Eric Bensoussan

I have used both and my deduction is that each system fits it's purpose. The major differences are Weight : Penelope is noticeably much lighter then an Arri LT .feels like a 16mm Aaton XTR . #1 for shoulder. Reverse : no reverse on Penelope . Shutter : mechanical 3 positions on Penelope Tufness : Would not clip a Penelope on a car rig or helicopter or anything with vibrations.It's tuff but not like an Arri. (got this info from a Arri Aaton certified 30 years exper. technician ) Steadicam : Penelope is lighter ,but 1 type of mag , film displacement in the mag is front to back ,so operator's will need to rebalance. Mags : Fragile,never frame with the hand on it, tilting the mag will create friction and noise and other potential problems.Hold upright as much as possible. Same loading time ,easy ,out of the dark loop set,firm locks (3) . Threading : Faster on Penelope ,clip mag and shoot. Rods : Option of screwing rods on the body (like XTR 16mm) For ultimate lightness and compactness. Video : Penelope has USB for image capture,unlike Arri where you need the HD videotap to do the same . Penelope doesn't have the option for an HD videotap Menus : Penelope has an extensive menu ,but well made ,looks like there is a lot of buttons but it's easy operation. Linear navigation like the Red camera . Penelope menu and features are more customizable then Arri's (frame position,frame color ,camera info ,timecode ...) Batteries : Forget about it .. I mean literally...you will probably forget this camera even runs with batteries. I used the same 2 batteries on a 12h day ,8 mags 400' loads (voltage started at 16v,still had 14.7v at the end ) Amazing and super light. Accessories: Arri's wireless units, LDS ,electronic shutter and in-camera compensation, etc... Arri integrates more electronics, more ''options''for many uses. Aaton is straight forward but it will look more like a christmas tree then an Arri with it's own integrated box units.so start building your own little bracket attachments because it s basically like a 235 . Christmas tree = wireless transmitter, wireless FIZ MDR box, cinetape ,splitter box ... Viewfinder : Penelope doesn't have the telescope viewfinder (left to right) ,only one position but it has the same eyepiece attachment as Arri's for the medium and long extensions. The choice can be easy or heartbreaking. HAving both system in your truck would be heaven . But you can't go wrong with either one. eric bensoussan 1st AC Montreal ,Canada

lol tru that Tony . For some reason ,where I work here in Montreal ,the 65mm Cooke or Zeiss is a rare piece and hard to rent. Never tried ,never saw the 65mm Cooke here, only the 75mm . So you saying the 65mm Zeiss is not the best...subjective...subjective ...lol

From a creative view ,we are lucky to have the choice between both worlds Cooke's warm soft contrast and Zeiss 's colder more contrast look . I believe they should be used according to what the film look needs and the conditions of filming . The Bokeh effect is only for our personnal pleasure since most spectators will never even notice it .It s one of those pre-production conversations we all had before. From a technical view ,again we are lucky to have both worlds because for some , pulling focus will feel more confortable on a Cooke or a Zeiss . Now for my personnal view , I prefer Cooke technically for it s smoother barrel ride and bigger markings. I feel the shots more,everything feels smooth and in place ,faster racks. With the Zeiss I feel I'm stuggling to pull at the right time ,the small barrel makes it harder to achieve slow minute ajustement . For Handheld running shots with no remote focus,Cookes makes your life easier . In the cold ,Cookes do not freeze up like the Zeiss which become blocks of ice sometimes.But again ,this condition only applies when you talking about shooting inconditions of -10 degrees Celcius and under . Also , I can honestly say that Cooke made the best 40mm ,and Zeiss made the best 65mm.Those 2 lenses make me have goose bumps ..don't know why ...I drull over their look. So in the end ,which is better ? Take bits and piece of testimonies and build yourself the right package for that particular fim . Cheers