The Large format is here to stay 
 alexalf fullframe largeformat redmonstruo venice 
 By Fabio 

 on 7/11/19, 10:48 AM • 772 views
After the announcement of the Alexa mini LF, I think is clear that even though it will take some time, the large format has come and is gonna stay, probably becoming the standard. As of me I already shot with Sony Venice and Red Monstruo VV, but I didn’t had the pleasure yet to be in a real shooting environment with the Alexa LF. I think that there has been a rush of the brands to take out large format cameras and that means that the firmware were not totally tested and the technology related is still a bit “beta”. That’s why I thought that a thread about shooting large format would be very useful. 
At first I was a little concerned about the shallower depth of field, but to tell you the truth I didn’t notice the difference that much. It is true that the focus ends up being a little more critical than when shooting super35 but if like me you are used to shoot wide open pretty much all the time it’s not a big deal.
what I did notice as a real difference is that those sensor needs a lot of energy so the camera is very power-hungry and that is something you should really keep in mind when doing the camera list. Also, bigger sensors get “hot” way faster and sometimes the fan needs to be loud to cool it off. Here in Spain is summer now and there have been already some overheating issues with some cameras.
so, for those of you that already tasted the large format, what are your tips, do’s and do not’s?




 Vince 

 On 7/11/19, 9:27 PM
I've got to say, the Alexa LF combined with the right batteries doesn't consume thàt much power in comparison with the regular Alexa Classic or XT versions.
I agree that the level of pulling is comparable when shooting wide open T1.3 on S35 but the main difference in my opinion is that the further you get to INF the more difficult it get's to see the sharpness, just like shooting wide open on anamorphic lenses. So what I do (not only for wide shots) is measure, measure, measure.. Just like you would do for any shot (if possible haha).
For power I always ask for designated batteries that are made for usage on the Alexa LF, like the high load batteries from Bebob 290wH or the Hawk-Woods RP 200 series and for a stand-by camera I like to plug it in to a Bebob Cine Cube 1200.




 Rozemarijn 

 On 7/13/19, 10:23 AM
adding to that, lets keep our DP's and Producers informed about the post-production, the data, what they need, and i've noticed that sometimes there is no reason (besides being cool) to shoot LF. 

It should serve the purpose! 




 Gunnar Mortensen 

 On 7/21/19, 2:28 PM
I couldn’t agree more. I am in the trenches again on the DXL2 which has been the camera of choice for the last couple projects. 8k with primo 70s. I have to say besides being a power hog it is a pretty well thought out camera. Easy to convert to different modes and an intuitive menu structure. Shooting 1600 base at a 2.8-4 is more similar to shooting super 35 size chip at below a 2. Treat it similar to shooting anamorphic.
 

 

