The Sony F23 digital cinematography camera was used to shoot several motion picture and TV projects in 2008, and the trend appears to be continuing this year.
The camera was used to shoot a variety of upcoming releases, including “Tekken,” “Public Enemies” and “Final Destination 4” as well as many of 2008’s box-office successes, such as “Cloverfield,” “Quarantine” and “Speed Racer.”
For TV, the camera was used to shoot “Privileged,” “Weeds,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Starter Wife” and “Knight Rider.”
“The F23 has excellent dynamic range, handling highlights beautifully with a film-like quality,” said Glen MacPherson, director of photography for “Final Destination 4,” the first digital 3-D action movie to be shot on location instead of primarily behind a blue or green screen. The camera is “virtually noiseless” in shadows, and its 2/3in image sensor “is ideal for shooting 3-D,” he said.
The F23 camera uses three 2.2-megabit 2/3in progressive CCD imagers and a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter. The system supports multiple 1080 formats, including 24fps and 60fps in progressive mode.
The camera delivers 12.5 stops of latitude, and cinematographers also can work in LOG mode, a setting that allows for a shooting experience more like film.
Sam Nicholson, founder and CEO of Stargate Digital, worked with the F23 on “Knight Rider” and noted the distinct cost- and time-saving advantages of working with the camera’s dockable recorder.
