Quote:
Originally posted by mike.armf
Bytehoven, 'xcuse the interruption, but I just searched both these anamorphic lenses - the Panamorph is double the cost of the Prismasonic -at least as listed on the manufacturer's web site. Is the Prismasonic just as good when used with the HT1K? |
The Panamorph and Prismasonic V200 are both great lenses. However, they have a slightly different list of pros/cons, so I'll try to sum them up for ya.
The V-200 is also a solid prism lens with adjustable upper and lower prism plates. As a s result, you can adjust the amount of vertical compression from 1.33 to 1.78, 1.85 & 2.35 film formats when stretched by the HT1000 or an out board scaler. As you go from the an uncompressed 1.33 setting, all the way to 2.35 aspect ratio, you induce more artifacts across the image area. The main image artifacts are slightly softer focus and color fringing as you move away from the center of the image. These artifacts are not visible at 1.78 compression, but start to show up a bit more at 1.85 compression. They are most apparent at 2.35 compression, and some might argue the artifacts too apparent at this point. IMHO, they are very hard to see on program material as the affected areas tend to be outside the eyes primary point of focus. But you can clearly see the artifacts when looking at a projected grid pattern. I really liked the V200 lens, as it was very flexible to work with a wide range of movie aspect ratio formats. Tweaking the lens for these aspect ratio variations, did make for the screen being taller or shorter on the vertical. That was my main reason for skipping the lens, as I wanted to run a constant height screen, and in that regard the Panamorph was a superior lens at a fixed 1.85 compression.
The Panamorph, while less flexible in being able to make lens adjustments for various aspect ration material thru the HT1000 or a scaler, it's image at the fixed compression ratio is stellar. A perfect image edge to edge as far as focus, geometry and color alignment.
If given the chance, I would have like to have a Prismasonic V200 with the image quality of the Panamorph. Then I would chose the Panamorph, then the V200. Since a better V200 did and does not exist, the Panamorph was the best choice for me.
I figure the V200 was just under $600 at the time I bought the Panamorph. And the Panamorph was just a little less than 50% more.
The current $150 discounted "experimental" grade Panamorph is just a little more than the V200, and I would probably buy the Panamorph over the V200 today. Although I miss the flexibility of the V200.
Prismasonic makes a horizontal compression version of the V200, but I don't think it is a good fit for the short throw HT1000 lens. But I have not tried it.
You could always try the V200 with your new HT1000, as they have a return period. Had the Panamorph PSO series not come along, I would still own the V200 today.
Happy shopping