1/4" vs. 1/3" sensor size

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Originally Posted by Bob Zimmerman

lets say the Sony V1 with it's 1/4 sensors look great. But will how many studios, TV networks ect will say "1/4 chip?" "No thanks".

If the basic 24p image looks good enough to pass for film on broadcast TV, I don't think any network or studio will reject the V1u because of its imager size. Far, far too much is made of the whole depth-of-field issue. Time was, filmmakers tried hard to extend DOF, even resorting to split diopters to keep two distances in focus at the same time. Night shots with a wide-open T1.4 lens sometimes afforded a DOF of maybe a few inches, requiring mighty skilled focus-pullers. This camera should be able to handle the same situation more easily, at least as far as critical focusing goes. Yes, it's important to be able to manipulate DOF for creative purposes, but thinking that a 1/2- or 2/3-inch chip is a DOF panacea is simplistic. Even George Lucas had to deal with the issue with his Panavised Cinealtas. It's going to take a little creative adjustment, but I'm sure this will be a virtual nonissue for TV production companies looking for small, cheap "B" cameras, as well for indie filmmakers who shoot whole features with the V1u..

[Robert Young]

I think it is the area of the chip that is the critical number. A 1/3" chip has about 1.7 times the area of a 1/4" chip.
A 2/3" chip, however, has 4 times the surface area of a 1/3" chip. A really big difference.

[Heath McKnight]

Originally Posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle

Attached is a shallow depth of field from the V1U. If memory serves, I'm about 8' from camera, iris likely at 1.8, 2.0, or 2.4, shutter definitely at 1/48. There may or may not be an ND filter on due to the light hitting the sides of the barn. I honestly can't remember, and don't want to go digging for the tape to read the datacode.
The "arm" you can see behind my right shoulder is about 4' back, and the nearest firetruck is about the same distance.
Screen cap from DVRack; a little underexposed. Apologies for that, we were juust prepping up for a shot and I hit "Grab."

Let me also point out that the reds in that place are incredible, and I'm looking forward to more video/stills of the firetrucks from both the Z1 and the V1. Red is a difficult color to capture in DV/HDV, etc.

heath