Accessories for EX3?

[MitchLewis]

We're replacing our Canon XL1-S based aquisition system with a Sony EX3 based system. But we've got one chance to buy everything all at once in a big capital purchase so I don't want to forget anything. Here's what we've put together so far, please let us know if we're forgetthing anything:

CAMERA
Sony XDCAM EX3 camera
Sony USB card reader
Sony 32GB SxS cards (2)
Sony BPU-60 extra battery
Chrosziel Matte box (which one fits nicely on the EX3)
Schneider .75x wide angle lens (I assume it can't be used with the matte box?)

TRIPOD
Sachtler 4160 Soom Tripod System w/case

OTHER
MOTU V4HD Firewire HD video/audio capture device

CAMERA OPTIONS (not sure we can afford this stuff)
Letus Ultimate (is it really easier to use than the cheaper models?)
35mm lens kit (where's the best place to buy an assortment of lenses for the Letus? Can you use a 35mm zoom lens?)

Does anyone have experience with this stuff? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)

[Jhundiboy]

What are you going to be using the camera for? Any extended periods of shooting are going to need more SxS cards, or id say at least get a couple of smaller ones so you can transfer to a laptop as you go.

[MitchLewis]

It's mainly going to be used for shooting 30-second commercials. We normally only shoot 30-45 minutes worth of footage....max. So we're hoping the 2x32GB cards will work....at least for now.

The big decision we're trying to make is whether or not to buy a 35mm adaptor and some lenses. (we're looking at the Lentus Ultimate or maybe the Extreme)

[EC Junior]

It's mainly going to be used for shooting 30-second commercials. We normally only shoot 30-45 minutes worth of footage....max. So we're hoping the 2x32GB cards will work....at least for now.

Mitch, 2x 32GB cards will record up to 200 minutes of the highest quality.

If you normally only shoot 30-45 minutes worth of footage,
You might be better off getting 16GB cards, which each can hold 50 minutes of HQ mode.

[nsoltz]

Also wondering why you need an input device and why specifically you chose the MOTU?

Do you plan to capture live from the SDI port?

Don't overlook the Petroff matte boxes, which have an adapter ring specifically for the stock Fujinon EX lens.

While the Schneider add-on is a great piece of glass, you might also consider waiting until Sony releases a Fujinon wide-angle which will match perfectly with the EX3.

If shooting under controlled conditions for commercials or other such scenarios, you might achieve much better DOF and control going with the Letus and primes.

I agree with Junior that 32gb cards are overkill. Buy 4x 16gb cards rather than 2x 32gb cards.

Or consider the option that many of us have found to work of the $36 Kensington 7 in 1 adapter with SanDisk Ultra II SDHC cards (under $70). As long as you have no overcranking beyond 40fps or so, these work. If you need to overcrank, just record to one of the free 2x 8gb cards you will get with your EX-3.

Do not and I repeat do not forget IR protection. Assuming you a shooting with your mattebox buy a Schneider IR 750 4x4 filter. These CMOS cameras are very sensitive to IR contamination and the Schneider filter nails the problem.

[MitchLewis]

Thanks for the reply! The main reason we're purchasing the V4HD is to connect all our legacy equipment. We have a Beta SP deck, DV/DVCam deck, VHS deck and DVD player. Using the V4HD we can produce our commercials in HD and the device will convert the signal to SD for output to our legacy devices on the fly. But honestly, I just like the idea of not having to get on my hands and knees and swap wires to connect things to each other.

I didn't know that Fujinon was planning to release a wide angle lens. Any idea on when this will happen?

Good advice on the 32GB cards. I need to figure out which is the best value per giga-bite. (probably the 16GB)

Thanks for the advice on the IR filter. I should probaly include a polorizer as well.

Great input! Thanks again!

[Jbucaro]

I am assuming that you already have the shot gun mic for the camera?

[MitchLewis]

Sort of. We have a shotgun mic mounted on a boom.

[nsoltz]

Excellent. Now I see your point on the Motu capture device. I have no comment on the Motu since I have not reviewed one yet. I can say that the Matrox MXO2 will perform all of those functions for half the price of the MOTU-- and you can use it on both a laptop and desktop machine.

I've heard no word on the Fujinon/Sony WA lens. I believe that it was shown under glass at IBC. It will look just like the EX lens and mate perfectly with the camera without adapter. Of course, you could always go the very expensive route of the Canon or Fujinon 1/2" HD lens which you would use with your included EX to 1/2" lens adapter.

Good luck. You will be very pleased with EX results.

[MitchLewis]

I forgot to add.....we use MOTU's Digital Performer audio editing software on a daily basis, so that's yet another reason we're going with the V4HD. The only thing I don't like about the Matrox is that the inputs are on the front and the outputs are on the back. I see that leading to a big wiring mess. It does seem to have the same features as the V4HD but for a lot less money, I agree with you on that.

[nsoltz]

Once you get your set up, would be very interested in hearing your impressions of the V4HD. I don't actually have any user reports and would be quite interested. It seems to me that audio would be its strong suit particularly with all of its audio i/o's.

Interesting that you bring up the point about the MXO2. I was a beta tester and one of the great debates was its i/o configuration. Those working portable liked the separation of in/out. Those who wanted to rack mount had your comments exactly.

[MitchLewis]

Yes, as a portable the MXO2 would probably be a good device. :)

[MitchLewis]

Where can I find a photo of an EX1/EX3 with a 35mm adapter and matte box? I'd like to put it on the cover of my capital budget proposal I'm submitting next week.

I know I've seen photos of Philip Bloom's setup, but I can't seem to find them anywhere (I checked his website).