[Josh Rockman]

Found the answer to my own question…

It is a simple procedure to save these camera settings, as well as a single Picture Profile, to a SxS card for quick camera setup for future use, or to setup another Sony EX-3. (Please keep in mind, that whenever transferring “looks” and gamma and color settings from one camera to another, the resulting images may vary. That is why in critical situations, it is necessary to utilize a high quality test chart and instruments, such as a waveform monitor and vectorscope, especially when matching cameras on a multi-camera project.)

Once you have finished selecting the various camera settings in the main menu and chosen a Picture Profile that you have created, simply open the main menu, choose the last option, “OTHERS” and then the second option, “CAMERA DATA”. This is where you can save (“STORE”) the settings to a pre-loaded formatted SxS card, or load (“RECALL”) settings from a previously created SxS card.
With a SxS card inserted in one of the slots, use the main menu to either “store” a profile on a card, or “recall” a profile from a card. Unfortunately at this time, although the camera’s internal memory will save up to 6 picture profiles, only 1 profile will save per card.

With a SxS card inserted in one of the slots, use the main menu to either “store” a profile on a card, or “recall” a profile from a card. Unfortunately at this time, although the camera’s internal memory will save up to 6 picture profiles, only 1 profile will save per card.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

For HD monitoring you also have to turn “Disable” the i.LINK I/O in the “Others menu”

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

Well, it started here with the question and now, I have the Media Composer v5.0.3 I have only had it for 3 days but am loving it. My XDCAM EX3 is also wonderful and I am getting there in regards to its settings and how to bring into the MC. I got a card reader built in to my tower and the PC sucks in the clips in mere seconds, it’s quite amazing. I’m sure in time, as I get more acquainted and skilled with MC and EX3 I will really feel the benefits. Thanks again for your posts and advice.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

Hi Frank,

I got my EX3 2 days ago and after using it on “full auto” I could not believe how crappy the vision looked. I thought I thew away big $$$. I then spoke to a Camera op (I’m a Producer/Editor) and he mentioned tweaking the settings. I then did Google searches and could only find one…luckily it’s a good one and the vision comes up a treat. I used this setting inside with lights, outside in shade and in sunlight with the ND filters. I still can’t understand why there are not a load of settings on the net OR supplied when you get the camera!

Anyway if you or anyone that reads this has good and complete XDCAM EX3 settings please share and post them.

The following settings are meant to mimic the film look.

Camera settings suggestions (only mentioning settings that differ from the default):

CAMERA SET MENU:

* Gain Setup: use -3/0/6 as defaults, preferably shooting with 0 where possible, -3 gives just 90IRE
* Shutter: Angle : 180 (this is the angle of a filmcamera’s shutter – given 25fps that comes to an exposure of 1/50th)
* Filcker Reduce: off
* TLCS: AGC limit: 12, AGC point: F/2.8, A.Sht point: F/5.6 (this all is limiting the iris aperture versus the automatic gain control, so we don’t get lower dan a F/5.6) – i personally use manual iris.

LCD/FV SET MENU:

* Marker: Aspect Select: 14:9
* Zebra: Zebra-1 level: 70 (our over-exposure early-warning-system for the caucasian skin), show both

OTHERS MENU:

* i.Link I/O: Enable
* Video Format: HQ 1080/24p or 1080/25p (NTSC or PAL)

Now… let’s get to the serious business. Nicely un-documented by Sony: the Picture Profile

MARVELS FILM PICTURE PROFILE:

* Matrix: On, High-Sat, Level 0, Phase -5, R-G 75, R-B 0, G-R -18, G-B -23, B-R -27, B-G 13. This gives a beautifully balanced color matrix.
* White: on, Offset A +2, Offset B +2, Offset ATW +2. This will give you a beautiful warm picture, by elevating the reds a little bit
* Detail: On, Level 0, Frequency +65, Crispening 0, Black limiter +75, White limiter +75. This gives a very nice definition without the artificial sharpening artifiacts. Ideal for DOF adapter shooting.
* Gamma: Cine-1 for rich-contrast situations, Cine-3 for low-contrast situations. Make cine-1 your standard and avoid cine-4 (too noisy in the shadows).
* Black: -3 or -4
* Black gamma: -2. Will help to reduce noise in the blacks.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

Beautiful…exactly what I needed to read. I am purchasing EX3 to stop using and hiring a Digital Betacam. I was wanting a users opinion and I got it.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

Thank you so much for those reply’s. This morning I went to my equipment suppler and got quotes on the latest MC, a new tower (HP Z400) as well as the XDCAM EX3 with mics, sticks, cards and batteries.
Now I’m waiting on my account to advise me if the buy is better than hiring…

Thanks again for the reply’s.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne

[Josh Rockman]

Often I save or send files and go to where I thought I sent them, only to find they are not there. I get around this and find my file by doing the same save ans seeing where the setting has it going to. I don’t actually save it again as sure enough Avid keeps the same settings until changed and will point me to it’s last sent to.

Josh Rockman
Video Production Melbourne