good to me!

[@stevenkralovec]

I’d probably lean more toward a cinema camera for better dynamic range, image quality, built-in nds, and other convenient features.

[@alessandrovalentino3406]

@@stevenkralovec What camera would you recommend?

[@peterhoffman4129]

A professional video camera handles shutter, ND, sound and other stuff much better than a photo/video, camera especially the "shutter speed" that gives you that cinematic look. Also don't forget that when we use pro cameras we pay for robustness and security when shooting with a client and crew on location. For example the FS5 shown in the video when shooting outside in the heat or extreme cold is very reliable. It has build in cooling fans and supports very hot weather. The same goes for the batteries. So, long story short, the price of a pro video camera isn't only for the image quality, it's also for reliability.

[@chadwin]

Very well said! 100% agree

[@seanhynesdirector]

Cinema cameras usually don't handle audio that great. The Red is not good with audio and the Alexa you need a lemo audio input with a gain hidden in the menus. And the audio isn't that great. I don't think anyone uses it. I have an fs5 like talked about here and the other cinema cameras and the audio isn't terrible but not great either. I have used a dual system audio setup with a sound recordist for most projects I have used that camera on. Cinema cameras prioritize visuals not audio. Same with Red Arri and Sony.

[@ev-ezaye3580]

True, but all those gains can equally be achieved/replecated on the DSLR/MILC platforms... So no weighty gains there!

[@ev-ezaye3580]

@@seanhynesdirector Yeah, succinctly put!

[@AnandaGarden]

This is wonderful. Cinema camera all the way - a joy to shoot, and solves so many problems. Though I'd very likely go with a Canon C100 Mark II for price, support, and compatibility with my Canon lenses.

[@chadwin]

runbei yes! The C100 is still a really great camera! You can find one used on EBay for like 500-700 bucks. It only shoots 1080p, but it’s downsampled from 4k so it still looks great!

[@anzonventuresaccount]

Excellent video. I shoot mostly short interviews following award ceremonies. For the first few years I used a dslr. The results were fine but the camera took longer to set up than the duration of the video. I now use a canon 4K camcorder with everything set to auto and I’m ready to shoot at a moment notice right out of the bag. Plus you can shoot 4K without the camera overheating.

[@chadwin]

I think that's great! I've actually used the Canon XA15 quite a bit in the past (it's only 1080 but it worked well) Camcorders are a great option, especially for weddings and interviews like you're doing!

[@MarcosRochaTV]

I like the look and feel of a bigger Cinema Camera. People have been giving me crap about this, but a bigger camera makes you look more professional. The camera itself doesn’t make you better, but we all judge by what we see. Especially when I am showing up to paid jobs, I want my clients to know I am showing up with what looks like the most professional gear. Don’t get me wrong, i love small camera bodies and they are better in different ways. At the end of the day, the final product is what matters.

[@chadwin]

Marcos Rocha yeah, anyone that gives you crap for using a professional cinema camera is either insecure or very uninformed. 😆 they’re specifically made for video production, way more than any Mirrorless or dslr camera. Clients always take you more seriously with pro gear and it can dramatically help your workflow on set. Keep doing you man! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrasspineappleProductions]

100%

[@IMDABROWN]

I use both just because they complement each other so well. especially when you need the full-frame look use the mirrorless but you need lets things to fidget with use the cinema.

[@chadwin]

IMDABROWN I couldn’t agree with you more! Very well said my friend. 🤛

[@cineffect]

DSLR gives me far more creative freedom, it is small and light, I can mount it on anything, get angles from places I could not fit a cinema camera into (unless I built a complete set). Furthermore; I can take it anywhere without being asked for a permit.

[@chadwin]

very true! DSLR's have many advantages of their own. I love how you pointed out that you can take them anywhere and not need a permit or be asked questions, this is so true!

[@hardtruth]

A third option for many video applications is a broadcast/ENG style camera, perhaps a used one. For some purposes a multicam remote control system may be the best choice.

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

The form factor is what is making me move towards an FS5/camcorder style camera. Shooting handheld with ML and DSLR is a pretty miserable experience, unless some rigging is involved to give them the right form factor. I tried the FS5 and you can just rest it against your chest instead of awkwardly holding it in front of you, it's on another level. A bigger and heavier camera will be a lot more stable, and will have tactile controls instead of fumbling through menus.

[@MiddyMatchRange]

Watched your previous video about rigging out a Sony A7 and got most those components and tried out, but end of the day you will never have all the functionality of a dedicated "cinema camera" - not to mention the amount of time to set-up and break down the mirrorless rig constantly. Awesome video, thanks.

[@ev-ezaye3580]

Definitely rig out a DSLR/MILC. You fail to mention that a lot of this professional Ciné cameras are body only! No screen, no handle (top or side) , etc! They come at an added cost and aren't cheap either! The cost of building the Ciné camera to what you have, i.e. Camera body, top handle, side handle and monitor, far outweigh a rigged out MILC with the same features!! The only benefits going for these Ciné cameras is ergonomics, the inbuilt NDs and the "Pro" in/out ports! Those myriad buttons on the Sony Pro are just too overwhelming to say the least, moving away from their XDCAM line. Basically they're camcorders, meant for the broadcast media (ENG/EFP), they are not film-centric! Film has audio recorded separately, so no need for those fancy audio gain controllers - a mere distraction at best! My #2cents

[@chadwin]

I agree, great feedback on cine cams. they do need rigging out also.

[@IdanKim.702]

You actually explain about zoom in/out buttons😆 Back in the day it was a default in all Camcorders! feel old when you actually explained that!!

[@chadwin]

hahaha! I know, it's sad that I felt the need to even explain the zoom rocker, but most DSLR and mirrorless cameras today just don't have zoom buttons. I grew up on crappy sony video "dad" cams haha

[@IdanKim.702]

Chadwin Smith the good old days!! Thanks for the awesome feed bro! You teach me allot!

[@Manueljusto]

Amazing video, really enlightening and to the point. I just got a Sony a7iv and am very happy with my purchase. In my case I like its portability and use it mostly for live events that don't last for more than one hour and during which I don't have to adjust much the settings (I mostly record sound externally through a zoom recorder). Also, I use the Gimbal often and love taking photographs as well. So I don't see any need to upgrade in my case. Moreover, its screen is completely flippable, there are 2 SD card slots AND a big HDMI port. Yes, I am very happy.

[@Manueljusto]

Also: price.

[@andrewfreeman88]

Great video Chad. I think a good in between these two is building a compact APS-C rig like the a6600 with a 5" monitor, smallrig cage, wireless mics, Z battery and metabones adaptor for the Rokinon cine 24mm or the Tamron 70-200mm G2..It's a killer compact setup..I'm in the process of building mine up (while selling all my old gear) Cheers! 😉

[@chadwin]

Andrew Freeman yes!! That sounds like a fantastic setup. I love rigging out small cams a bit so they’re more functional for video, but can still break down. Def leave a link when it’s done. I’ve done something similar with the a6500

[@bricecarette4412]

Thank you for this video. Extremely informative and honest ! I really love the content on your KZbin channel. Keep it up ! :)

[@chadwin]

Brice Carette hey thanks man, I really appreciate the support!!

[@FamilyofTech]

Will you be upgrading to the FX9 or besides the full frame look , you don’t think there is really a need? How do you see these cinema cameras work in a wedding filmmaker scenario??? Will they be “too much” for those situations?

[@chadwin]

We currently use the Sony FS7ii at work and it's very similar to the FX9 in body and capabilities, the biggest difference like you said is that it's full frame. So we probably won't be switching soon since we haven't had it long, but in the future yes, I'm sure we'll go Full frame when it's time to upgrade again. For wedding filmmaking, a cinema camera would actually be Very convenient, at least as one of the cameras. You can plug a mic in for the bride and the groom, you can roll continuously for hours during the ceremony, the battery will last you all day, and internal ND's will be perfect for going inside and outside all day, as you usually do when filming a wedding day!

[@bookreview9113]

Simple and concise information great

[@ArabianDork]

wow such huge effort love your vids man

[@chadwin]

GlobalZone hey thanks! Honestly every video takes 5-12 hrs to produce or more sometimes 😂

[@ArabianDork]

@@chadwin i cant really imagine the time and effort you put in these videos but im literally just starting out aswell i just did an ASMR vid lol

[@johnpatricklim4509]

For me...if I want to up my video shoots and get a longer and elaborate shots taking a higher quality video.....I would go for the cinema camera.....otherwise if I still want to take good photographs aside from doing some video...I would stick with my mirrorless and rig it out to what I need for a shoot....another this would be the lenses...there are good lenses for mirrorless or dslr that takes good videos and there are good lenses that are designed for video....hence the cine lenses....

[@bloodmoney88]

Great show, solid points. Just a small comment; if micro jitters are all about weight; perhaps add weight to the dslr.

[@chadwin]

POLICE STATE that’s exactly right! When I’m using a smaller dslr or Mirrorless, I try to add a vmount battery and other rigging. It def helps reduce micro jitters

[@danieldougan269]

Rigging is important, but you don't have to spend a fortune to make a good rig. Most cinema cameras still aren't designed to be shoulder-mounted, so you could still need a rig for your cinema camera if you plan to use it that way.

[@chadwin]

exactly! any time im using a cinema cam for work, i still rig it out! haha

[@DavidMorseMusic]

Finally someone else with an FS5 😁

[@shrekpower]

Dude.. You are awesome thanks for sharing! I loved it from A to Z

[@TruckinBeagle]

So between a Panasonic AG-DVX200 and a Sony PXW-Z150 which is better? Or is something else in that type of camcorder better? I'm shooting personal video of my trips in National Parks and just anything cool I see on the road (I'm a truck driver). I don't need too professional but I don't want junk either. I am using a DJI Mavic Pro 2 for my drone shots. But want something better than my iPhone for ground video. Thank you!

[@chadwin]

iceydogs honesty they’re very similar cameras, but I’d probably go with Sony because I really like the image and overall ecosystem. It’s also a few hundred bucks cheaper. The Sony also has a 1” sensor vs only a micro four thirds size on the Panasonic, so that means it will perform better in low light and at night time. I’m sure you’re getting awesome stuff trucking across the country. The Mavic 2 Pro is my favorite drone, it’s perfect!!

[@bgimusic]

awesome video! thanxx

[@MarceloLangame]

Thank you so much for such useful information.

[@chadwin]

Marcelo Langame hey thanks, appreciate you watching!

[@avinashrawal7928]

Please please compare the bmpcc6k , zcam e2 s6 & f6. Red Komodo 6k, please do that a detailed version. Your perspective really appreciated in our group

[@chadwin]

That would be awesome! I really do wanna get the RED Komodo when it's publicly available. And all of the Z cams would be interesting to test out, they just need to send me them for review cause I can't afford all of these new cams haha

[@avinashrawal7928]

@@chadwin you definitely can get for review , your channel is big enough

[@frankfeng2701]

That's what Sony wants us all to do but I wouldn't do it until A7s3.

[@chadwin]

Frank Feng 😂😂 yeah, I’m sure Sony would love it if we all spent more money on their higher end cams. But Luckily the Sony a7iii has a fantastic image and sensor!!

[@CallMeP1ink]

To the title yes I do want one but who's paying because then the question has answered itself

[@TMD_Produktion]

The only point I hate about DSLRs is the micro jittering. I am really allergic against it. You can shoot without IBIS on a professional cinema camera and get better results than if you shoot on a DSLR with IBIS (in my opinion).

[@frederikvanreusel]

Gonna get a Z6ii all the advantages of a good photography camera and it’s capable of shooting raw video to an external monitor

[@imtiazokc6522]

Can we shoot feature films with the camcorder that you are showing?

[@chadwin]

yes.

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Thanks for the comparison..

[@chadwin]

no problem! Thanks for watching!

[@Lalo_plays]

I shoot music videos. I've been thinking of getting a cinema camera and ditching my A7Rii. Thoughts?

[@chadwin]

Nice! I think that's totally up to you and the kind of music videos you like to shoot. The a7Rii has a really nice full frame look, so just keep in mind most cinema cameras are S35 crop sensor, unless you get a very expensive FF one. If you do a lot of gimbal work, I wouldn't recommend a cine cam unless you have a larger gimbal.

[@nealhope8922]

The ronin-M works well with the fs5 Or an older ronin 1 works well, and adapt it so it works like a ronin 2. Julian Jarry on IG has an example. Ive been shooting with a Sony fs7 for a while and we run it on a ronin 1 We've also put a red on the ronin 1 as well.

[@hernanandueza1879]

Thanks a lot!

[@chadwin]

No worries!

[@outDood705]

good explanation friend. a question, what is the best video quality for me to record. AVCHD VS PROXY 4K? I ask you because the programs that I use to edit do not recognize all the formats except AVCHD AND PROXY with those if I can work. could you help me please? Thank you very much in advance

[@TylerLeeKenyon]

I LOVE SDI TOO!

[@chadwin]

YES! It's really the best and most reliable connection dude.

[@paritoshnayak1587]

That was so helpful keep it up

[@chadwin]

Paritosh Nayak thanks much! 👍🏻 more vids to come

[@ids4114]

Paritosh Nayak best vlogging camera www.ebay.com/mys/active/rf/container_sort=TIME_LEFT_ENDING_SOONEST&container_filter=ALL&container_limit=25

[@dps6198]

I think so many people have been fooled into thinking that a DSLR is the best for videos. I disagree. The DSLR is based on the SLR film camera which is based on the old range finder cameras of the 1930s and 1940s. They were not designed from the ground up to capture video. Video cameras were designed from the ground up to capture videos. The second point of contention is that DSLR cameras over heat when recording longer than four or five minutes. If you want to capture content for your YT channel you can capture very good video from your smart phone. Think of the money you'll save using something you already have. I have the Canon Vixia HF G40 that I bought refurbished from Canon. They sold for $1299 new and I got mine for $900 will the full warranty. I would never consider an DSLR for videography.

[@jaredfilms]

Hey! I once asked for wrong shutter on lightscene and the shutter flickers... U told me programms/plugins free and not free what were those names? And do you also know a free noise reduction plugin or something?

[@ocdptony7363]

I just bought a cx350

[@nemisis4804MaddLabsTv]

Well I'm definitely going for the Ursa mini pro 4.6k I'm jumping from a canon dslr so pray for me LOL!!!!!

[@chadwin]

The URSA Mini Pro G1 or G2 are both great options! Highly recommend them. Such great color science and a great price for what you get. The good thing is you can still use all of your Canon glass if you decide to make the jump.

[@nemisis4804MaddLabsTv]

@@chadwin I'm thinking g2 since it's all new to me anyway

[@chadwin]

MaddLabsTV/MaddVisionFilmz great choice! You’re gonna love it

[@CityofKings4100]

Great Content 👍

[@chadwin]

Glad you think so!

[@adventureproductionz]

portability is hard to beat

[@chadwin]

Adventure Productionz yeah, portability and ease of use is huge! You definitely give some of that up when you get a pro cinema cam. Honestly I prefer both, just for different uses!

[@wilwilson8146]

gone and made me sub!

[@chadwin]

thank you! welcome to the channel

[@BetaEngineer]

The DSLR/Mirrorless has a record limit of 30 minutes. Therefore, dual SD cards and long battery life are useless.

[@chadwin]

Yeah. Luckily most new cameras are coming out with unlimited record limits. Manufactures limited them to 30 minute record time intentionally for years to avoid taxes and tariffs on imports, that way they didn’t have to classify them as video cameras.

[@outDood705]

excellent job thank you very much for your help look, i have sony fs5 and when i start recording for what i do. What I do is record weddings. I realized that the programs I have for editing do not recognize the XAVC QFHD files, nor do the XAVC HD files recognize me only the AVCHD files so in that case I was leaving my fs5 on the one hand and I have been using my sony a7rii and The files of my a7rii in 4K if recognized by my editing programs but what I do not like about the sony a7rii is that when I do the little panning the image sweeps me for that reason I was looking for a video that would make me return to the sony fs5 Another time, when I saw the video I solved many of my questions, but I had a question and I would like you to help me please. watching the video I realized that if I can record in 4K on the sony fs5 and the proxy I can work it in my programs that fills me with satisfaction because I was recording in AVCHD now I want to record with all the quality of my camera but it would have to work with just the proxy. my question is, is using the 4k proxy better AVCHD quality or is AVCHD better quality than 4k proxy? What do you recommend me? because I want to give the best to my clients. what do you tell me, do I still record with the AVCHD or is it better to use the 4k proxy of the sony fs5? I would really appreciate if you can help me with this question. Thanks in advance

[@ev-ezaye3580]

Go Proxy, there's no grand loss - the whole idea is to create a stepped down lo-res image which your NLE can recognise and work with, that in turn allows you to fully manipulate - then when it's rendering/exporting time you get the fullest quality - depending on your export settings! That said, the issue you pointed out with the 'sweeping' image, is because of the rolling shutter mechanism of your A7 II. A majority of DSLRs/MILCs even some 'Pro' camcorders all use the rolling shutter mechanism in capturing images. Global shutter is a film (film camera) imaging standard and its much more expensive to produce... So that's the trade-off..

[@Sheriffvlogs]

For me I'll just save up money to a cinema camera Sony FS7 for KZbin/vlogging BC cinema camera have better connections like XLR or SDI most importantly good preamps for audio. 3.5 or HDMI on a mirrorless camera is not as reliable as XLR or SDI even though tho small camera can shoot video there always going to be a compromise since its targeted towards photographers for me dynamic range is important when vlog out side as well so u don't blow out the sky and the most expensive camera like arii Alexa has 16 stops of dynamic and thay capture more detail which is good for a vlog compare to digital sharpening and way more easier to connect stuff way more flexibletwo mic input or more a bigger screen and more reliable there has been multiple times were Casey neistat has broken his DSLR were u can buy an arii and not worry if it going to fail on or something for me cinema camera are not just for shooting movie thay can be for anything some solo filmmakers or influencers on you tube use red and then thay say this is over kill and saying no one should buy it for but yet thay are the one using it. For me I'll rather save up and bye a camera that would last me for a long time than buying something like a canon M50 which does not have good preamps the screen can easily break if you plug in a 3.5 and the camera drops it could break the input etc

[@thomaswindfeld728]

It's funny, The last week or so I have been thinking about upgrading to either FS five or seven. Not sure tho. Do i need a 7 tho its better. Would be my first video cam;)

[@chadwin]

Thomas Windfeld yeah, upgrading to either one would be great! I work with both the FS5 and FS7ii and honestly I find the image and capabilities to be very similar. The FS7ii does have a better image sensor and dynamic range, but for a first video cam, I don’t know that it’s worth the big jump in price!

[@B3YONDD3ATHthe2nd]

Hi Thomas Wingfield I'm selling my Fs5 on Gear Focus if you're interested

[@thomaswindfeld728]

@@B3YONDD3ATHthe2nd Hi Chadwin, Thanx for the heads up. I still havent made up my mind. Been watching tutorilas like crazy and getting even more unsure as to what tio get. Is it a m2? and how much are you asking? :-) Thanx again

[@B3YONDD3ATHthe2nd]

@@thomaswindfeld728 it's the mark I.. asking $2500. The camera is in mint condition.

[@divisionoflabor3070]

So, what's your favorite cinema camera you own? Or do you have a video about that?

[@chadwin]

favorite cinema camera I own is the FX3. I plan on getting the FX6 soon! But I use many different cinema cams at the studio I work at: Sony FS7ii, Sony FS5ii, Canon C300iii, Canon C500ii, and a few others.

[@divisionoflabor3070]

@@chadwin Thanks!! :)

[@addeadsis3891]

Can you do the Sony mc2500

[@RickMentore]

Compressive review!

[@chadwin]

thanks

[@hank13j30]

Sony a7iv 🙃

[@AdliberateVideoProduction]

Without watching the video, YES if you want to make cinema. That's why it's called a cinema camera. Sure you can make a Blair Witch or Tangerine or Unsafe if you get a fluke but otherwise you ain't going to make a feature without one.

[@chadwin]

some pretty incredible movies and documentaries have been now been made on DSLR cameras, but for the most part yes--having a cine cam helps a lot.

[@fauxaccount6233]

No

[@chadwin]

haha! good to know

[@cjonwickham1933]

Dont need cinema or pro camcorder unless in the field for commercial advertising marketing film video tv film movie...most people and creatives don't need it... Long record and high content...high price tags and bulky heavy...body and supplies equipment accesories.

[@chadwin]

Yeah, for most creators, the cinema DNG style cameras aren’t necessary. You can get incredible results with a basic dslr or Mirrorless cam!

[@mww4612]

5 star review

[@ceasarstudioceasarbelliard7873]

Its not the DSLR or the video camera, its how you create your own content, Simple !

[@clurkroberts2650]

True, but the situation also defines the system. Cinema cameras are far more suited for Documentary shooting, I can hop out of a car and I’m immediately ready to go with a cinema camera. It’s all configured, rugged and designed for incredible flexibility. Raining? Throw on a rain jacket. I can adjust camera settings without looking at switches. Change ND, gain, swap out batteries. Playback a shot. I suppose it’s down to ergonomics overall, because they really are fun to shoot with too. But, I also love my DSLR, which for interviews or large crew shots provide incredible images.

[@KungfuJoeProductions]

Osmo pocket 2. That simple

[@chadwin]

😆 cheap smooth solution

[@JerelyBrowne]

Sony A7 forever

[@chadwin]

Jerely Browne I still love my a7s too, it’s been such a reliable camera with a fantastic full frame image.

[@JerelyBrowne]

@@chadwin Agreed my brother!

[@sakhawathasan6570]

I like your videos

[@anime2121]

I buy both, haha

[@Rakibvlogs32]

I didn't need cinema camera i just need a camera for blogging. 😭😭 i am a very poor blogger

[@chadwin]

Rakib Vlogs yeah, if you’re only using your camera for vlogging-you wont need anything too intense. A simple point and shoot or even smartphone can work!

[@Rakibvlogs32]

I make some video in my channel you watch and please help me

[@ghaithalom6941]

you ditched the most important part which is image quality

[@CyroLacorteOficial]

Like!🇧🇷

[@chadwin]

Thanks man!

[@m_saqibali]

soz too many buttons and too bulky

[@davewerner7609]

00:06 that’s considered a professional cinema camera?? 😂🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chadwin]

Dave Werner did you watch 00:49 and beyond? We defined “cinema camera”

[@seanhynesdirector]

They have shot some large budget features on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The technology has really become accessible without a quality drop. The fs5 is a cinema camera just not as commonly used as the Red or Alexa.

[@leighmonk]

Why do so many of you KZbinrs do a scene cut by covering the lens with your hand or with camera as done in this video? It’s such a rude type of gesture. It’s sort of cheap and nasty. It’s like saying, “ talk to the hand” I see it done too many times. It’s ugly! Reminds of the saying…”let get started”. Good grief, can people say something original?…..anything!!!!