If you want a Sony, this is the one to get
If you’ll recall back in November I wrote a couple of posts about the new Sony cameras being released. There were a total of three but the two that interested me were the F3 and the NEX FS 100. Turns out my prediction of price point wasn’t too far off for the NEX FS100 , which was the camera I was geniunely interested in for a couple of reasons:
1. It had the same sensor as the F3 at a much lower price point
2. It seemed to be the only camera worth competing with, not only the 5D, but the RED Scarlet.
The new NEX FS100 is about to be released soon and some of the test videos have begun to pop up on line. I’ll be the first to say that the images look great, truly.
I’d say if you’re looking for an alternative to the HDSLR cameras like the 5d Mark II, then this is where it’s at. Great picture. S35 size chip (almost full-frame). Really cool features and ergonomics including a 4:2:2 hdmi output for external recorders which will give you superior footage to the standard.
Now, would I consider this camera viable competition for the RED Scarlet? Not on your life. The features, dynamic range, image, controls, RAW, size, and resolution simply are not there. You’re talking 96 fps out of the scarlet, all RAW footage, HDRx which is pulling 18 stops out of the Epic, redmotes which let you control everything, a tiny, palmable form factor, and 3k resolution which will scale perfectly to 2k Cinema projection. And all of this for $6,000 (roughly). So how much is the FS100?
$5,000 for the body with a Sony-Alpha mount for lenses. Very good price and if you feel that RED has wronged you in some way and that the standard form factor is just cooler and nicer than the 5d (this latter part I’ll admit to), then I’d say you’ve got a great option on your hands.
However, keep in mind, with the 5d mark II body being $2,500 and the 24-105 standard L zoom lens being about $1,000 and about three other great lenses being about the same price point, you’re talking a full camera/lens feature set for about $500 more than the Sony FS100 by itself, however, I will be the first to admit it is definitely a more “professional” feeling camera and gives you a lot of options.
I will repeat though, I have to question your sanity when you choose this camera over a Scarlet, even though the scarlet with the fixed lens on it and all the features I mentioned clocks in at right around $6k which is $1k more, you’re getting a lens and all the other features, not to mention the Scarlet interchangeable models are even cheaper (right around $4k-$5k for a body) than this, so, yeah. there’s my thoughts.
I will say though, again this is a great camera and you can get some nice prictures using even the standard Sony lenses. I’ve embedded some videos below. Thanks to http://www.nofilmschool.com for the heads up!
Cozi: ‘Vertigo’ Music Video from Den & James on Vimeo.
NEX FS 100 Video Blog from Den & James on Vimeo.
Sony Professional – NEX FS100E: Affordable Super 35mm from Sony Professional on Vimeo.
cinemaexverite.wordpress.com 
You’re right about the Scarlet being a better camera. The problem is, until the Scarlet ships it is vaporware.
No one knows IF or when the Scarlet will ship.
You’re right, the fs100 is readily available, the scarlet is yet to be available. However, i wouldn’t say “IF the scarlet will ship,” i would say when for sure though. Jim said September the other day on reduser as his best guess. I would say probably december. Along with RED’s usual delays, we now have the delays coming from the Japan disaster so, there ya go. However, i would say, once it’s available, sell the fs100 and grab the scarlet, or, if your jobs are kind of spotty then just rent an fs100 kit until Scarlet is released; it will blow the fs100 out of the water