Ex 3 - suitable for SD ENG work?

[barel33]

Hello. I'm thinking of getting myself a camera instead of using rentals.
As most of what the camera will be used for is ENG work the questions are:
1. How does the EX series compare to DVX, sensitivity and color wise?
2. Is it comfortable to work with EX3/EX1 in an ENG environment.
3. Is it good and comfi enough for SD conversion.
4. Should I get a broadcast 1/2 bionet lens for it or the native lens is good enough
in operation, as the DVX's is not good enough for on air zoom or focus.
5. What computer is suited for it, as basic editing will be done on location in a hurry.
Does it have a video IN?
6.Is it easy to monitor and control the sound channels, is automatic a viable option.

I love the DVX for its simplicity and color, but 1/3 ccd is not enough for me.
Camera will be used for broadcast. I am expierienced with shoulder mount DSR450 and Beta 600, but will be travellling and the small formfactor/weight is a plus for me.
I work in SD world, but the shift to HD is just around the corner, so I want to be prepared.
THank you for your time and thoughts.:thumbup:

[Kenny_G]

The EX3 is a great camera except for 3 major points:
It will fail you when you the least expect it to - it did to me
It has IMO some design faults that influence the durability
The Sony Service Policy is aimed at making you pay, pay and pray!

IMO a very good camera, but not for a real professional.
Perhaps it will do a good job in a studio, but i have my doubts in the field.

[JDDalllas]

I'm a real professional and I own 2 EX-3's I have yet to a failure once! I do ENG and EFP's all the time. It's in it's own class at this point. I've have gotten calls from LA and New York asking to use this camera for whatever reason. As for ergonomics you just have to by the right accessories to set it up, the way you like it. This is my set up. I also mount on on a Jimmy Jib and the zoom and focus is fine. But having that option to put a HD Fuji lens on is great. If you can afford a 1/2 hd lens go for it.
I have had Digi primes on before and it looked incredible. As for durability, you just have to handle it with more care and not beat it up like a D30 Betacam..
No video in, like most cameras. You could use a Nanoflash as a recorder, and when paired with a EX via SDI you can get 100MB and 4:2:2 color spacing instead of 35MB and 4:2:0 inside camera. Just like the big cameras. And there are recording media options that are cheaper than SxS. Editing is a snap if you have a system that edits native XDCAM EX (but you can still convert if needed) As for SD (not an Editor) I've heard its just fine, if you use a good conversion process.

[adamr316]

I you are going to be primarily dealing with SD work I would seriously consider another camera that shoots native SD and HD...which the EX3 does not do.

Granted the conversions to SD are fine but it's another step in the process. Personally I wanted to future-proof every I shot here on out so I went with the EX1. But I wish it shot native SD in-camera! Although the HVX200's in-camera SD was horrendous in interlaced modes.

To answer your questions:

1. The EX series are more sensitive than DVX cameras. Maybe not the DVX100b but certainly the 100 and 100a. In HD prosumer cams the EX are king.
2. ENG work is fine. Except, again, the SD conversion. But since you can mark your in/outs in-camera you'll save a lot of work for your editor/yourself. Tapeless is ideal for quick turnaround that ENG demands.
3. See above. The SD downconversion in-camera is of poor quality.
4. As I don't own an EX3 I can't answer this. The EX1's built-in lens is great/sharp/colorful and fringes aren't an issue.
5. I use my cheap ($500) laptop to do quick edits. Dualcore 1.8 gHz Toshiba laptop with an Expresscard input. It doesn't have video in, only HDV input/output.
6. Audio level monitoring is great. The bars react fast, there are plenty of them, there are decibel indicators. Auto works pretty well albeit limits on the high-side of things.

Having said all this if you weren't so against 1/3 cameras I'd say consider the Panasonic HPX300. That'd be my choice if I were mostly shooting ENG stuff

[Kenny_G]

I'm a real professional and I own 2 EX-3's I have yet to a failure once! I do ENG and EFP's all the time. It's in it's own class at this point. I've have gotten calls from LA and New York asking to use this camera for whatever reason. As for ergonomics you just have to by the right accessories to set it up, the way you like it. This is my set up. I also mount on on a Jimmy Jib and the zoom and focus is fine. But having that option to put a HD Fuji lens on is great. If you can afford a 1/2 hd lens go for it.
I have had Digi primes on before and it looked incredible. As for durability, you just have to handle it with more care and not beat it up like a D30 Betacam..
No video in, like most cameras. You could use a Nanoflash as a recorder, and when paired with a EX via SDI you can get 100MB and 4:2:2 color spacing instead of 35MB and 4:2:0 inside camera. Just like the big cameras. And there are recording media options that are cheaper than SxS. Editing is a snap if you have a system that edits native XDCAM EX (but you can still convert if needed) As for SD (not an Editor) I've heard its just fine, if you use a good conversion process.

Nice looking rig, but I wonder how you can manage looking through the VF.
Is the shouldermount sliding to the back?

[DadinWestchester]

Listen, even though I hate to admit this, the networks have gone to the 1/3" Pana HPX300 for news (even mine). It is a throw away camera and if it is good enough for the nets it should be good enough for you. It is not used for net production work, but for news it is acceptable.
You want a shoulder mounted camera for eng work. Go with the Pana.

[xort]

the biggest question you need to ask...your clients...is will they accept the EX cameras. I have many clients that MUST have a tape camera, no exceptions.

The customer is always right! Sell them what they want to buy.

[JDDalllas]

"Nice looking rig, but I wonder how you can manage looking through the VF.
Is the shouldermount sliding to the back?"

Yes, I just threw it together for a pic, the pad moves back more and separates to become wider for shoulder, and the viewfinder is moved to forward most position and its dead on with my eye.

[newtmitch]

"Nice looking rig, but I wonder how you can manage looking through the VF.
Is the shouldermount sliding to the back?"

Yes, I just threw it together for a pic, the pad moves back more and separates to become wider for shoulder, and the viewfinder is moved to forward most position and its dead on with my eye.

Not to hijack the thread, but would you mind giving a breakdown of your rig as pictured? I'm interested in what pieces/parts you have on that set up - shoulder mount, rails, FF, matte box, etc...

[JDDalllas]

It's all CAVISION stuff, here's a more recent pic, with extensions. I have the VFGadgets plate (w/ rod block) with carbon fiber rods, 100mm handle extensions to Cavision grips (which I can clamp a libec zoom control to, and have zoom control at thumb), follow focus and matte box (cavision). They also now have a center post that attaches to middle of handle grip mount and you have a shoulder strap that has the base of the rod at your waist. It basically takes the weight off your arms and support front end. I have it and it really helps if not eliminate the front heavy issue. I do have the wide angle EX lens on BTW. And I added the blue pads to shoulder, foam and velco basically.

[Kenny_G]

Yeah, looks nice!