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