I'm always up for a demo of the Sony F3's S-Log mode, especially when compared to the much more expensive but similar ARRI ALEXA. The F3 has been called a "mini ALEXA" in S-Log mode, and I suppose you could call the Canon 7D a "mini F3," though no one's claiming the 7D can hold up to the big boys -- it's here as a reference for HDSLR shooters. Here's the test, carried out by Hello World Communications using Cooke Panchro lenses:
Hit the Vimeo page for a download of the 1080p source Quicktime.
To my eye, the ALEXA's skin tones look better than all the other digital cameras I've seen to date. It's not something you measure with charts, just as an emotional response. Both the ALEX and S-Log F3 both look much smoother and sharper than the 7D, which looks very video-y and a lot softer. But while the 7D gets blown out in several shots in which the F3 and ALEXA retain background highlight details, as with every test we've seen over the past of years, the cheap DSLR holds up very well when considered in terms of price:performance ratio. What did you guys think while watching?
[thanks, Ron]
