Sony XDCAM EX [Archive] - Page 3 - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

sinai

11-27-2007, 09:28 AM

i m stuck here due to xploding orders and sony politics ( they go to the big camerahouses who orderd big numbers First!! sony europe tho try to share the cams fair ) all over germany the earliest date i can have hands on th EX is somwhere around christmas and that is not even sure , i can drive up to hamburg bpm has two ex s there for demo use .and maybe i ll find them in some other rentalhouses too but if i order now maybe i ll get it in mid of january or end . THAT SUX .
euro so strong now maybe i should do a quicktrip to the states or have it shipped from there..only problem then the warranty issue tho . it definetly has to go back to the states if any casualties appear which is crap and loads of hustle. the price gap between usa and europe is tremendous .!! any ideas how / where/ what to do??? gotta have it faster !!!!!

LuckyStudio 13

11-27-2007, 01:44 PM

I think we pretty much dont have to worry about the CMOS wobble 'i shoot on a helicopter' problem with the EX

mms://sony.wmsvc.vitalstreamcdn.com/sony_vitalstream_com/JodyEldred%20Interview.wmv

Aerialsfilm M*

11-27-2007, 02:47 PM

Nice promotalk :) It sure convinced me. Now if only my wallet and delivery times would. :)

ilauzirika

11-27-2007, 03:00 PM

really interesting, there are some great shots. That one in the cockpit, 10G!!! thats great and no wobbling at all.

TheMusician

11-27-2007, 03:19 PM

Great find! That was very informative, and now I want to see the final air show documetary! It kind of cracks me up the way that that they would try and quickly mention the superior stats of the EX1 in comparison with the 335 and 355 without actually saying it. I know that those two are great cameras and a better tool for a all sorts of work, but it seemed that they did not want to make it too obvious that a $6500 camera was true 1920x1080, and that their flagship $25,000 camera is only 1440x1080. All great cameras, but made me chuckle. And I liked that they felt it would make a great B camera for the F900, which would be saying alot.

harddrive

11-27-2007, 03:49 PM

I'd love to see a full resolution version of that, but it certainly does seem to put all the rolling shutter worries to bed once and for all. (In quite dramatic fashion!)

Stevet

11-27-2007, 04:05 PM

dxmetal,
thanks for the link. I've been waiting for these videos that Jody and others were working regarding the air show.

Now having looked at them, it's going to make tonight be the longest night ever!
As you know my camera should arrive tomorrow.

Take look at the last video on this page "XDCAM EX Testimonials
":
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/xdcamVideoGallery.shtml

LuckyStudio 13

11-27-2007, 08:46 PM

Steve,

We will not expect anything less than

a) unboxing pics
b) first impressions
c) ergonomics
d) wobbling test (while driving slowly around the neighborhood, put the cam on the steering wheel (to get some vibrations).
e) Low light test (at various gains)
f) strobe light test

:grin:

Seriously, after that footage, I can put the Canon HV20 wobble Scare to REST FOREVER.

dxmetal,
thanks for the link. I've been waiting for these videos that Jody and others were working regarding the air show.

Now having looked at them, it's going to make tonight be the longest night ever!
As you know my camera should arrive tomorrow.

Take look at the last video on this page "XDCAM EX Testimonials
":
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/xdcamVideoGallery.shtml

Alex.Mitchell

11-28-2007, 12:17 AM

I think we pretty much dont have to worry about the CMOS wobble 'i shoot on a helicopter' problem with the EX

mms://sony.wmsvc.vitalstreamcdn.com/sony_vitalstream_com/JodyEldred%20Interview.wmv

Wow, that was pretty awesome footage.

ESTEBEVERDE

11-28-2007, 12:35 AM

How is the low light footage?

Stevet

11-28-2007, 08:11 AM

I'll get some tests done over the next couple days.

LuckyStudio 13

11-28-2007, 08:42 AM

Steve,

Test the vignetting for us please ?

Stevet

11-28-2007, 09:07 AM

I hear you on this one.
this will be the FIRST thing I check.
To tell you the truth, I'm a bit nervous with this test.
There's another user that just got his cam and is seeing a bit of it.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=783231&postcount=127

This makes me a bit worried. It sounds like to me that there is an internal adjustment that may be "on the edge" that was NOT done right in the factory.

There have been several who have reported with no vignetting, so it's not like it's inherit. But, it could be a sensitive adjustment and not performed correct in the factory.

For those who are questioningg the EX1, this may be what you need to look the other way.

Sony had better address this issue fast. Considering the amount reports that have claimed delivery in these forums, there's damn near 50% claiming they have the issue! We will know a LOT more over the next couple weeks.

I've got my fingers crossed.

gerry_C

11-28-2007, 10:22 AM

I've also done some testing on a Macabeth color chart one of the users on that forum posted and found some strange ghosting issues in the same area as the vignetting. It's more apparent when downrezzing the clip (I did it via Kona and also dropping the clip in a s timeline).

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=108751

When the card flips to the color chart there is a ghosted image of the top black section of the card following it to the left of the card.

I've been unable to let the camera owner and other users on the forum know because of delays in getting the ability to post replies there, unfortunately. Seems better to wait this camera out for a while until these issues are resolved.

Cheers,

Gerry

Stevet

11-28-2007, 11:48 AM

Testing my camera right now.
NO vignetting issue whatsoever. Using 1920x1080 24" external monitor. Tried all different combos including focus distance which one owner mention it was worse when closer to infinite. Well, I tried every possibility. Not the slightest vignetting.

My jaw hit the ground with the sensitivity. For those who question this, be prepared to be "blown away" with how fast this thing is. It made my room with natural light peaking through with the blinds almost closed, look far brighter than what my eyes were seeing with no noise! Unreal.

So far. very positive. Although the component outputs are near the bottom right. I had to take it off the tripod to access them.

gerry_C

11-28-2007, 12:23 PM

Thanks for testing the camera & posting your impressions.

How would you say the light sensitivity compares to an HVX? Adam Wilt rated the EX the same an HVX while others say it's more like a PD 170.

Have you tested any recorded clips or just straight out of the camera? The problem might not show up on an external monitor because of the GOP recording and visual inaccuracies of going out of the component outputs rather than hd-sdi.

I'm wondering if it's related to the autofocus based on what I've seen in the macbeth chart and comments from the beta testers. Did your tests include autofocus?

Any chances of posting some test clips (in the original camera/card format) for testing?

Thanks!
Gerry

Stevet

11-28-2007, 12:59 PM

I have no idea how he ended up with that conclusion!
pre-production, I don't know....
I've been around the HVX200 (tested) and JVC HD100 (owned). They're no where close.

Stevet

11-28-2007, 01:03 PM

Gerry,
I will post when I gather some data.
Remember, I'm not the only not having an issue.
BTW, I'm not 100% since I'm viewing with a monitor that is a tad underscanned, but even starring REAL close to the LCD, I see nothing.
I'm going to capture soon.

Also, Paul surely did not mention anything with focus.
Eric from dvinfo noticed it was tad more at further focus distances, but it showed either way. His is not as bad as Pauls.
Pauls:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachment.php?attachmentid=5192&d=1195761898

gerry_C

11-28-2007, 01:13 PM

Hey Steve,

Sounds encouraging about the light sensitivity & I look forward to the clips. Adam Wilt mentioned the vignetting caused by the auto focus (in the pre-pro model), & I happened to notice the weirdness in the macbeth chart when the camera was trying to focus on the rapid movement of the chart flipping- coincidentally (or not) in the same area of the image, the upper left corner. I'm not enough of a techie to know what the correlation is and how autofocus might cause vignetting.

Thanks!

Gerry

Stevet

11-28-2007, 01:55 PM

OK...
Here's the deal.
I've got it...
Now I'm wondering if they all have it and some are not looking hard enough for it.
Hmm...
Is it bad enough to return, will it effect normal shots, it's hard to say.
I know one thing, Sony is going to have their "ear full" on this one.
This should of NEVER left QC!

Jason Ramsey

11-28-2007, 02:02 PM

Steve... would you mind elaborating on the situations that have caused this for you, please..... I've not been following this much, so I haven't seen the talk on the other forums.

Thanks,
Jason

Stevet

11-28-2007, 02:04 PM

vignetting oddly enough between 10mm - 25mm.
Not full. weird.

LuckyStudio 13

11-28-2007, 02:12 PM

Steve,

how bad is the vignetting ???

Stevet

11-28-2007, 02:38 PM

Bad enough - a screen capture coming. I just let the salesman know about it.
He has heard nothing about it.
At first I though I could live with it. I then walked around run-and-gun. Sure enough I could see it on the wall on a couple shots.
Don't trust your monitor. Capture it.

gerry_C

11-28-2007, 02:52 PM

Bummer. Did you happen to test with/without autofocus to try to narrow down the cause?

Barry_S

11-28-2007, 02:53 PM

Is this widespread? Probably not enough owners to tell yet, but I wonder if this is an alignment issue that can be corrected or something in the overall design. I find it hard to believe Sony would consider this acceptable on a $7K camera, so hopefully it's just an early manufacturing hiccup.

Stevet

11-28-2007, 03:30 PM

RichardVClark

11-28-2007, 10:47 PM

Sorry to hear you are having trouble Stevet. My anxiety level has now been raised, but I guess we can only hope for the best and plan for the worst. I think I am going to contact my dealer and make sure that if this problem is happening with my camera that I can return it with no questions asked.

SPZ

11-28-2007, 11:44 PM

Manual Focus
Happens between 10-25mm.
Focused far, please excuse white balance.
Dropped brightness a tad to better show problem.
It has the blue tint that others are seeing.
Not sure what to do. I let the salesman know.
I'm going to try to get hold of a Sony tech.

http://members.cox.net/vx2000/vignetting_1.jpg

Stevet, sorry to bother you with the following request and questions. Can you find a way to host a small clip ( 10 seconds, 15 seconds),with the issue? In still shot this s very noticeable, specially on the top right corner, but how does this look in movement?

Also, is this vignetting happening in the overscan area? I mean, Is this going to appear on HDTV, or is it inside the safe area?

Do you find this unusable or unacceptable for production?

Cheers,

Sérgio

RimasDVX

11-29-2007, 07:16 AM

What is this:

We're not accepting anymore pre-orders at this time due to the large backorder from Sony.

from http://www.ecprovideo.com/xdcamex.html

Stevet

11-29-2007, 07:40 AM

Stevet, sorry to bother you with the following request and questions. Can you find a way to host a small clip ( 10 seconds, 15 seconds),with the issue? In still shot this s very noticeable, specially on the top right corner, but how does this look in movement?

Also, is this vignetting happening in the overscan area? I mean, Is this going to appear on HDTV, or is it inside the safe area?

Do you find this unusable or unacceptable for production?

Cheers,

Sérgio

It happens in the overscan area. At least on my 24" DELL using the component inputs. This still bothers me. The overscan area varies on different monitors.

Also, the vignette moves a bit when the OIS system is working.

The region it happens is between 10-25mm focal length. Oddly, It does not show at full wide (5.8mm)

This PC mov file is not from my camera, but from Paul Joy's EX1.
He has returned his camera and is waiting for another:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachment.php?attachmentid=5192&d=1195761898

Mine does the same thing, it just shows up more to the right. Pauls is more on the left side.

Steve Shovlar

11-29-2007, 01:03 PM

I am now sure Sony know about this problem and I think I am doing the right thing by hanging fire on buying one until the new year.

Wouldn't be suprised to see a recall, and also that we won't see many in the next few weeks while they fix this error. Regardless of whether it's in the overscan area or not, I would not accept it and the camera would be sent back immediately. You don't get this problem on cheap consumer cams, so you shouldn't except it on a camer as expensive as this.

Stevet

11-29-2007, 01:15 PM

Agreed.
I spoke to a Sony tech today as they were setting up the in house EX1 to test for the vignette issue. It's possible their camera does not have it, but the percentage so far is for sure greater than 50%.

daktulus

11-29-2007, 02:53 PM

The most important thing for me is the MOVING picture. (200$ photo-cameras have much better resolutions)

The stills resolution is clearly better compared to the HVX.
BUT, and this is the most important point: What about fast moving objects?

Will objects moving faster than 1/15 through the picture be ignored, if they don´t accidently hit an I-frame?
(Does 35Mbit/s have a smaller gop?)

Please, someone post some successive frames of a fast moving object.
After they have been actually recorded with MPEG codec.

This is the crucial reason to prefer the HVX over EX or vice versa.

How much filmlike does the Ex´ 1080p25/24 look?

This is what you notice on the screen and what makes the difference in my opinion.

Anyway, the Ex has a lot of advantages, please post some pictures of Moving objects or quicktime samples to convince the sceptical.

SPZ

11-29-2007, 07:30 PM

It happens in the overscan area. At least on my 24" DELL using the component inputs. This still bothers me. The overscan area varies on different monitors.

Also, the vignette moves a bit when the OIS system is working.

The region it happens is between 10-25mm focal length. Oddly, It does not show at full wide (5.8mm)

This PC mov file is not from my camera, but from Paul Joy's EX1.
He has returned his camera and is waiting for another:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachment.php?attachmentid=5192&d=1195761898

Mine does the same thing, it just shows up more to the right. Pauls is more on the left side.

Much appreciated, Stevet. Puzzling indeed.

Barry_Green

11-29-2007, 07:53 PM

Will objects moving faster than 1/15 through the picture be ignored, if they don´t accidently hit an I-frame?
(Does 35Mbit/s have a smaller gop?)
MPEG doesn't work that way. It doesn't have to appear on an I-frame in order to be included in the GOP. The GOP encodes the changes between frames over the course of a full 15-frame GOP. I mean, think about it -- if something needed to be registered on an I-frame in order to be included, you could never record a camera flash or something like that (not that HDV does all that well with camera flashes, of course, but you do at least know that one occurred!)

Every frame gets imaged as-is. When they get recorded, only the changes between frames are encoded. A fast-moving object that only shows up on one frame out of an entire GOP will still show up, because the frame that it appears on will represent a significant change from the frame before, and that change will be encoded.

daktulus

11-29-2007, 08:13 PM

Sounds interesting. I thought only the I-frame actually records the pictures and the other frames are calculated, based on what changes.
Have you tested this?
Is there any source that scientifically explains it?

What happens to camera flashes?

I noticed, that fast pans had strange frames. Some details just were not in there.

I would very much appreciate someone posting still grabs of fast moving objects.

How is the 1080p24/25 mode looking? Is it filmlike or more like the 24/25f mode of the Canon?

gerry_C

11-29-2007, 08:42 PM

It would be useful to also get a card image of that type of footage as well to bring into fcp. I found some weird ghosting of one of the test shots on the dv i forum, which seems to be closed to new forum members being able to post. I'd be happy to share the results here.

Gerry

Barry_Green

11-29-2007, 08:48 PM

Sounds interesting. I thought only the I-frame actually records the pictures and the other frames are calculated, based on what changes.
Yes, that's correct. The I-frame is a complete intra frame, and all other frames are calculated as changes from the prior frame. But they are imaged and stored as raw frames internally, so the camera knows exactly what objects do and don't occur on each frame. Then the compression is applied and, assuming there's enough bandwidth to account for all the changes, those changes get encoded and the whole system basically works.

What happens to camera flashes?
Depends on how much bandwidth is available to the codec. If you're dealing with a largely unchanged group of pictures, then the flash might be rendered properly. If you're dealing with a largely-changing group that's already taxing the available bandwidth, then something like a camera flash can cause serious degradation across the entire GOP. More likely on lower-bandwidth formats, obviously, because you'll run out of bandwidth sooner if you have less bandwidth to start with (so, you'll see problems happening at 25mbps that wouldn't cause a problem at 35mbps, all other things being equal -- which in the case of XDCAM HD was true, but in XDCAM EX it's not, because the 25mbps and 35mbps modes use different raster sizes).

I noticed, that fast pans had strange frames. Some details just were not in there.
Well, that could be, depending on if the codec was being taxed to the point where it couldn't resolve all the changes. But if that happens you will usually see an overall softening of detail or even blockiness to the image; I don't know that I've ever seen a case of objects just "disappearing".

Barry_Green

11-29-2007, 08:53 PM

I found some weird ghosting of one of the test shots on the dv i forum
Ghosting may or may not be related to MPEG-2; I've seen ghosting on the JVC HD100 when the codec kind of fell apart due to using the mini35, fighting the moving grain pattern, and working in low light conditions -- it caused significant ghosting and double imaging. But I've never seen similar effects on a Sony before. If you use aggressive noise reduction in the Canons you can get ghosting and double images. I'm pretty sure the Sony is implementing aggressive noise control circuitry, so if ghosting results from that I'm sure people would want to know about it. But is it an mpeg issue? That I don't know.

Sometimes people think that something is ghosting when it's in reality just the result of a progressive frame capture of movement. For example, if you shot a fast pan of a dark tree against a white sky, you might see a ghosted image in front of and behind the tree (so, dark tree trunk in the middle and ghosted image on the left and right). That's not a problem, that's how it's supposed to work, that's normal motion blur. (but if the ghosted/blurred image was only on one side, as in the examples I mention in the prior paragraph, that's a whole different issue and would be something that needs further exploration).

FrankC

11-29-2007, 10:21 PM

This is always the risk in being a "first adopter" in any new technology product...The first ones off the line may have a bug or two that will be fixed in the later ones. The problem is (as is this case) when a product will fly off the shelves (as is this case), you either can't get one because of tremendous back-order ( starting to be this case), or soon the price will go up when Sony realizes it's leaving money on the table (as was the case with the DSR-300 which was discontinued when they flew off the shelves and out came the DSR-300a with a couple thousand dollar price increase). I'm taking the chance at being an Early Buyer now (as I did with the DSR-300) trusting in Sony to make it right if I encounter a problem. Don't have delivery on my EX1 yet, but maybe that's just as well while Sony takes a look at this.

gerry_C

11-29-2007, 11:34 PM

Hi Barry,
What I saw was ghosting a non-panning shot and was very prominent when I viewed it downconverted to sd playing off the original xdcam timeline (via Kona card in fcp) and when I converted the the shot to sd in quicktime. The shot was a chart with back focus on one side and macbeth chart on the other, and after flipping the chart the ghosted image appeared and continued to follow the chart as he held it. The ghosting began when the camera was autofocusing after the quick flip movement and I wonder if there is any relationship to that and the fact that the initial vignetting in the pre-pro model Adam Wilt had tested was caused by autofocus, according to Sony.

Gerry

Bucknfl

11-30-2007, 05:22 PM

I looked at an EX at Midtown Video in Miami today. I was very impressed with the camera- color, filmlook, and I couldn't create any artifacts with fast movement that I could see. Not a scientific test, just my first immpression. The camera did exhibit the vignette effect in the upper right corner and to a lesser degree in the lower right corner at 10mm.

LuckyStudio 13

12-01-2007, 09:09 PM

Schneider Optics will have Century lens attachments available in limited models for the EX1 in mid to late January (.6x and Fisheye). Full line should be available by NAB 2008.

daktulus

12-02-2007, 08:55 AM

This thread is getting too big.

Finding anything is impossible, plaese break up into seperate thraeds.

An extra thread comparing to HVX200 would be a good idea, instead of putting all threads into one.
Finding anything later is almost impossible and very time-consuming.
A "vignetting effect" thread would be a good idea, too.

PLEASE Barry S., instead of putting more threads into one, seperate them.
Don´t close this one, just encourage to open specialized threads.
Thank you.

BTW: where are the vignetting effect posts?
I´d like to see a picture of the effect

Barry_S

12-02-2007, 09:52 AM

I haven't combined any threads, but I closed the other "shaggy dog" thread because we had two sprawling threads that had converged. If you have a particular question on a specific topic, like the current status of the vignetting issue, please go ahead and post a new topic question. We try not to micromanage the threads, but I'll help organize if it gets too out of hand. Right now, we only have a small number of users with EX1's--so they're posting their observations in a small number of threads. As more users get their cameras, they'll be posting more separate topics. At this point, you can keep an eye on Stevet's posts for current vignetting information.

daktulus

12-02-2007, 09:56 AM

Good idea.

Starting Vignetting effect thread.

LuckyStudio 13

12-02-2007, 11:42 PM

Sony wants to control the grey market movement of the EX1 as the cam can do both PAL and NTSC.

As a result, from what I heard (not confirmed), your dealer has to register your camera with Sony. Then Sony will contact you and request that you fill up a customer survey in order for them to send you the other free SxS 8 gig card.

Again, I heard it through the grapevine, what Sony decided to do might be entirely different.

gota

12-03-2007, 01:10 AM

http://www.genkosha.co.jp/vs/sp/200712/
sample

sinai

12-03-2007, 02:39 AM

Finally I M Gonna Check Out The Ex .....now Yay

LuckyStudio 13

12-03-2007, 04:25 PM

Very strong rumor/possibility that Sony is going to give out small Cash rebate for XDCAM -EX1 purchases made after Dec 1st.

LuckyStudio 13

12-05-2007, 10:18 PM

XDCAM EX MAIL-IN REBATE

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO CHOOSE THE FOLLOWING CASH MAIL-IN REBATES WITH PURCHASE OF
PMW-EX1 AND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS:

LMD-9050 9” LCD Video Monitor with HDSDI $250.00

LMD-2050WHD 20” WSXGA + High Grade LUMA Monitor with BKM-243HS $300.00

LMD-2450WHD 24” WUXGA High Grade LUMA Monitor with BKM-243HS $350.00

ECM-673 Short Electret Condenser Shotgun microphone $50.00

ECM-674 Short Electret Condenser Shotgun microphone $75.00

ECM-678 Short Electret Condenser Shotgun microphone $100.00

ECM-680S MS Stereo Shotgun, Electret Condenser $150.00

Effective December 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008

LuckyStudio 13

12-06-2007, 11:53 AM

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1196965872.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1196964544.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1196964561.jpg

Initial Impression:

+ Manual lens Hard stops on Focus !!.
+ Replaceable camera tripod plate.
+ On lens aperture control ring.
+ Indicator on battery

- Ergonomics is terrible while hand holding the camera with the grip.
- The eye cup could be bigger (If you are EVF person like me).
- The rubber covers on the headphone is so puny that, it will eventuall break off in less than 1 month. By the way, I already lost the SDI rubber cover.
- The Charger feels like its made out of $ 5 hollow plastic.
- no thread-hole on top of the handle for noga. Yes you can use a hotshoe adapter to get the thread-hole
but it will make the camera more front heavy. With today's 'flipper' adapter being more hefty, the last thing you want is to add weight on the front.
- I dont like the touch control on the top of the camera. Maybe I am paranoid, I think a static from your finger could fry the internal circuit board easily.
- The buttons and switches are tiny (my reference here is to the Sony Z1).
- I also dislike the pull/push manual focus ring. Say you want to switch from Full Manual to Full Auto, you can simply push/pull right ? Yes you can. But, what if you have a follow focus on the lens ?

Stay tuned, more test to come.

Stevet

12-06-2007, 12:26 PM

dxmetal,
I totally agree with all your initial assements. My feelings were the same.
Short of the vignetting issue, I got over eveything else. The image quality is really good.
Thanks for the images.

Please run the vignetting test.

BobDiaz

12-06-2007, 07:34 PM

dxmetal,

I'm very interested in how hard you can push the MPEG-2 codec, before you get compression errors. In the case of the Z1, a fast pan could cause compression noise.

I assume that Sony has used an improved codec for the EX-1, but it would be interesting to do a fast pan and look at it frame by frame in 1080, 60i, 24p, and 720, 60p, and 24p, to see if there's a problem.

Bob Diaz

ahusain

12-06-2007, 07:53 PM

LuckyStudio 13

12-06-2007, 11:16 PM

Without 35mm adapter. A D size RedRock Gear Ring should fit your EX Focus Ring.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197007468.jpg

With 35mm Adapter.

The Rig is just a LITTLE tad Rear Heavy. I assume with another 8 gig card in the slot and with the bigger capacity battery to compensate for a mattebox, the setup should balance perfect.
A riser kit is needed if you want to fit a mattebox to your setup. RedRock Micro Mattebox looks very nice but wont be available till Jan - Feb.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197007503.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197007536.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197007555.jpg

Depending on the setup of the mattebox, You might want to go with a double rail system. Here is a good cheap alternative to the Zacuto Z riser at 1/3 the price.
http://www.hysonfilms.com/double%20rod%20clamp%202.bmp

Stay tuned, more reviews of the EX to come including footage (I have to find a server to host the footage though).

Stevet

12-07-2007, 07:00 AM

Thanks John!
It looks great.
Looking forward to some samples.

FrankC

12-07-2007, 03:46 PM

Thanks DX... That's beginning to look like a great rig you're setting up. What 35mm lenses are you thinking of using (brand and mm). Would love to see some samples of those pictures. I'm thinking of putting together something similar. What brand rails and 35mm adapter are you using (I could almost read it)?

LuckyStudio 13

12-07-2007, 04:28 PM

Frank, that is the cavision rod support with the letus extreme. I will try to have some grabs posted as soon as i can. I am still learning the camera :)

LuckyStudio 13

12-07-2007, 11:55 PM

PROS & CONS

(-) The on button is very awkward and cumbersome.

(-) The Mic's fader dials are too exposed and can be accidentally changed. They had a better design on the Z1 where they put a clear plastic covering in order to avoid accidental turning of the dials.

(-) The Sel/Set roller is very small and cumbersome to use. I prefer to use the joystick on the front of the camera.

(-) Buttons, switches are all too small ! Working outdoors in the winter time with gloves ? Forget it !!!
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094981.jpg

(-) Placement for some buttons and ports are very very inefficient. They managed to put those in an area where it is difficult for you to reach.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094918.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094881.jpg

(-) Due to the placement of the LCD monitor, You might have problems with same Mattebox, that will trap the monitor in its place.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094903.jpg

(+) Peaking is absolutely brilliant. Along with the high resolution monitor, you can leave that Hd monitor at home. You even get to choose the colors of the edges.

(-) One negative thing though is that, peaking does not work when you use the expanded focus (zooming into the pic).
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094812.jpg

(+) Yes, you can do critical focusing and that 1/2" chip do give you more DOF than 1/3" chip. However don't expect 35mm DOF.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094850.jpg

(+) Another great feature is the ability to change settings on the LCD's itself. You dont have to dig deep into the menus in order to make some variable changes. This with other assignable buttons almost allows you to set whatever changes you need without going into the menus !!!!
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094788.jpg

(+) Picture profile allows A LOT of pic adjustments, so you can get that flat pics that allows you most flexibility on post CC.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094756.jpg

(+) The Histogram is definitely a good idea. It is extremely handy and one that I will be using often.
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094944.jpg

Despite the BAD ergonomics design of the camera, Sony made it all up on the core camera itself. The LCD is brilliant and you can focus on it without having to carry a heavy external monitor, peaking, full manual lens ...etc. The door that protects the SxS cards is extremely solid. There is no way a SxS card can be ejected by itself. The battery bay is solid with no plastic tab that can break.

Next tests: 35mm adapter & Stock Footage and codec toughness handing post CC.

LuckyStudio 13

12-07-2007, 11:56 PM

(-) How long before you either lose or break those tiny rubber plugs?
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094959.jpg

(-) Cant we just use LANC ??? Instead of some high $$$$ proprietary connector ??
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094832.jpg

Noel Evans

12-08-2007, 08:02 AM

DX I noticed there and at Interbee with no time to go into it, but on the Audio controls each channel has an ext. and int. option. Is this for built in mic only and what the hell is it? I mean apart from the bleeding obvious.

LuckyStudio 13

12-08-2007, 08:16 AM

Yeah, it allows you to use both the internal and external mic at the same time. The internal mic is stereo, so you can choose to feed 1 channel via the internal mic and another channel via your XLR external mic.

So with theoretically, you can capture ambience with the internal mic on one channel and then the main dialog with the external mic on the other channel. Maybe I am paranoid, but I dont trust internal mics :/

Stevet

12-08-2007, 08:34 AM

Here's the deal with the internal.
They say they are omnidirectional. Which means the pickup pattern is close to 360 degrees.
I'm not sure why they did not go with a cardioid or hyper cardioid pattern for a more directional pickup.

Depending on your mic gain settings, the on board mics will pick up the slightest sounds of you on the camera, touching buttons, movement, etc...

mcgeedigital

12-08-2007, 08:51 AM

(-) Cant we just use LANC ??? Instead of some high $$$$ proprietary connector ??
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197094832.jpg

Because "SONY" is Japanese for "proprietary, now pay up!".

Don't believe me? Let me tell you about their old "betacam playback adapters"!

Stevet

12-08-2007, 08:53 AM

Cash ready $$$ LOL.

Barry_S

12-08-2007, 09:17 AM

DX--thanks for your assessment--it's pretty much in line with what I observed when I tried the cam at GVExpo. I liked the zoo, focus, and aperture rings a lot. I thought they did a nice job with making the textures on each ring distinct, you can find them by feel--so the basic lens control ergonomics are good. The buttons are pretty small and I don't know why they made them black on black--white or light blue would have made them easier to find. The lcd/peaking controls set a new standard for small cams and make up for a lot of sins. I'd have to gaff tape the level controls or jury rig a little cover beacuse I'm definitely prone to accidentally moving them unless they're completely recessed.

David Jimerson

12-08-2007, 10:10 AM

Here's the deal with the internal.
They say they are omnidirectional. Which means the pickup pattern is close to 360 degrees.
I'm not sure why they did not go with a cardioid or hyper cardioid pattern for a more directional pickup.

It really wouldn't have made much difference on an onboard mic. Any camera sounds would still be well within the pickup pattern, and mounted where it is, it's going to be too far away from anything you shoot to take advantage of the pattern.

Stevet

12-08-2007, 08:38 PM

Hmmm.
omni makes it even more noticeable.

I've tried my hyper cardioid mics and at the same levels, they do a better job at rejecting the camera sounds. BUT, as most here, unless Im doing run-and-gun, I use boom mics or wireless.

FrankC

12-08-2007, 11:33 PM

DXmetal... Love the review you're doing! Sony has been using the little rubber plugs for a long time. They're on all their cameras...even the F-900. I'm surprized they haven't come off my DSR-300 yet. But I agree they seem to have gone out of their way to make this camera extremely small. Actually I would like it in a bit bigger box. I'm not looking for a "handy cam" style here. I'm looking for professional useability. But as you mentioned, the camera itself seems to make up for many of the box design short comings.

Noel Evans

12-09-2007, 07:11 AM

Little rubber plugs on xdcam, hpx whatever. They go missing pretty fast in a busy environment, dont sweat it.

myCharlie

12-09-2007, 02:37 PM

So I assumed some people in the US already received their EX1 then. I'm still waiting for mine.

Nice review. Looking forward for some 35mm adapter test footage.

philip bloom

12-09-2007, 02:38 PM

have a look at my ex1 on the road blog for adaptor stuff

sinai

12-10-2007, 03:44 AM

does anyone know how much dollar or euro the camera is sold for in japan ???
thanks

ESTEBEVERDE

12-10-2007, 11:51 AM

$1,000,000.00 BWAaahahahahahaha......

Oh... sorry, couldn't resist the Austin Powers Dr. Evil Cheese.

I don't know how much in Yen and with the U.S. Dollar so damn weak!?!?!?!

It will be interesting.

marques

12-10-2007, 07:12 PM

¥689,000　
http://kakaku.com/item/20203010328/

myCharlie

12-10-2007, 07:29 PM

But I assumed you have to pay tariffs when purchased from Japan, right?

ESTEBEVERDE

12-10-2007, 11:18 PM

But I assumed you have to pay tariffs when purchased from Japan, right?

To Japan?

Or to your home country?

ESTEBEVERDE

12-10-2007, 11:19 PM

¥689,000　
http://kakaku.com/item/20203010328/

$6,161.45 (USD)

LuckyStudio 13

12-11-2007, 12:10 AM

Finally get to play and shoot the new cam today. A couple of quick grabs (Jpeg compression) from XDCAM EX 720p HQ. The footage was captured STOCK straight out of the box, without any adjustment whatsoever in the picture profile, no sharpening, no gamma adjustments ....etc. The 1st pic of every set is the original image, others were some quick CC, to see the toughness of the XDCAM EX Codec. Will post all QT files as soon as I found a host (any taker please ??)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197355697.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197355849.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197355897.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197355941.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197355976.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356017.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356047.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356087.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356126.jpg

LuckyStudio 13

12-11-2007, 12:11 AM

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356163.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356333.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/14472/1197356373.jpg

myCharlie

12-11-2007, 08:21 AM

To Japan?

Or to your home country?

To my home country. In this case, to the US government.

mico

12-11-2007, 09:05 AM

Dxmetal. Why not start a new thread since you seem to be the only one giving updates on testing. It will be a very helpful thread.. Call it the dxmetal tests the exmettle.

Bob Berg

12-11-2007, 09:06 AM

The XDCAM EX Clip Browser software supplied on the CDROM in the box will NOT export HQ clips (in any 1920 format) or SP 720 clips to MXF for use, for example, in Adobe Premiere Pro CS3. However, there is a newer (1.1 something) version that can be found here:

http://www.sonybiz.net/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1193315622075

On this site, there is a 129MB archive that has a BUNCH of other files in it, including other .ZIPs. The one you are probably looking for (Windows folks) is named:

ClipBrowserForWinV1[1].01EN.zip

LuckyStudio 13

12-11-2007, 04:26 PM

Another intensive review of the cam here with footage.

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/mcfa0086/discretecosine/102124.html

TimurCivan

12-11-2007, 04:41 PM

LuckyStudio 13

12-12-2007, 12:02 PM

The free 8 gig rebate registration page should be accessible on the 15th of this month. Stay tuned.

LuckyStudio 13

12-12-2007, 09:20 PM

Another test done on Sony Fx1 1080i, 1/60 with 9db gain
http://www.freshdv.com/mjeppsen/video/hvr_fx1_1080_60i_9db.tif

and on Sony XDCAM EX 1080i, 1/60 with 9db gain
http://www.freshdv.com/mjeppsen/video/pmw_ex1_1080_60i_9db.tif

RichardVClark

12-12-2007, 09:28 PM

Is it just my computer or do those tiffs look horrible?

FatDaddy

12-12-2007, 10:43 PM

horrible...

bvalente

12-12-2007, 11:17 PM

The FX1 looked pretty underexposed and bad, the EX not too bad. I think the intent was to show the light characteristics - the EX being far more light sensitive.

As for the aesthetics, well, probably not the most artistic, but it does make the point

Brian

RichardVClark

12-13-2007, 12:09 AM

I was referring to the blocking...

Stevet

12-13-2007, 07:30 AM

LOL
Obviously very low light.
I think it's a good assumption that both cameras apertures where wide open and the the test was to display the sensitivity difference.

I'd say there's QUITE a bit of difference.

As far as image qualty goes...
Probably not so good, but under those conditions, no light added gain, I'm not surprised.
I know several other cameras under those conditions where it looked like it was snowing.

If the FX1 was at +9 dB of gain and still produced a dark image, it sure gives you an idea
of the low light conditions. Again, I can only image the apertures were wide open.
I can't imagine why they would of not been.

John, could we get a comparison under low to moderate light (apertures wide open) with no gain added for these cameras?

LuckyStudio 13

12-13-2007, 08:52 AM

Another review here http://library.creativecow.net/articles/greening_don/ex1.php

Mark Williams

12-13-2007, 01:40 PM

The review on creative cow was a pretty interesting read. It was nice to see that the codec did not break on the fast motion boat scenes at high quality 35 mb VBR setting.

harddrive

12-13-2007, 02:31 PM

One thing I learnt from that review is that the EX has dual zebra stripes, I didn't think I'd see that on a camera at this price point. (And having got used to the feature on much more expensive cameras, I don't want to give it up.)

LuckyStudio 13

12-15-2007, 12:00 PM

It's here....

https://www.rebate-zone.com/ConfirmRebate.asp?function=submit&method=open&current=true&pid=22150

ESTEBEVERDE

12-15-2007, 12:47 PM

It's here....

https://www.rebate-zone.com/ConfirmRebate.asp?function=submit&method=open&current=true&pid=22150

You have reached this page in error.

If you clicked on a link from another website, please inform them of this error.
If you typed in a link you received some other way, please make sure you type all the characters in the link. Be sure to type all the characters following the '?' character.

ilauzirika

12-15-2007, 12:57 PM

link not working

LuckyStudio 13

12-15-2007, 01:17 PM

This will jump you to the proper page http://www.sony.com/xdcamex/customer

Stevet

12-15-2007, 02:27 PM

Has anyone tried getting the free 8GB SxS card?
I registered my membership, but when I go to the 8GB card link it errors?

LuckyStudio 13

12-15-2007, 07:14 PM

The XDCAM EX Hidden Menu Contains the following adjustable and some non adjustable options.

a) MN (Maintenance)
- Test Saw
- Auto Blk Balance
- Black Shading
- Setting
- Channel Sel
- H Saw (assume: H = horizontal & V = Vertical)
- H Para
- V Saw
- V Para
- Auto Blk Shad
- White Shading
- Setting
- Channel Sel
- H Saw (assume: H = horizontal & V = Vertical)
- H Para
- V Saw
- V Para
- Flare
- G Flare
- B Fare
- R Flare
- Auto FB Adjust

b) RP (RPN Correct)
- Correction Mode
- Channel
- Cursor
- Cursor H Position
- Cursor Y Position

c) IF (Information)
- Serial Number
- Version (Firmware)
- Self Diag

mikkowilson

12-15-2007, 07:24 PM

Now *there* are some capabilities to really mess up your camera. :)

- Mikko

Barry_Green

12-15-2007, 07:57 PM

That's some pretty good stuff if you need it. Most users should never need to adjust flare, etc., but it's cool that you've found a way to get at it. But, as Mikko is alluding to, DO NOT FIDDLE WITH THAT STUFF if you don't know exactly what you're doing! :thumbsup:

FrankC

12-16-2007, 02:00 PM

Has anyone tried getting the free 8GB SxS card?
I registered my membership, but when I go to the 8GB card link it errors?
Had the same problem Stevet... I can't tell if Sony actually runs this site or another company. Take a look at the FAQs where they allude to that. Also, if you have more than one offer asking for your original UPC code, Sony says you'll have to send it to them if you want their stuff (like the SxS card) and forget the other guys.:embarasse

ESTEBEVERDE

12-16-2007, 02:12 PM

Looks like there will be some back and forth phone calls to Sony to get this all sorted.

LuckyStudio 13

12-19-2007, 08:52 AM

New remote lens controller from bebob for the XDCMA EX annnounced.

http://www.bebob.de/international/zoe-EX_e.html

LuckyStudio 13

01-06-2008, 08:16 PM

http://cdn.libsyn.com/idlemindspodcast/izzyvideo75free.mp4

rhino4589

01-19-2008, 08:40 PM

Has anyone put on a UV filter yet? I recently purchased the Tiffen 77UVP, but I am upset that you can't put back on the lens hood. Is anyone else having this problem, or is it just the model of the UV filter?
Thanks!

Stevet

01-19-2008, 09:10 PM

rhino4589

01-19-2008, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm a little bummed out that it doesn't fit properly, but what can you do!

LuckyStudio 13

01-20-2008, 12:46 AM

I use the B+W 77mm UV filter and it works great with the stock sunhood on.

FrankC

01-21-2008, 11:39 AM

Hoya 77mm Ultraviolet (UV) Pro 1 Digital Multi-Coated Glass Filter

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/391177-REG/Hoya_XD77UV_77mm_Ultraviolet_UV_Pro.html

Several of us own this filter. It has an ultra low profile. The hood fits fine with it.

Thanks Steve...That's good to know about the Hoya filters. I have a Tiffen Haze-1 and had the same problem with the hood not fitting back on. I wasn't too disappointed since I plan to add mattebox and rails. I knew there were some slim profile filters out there but didn't guess they were Hoya's.
Once again, you've provided a great bit of info to this line... Thanks!

rhino4589

01-23-2008, 01:54 PM

I found out today that the tiffen 77MM filters will work, but you need to get the wide angle version.

FrankC

01-24-2008, 09:29 AM

Yes... It seems filters come in at least two thicknesses: 5mm and 3mm... So best to get the 3mm thickness if you plan to keep the Sony lens box on... The 3mm would also be called a "wide angle" use filter since the thinner cylinder would not cause vignetting (sp) that a 5mm would.

Noel Evans

01-25-2008, 06:42 AM

Cant believe this thread has over 60,000 views!

LuckyStudio 13

01-28-2008, 10:01 AM

I finally got the 8 gig SxS rebate card in. For those who are waiting, it will be sent out of the fullfilment center in MN via UPS.

Despite all the effort of the fulfillment center to mess up the rebate process (the website still said, my rebate claim is not available), Sony really stepped up and intervened with the fulfillment center and solved all of the issues.

myCharlie

01-28-2008, 11:21 AM

How long does it take for the 8GB SxS card rebate to come in?

c.poeschl

01-29-2008, 02:51 AM

Does anyone know how I'd get power to a kino flo kamino ring light from the EX1? It says it needs 12V DC via 4 pin connection.. not sure if there's any adapters out there that'll do the trick..

here's the link to the light:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=294087&is=REG

LuckyStudio 13

01-29-2008, 08:08 AM

MyCharlie, It took aroudn 5 weeks to get my rebate.

LuckyStudio 13

02-01-2008, 03:51 PM

Very comprehensive Review of the HVX200 vs EX1 here.
http://www.pairofhands.net/Ex1%20vs%20HVX%20Shootout.html

Adam Wilt's updated review of a final production XDCAM EX unit.
http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/review_sony_pmw_ex1_1_2_3_cmos_hd_camcorder/

Super extensive review from my the freshdv guys
http://www.freshdv.com/2007/09/more-xdcam-ex-pre-launch-official-specifications.html

LuckyStudio 13

02-20-2008, 09:47 AM

Outputting Standard Definition in FCP from the Sony XDCam EX1

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/ex1_sd_output_young.html

LuckyStudio 13

03-10-2008, 03:41 PM

Good News. Sony has extended the Warranty for the XDCAM EX from 90 days (labor) to 1 year free labor for all warranty issues.

philip bloom

03-10-2008, 03:43 PM

is that all the labour was? in Europe it is 2 years all inclusive with a loan unit if repair takes longer than 10 days

OldManVideo

03-10-2008, 03:55 PM

That's why it costs more in Europe.....

LuckyStudio 13

03-27-2008, 09:15 AM

Checking your camera's firmware version.

1. Press and hold the cancel button and menu button at the same time.

2. Hold these buttons and hit the SEL/SET button.

3. Scroll down to the IF icon. Select that and there is your camera's serial number and the firmware version.

LuckyStudio 13

04-14-2008, 01:18 PM

new brochure on the XDCAM Ex system (incl Ex3, decks , HD ....etc).

http://www.sony.co.uk/res/attachment/file/33/1207064694533.pdf

LuckyStudio 13

04-24-2008, 11:33 PM

Learn more about the EX1 from the Pros (3 free video presentations).

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/video/9186.html

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/video/9291.html

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/video/9334.html

Stevet

04-25-2008, 08:25 AM

Thanks for the videos Dxmetal!

They were great watching kicking back with coffee this morning. ;)

LuckyStudio 13

04-26-2008, 12:11 AM

Grab & Download the following Free Sony XDCAM EX Pro Shooting's Tips and Tricks

Tips for Avoiding "Overexposure" of an Image's Highlights
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Avoiding_Over-exposure.pdf)

Tips for Creating Film-like Images With Rich Colors
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Create_Film-like_Images.pdf)

Enhancing Colors in Low-Light Areas (Low Key Saturation function)
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Enhance_Colors_in_low_light.pdf)

Tips for Enriching Color Saturation in Dark Areas of an Image
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Enrich_Color_Saturturation.pdf)

Tips for Improving Picture Sharpness without Coarsening the Image
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Improving_Picture_Sharpness.pdf)

Tips for Reproducing Vivid Colors Under a Bright Environment
Get IT (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Reproducing_Vivid_Colors.pdf)

Tips for Shooting Without Coarsening Dark Areas of an Image
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Shoot_without_Course_Dark_Areas.pdf)

Tips for Shooting Pictures with Rich and Deep Black Reproduction (Y BLACK GAMMA Function)
Get It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/micro/xdcamex/solutions/Shooting_Pictures_w_Black_Colors.pdf)

New EX3 promo Video. You Gotta See this !!!
See It (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcamexsite/resource.latest.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcamex-latest-XDCAMEXVideo0417.shtml)

FrankC

04-26-2008, 11:36 PM

Dxmetal... You da man! Thanks!

LuckyStudio 13

05-06-2008, 10:11 AM

Schneider Optic's Wide and Tele optic adapter available now.

Schneider Optics .6x Wide Angle Adapter (http://zgc.com/zgc.nsf/c7a682995edb4e7585256b4d001ebd57/b7c378a12c4ba4a485256d83004c0f0b?OpenDocument)

Schneider Optics 1.6x Tele-converter (http://zgc.com/zgc.nsf/c7a682995edb4e7585256b4d001ebd57/8b6764148515fafc85256d830052afae?OpenDocument)

LuckyStudio 13

05-17-2008, 01:37 PM

PDZK-P1 : XDCAM Transfer Tool for Apple Final Cut Pro v2.7.0 * Requires Apple Final Cut Pro v6.0.3

http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowC...BC+Tools+XDCAM (http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1203501581812&sectiontype=BC+Tools+XDCAM)
This version enables XDCAM EX clips which were shot with timecode mode set to CLOCK to be recognizedand imported into Final Cut Pro. In previous versions, XDCAM Transfer would display the error message:"Error There is no timecode calculator in timecode track builder".

LuckyStudio 13

06-13-2008, 04:21 PM

http://www.sony.ca/xdcamex/software.htm

Log and Transfer Utility for MAC Version 1.00

The Log and Transfer plug in software utility for XDCAM EX allows any resolution of current XDCAM EX file to be easily imported within FCP using the standard Log and Transfer interface within FCP.

Works with Apple Tiger /Leopard Operating System (Mac OS X Ver10.4.11 or later) also requires FCP 6.03 or later

Instructions:
1) Create a new folder to copy dmg file to.
2) Copy file to your Mac.
3) Double click on the icon in the folder you have created.
4) Installer will launch. Follow the installation instructions.
5) Use the Log and transfer window to ingest EX files into FCP.

NOTE: XDCAM Transfer has the following advantages over Log and Transfer
Support both XDCAM EX & XDCAM Disc
Handles XDCAM EX and XDCAM Disc clips
mounting SxS & PD media at the same time
MXF export capability
Can write edited material back to Professional Disc in MXF files
Standalone browser/viewer
Browsing/viewing are possible without running Final Cut Pro

Other benefits
Full-screen playback
Cache functionThumbnail information available even after ejecting the media
Can create multiple sub clips by Mark In/Out

Log and Transfer has the advantage of working directly within the standard Log and Transfer interface within FCP.

RDykmans

06-19-2008, 08:13 AM

Has anyone seen (or can point me out to) 720p60 footage (as well as overcranked) of skiing, snowboaring or wakeboarding shot with this cam? I've seen the pair of hands footage with the skateboarder which looked pretty good. I'd like to see anything shot from a boat or off skiis to see how it holds up.

LuckyStudio 13

06-19-2008, 09:11 PM

I heard from a very reliable source that Sony will have a 5% - 7% price increase for all their products beginning the middle of next week.

I dont know if this will affect the EX3, since it is a upcoming new product and was advertised as $8320.00 by virtually all their dealers. However, I suspect the EX1, SxS will all, indeed get a bump in price by middle of next week.

Buck Forester

06-19-2008, 10:31 PM

http://www.principalphoto.com/mxs/

Here's some cool EX1 aerial footage I saw posted elsewhere... stunning, almost looks 3D! The good stuff doesn't start until about 1/3 of the way through after the plane takes off, then it's gorgeous, shot over Lake Tahoe!

RDykmans

06-19-2008, 11:07 PM

Thanks Buck I just got to check that out! It really does look great. He was saying he shot that on a tripod sitting on a foam pad, it sure looked smooth!

Buck Forester

06-19-2008, 11:12 PM

I know, man... seriously I would've sworn that he had to use a gyro to get footage that smooth from a vibrating plane! Very encouraging it was just shot with a tripod on some foam using the internal image stabilization!

LuckyStudio 13

06-19-2008, 11:24 PM

LuckyStudio 13

07-21-2008, 09:56 AM

A bunch of Good Videos on HD cameras.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcam/resource.events.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcam-events-NAB2008Videos.shtml?XID=E:XDCAMupdate0708_SeminarV ideos:XDCAM

finally

Workflow guide for the EX series Cameras.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcam/resource.downloads.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcam-downloads-XDCAMEXUserGuides.shtml?XID=E:XDCAMupdate_EXUserGu ides:XDCAMEX

enjoy.

Lor

07-22-2008, 11:16 AM

Thanks for posting.

Lor

07-22-2008, 11:37 AM

They have a list of qualify cameras and "It Products" available online. http://sony.tradeups.com/Customers/12/professionalProducts.aspx

Yes, the trade-in program include the Ex1 and the new Ex3. This promo ends on March 31st 2009.

Just to see how much my EX1 is worth for trad-in, the drop down for selecting Model does not show PMW-EX1 as one of the models that's available to select.

LuckyStudio 13

08-21-2008, 08:22 AM

Not an EX1 or EX3 but this was shot 100% entirely on a supposedly "crippled rolling shutter " camera (the Red One).

http://www.movieweb.com/news/51/29751.php

LuckyStudio 13

08-24-2008, 03:58 PM

Below are 5 professional movies that were shot with the EX1 so far.

"Bouchedags"

"The Brave and the Kind"

"Confined"

"Dei-te Quase Tudo"

"NWA: Total Nonstop Action"

basspig

08-24-2008, 07:15 PM

http://www.wordsandpictures.net/Sony/3208-Trade-in-eBlast/

Sony has a trade in program where you can send in your old camera or "IT Products" (??) for new Sony cams or other Sony "IT Products" (??).

They have a list of qualify cameras and "It Products" available online. http://sony.tradeups.com/Customers/12/professionalProducts.aspx

Yes, the trade-in program include the Ex1 and the new Ex3. This promo ends on March 31st 2009.

They list a whole bunch of cameras including models like the V1U, Z1U, etc., but once you fill out the form, the only models they have on the drop down are the large shoulder mount camera models. What kind of trade-in program is that? The form is inconsistent with the list of products they claim to accept.

LuckyStudio 13

08-31-2008, 08:05 AM

http://www.vimeo.com/1479894

IS it just me or the $48k (no lens) full HD hpx 3000 footage looks extremely very similar to the $6500 full HD Sony EX1 ??

lawriejaffa

08-31-2008, 09:21 AM

probably just u muhahaha

kubalsky

08-31-2008, 09:25 AM

http://www.vimeo.com/1479894

IS it just me or the $48k (no lens) full HD hpx 3000 footage looks extremely very similar to the $6500 full HD Sony EX1 ??

I think so too. I guess it's hard to judge in detail unless we see it in it's original format on a big HD screen but I've shot stuff at night on the EX1 that I think looks as good as this.

basspig

08-31-2008, 11:50 PM

http://www.vimeo.com/1479894

IS it just me or the $48k (no lens) full HD hpx 3000 footage looks extremely very similar to the $6500 full HD Sony EX1 ??

It shouldn't come as any surprise. The s/n and sensitivity specs are identical to the EX1/3. And New York City is so brightly lit that I could film it with a TRV900 or a V1U and still get decent pictures. I'd reckon the major benefit is the glass and four channel audio.

LuckyStudio 13

09-01-2008, 07:24 AM

Heres another one without the bright lights of NYC http://www.vimeo.com/1581799. No wonder the Sony EX series camera is taking the market like storm.

LuckyStudio 13

09-09-2008, 10:33 AM

This is a user report from the other site that claims that the Rolling shutter issue (partial exposure when dealing with flash/strobe) is greatly reduced with the new firmware.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-xdcam-ex-cinealta/129571-ex1-new-firmware-partial-flash-exposure.html

Lor

09-09-2008, 10:56 AM

So any possibilities that we (as a user) can upgrade this firmware ourself?

basspig

09-09-2008, 11:00 AM

The firmware CAN be upgraded, and several daring users have, but we have no information as to how that action affects warranty status, or whether it affects the backfocus adjustments, or other functions/calibrations of the EX1.

I'm taking a 'wait & see' approach to whether Sony will make the update user-applicable, or whether they will stop charging $100 plus overnight shipping costs to get it done.

LuckyStudio 13

10-18-2008, 10:57 PM

Workflow Guide from Sony for your Fav Editing System.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcamexsite/cat-editing/resource.downloads.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcamex-downloads-XDCAMEXWorkflowGuides.shtml

emotepix

10-19-2008, 02:57 AM

Mark

Officially, v1.11 is a $100 optional Sony upgrade, not a required modification (that's last week's information direct from a Sony rep). However, if one wants to use the 60GB hard drive option (and indeed the Kensinton SxK options) then 1.11 is required on an EX1.

Because 1.11 is optional, it's officially outside the regular Sony Pro warranty chain, i.e. Sony doesn't care if it's 1.03-05 or 1.11 when servicing their cameras, 1.11 isn't mentioned one way or another under the warranty.

Oh, and the current official turnaround time (at least in Los Angeles, if you physically take the camera in to them) is 15 working days. That's the waiting time. The actual install time is very quick, so I'm told, because they really have the earlier issues (backfocus, vignetting, battery cards, etc) worked out by now, and the repair/upgrade procedures down cold. And they aren't optional, they do fall under warranty, and so are free. But then when one's camera is in there, then of course one opts to pay the extra $100 for the optional upgrade.

Note that I have a late model (7000 series serial number) EX1, and it came to me with all the earlier issues worked out already and also 1.11 installed. (But I was also told that this was an added sales incentive for my particular camera, so YMMV, definitely, on this matter. Mine was an ex-demo unit so not, strictly speaking, 100% new.)

So, explicitly, on my current release EX1: no vignetting issues detected, no back focus issues detected, the CMOS shutter issues (slanting verticals during pans) are indeed perceptively better on my 1.11 as against my mate's 1.05 model, and first thing, I left my battery on the camera all night long and they've obviously replaced the defective part that caused the camera to drain the battery even when off, since the battery was still on over 98% charge the next day. The new paintwork looks lovely, and hopefully the numbers won't rub off either.

Back to topic, I'm sure that things will probably change when the EX1 OS v1.2 or later eventually comes along, since most of the (LA area) EX1 users I know have jumped ship over from SxS to SxK (or "Sony by Sandisk" to "Sony by Kensington") and Sony's SxS sales figures must have told them by now that something's going on.

Let's see how Sony corporate reacts. Today they're charging, for instance, over $250 street price for an 8GB SxS card when an 8GB SxK costs around $50.

It's a different case with the P2 system, because Panasonic never mentioned future cheap storage like Sony did.

If Sony tried to kill the SxK compatibility with a later firmware release then I'm sure there would be a class action suit like nobody would believe, since they plainly stated in all advertising that their adoption of the industry standard Expresscard format was specifcally to allow for lower cost media in the future. Well, the future arrived, just a little sooner than they planned, I guess.

And also, the SxK systems aren't quite perfected yet: The Kensington adaptor cards are a little too long and so stick out of the camera enough so that the card door can't be slid shut to cover them, and also the current card data rates aren't fast enough reliably to capture over 40fps on them, so most EX1 owners I know have kept at least the one or two SxS cards that came with their cameras for overcranked shots. However, for the vast majority of shots, and users...

Interesting times we live in!

GuyB

10-19-2008, 06:01 AM

Mark

...And also, the SxK systems aren't quite perfected yet: The Kensington adaptor cards are a little too long and so stick out of the camera enough so that the card door can't be slid shut to cover them, and also the current card data rates aren't fast enough reliably to capture over 40fps on them, so most EX1 owners I know have kept at least the one or two SxS cards that came with their cameras for overcranked shots. However, for the vast majority of shots, and users...

Interesting times we live in!

Just to clarify, you can shoot over 40fps with KxS, you just can't safely shoot overcranked 24fps at > about 40fps.

With KxS you can happliy shoot 720 60p HQ

PS: I have had one time when I still prefered to shoot SxS over KxS. It wasn't for reliability, it was for offload speed. At the end of the job I had to offload the media to a HDD for the client before I left, using SxS over KxS meant I could do this faster and leave earlier. I had the SxS anyway so I used it and it wouldn't be worth buying SxS over KxS just for this but you use what you have to make your job the easiest at the time.

LuckyStudio 13

10-19-2008, 08:59 AM

http://www.glasseye.com.au/articles/sdassxs/

Thanks to these guys work here on the forum (Steve and others), Now you can have a FULLY WORKING $100 16GB Express Card for your EX1/EX3 camera.

emotepix

10-19-2008, 09:34 AM

Yeah, like I said. The KxS card won't work for overcranking, at least not yet. So it's not really as fully functional as an SxS card at the moment.

And the main argument for the SxS is the high speed of data capture and of copying that data out from the camera onto a hard drive.

i.e. if you're a professional like Guy is, and you want to leave quickly, then the regular SDHC cards don't copy as fast as the SxS.

However, in most jobs post SxS, I've simply made the clients buy their own SDHC cards from me and handed them to them at the end of the shoot.

Or purchased a dozen of them and downloaded later on in post. Or have the client give them back when post was done backing them up and working with them.

The SDHC cards are cheap enough to do that.

In short, I feel that to continue working the SxS route (when one actually has the time not to) is to line Sony's pockets unnecessarily, not after they've made the claim that in time the cost of their media would drop, and it hasn't.

I also feel that if Sony were to release a future firmware upgrade that would disallow the KxS combination that Sony corporate would be asking for a class action suit that would be quite interesting, in light of their statements that they adopted the Expresscard format because it was an open format and a (computer) industry standard and so allowed the use of other media.

Stevet

10-19-2008, 09:43 AM

However, in most jobs post SxS, I've simply made the clients buy their own SDHC cards from me and handed them to them at the end of the shoot.

You've nailed this!

16GB Transcend SDHC cards are $35! Just wash the price of the card into your work and you can easily use this as a great service. In fact, this alone is one hell of a selling point on the KxS. At $35 a card, screw field transfers! just give them the dang card.

Having said that, I have not tried the 16GB Transcend cards, but I've heard they work. But to be safe, you could up the price to $70 (or less) and buy the 16GB Ultra II 15 MB/s SDHC cards.

LuckyStudio 13

10-19-2008, 09:45 AM

BTW, RED CF is nothing but a rebranded Lexar 300x card.

ESTEBEVERDE

10-19-2008, 01:34 PM

BTW, RED CF is nothing but a rebranded Lexar 300x card.

Sweet!

And how do you know this?

Jason Ramsey

10-19-2008, 02:42 PM

The 8 gig is... the 16 I believe was made custom for them to their specs.

Later,
Jason

LuckyStudio 13

10-29-2008, 11:36 PM

Firmware upgrade for the PMW-EX3 expected November 2008

Expected to be available in November there will be a no charge firmware upgrade to finalize 2
standard features of the PMW-EX3

1) Output of DV via i.LINK (Firewire) from HQ 35Mbps files
2) Output of 24P recorded files via 24Psf over HDSDI
Details will be updated when available.

basspig

10-30-2008, 09:22 PM

I wonder if option #1 is going to be available for the EX1. There have been times when this would have been useful.

What about #2? No true progressive output? The problems of dealing with 24PsF output from HDV cameras is a sufficient show-stopper to make HD-SDI with this kind of pullup utterly useless for Adobe Premiere users.

"I don't want ANY interlaced files!!" --said in the same tone as Monty Python's "SPAM & Eggs & SPAM"

Stevet

10-30-2008, 09:38 PM

The EX1 also offers 24PsF over SDI with version 1.11.

LuckyStudio 13

11-06-2008, 09:51 AM

Maybe a little too late :) since we have KxS but, 32 gig SxS card is retailing for MSRP $1650. With $300 rebate, it will be $1350 which now gives the pressure to Panasonic to price their 32 gig P2 card (est. release dec 08).

Promotion Name: E08-011- Sony 32GB SxS card / Firmware Upgrade offerPromotion Description: Receive up to $300 rebate by mail following purchase of an SBP32 SxS Card and the completion of a Firmware Upgrade of the PMW-EX1 camcorder. Promotion Number: E08-011Start Date: 11/1/2008 End Date: 12/31/2008

MitchLewis

11-06-2008, 10:32 AM

What $300 rebate? Where?

Lor

11-06-2008, 11:55 AM

I just got the email in my inbox today. However, it is still over $1,000. I wonder how much memory a $1,000 could buy those SDHC memory cards.

EC Junior

11-06-2008, 01:12 PM

Buy a 32GB Sony SxS card and upgrade your firmware on your EX1, Get $300 Back.

Sorry, I was going to post this yesterday for you guys but forgot to hit the submit reply button.

Promotion Name: E08-011- Sony 32GB SxS card / Firmware Upgrade offer
Promotion Description: Receive up to $300 rebate by mail following purchase of an SBP32 SxS Card and the completion of a Firmware Upgrade of the PMW-EX1 camcorder.
Promotion Number: E08-011
Start Date: 11/1/2008
End Date: 12/31/2008
Hardcopy Postmark Date: 1/31/2009
https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7&DirectID=26482

:Drogar-Mark-04(DBG) On another note: PDW-700 and option boards expected to be available in December. What do you guys think about having a new XDCAM HD / HD422 category in this forum, would there be any interest for the optical disc systems?

Stevet

11-06-2008, 08:19 PM

32GB SanDisk Ultra II 15MB/s SDHC cards when released will sell for $150 !

GuyB

11-06-2008, 11:35 PM

Thats about a 50% premium over 2 16's isn't it?
lol, look at me, complaining about $50 when you are saving $1300...

GuyB

11-06-2008, 11:38 PM

...
:Drogar-Mark-04(DBG) On another note: PDW-700 and option boards expected to be available in December. What do you guys think about having a new XDCAM HD / HD422 category in this forum, would there be any interest for the optical disc systems?

I havn't seen much discussion of the 700 around here so it might end up a very quiet board, having said that, you have to start somewhere.

I am really keen to see if KxS works in the 700's SxS optional dock :Drogar-Love(DBG):

LuckyStudio 13

11-11-2008, 01:07 PM

http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/ext/eblasts/xdcamex/owner/images/top.jpg

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With Sony EX-tra Rewards, everybody wins. You get $100 per product. Your friends get $50. And everyone enjoys the exceptional video and extraordinary efficiency of XDCAM EX production.

This offer applies to Sony PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3 camcorders and PMW-EX30 compact decks purchased from a Sony Authorized XL Reseller or directly from Sony from November 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. Other conditions apply.

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for more information on this offer and to start earning EX-tra Rewards!.

Stevet

11-11-2008, 07:02 PM

Right on, thanks for the info!

LuckyStudio 13

12-18-2008, 09:30 AM

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List of items available (http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/mkt/broadcast/promotions/bstockgold_catalog.pdf).

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