Upcoming PMW-100 XDCAM

[paul31003]

I was looking at the upcoming PMW-100 XDCAM and was really amazed at what it will have to offer. What amazed me even more was the price-point. At just under $4,000, this camera at first glance appears to be a steal. What's odd is this camera seemingly appears to match, and in some cases outshine (such as the recording bit rate), the much-more-expensive EX-1 and EX-3 XDCAM's, yet is FAR less expensive than the two.

I'm obviously missing something, but what (besides the lens and size, which I doubt alone constitutes up to a $4,000 price difference)?

[Barry_Green]

As compared to the EX1/EX3, the PMW100 has a smaller chip (1/3" vs. 1/2") and it's only one sensor, vs. three chips in the EX cameras. And it's a 10x zoom lens instead of a 14x, and the wide-angle isn't wide at all (40mm equivalent).

It's got a better codec, yes, but pretty much everything else is better about the EX cameras.

[paul31003]

Barry, apparently I really skimmed through those specs. I don't know how I missed the single chip vs. the three chip. And I did notice the limited lens.

[chrisccw]

I don't know how I missed that either!

[robzila27]

Barry, any guess on how the images from the 100 may end up looking (matching) when cut with footage from existing EX1/3's? I assume it would only be speculation, but I do love to read your responses to just about any topic!

I ask because we currently shoot a recurring doc project for broadcast with an EX3 and I'm always looking for possible camera additions (other than EX1) to integrate into our production. There are times that we could benefit from a smaller (physically) piece of gear, relative to the EX3.

Thanks.

Rob

[Barry_Green]

I would guess that the EX1/EX3 will enjoy a substantial advantage in picture quality, at least as far as image sharpness goes. If all things were equal the EX1/EX3 should also be noticeably more sensitive and cleaner in noise, but all things aren't equal here; the EX1/EX3 are four-year-old technology vs. the new PMW100, so ... that one's a wild card. We'll have to wait and see...

[Doug Jensen]

Barry, your guesses are right on target. I've been shooting with one for a couple of weeks. In some ways the PMW-100 is more advanced than the EX1/3, but when it comes to picture quality, optics, and noise, the older cameras still come out on top. However, with that said, the PMW-100 would still be close enough to be used as a "b" camera with any of the other cameras. Here's some early footage I shot with it. I'm actually getting better results now, but don't have time to cut anything together.
For the price, the PMW-100 is pretty good, but not better than the others.
https://vimeo.com/43907164