I still love my EX-1

[David Johnson]

This is great to hear so thanks for sharing … I run a small studio and field operation where we currently shoot everything XDCamHD with two PDW-F355’s, but we also need another small cam or two and I’m thinking about EX1s or EX3s for the obvious compatibilty/workflow reasons. So, it’s good to hear that they’re strong cams and I’m very interested to hear from anyone with tips about either the EX cams and/or workflow in general or integrating with XDCamHD or, more specifically, PDW-F355’s (in terms of matching, workflow, etc.). In other words, being that the EX cams use different codecs and media than PDW-F355’s, is there really any specific advantage to sticking with the Sony line other than that they’re quality products? And, are EX1s or EX3s the best route to go for smaller/cheaper add-ons to a PDW-F355 XDCamHD multi-cam setup or is there a better option to consider in a similar price range?

[Raja Singh]

I run 3 PDW-F335s (exactly the same as your F355s but without the under/overcranking and HD/SDI out).
We have 3x EX1 cams as backups.
They are excellent. Infact I’d say they are better, especially in lowlight. I’ve just bought a PMW-350 and am looking at changing from the PDWs to the PMW-350s soon.
Workflow wise, you’ll match the EX1 with the PDWs with minor touch ups in post, as they both are 1/2″ sensors. I use Edius and it takes both formats straight on the timeline side by side realtime with no issues.

Go for it. The EX1s are great cams.

Raja Singh
Sadha Video
UK

[Michael Slowe]

David & Brent, I also shoot on an EX (version 1) and cannot imagine a better camera for documentary work. It handles everything you throw at it in the way of lighting conditions, is as tough as old boots and handles brilliantly in emergency situations. I particularly like the easy access (through the direct menu) to PP’s where, if you have pre set Kelvins, you can re act to light changes in seconds. The instant change from manual to auto focus is also useful without having to look down for a switch.

The picture quality is quite up to the highest standards and will certainly not suffer unduly when matched to more expensive cameras.

Well done Sony!

Michael Slowe

[Rafael Amador]

With the EX-1 I get enough “cine look” and DOF control for what I need: I don´t think my reports on education, micro-finances or envirnment needs to lool like a feature film.
I work mostly alone and in remote areas. I need to work fast and making sure I get what I want and what I need.
I couldn´t do the same with any DSLR or even with any of the new “big CMOS” video cameras.
I love my EX-1 too.
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[David Johnson]

Thanks for the good info guys.

[Rafael Amador]

[David Johnson] ” In other words, being that the EX cams use different codecs and media than PDW-F355’s, is there really any specific advantage to sticking with the Sony line other than that they’re quality products? And, are EX1s or EX3s the best route to go for smaller/cheaper add-ons to a PDW-F355 XDCamHD multi-cam setup or is there a better option to consider in a similar price range?”
One of the best things about XDCAM is that you can edit native.
This doen´t happens with AVC stuff, which needs to be transcoded.
Also, the 10b Uncompressed output of the EX serie is unvaluable and gives you the option to record to a much better codec than the original EX codec. You can record to a NANO-flah (XDCAM-HD 422,280Mbps Intraframe), a Ki-Pro (Prores) or Ninja (Prores)

rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[David Johnson]

Excellent info, Rafael, thank you.

[Jim Stamos]

lovin my r as well, i just need to get some good PP. shoot alot of docs, weddings, and theatrical

[Rafael Amador]

[jim stamos] “i just need to get some good PP.”
Google “ex-1 picture profiles, Bill Raven, Alister Chapman, Bloom,..”.
Here you can find something:

https://aamserver.dnsalias.com/basspig/PMW-EX1_PP.htm
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com