XDCAM EX - New Generation HD Recording System
The Sony PMW-EX3 is a flash-memory based high definition camcorder capable of a variety of frame rates and resolutions using Sony's new XDCAM-EX intraframe codec. A "big-brother" to the PMW-EX1, the PMW-EX3 ups the ante by providing an interchangeable lens mount. The mount allows users to put a variety of professional lenses on the camera, including 1/2" and 2/3" bayonet-mounts.
The PMW-EX3 is the next in the range of professional HD products - called XDCAM EX - which record onto memory-based SxS ExpressCard media. PMW-EX3 combines a state-of-the-art, non-linear XDCAM workflow with simply the best HD quality yet seen in a compact camcorder. It is also the first handheld camcorder to carry the legendary CineAlta 24P brand with multiple frame rate recording capability such as 59.94i, 50i, and native 23.98P, as well being 1080i/1080P/720P switchable. There is also a choice of a 35Mb/s High Quality mode or a 25Mb/s, HDV 1080i compatible mode. To take advantage of this high performance recording capability, the PMW-EX3 uses an imaging system consisting of three ½-inch type CMOS sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920x1080 to produce images in full HD resolution. To maximise recording time, the PMW-EX3 has two memory card slots which means with a pair of 16 GB SxS PRO memory cards, it can record up to 140 minutes of HD footage. A wide variety of accessories are also available, including a USB Reader/Writer, a wide-conversion lens, battery and charger. The PMW-EX3 HD compact camcorder is the ideal solution for a wide range of customers from broadcasters through to independent videographers and film makers who want exceptional HD picture quality and state-of-the-art workflow from a compact and affordable camcorder.
Accesories
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VCL-EX0877
0.8x Wide converter
LCS-G1BP
Soft camera bag
SBAC-US10
Express card reader
BP-U30
Battery
BP-U60
BC-U1
Charger
HVL-LBP
LED portable lighting
RM-1BP
Camera remote control
VCT-1BP
Accesory adapter
ECM-673
Small condenser microphone
ECM-674
Gun-type condenser microphone
ECM-678
Production gun microphone
77WIDE-KIT
Kit Tiffen filters for widescreen production
772US-MK1
Kit Tiffen filters Scene Maker
2605-A007
Haze UV-1 protection filter
388-194
Shoulder support for camcorder
UWP-V1
Wireless microphone lavalier type
UWP-V2
Wireless microphone dynamic type
XDCAM EX is a variant of Sony's popular XDCAM HD codec, which has become a benchmark for affordable non-linear professional acquisition. Through the use of flash-based memory, the PMW-EX3 can take advantage of variable bit rate (VBR) recording. VBR technology intelligently employs less or more image compression to different portions of the footage dependant on which areas need additional bandwidth. The end result is higher quality video with a reduced amount of compression artifacts when compared to more antiquated constant bit rate (CBR) methods.
Like its more expensive ENG counterparts, the PMW-EX3 is designed to be used on the shoulder, allowing for more comfortable operation. The result is glass-smooth footage that can be recorded for an extended period of time before the onset of arm fatigue.
Most prosumer cameras feature 1/3" sensors. These chips can sometimes become unacceptable in low-light situations due to their smaller size. The result can often be additional noise or image degradation, sometimes sending otherwise usable footage to the proverbial "digital cutting room floor". By incorporating larger chips, Sony has once again raised the bar for handheld cameras; The PMW-EX3's ultra-sensitive 1/2" CMOS Exmor sensors fully take advantage of the increased surface area, delivering a signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB! Wow.
SxS technology is built for today's most demanding applications and beyond. Being based on the Expresscard/34 interface makes ultra-high transfer rates possible, up to 800 Mb/s. These high transfer speeds can be very important when trying to quickly download multiple gigabytes worth of footage.
Variable frame rates have been used in filmmaking since its inception. What is often referred to as "over-cranking" for slow motion and "under-cranking" for fast motion, is achieved by running film quickly or slowly through a film gate. This method makes for a simple yet effective technique, which can be used in an myriad of creative cinematic ways. The PMW-EX3 has the ability to simulate this same effect while keeping your hands free from all those stinky film chemicals. Shoot in a number of frame rates, select any clip, and watch your footage playback automatically in all its fast or slow motion glory!
When shooting HD footage, standard LCD screens can be very deceiving; what looked perfect amidst a full-day video shoot can sometimes prove very soft or out of focus while in post-production. This is a direct result of a simple fact: most camera mounted LCDs cannot resolve images in the same way they are being recorded. The PMW-EX3 comes equipped with 1-MegaPixel LCD screen, eliminating this oft-pesky phenomenon. Record with confidence, knowing that what you see is what you will get. Same LCD scrren is used as a high-resolution viewfinder.
The exchangeable Fujinon lens has many professional design nuances usually only available on more expensive ENG cameras, including both full manual focus as well as a slide focus ring.
Due to the space-saving nature of XDCAM EX, the 8GB, 16GB and 32GB memory cards are capable of recording for long periods of time. Documentary work will never be a problem when shooting on the PMW-EX3.
