FS100 dynamic range is 11.5 stops, [UPDATE]: almost like F3

by Sebastian WöberJune 21^st, 2011

The new $5k 4:4:4 8bit hdmi-out Sony NEX-FS100 was tested by the pros at AbelCineTech (they rent and sell all the pro moviemaking cameras in New York City).

And 11.5 stops is actually a lot more than some of us expected! If you look at the findings of the SCCE that was published last week (thumbnail on the left), you will see that our favourite HDSLR cameras share the same dynamic range.
And you might not remember that in comparison to many other video cameras dslr is actually doing quite good in terms of dynamic range (brightest and darkest the camera sensor will capture).

The above video is also a very good tutorial and reference point on how to set your FS100 “picture styles” correctly. If you’re not an ultrapro and when you don’t have a testing environment like Abel Cine at hand it’s not easy to guess your best knee settings.

The FS100 shares the same sensor as the much more expensive Sony F3 and it seems like it’s providing the same dynamic range as well.
[UPDATE]: Apparently the F3 has a dynamic range closer to 12 stops according to the same test guy from Abel Cine. See this video for reference.
Thanks to user Daniel Villiers for the hint.

via nofilmschool