Joel Smith

Jason, thanks for the input. Actually, we weighed our options and decided to go with the SI-2K Mini and upgrade to the full SI-2K when it's ready. Luckily, the documentary we're shooting is heavily scripted and doesn't involve a "reality" type setting. It will be interesting, but I think the quality will be a great payoff.

Exactly, Walter. 1440x1080 is not a "TRUE" HD signal. I know the pictures from XDCam and the like look great, and they're 1440x1080. I am a purist, what can I say. :)

It's not a question whether 1920x1080 cameras are better. I just wanted some options in the price range. I know the SI-2K and RED are both a few months out and was wondering what would be the next best thing for our budget before then. We're traveling all over Europe for 45 days. Part of the shoot is for a 16 hour mini-series, the other is for stock footage acquisition. I want a true 1920x1080 because that is a TRUE HD picture for STOCK footage. Plus, it will hopefully outlast this standards battle and can be converted to SD, 720p, or 1080i in post. We also don't have the budget to do Super16 or 35mm. We will have over 100 hours of footage and the processing would be outrageous. I appreciate all the input. Thank you.

The mount for the LCD isn't the problem, it's the signal. The Mini doesn't have an LCD output, nor a USB. So, from what I understand, you have to get a USB to RJ-45 adapter, then some way to get the signal back down the same RJ-45 capture cable, then re-adapt it back out the USB for the touchscreen. That's what I meant about a maze of cables. If there was an LCD output on the Mini head, I probably wouldn't have any uneasiness.

Thanks for all the input. These were the answers I expected. I have been talking to Silicon Imaging, and they just said yesterday they won't have the SI-2K ready in time. We could get the Mini and upgrade when the 2K arrives. I just don't like the fact that my monitor is a laptop screen. And there's no easy way to mount the touchscreen unless you have the full SI-2K. I'm well aware of the XDCam options. But, as stated, it's not true 1080p and the 4:4:4 is a big plus since we will be doing more stuff requiring film-outs in the future. We may have to live with the Mini for the time-being. I'm still open to options.

We are departing March 15th, 2007 for a 45 documentary/educational shoot in Europe. We will also be shooting for stock libraries while over there, so 1080p (preferably 4:4:4) is a must. We're looking at purchasing the Silicon Imaging SI-2K. However, it looks like it won't be available in time for our trip. The same goes for RED ONE. We would love either one. We don't want the 2K Mini because we will be doing a lot of Steadicam shooting and don't want a mess of cables (RJ-45, audio, USB, etc.) hanging from the camera. Plus, it gets too front heavy. Anybody have some suggestions of cameras that will do TRUE 1080p (1920x1080 at 24p) in the < $20,000 price range? We currently have some Super 16 PL mount lenses, so the PL mount and single sensor would be best. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

I'm a video guy that's not real familiar with film and need a little help. Does anyone know how to mount an Arri BP-4 bridgeplate to an O'Connor 50D head? Is it even possible?

Do you know the prices on those? I want to stay in the SI-2K price range or lower (@ $21,000). The only thing I've heard about prices on the Phantoms is over $60K. But, that was a forum post from early 2006 and was only a guess.

Anyone come in contact with the Kinor digital "4K" camera yet? I know it's not true 4K so we don't need a debate about that. I'm looking for a good, real (preferably 4:4:4) 1080p camera with a PL mount for a shoot in March. A lot of the footage will be for stock libraries. We don't have the budget to shoot Super16 or 35mm. So, we're looking at purchasing the Silicon Imaging SI-2K (not the Mini), but are getting antsy about it coming out in time. We would love to use RED, but can't wait for it to come out. Opinions?