Why are TV Cameras still huge and expensive? (2019) [video]
I’ve been involved in shooting video projects professionally for over 30 years. This question about the expense of “pro” gear is getting quite fuzzy.<p>Most of my work has been as a contractor or freelancer and I’ve always believed in buying excellent gear. Yet I’ve never had any producer or editor ask “what did you shoot this with?”*<p>Durability and reliability is the prime reason pro gear is preferred but for me anyway that calculation has changed in recent years.<p>I just returned from Borneo where I was mostly using Sony RX-10 prosumer cameras. I carried 4 RX-10 bodies and never missed a shot.<p>Everything was shot in 4K. A top end pro camera from Sony would have an edge on quality in terms of pixels and dynamic range. But not enough to spend an additional 25k.<p>Plus with the cheaper cameras I much less hesitant to put them in harms way. When you are less concerned about destroying the camera it provides opportunities that otherwise might not be considered.<p>I actually just hired a production team for a project I’m involved with as a producer. They are going to be using top notch Arri Alexa cameras with prime Cine lenses. This is GREAT gear!<p>But I’ll never forget the $25 Panasonic M42 28mm lens I used on a RED camera that was fantastic. It had a bit of chromatic aberration but this was easily corrected in post. Nobody questioned the results.<p>Our iPhone or Android cameras rival what Panavision was providing in the 80’s.<p>* the exception is always super slow motion or incredible low light performance.