Mon Apr 15, 2024 1:30 pm
I'm not trying to sound all high and mighty, but has anyone used the 6k FF?
I bought one the day they were available, so I feel I have some knowledge about the sensor for the Pyxis, since they are the same in both cameras.
My Collected Thoughts:
- The image is beautiful at 400 ISO base. Anything above 1250 ISO is asking for noise. Still usable, but it's just noisy.
- The L Mount feels good and is adaptable. I've used Canon FD lenses, EF mount, PL mount...
- The image feels familiar and yet slightly nicer than the 6k Pro, in a way. Softer highlights? Could be my imagination...
- I HATE rigging it up. I love simplicity with the Pocket design, but this one, if I'm using a Metabones PL adapter, I need to cage it up and rig a monitor and run a V Mount plate on it... it's so cumbersome. With Cage, rails, Battery plate, Monitor and a Matte box of NDs, I'm already at 10lbs without a battery! The UMP body is near 6lbs.
- Lack of higher frame rates at 3:2 is a bit of a bummer. I wish it could have gone 48fps.
- The screen is responsive and bright
- Really like the Full Frame look with my full frame cinema lenses, not gonna lie
- Utilizing an s35 lens in crop mode didn't seem to dim performance
- Rolling Shutter - is BAD. If I'm doing handheld work, I'm on a Vibration Control type lens and I'm just gently adding movement. As soon as you take a step, it's game over. Well, I mean, it's usable. But since I do a LOT of interview and home-life B Roll, I'm often following someone around and even doing a ninja walk doesn't alleviate the bumps and jutter. When I'm locked off on a tripod, it's solid. I'm not a gimbal person right now. (I say that because the RS4 Pro looks very appealing...)
SO, I fear many people who have NOT used the 6k FF aren't used to the rolling shutter being this severe. Shoulder mounting will happen for many (due to the new EVF looking great), and I wonder if that will be the first time they've done it (shoulder rigging). Unless you're doing the ninja creep... RS is gonna come through, I think.
I was thinking this would be a great A Cam with my 6k FF being a B Cam for interviews and filming conversations, but now I'm like... I don't know!
What I do know, is that the things people seem to gripe about most is: Lack of Internal NDs, Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range.
I think, for narrative/commercial work, the Pyxis, on sticks or gimbal or steadicam, will do really well. The average Joe that wants a box camera because this is box-ish are either gonna complain to the max or justify the shortcomings to make them feel better... or just be happy to have a camera that works great in a lot of situations!
Addendum
For YEARS, I cut my teeth on the URSA Mini body in EVERY iteration, 4k, 4.6k, G1, G2, 12k. I was just constantly upgrading ever so often. I even sold my 12k in preparation for a big announcement! (I may see myself as foolish in months to come)...
But now I'm looking at my options and I'm in a bit of a pickle.
The Pyxis, just isn't for me.
The Ursa Cine is out of my price range.
Going back to a 12k seems like the thing to do...
Though, I can get a used Ursa Mini Pro G2 for under $3000....
I can survive on one camera, but the times I need to 'up my game' with either bringing in a more robust camera or a B Cam, I feel I'm needing something else.
This is just my personal take. You don't have to agree with my thoughts.
Long-time Blackmagic User