I finished two features this year, the first with the Varicam...The second I insisted on shooting S16, I wasn't going to do it on the Varicam, I could'nt. The situations did not lend themselves to being attached to cabling at all times... (I alway's have a D.I.T. when shooting video- hence the cabling)
Ok, So we all get it, I prefer film...That being said...
I would definitley use a Viper or Genesis over a Varicam- in any situation. The Varicam looks soft, yes I said it, SOFT.
When its not sitting side by side with another image, it looks good enough, But, book end it by commercials shot on S35 and you'll know what I mean. The Viper looks amazing in filmstream 4.4.4 and will do a 720P 60frames, So the Varicam "advantage" goes out the window for me... Im being very short (due to time)
But- from what I just saw at Panavision last week, I think Im really liking the Genesis (The viewing system is far superior to everything else out there- aside from the D20 which is optical :) and I can use all My Lenses I have used my entire career! )
The Viper is a great tool, especially with the venom packs- making it less cumbersome (your d.i.t.- plugs in, checks, and detaches) and your free to move about the cabin...anyway, I have to go so Im not late for my scout :)-
Joseph Labisi
Director of Photography
Local 600
www.JosephLabisi.com