Hey guys,
I'm looking for what you guys think about this topic. I got sick of waiting for my pocket camera so I looked into the raw function not-so-long ago on my 5D. Much more stable than I expected, but I still haven't been able to try out the full power of it (only have a 133x card, just ordered a 1000x).
With how Blackmagic was going... it was obvious which I was going with. But something just threw a wrench in my plans... I just received news that my pocket camera will be shipping to me either the end of this week or beginning of next week. I am completely torn between which one to go with. For the record, I only really care about the raw function of both cameras. I will be using both for short films/a feature I have planned next year. Prores is obviously sh*t tons better than h.264, but honestly, whenever I wouldn't be filming raw either or is completely fine with me, it's never anything serious.
So lets assume the pocket camera gets updated firmware and is able to now shoot raw tomorrow (won't happen, but lets pretend). Which would be better? Lets make a list (in no particular order):
Color science: Personally, I think Blackmagic is slightly better than Canon (just based on the 2.5k version vs. current 5D raw). But they are both so good this really isn't an issue for me.
Resolution: I only film my narrative stuff in around 2.35.. so being able to do 16:9 (pocket camera) isn't a problem to me. However the pocket still does win with the 5D's slightly lower than 1080p resolution. But lets be honest, the small difference in resolution is hardly noticeable.
Battery life: 5D obviously wins this no question. Not a huge deal, but 30 minutes (ish) per battery (pocket) is a real pain in the a**.
Overlays/Scopes/Gui: Oddly enough, again I feel the 5D wins this one. You wouldn't expect the hacked camera to have better functions but honestly... there is just more in Magic Lantern than Blackmagic. I'm not too surprised though... seems like the people here at Magic Lantern are more experienced/skilled in creating firmware than Blackmagic.
Raw files: 5D adds one extra step... but that's no big deal. As far as the quality of the raw files... as far as I am aware their versatility is the same across the board, no? Obviously the only difference (seemingly) will be the compressed CDNG from the pocket. Assuming Blackmagic isn't lying and it'll be lossless, then that's no problem.
Sound: 5D doesn't have sound so it loses here... but I do dual system sound anyway, and as it is, anyone who doesn't do that with the pocket is looking to get not so hot sound. So another "meh" point.
Lenses/Crop factor: Honestly, I don't see a big deal with crop factor, so long as you're aware of it and get the correct lenses. Tons of great c-mounts out there. So I think this comes down to purely personal taste, if even that. So it's a tie. 5D personally wins for me though since I already have a lens collection.
Stability: I can't say I trust the 5D more than Blackmagic when it comes to stability when shooting raw. It's just an innate uneasiness with using a hack. However, I am completely confidant with Magic Lantern, and rationally I know there is no risk (aside from running into problems while shooting, no long term risks). But even with the short term risks on set... I really still don't rationally find an issue with this. So I feel like it should be a tie, but my irrational fear gives a win to the pocket.
Light Sensitivity: 5D wins hands down. No question. Honestly, this is the main reason why I'm leaning more towards keeping my 5D and forgetting about the pocket. I understand lighting is very important, and I love doing it, but there's nothing like finding that creepy location in the middle of the woods. No way I can get lights there!
So... I hope that wasn't too long. What do you guys think? It seems like to me, price aside, these two cameras are nearly equal when it comes to what's available when shooting raw at a 2.35 aspect ratio. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but nothing too crazy. It just feels weird to me that I would choose the hacked camera over the camera designed for the same function. What do you guys think? I'd be very interested in seeing other peoples opinions based upon their own viewpoint/needs.
I'm looking for what you guys think about this topic. I got sick of waiting for my pocket camera so I looked into the raw function not-so-long ago on my 5D. Much more stable than I expected, but I still haven't been able to try out the full power of it (only have a 133x card, just ordered a 1000x).
With how Blackmagic was going... it was obvious which I was going with. But something just threw a wrench in my plans... I just received news that my pocket camera will be shipping to me either the end of this week or beginning of next week. I am completely torn between which one to go with. For the record, I only really care about the raw function of both cameras. I will be using both for short films/a feature I have planned next year. Prores is obviously sh*t tons better than h.264, but honestly, whenever I wouldn't be filming raw either or is completely fine with me, it's never anything serious.
So lets assume the pocket camera gets updated firmware and is able to now shoot raw tomorrow (won't happen, but lets pretend). Which would be better? Lets make a list (in no particular order):
Color science: Personally, I think Blackmagic is slightly better than Canon (just based on the 2.5k version vs. current 5D raw). But they are both so good this really isn't an issue for me.
Resolution: I only film my narrative stuff in around 2.35.. so being able to do 16:9 (pocket camera) isn't a problem to me. However the pocket still does win with the 5D's slightly lower than 1080p resolution. But lets be honest, the small difference in resolution is hardly noticeable.
Battery life: 5D obviously wins this no question. Not a huge deal, but 30 minutes (ish) per battery (pocket) is a real pain in the a**.
Overlays/Scopes/Gui: Oddly enough, again I feel the 5D wins this one. You wouldn't expect the hacked camera to have better functions but honestly... there is just more in Magic Lantern than Blackmagic. I'm not too surprised though... seems like the people here at Magic Lantern are more experienced/skilled in creating firmware than Blackmagic.
Raw files: 5D adds one extra step... but that's no big deal. As far as the quality of the raw files... as far as I am aware their versatility is the same across the board, no? Obviously the only difference (seemingly) will be the compressed CDNG from the pocket. Assuming Blackmagic isn't lying and it'll be lossless, then that's no problem.
Sound: 5D doesn't have sound so it loses here... but I do dual system sound anyway, and as it is, anyone who doesn't do that with the pocket is looking to get not so hot sound. So another "meh" point.
Lenses/Crop factor: Honestly, I don't see a big deal with crop factor, so long as you're aware of it and get the correct lenses. Tons of great c-mounts out there. So I think this comes down to purely personal taste, if even that. So it's a tie. 5D personally wins for me though since I already have a lens collection.
Stability: I can't say I trust the 5D more than Blackmagic when it comes to stability when shooting raw. It's just an innate uneasiness with using a hack. However, I am completely confidant with Magic Lantern, and rationally I know there is no risk (aside from running into problems while shooting, no long term risks). But even with the short term risks on set... I really still don't rationally find an issue with this. So I feel like it should be a tie, but my irrational fear gives a win to the pocket.
Light Sensitivity: 5D wins hands down. No question. Honestly, this is the main reason why I'm leaning more towards keeping my 5D and forgetting about the pocket. I understand lighting is very important, and I love doing it, but there's nothing like finding that creepy location in the middle of the woods. No way I can get lights there!
So... I hope that wasn't too long. What do you guys think? It seems like to me, price aside, these two cameras are nearly equal when it comes to what's available when shooting raw at a 2.35 aspect ratio. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but nothing too crazy. It just feels weird to me that I would choose the hacked camera over the camera designed for the same function. What do you guys think? I'd be very interested in seeing other peoples opinions based upon their own viewpoint/needs.
