F3 Light Sensitivity vs. HVX200

John Cummings · July 27th, 2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Philippe Archibald

I don't know, but I like your studio!

I could entertain myself for hours in that playroom...nice.

Alister Chapman · July 28th, 2011, 04:33 AM

You have to consider your comparing a camera with essentially 3x standard definition 960x540, 500k pixel chips (HVX200, HVX500) with a camera with 3.3 million pixels.

If you were to compare the F3 against most other full 1920x1080 cameras it would be at the top of the pile when it comes to sensitivity, due to it's comparatively large pixels. Comparing it to a lower resolution camera with smaller sensors it's not surprising to find less of a difference. Pixel size is one of the key factors when it comes to sensitivity and you will get similar results from small sensors with relatively few pixels and a big sensor with more pixels as the actual pixel sizes may be similar.

It's taken quite a few years for full HD cameras to achieve the same kinds of sensitivity and noise performance of top of the line SD cameras. I think we forget just how poor many of the first generation HD cameras were compared to SD.

Timur Civan · July 30th, 2011, 07:26 AM

absolutly true,

we are astounded at the F3's s/n ratio.... but there are many Brodacast ENG cameras with even better S/N ratios. Imagine a 2/3" 3CCD chipset with only roughly 720x480 pixels.... the pixels would be Gargantuan and thus insanely clean!

However i owned an HVX200, its sensitivity is nowhere near a F3. perhaps this is an HVX200a ? it was supposed to be a lot more sensitive and cleaner.

July 28th, 2011, 04:33 AM	#17
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Re: F3 Light Sensitivity vs. HVX200 You have to consider your comparing a camera with essentially 3x standard definition 960x540, 500k pixel chips (HVX200, HVX500) with a camera with 3.3 million pixels. If you were to compare the F3 against most other full 1920x1080 cameras it would be at the top of the pile when it comes to sensitivity, due to it's comparatively large pixels. Comparing it to a lower resolution camera with smaller sensors it's not surprising to find less of a difference. Pixel size is one of the key factors when it comes to sensitivity and you will get similar results from small sensors with relatively few pixels and a big sensor with more pixels as the actual pixel sizes may be similar. It's taken quite a few years for full HD cameras to achieve the same kinds of sensitivity and noise performance of top of the line SD cameras. I think we forget just how poor many of the first generation HD cameras were compared to SD. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

July 30th, 2011, 07:26 AM	#18
Timur Civan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 120	Re: F3 Light Sensitivity vs. HVX200 absolutly true, we are astounded at the F3's s/n ratio.... but there are many Brodacast ENG cameras with even better S/N ratios. Imagine a 2/3" 3CCD chipset with only roughly 720x480 pixels.... the pixels would be Gargantuan and thus insanely clean! However i owned an HVX200, its sensitivity is nowhere near a F3. perhaps this is an HVX200a ? it was supposed to be a lot more sensitive and cleaner. __________________ Director of Photography - www.timurcivan.com Sony F3, Cooke lenses, sunny disposition.