EX-1 problems

[Craig Seeman]

How/where did you hear about the “hold?”

Some early users are reporting a vignetting issue in the 10mm-25mm range. It seems to favor one corner over others. While I don’t have my camera yet, I did see this on the first camera (their show camera) they got in.

This issue was actually reported on the preproduction models (Adam Wilt for example). Sony was aware of it then and said it would be a bug that would be fixed in the production model.

Apparently some slipped through.

I’ve heard Sony say that only a few people are affected by this. Others have reported that Sony is NOT holding up shipping. Others, with the issue, have been told Sony already has the fix for this.

A few who’ve gotten the camera in some days after the first shipment are not seeing the issue.

That’s why I wonder where you’re hearing the “hold” report from. Is it from Sony, Sony service, a dealer/VAR, etc.?

[Don Greening]

[Craig Seeman] “While I don’t have my camera yet, I did see this on the first camera (their show camera) they got in.”

Criag, I’m suprised you don’t have yours yet since you ordered long before I did. Mine came in on Wed. but I’m not picking it up until this morning (Pacific). I’ll ask my broadcast supplier guy if he’s heard anything else other than the vignetting issue. Also, I ordered the Sony wide angle adapter at the same time but it’s on back order, at least here.

– Don

[Craig Seeman]

[Don Greening] “Criag, I’m suprised you don’t have yours yet since you ordered long before I did. Mine came in on Wed.”

My dealer got 2 in his first shipment. I was 3 on the list of course. I was told the end of this week (today) or early next week for next shipment but, not having heard anything, I’m wondering about Steve’s comment which began this thread. I know of the issue but was told there was no delay in shipping (outside the already slow distribution).

Have you check yours for the vignette issue?

Someone said the following procedure is a reliable test methodology for the issue.

1. Set the EX1 for FULL manual control.

2. Set the cameras focus at infinity. (furthest focus range).

3. Position your camera on a tripod with “Steady Shot” OFF (OIS OFF).

4. Aim your camera on a white or neutral color wall (not black).

5. Start with camera at full wide (5.8mm) and zoom all the way in and verify
no objects come into your view throughout the zoom travel.

6. Do not over expose the image. Actually intentionally under expose the
image.

7. Now with your camera set to wide 5.8mm focal length, start recording.

8. While recording SLOWLY zoom up to 40mm. The problem is known to be
seen in the 10mm – 25mm range. So SLOWY zoom through this focal
range.

9. Import your footage into your computer and look for the vignetting issue.
IMPORTANT: When viewed on a monitor while recording, you may not see
the issue due to the monitors overscan. View your capture footage on your computer.

[Don Greening]

Craig,

I’m leaving in a few minutes to go get the camera. When I get back I’ll charge up a battery and do the test. Luckily, I live about 15 minutes away from the Sony national repair facility, so if there’s any problems……..

This is one of the main reasons I chose to buy another Sony camera in the first place. Sony repair, at least here, is very fast. OTOH, Canon, at least here, takes at least a month and a half to get a repair done. Crazy.

– Don

[Craig Seeman]

My Sony authorized dealer is also a Sony authorized repair center. They guarantee that if they can’t turn your camera around (repair) in 48 hours and you bought the camera from them, they’ll give you a loaner. They’ve actually told me that if I needed the EX1 ASAP I can use their loaner unit until it comes in. Hence the 2 units they did get it is the “show” unit and their “loaner” unit.

I actually went in and put 3 hours play time on the camera. Actually it turned out it was a service to them since I already had a good grasp of the functions having played with it before and customers walking in got to see me use the camera.

[John Ryan]

We have a issue with the HDSDI not being able to sync to a ioHD or a Kona 3 card. We put up some full frame pics at http://www.hd24p.com might be other issues.

John

[Don Greening]

I did a vignette test today using your recommended method and found no problems with my EX1. You’re probably safe too, then.

– Don

[Craig Seeman]

Great to hear. Maybe there is/was a disruption in shipping. I still haven’t got mine yet. I don’t doubt location may have something to do with delivery also. If they’re shipping from California it might take a few days to get to NYC. Given that I still should get mine in the next couple of days.

[Don Greening]

[Craig Seeman] ” Given that I still should get mine in the next couple of day”

Sure hope so. I’m getting lonely over here playing in the sandbox all by myself.

– Don

[Craig Seeman]

I got this from my dealer today –

“Hi Craig,

The cameras are currently being held in New Jersey for additional
quality control before they ship. Some guy in the UK claimed that there
was a vignetting problem with the camera so Sony put a hold on shipment
until they recheck each camera. I will keep you posted as I hear more
news.”