Handling the new Sony PMW-EX3 - Previews
A few days ago I wrote about the new Sony PMW-EX3. Camcorderinfo has an ergonomy preview that you might find interesting. Of course, for a product that costs $13,000 everything counts, even the smallest button. For more details and photos of a pre-production PMW-EX3 you are strongly advised to check out Philip Bloom’s preview. What makes this one especially interesting is that Philip Bloom is not tied to Sony products, but at the same time he is the owner of two EX1s, therefore he is in a great position to highlight all differences and improvements, no matter how small they are:
- Despite EX3 being the same basic camera as the EX1, ergonomics have been improved a lot. These allow better filming in tight spaces and the shoulder mount plus the viewfinder are pretty comfy to use, making the EX3 feel like a full blown shoulder mounted camera.
- The 1/2 inch sensors offer a lot more depth control over 1/3 inch cameras.
- Interchangeable lenses are a great feature especially with 1/2 inch lens that have no need for wide angle adaptors. Adaptors to 2/3 inches and 35mm lens give even more choice.
- Dual SxS card slots and external drive enhance storage flexibility.
It seems that now Canon and JVC need to play catch-up and that some of the PMW-EX3’s ergonomic and storage features would be highly desirable on many prosumer models.
There is a long list of buttons and controls that have been move around for better ergonomy, there are of course comments about things that could be further improved. If you are really interested in the PMW-EX3 take the dive and read all the details by yourself. And take the time to watch the short video that Philip Bloom made, it demonstrates the camcorder’s capabilities in the best possible way.
Link 1: ElectronRun - Sony announces PMW-EX3 camcorder (NAB Show 2008)
Link 2: Camcorderinfo
Link 3: Philip Bloom’s site
