WEVA NEWS MINUTE: Sony's New PMW-EX3 HD Cam & More
May 04, 2008
Las Vegas, NV - "HD technology is taking hold in every aspect of video production, and not just for traditional broadcast applications, but also in arts and entertainment venues, sporting events, concerts, and movie theaters," said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Production Systems Division at Sony’s NAB press conference last month in Las Vegas, NV.
The expanding line of Sony’s XDCAM EX video production technology now includes the new PMW-EX3 camcorder, the PMW-EX30 deck, and the PHU-60K professional hard-disk unit. At NAB 2008 Sony also unveiled a prototype 32GB version of the SxS PRO solid-state memory card. WEVA NEWS MINUTE producers Bruce Himmelblau and Sue Lawson captured Sony press conference highlights for this WNM video.
WATCH NOW – Click Here! (Allow for QuickTime download - if you encounter a page error, use your WEVA Member ID to log into the WEVA Forums, then return here and click again.)
The PMW-EX30 is Sony’s first solid-state memory recorder/player. The 1080i/720P switchable unit has an HDMI digital connection for use with an external monitor. It has HD-SDI in/out, making it ideal for recording live HD content, as well as dubbing to other formats.The deck can also be used as an SxSPRO card reader/writer, and for feeding content to existing HD and/or SD non-linear editing systems.
The new PMW-EX3 (pictured) uses the same imaging system as the PMW-EX1, consisting of three ½-inch type CMOS sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920x1080, but in a new design that allows for interchangeable lenses.
PMW-EX3 HD Camcorder Features Include:
New Semi-Shoulder Design
With an adjustable shoulder pad, cheek pad and lens grip, the PMW-EX3 offers videographers the ability to locate a comfortable position for on-shoulder operation. With the viewfinder assembly attached the ergonomics are similar to that of a full-size shoulder camcorder.
New SxS PRO Nonlinear Recording Media
The XDCAM EX series has adopted the SxS PRO memory card for its recording media, which Sony and SanDisk Corporation jointly developed. The SxS PRO memory card is an ultra-compact nonlinear medium that uses flash memory with a number of key features:
•Compatible with ExpressCard 3/4 interface slot (for both PC & Mac).
•Large storage capacity: SBP-8 (8GB) and SBP-16 (16GB) memory cards are available. One SBP-8 (8 GB) memory card is supplied with the PMW-EX3,
•Can record up to 70 minutes of HD video and audio (using one 16GB memory card). To maximize recording time, the PMW-EX3 has two memory card slots which means with a pair of 16GB SxS PRO memory cards, it can record up to 140 minutes of HD footage.
• Compact size: approx. 75 × 34 × 5 mm (excluding the projecting parts) - half the size of the older PC Card standard.
• Low power consumption.
• Resists shocks (up to 1500 G) and vibrations (up to 15 G).
Interchangeable Professional 1/2-inch HD Lens
The EX3 sports an interchangeable 14X Fujinon HD lens, and includes a ½-inch lens adaptor to allow use of other ½-inch lenses. Additional features include:
• Unique dual focus operation offering full manual focus with absolute focus or manual/auto focus operation.
• AutoFocus Assist ensuring focus position can be altered.
• Manual Focus Assist to ensure optimum focus at all times.
Creative Recording Modes
The PMW-EX3 is the first semi-shoulder camcorder to carry the legendary CineAlta brand, which represents optimization for feature film production and support for 24P recording. Other creative recording modes include:
• Slow and Quick Motion, offering a range of frame rates produced within the camera and available for instant review in the field. Now available via direct control on the camcorder body.
• Slow Shutter for clear images in low-light environments.
• New shutter setting emulates cinema-style operation.
• Cine Gamma curves offer further cinema-style options for production.
• Frame and Interval recording offers creative scope for animation and extremely quick-motion effects.
New Features for Multi-Cam Shoots
The PMW-EX3 includes genlock and timecode interfaces, plus remote control functionality through Sony professional remote control units, making the PMW-EX3 ideal for multi-cam operation and entry level HD studio use. Remote control via Sony RM-B150 or RM-B750 is available via the 8-pin remote control connector for easy set-up and control.
The new PMW-EX3 is slated for release later this year. Visit Sony XDCAM EX for more information. "Wedding and event videographers can go hands-on with cutting-edge digital video products and technologies this summer at the WEVA 18th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo, August 11-14, 2008 at Orlando Grande Lakes," said John Zale WEVA’s Director of Educational Development. WEVA EXPO 2008, the biggest convention and trade show for wedding and event videographers is open to all industry professionals (WEVA members receive discount registration).
The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, host hotel for WEVA EXPO 2008, is already taking EXPO room reservations. The special discount for all EXPO attendees is only $99/night (single or double). To reserve rooms Click Here and in the "Additional Information" area, checkmark the Group Code box, then enter the code: WEVWEVA. The special EXPO rate is also valid three days before and after WEVA EXPO 2008. Watch WEVA.com for new WEVA NEWS MINUTE uploads, and WEVA EXPO 2008 updates.
About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA)
Founded over a decade ago, WEVA International is the world's largest trade association for professional wedding and event videographers and leads the field with education that's on the cutting-edge of industry developments. WEVA is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers globally through continuing education at events such as Wedding & Event Video Expo 2008 and WEVA's Wide World of Weddings & Events, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, new media, including Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide, plus WEVA NEWS MINUTE videos, WEVA On-The-Air Podcasts, and streaming video on WEVA-TV.
Join WEVA online today to access valuable WEVA membership benefits that can help you succeed in your business, including new opportunities through ImageSpan's LicenseStream and CurbStream programs, plus low-cost Visa/MasterCard Merchant Status, Equipment Insurance, Liability Insurance, new Equipment Financing Program, WEVA NEWS MINUTE videos, WEVA On-The-Air podcasts, and more. Membership also provides opportunities for professional videographer (MPV) accreditation, and system-training at WEVA EXPO 2008 our industry’s biggest international convention and trade show. For more information contact the association at 941-923-5334 or email: info@weva.com |
