I’m not convinced that this isn’t a joke. Apparently there is a feature film called “Reverie,” shot entirely on the Nikon D90, a bit of coincidence considering there was another DSLR-shot film by that name that came out not long ago (and was not good). The cinematographer of the film says of the D90:
The D90 far surpasses the full frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, and even Red’s Scarlet.
A controversial, nay, inflammatory statement. I’m not sure I’m willing to take it seriously, considering the man is also the producer and sound editor for the film (his second).
An actual cinematographer would appreciate the D90, but would find it utterly unfit for actual shooting, considering its limitations. At the very least, even if they found it impressive, they would refrain from such statements as this above. Whether it’s better for some things than the 5D Mk II is a judgment call and the DMC-GH1 is a given, but the Scarlet? Is this guy on crack?
For reasons we have discussed, current DSLRs are pretty much unsuitable for serious filmmaking. If this movie isn’t a joke to begin with (and I think that it is), then it’s a joke of a movie.
[via Nikon Rumors]
There is no way on this earth that the D90 is better for video than the 5D. I’ve used both.
For starters, the D90 is 720p against the 5D’s 1080p. Add to that the D90’s infamous jello-cam, and it’s obvious this is a joke.
Or the guy is looking for links.
Okay. So the “Far surpasses…” comment is a bit of wishful thinking when it comes to the d90, but it’s more than a little snooty to say “Unsuitable for serious filmmaking.” So you’re not going to shoot Transformers on it or use it on a big shoot in place of a Genesis. But take the Cannon 5dmk2, it’s small and can go many places a Red can’t.
And the he image quality? It’s is better than a PD150 and Lars Von Trier and the Dogme 95 guys made several award winning films on a PD150. As did Mike Figgis. Or in theatres now: Soderbergh used a consumer miniHD AVHD handicam for some scenes in The Girlfriend Experience. I think that’s a pretty serious film.
If you want to see some great images from the D90- check out Sabi Model/Photographer on you tube. Yes, the image won’t compare if it was blown up to 35 and projected next to the red. But it looks pretty good to me. And I’ve seen it on TV and it looks good. And that short cost them nothing.
It’s just not about equipment any more. Filmmakers need to use what works and if your script is serious, and your know what your doing, you can shoot on just about anything and make it look good. Serioius filmmaking is about skill and ideas, not cameras.
I watched the teaser/trailer for the film. It has to be a joke from a film school student. It’s pretty bad. Nikon makes some great cameras but this isn’t the one to best the 5D. Not even close looking at that footage.
Attention whores.
Yes he is on crack. The Scarlet cameras (note, he seems to think there’s only one) can use Nikon lenses. They do not have fixed lenses as this bozo claims.
As for comparing it to the 5D Mark II. I’ve shot video with the 5D Mark II. And I’ve seen video from the D90. The 5D Mark II has better video (I prefer Nikon to Canon cameras), and it just as usable.
Either it’s a joke, or he’s kissing up to Nikon hoping they’re not smart enough to figure out he just wants money from them.
And the video quality in the trailer looks like it was shot on a flip camera.
Devin,
Based on what criteria are you saying Vincent Laforet’s Reverie “was not good”? Not good compared to what? The guy had never shot video before, he was using a pre-prod model with no manual and only had the camera in his possession for 48 hours. His little film was ground-breaking. Sure, it has flaws, but within the context of its situation, it was brilliant. Also, it’s foolish to say current dslr’s are unsuitable for film-making. Over the next few years these cameras will dominate the pro video market, imo. Even now, with a zacuto z-finder, H4N filed recorder, glidecam, crane and some dolly track, my 5Dii shoots feature film quality footage. (Just wish we could get a firmware fix for 24p.)
I’m basing it on my opinion. I thought it was terrible. Composition, lighting, everything. And I disagree, Pros will not be using DSLRs to the point of “domination”, partially for the reason you mention (24p support) and partially because of the way they shoot (throwing away data, using a distribution codec). They might use them for secondaries when weight is a concern or portability, but there are real HD cinema cameras for that purpose, like the Scarlet and SI2k.
Sorry Devin, I took a closer look at your profile–I didn’t realize that you are not a cinematographer. For everyone else wanting some informed discussion on this subject, consider visiting planet5d.com or one of the dedicated discussion boards for DSLR film-making.
Devin Coldewey,
I’m not sure how you could say that the D90 or 5D are better than the GH1. Everything I’ve shot on the GH1 blows away these other two cameras.
Paula Z.
To be honest i was just going on specs from the GH1. Micro four thirds just sounds wrong for video.
edit: looked at some reviews on the GH1, they say it’s better than like the T1i and D5000, but I’d guess the 5D mk II would still beat it. Thanks for keeping me honest, though.
The gh1 better than de d90 or even the 5d? That is really a joke.
Or you don’t know how to use the d90 or the 5d… Or you are totally biased.
Noise levels on the gh1 are horrible, just like the dynamic range.
This is a joke guys…funny…I laughed out loud.