Cinematography : Thoughts on Cinema Camera Purchase... by Ty Strange

Thx, Alexandra Shields!

I'm so glad that you reached out with this question, Ty Strange! I'm hoping that someone in my network can provide you with some specific thoughts and advice.

Additionally, I recommend that you look at some reviews on DPReview.com and the DPReview TV Youtube page. They've been the industry leaders in camera reviews, but their content will only be available for a little while longer, as their parent company is closing down the site this month. I hope their info can provide you with a bit of clarity! https://www.youtube.com/@dpreview

Great! Thx, Ashley Renee Smith! I had run across a few vids on their site during my earlier searches. Too bad they're going away.

Hi Ty Strange. That's a loaded question. The camera landscape is vast as you already gathered. The two cameras you mentioned are very different. The G2 is a studio sized camera and not one that you'll be running and gunning with. The C70, however is compact and much more friendly for pick-up-and-go scenarios. It also is better suited to working with gimbals, which is a popular tool, especially when doing action work.

With that said, the G2 has more inputs and the form factor that one would expect from a cinema camera. It shoots both raw and prores internally which the C70 cannot do. Raw is good if you're doing projects on which you need the most control over the image in post.

If you're planning on throwing a cinema zoom and flying it on a steadicam or crane, the G2 will be the better option.

Speaking of, what lenses you plan on using may affect the decision. Both cameras have different native mounts. You can use adapters on both to use cinema lenses but the C70 will require more additional accessories.

If you're wanting to do one-man band work and need autofocus, the C70 is the way to go.

I could go on and on, but as you see there is a lot to consider. and no one right answer.

I'll just throw the Blackmagic Pocket camera in the mix to confuse you even more. Reason is that it's a cheaper option and gives you the best bang for the buck if you're looking for a camera to shoot small narrative and commercial projects. You can play with it for a year and figure out what you like and don't like. Sell it at a minor loss. Then you'll be better equipped to know what your ideal camera should be and where to invest your next $6000-7000.

Thank you so much for jumping in and providing advice and insight Gareth Taylor!

I have used the URSA G2 and own a Canon c70. I think the c70 is the way to go for sure. It autofocus's on certain lenses and if you want to build it out to a full size cinema rig, you can. Way more versatile than the Ursa G2 and has better image quality.

Great food for thought, Gareth Taylor and Matt Louie. Thx!

Image quality is an aspect that I'm partial to, which stems from my still photography days where I preferred my trusty Nikon D40 over the higher megapixel cameras.

The Blackmagic Pocket camera is certainly an affordable option as well to test the waters.

I watched a vid demonstrating the autofocus feature of the C70 and that certainly has its benefits, especially if you're, say, interviewing someone and they lean forward from time to time.

Much to think about, so many thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!

For less money, the Panasonic GH6 is a more than able camera! Or Sony's FX3 or A7iv are great cameras! Best of luck! :)

Thanks for the suggestion, Stephen Folker! For some reason I hadn't run across the GH6. The reviews are quite favorable.

Ty Strange really was an awesome camera. But if you're wanting the better autofocus, get their newer camera. Otherwise Sony is king of AF. I know many people will argue cinema lenses are all manual...but I argue to make your job easier. Otherwise, construction workers would only use hammers and not nail guns. :)

Love the analogy, Stephen Folker! There's always a tradeoff. With my Nikon D40 for stills, I used the AF quite a bit, especially for movement/action, but when needed I could switch to manual for more control and precision.

Ty Strange The TV show Willard (Elijah Wood) was filmed with a Nikon D800. Yes, cinema cameras have some pro features that are nice, but what truly makes any shot look cinematic is lighting, composition and lens choice. Give me any p.o.s. camera and I'll give you a great image! :)

Best wishes to you!

I've heard good things about the Panasonic Lumix s5, both the last generation and the upcoming Markii. Both have AF, but the Mark ii is meant to be a significant upgrade. However, the most robust model of the series is meant to hit it in May. For the budget, the first generation seems well loved, though its AF is bit more hit or miss, though still serviceable. Potato Jet on youtube does some great thorough reviews, as well as Gerald Undone.

https://youtu.be/-hepPjpE0C8

https://youtu.be/_v-tsoReeTo

I only speak from research, I have also been in the market for a camera for a few weeks now myself. This thread has been pretty helpful to me too!

Good luck!

I'm chiming in a little late on this conversation. I would say that cameras have gotten to a point where the differences are only superficial. The audience isn't going to know or be aware of what the native ISO of the camera is. I would say as long as you are able to change out lenses - preferably a PL Mount, that will give you the largest array of professional lenses to rent. That coupled with some nice ND Filters (which the Ursa Mini Pro has built in) will go a long way!

Thanks, everyone for chiming in on this post! So much great advice, I've copied and pasted a bunch into my notes :)

Never too late, Nathan Woodward! Thx for your added thoughts. And great blog post, "What Is Cinematic?"

The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro G2 and Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera are both highly regarded options for indie filmmakers. The URSA Mini Pro G2 offers impressive image quality, built-in ND filters, and the flexibility of Blackmagic RAW support. It has a larger form factor that may require additional support and accessories for handheld use.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS C70 combines Canon's lens ecosystem with a compact cinema camera form factor. It features a Super 35mm sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus, and offers excellent low-light performance. The C70 is compatible with RF lenses but can also use EF lenses with an adapter.

When it comes to additional gear, versatile lenses from brands like Sigma, Canon, Zeiss, or Cooke are recommended. Shotgun and lavalier microphones from Rode or Sennheiser can capture high-quality audio, and sturdy tripods from Manfrotto, Sachtler, or Miller provide stability for your shots.

Recording in RAW format can offer greater flexibility in post-production, allowing for more extensive color grading and dynamic range adjustments. However, it's important to note that RAW files consume more storage space and require more processing power for editing.

Consider your specific needs, shooting style, and budget when choosing between the URSA Mini Pro G2 and EOS C70. Renting or borrowing cameras before making a purchase can help you get a hands-on experience and make an informed decision.

Many thx, Fozan! Since I've been leaning toward the Canon for the past two weeks, I actually stopped by a local camera shop today where they carry the Canon EOS C70 so that I could physically hold it and play around with it. Have to say I love it!

Also, thx for the additional checklist recommendations. That's what I spent my morning putting together and discussing with the guy at the camera store. Next on my list to explore is what editing app to use for my macOS.

Ty Strange, there was a recent conversation about the best editing software to use in the post-production lounge. Arguments were made for both Davinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro. You can go through the detailed responses here: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/post_production/Video-Editor-career

Thx, Ashley Renee Smith!