Which Sony Super-35mm Camcorder
might be best for you?

PMW-F3

or

NEX-FS100

by Doug Jensen, Vortex Media

In recent months Sony has introduced two new affordable camcorders with super-35mm size sensors: the PMW-F3 and the NEX-FS100. Although many people assume that the cameras are basically the same because they share the same sensor, that is incorrect. Everything behind the sensor is different. In my opinion, as someone who actually owns both cameras, as the producer of training videos for both cameras, as the instructor of workshops for both cameras, I feel they are each designed to meet the needs of different types of video professionals.

Unfortunately, many of the differences between the cameras aren't so obvious when you're trying to decide which of the two cameras would be best for YOU. A camera that might be the perfect choice for one person, might be the wrong choice for someone else -- and vice versa. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single "best' camera for everyone. In fact, for some people, an NX5, Z7U, EX1R, EX3, 320, 350, 500, 700, or F800 might actually be a better choice than either of these super-35mm sensor cameras. Just in case you haven't noticed, Sony has literally dozens of professional camera options to choose from!

As interest in the the FS100 and F3 has been building, many people have been contacting Vortex Media and asking us which camera we would recommend for THEM . . . and that is simply impossible to do unless we invest a lot of time analyzing their needs, budget, shooting style, and experience level. At Vortex Media, we are in the business of training people HOW to use their new camera -- not recommending which camera to buy. That is supposed to be the job of Sony and your favorite authorized Sony reseller.

Okay, if you want to hire me as a consultant to help you make your decision, we can talk about that, but I thought a free online questionnaire might be a more cost-effective way of pointing you in the right direction. Based on your answers to 25 simple questions (which you may or may not see the relevancy of) I think I can give you a pretty good recommendation as to which camera would be best for YOUR needs.

Before we proceed, there are few of things to keep in mind:

  • In the interest of keeping things simple, the only two cameras that are included in this analysis are the FS100 and F3. If some other camera, such as the EX1R or F800, would suit your needs better, you'll have to arrive at that conclusion on your own.

  • This analysis is designed to only take into account the features of the basic camcorders with no upgrades. So, if you already know that you need the dual-link RGB 4:4:4 S-LOG or 3-D options of the PMW-F3, you can skip this analysis and just go ahead and buy that camera now.

  • The questionaire is programmed to give the answers to some questions more weight than others when it calculates the recommendation.

So, without further ado, here are the 25 questions:

1

If you were given a camera to shoot with, and had only a few minutes to prepare, which of these four cameras would you feel most comfortable using?

  

2

Do you currently own or shoot regularly with any of Sony's XDCAM EX or XDCAM HD camcorders?

  

3

What is the most money you have ever spent on a single camera?

  

4

Is shooting in slow-motion (over cranking) an important feature for you?

  

5

Do you prefer buying a turnkey camera that includes all the necessary components (battery, charger, lens, etc.) and is ready to roll right out of the box?

  

6

Do you own any of the following:
waveform monitor, vectorscope, test charts?

  

7

Have you ever worked extensively with a Betacam or other full-size shoulder-mount camera?

  

8

Does the approximate $7000 price difference between an F3 and an FS100 seem like a lot of money to you -- even when you consider it is only an extra $200/mo. when amortized over three years?

  

9

If a camera you're shooting with has a histogram function, is that something you would typically use?

  

10

Would you classify yourself as an "advanced" stills photographer who understands the fundamentals of photography, exposure, and lenses?

  

11

How much money do you expect to earn in 2011 from your work as a video professional?

  

12

Do you consider precise zebras and peaking to be critical features of a camera?

  

13

Are you comfortable shooting professional video with a digital SLR?

  

14

Do you feel that you understand all the advantages and disadvantages that super-35mm camcorders have over models with much smaller sensors?

  

15

Is an HDV or NXCAM camera currently your main camera?

  

16

Is it important that your camera have HDSDI output capability?

  

17

Do you prefer a smaller, lighter camcorder vs. a heavier but more ruggedly-built model?

  

18

In general, do you prefer getting the "look" you want in-camera or do you prefer to grade almost everything in post?

  

19

Do you ever use auto-focus or auto-iris on the camera(s) you shoot with right now?

  

20

Have you ever shot with an F35, RED, Alexa, Viper, or Genesis?

  

21

Do you think you'll regularly be doing hand-held shooting with your new camera?

  

22

Do you typically hand-off raw footage to clients at the end of the day, or do you normally edit what you shoot?

  

23

Will this camera become your primary camera or will it mostly supplement your other camera(s) in special shooting situations?

  

24

Is it important to have the ability to switch between NTSC and PAL shooting modes?

  

25

Do your clients know or care which model of camera you use on a shoot?

  


 
 

 

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