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EX3 broadcast suitability
Hi all, new entrant to the forum. Looks like a good place full of knowledgable folks and I apologise for jumping in with a question or two. Hopefully I can reciprocate at some point in the future.
Ok, there’s been a few posting on here regarding this but mostly old and dont cover a few things I’d like to know.
The EX3 is 35mbps 4:2:0 but has 1/2″ sensors, basically its EBU Tier 2J (short form journalism). The last bit satisfies EBU Tier 2L but the codec doesn’t, so I’d imagine that most broadcasters would reject the in-camera footage for long form production. However, if you strap an Atomos Samurai to the HD-SDI out, you get 10bit 4:2:2 at >100mpbs…way into Tier 2L.
So, questions:
firstly, is there a discernible difference in the EX3 HD-SDI output compared to the in-camera 35mbps, if so what improvements?Secondly, do broadcasters care about the make/model of camera or just sensor size/capture codec when submitting?
I’m sort of undecided as to whether to go the EX3+Samurai route or wait for the inevitable EX3 update bearing in mind the recent EX1 replacement (PMW-200), but want a reference point to work from.
Any advice gratefully received especially from anyone who has had specific documentary submission experience.
ta loads
PS. the EBU specs I refer to are here – https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/r/r118.pdf
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4 Replies
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[steve laramy] “So, questions:
firstly, is there a discernible difference in the EX3 HD-SDI output compared to the in-camera 35mbps, if so what improvements?”
Yes. When you record the 35Mbps MPG-2, many times (very noticeable when panning) the codec produce a certain blurring to be able to cop with so much movement. That’s due to the LGOP nature of the codec and the relatively low data-rate. Ths do not happens if you are using an Intraframe codec like Prores.[steve laramy] “Secondly, do broadcasters care about the make/model of camera or just sensor size/capture codec when submitting?”
The BBC accepts as broadcast the MPEG-2 50Mbps 422 from SONY cameras or recorded with the NANO-Flash on the EX-1/3. Shouldn’t be no problem with Prores.[steve laramy] “I’m sort of undecided as to whether to go the EX3+Samurai route or wait for the inevitable EX3 update bearing in mind the recent EX1 replacement (PMW-200), but want a reference point to work from.”
Seems that the only thing the PMW-200 adds is the 50mb-422 codec.
IMO the EX-3 with a Ninja or a NANO will always be a better option.
rafael -
I totally AGREE with Rafael
Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
Rafael, Michael, thanks very much for the information, that’s just what I was hoping.
regards
Steve L
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I recently did some work with a company that added a PMW200 to it’s EX3 fleet. They loved the camera, but said there is a “noticeable” difference in quality between the stock EX3 and the 200 lenses…..are codecs really that big a factor in “broadcast quality” in your areas? I remember when chip size and “broadcast” lenses mattered….
Paul
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