Considering buying a new EX-1 (not R), opinions?

[Tom Roper]

I like the XDCAM recording format because it edits natively in Vegas very fast and smart renders straight to Blu-ray. The HQ 35 mbps is clean and makes efficient use of the flash memory storage media.

The poor ergonomics of the EX1 would count for something if I was starting from scratch, but I'm too familiar/entrenched in the Sony workflow. It's about quality and speed in that order, the ergonomics don't stand in the way of great video, a case where best loses out to good enough for all the right reasons.

We are now working with tools that at worst are an embarrasment of riches, Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Red and Canon all have something to offer.

But back on the handholding ergonomics problem of the EX1, it so happens I'm left eye dominant, and look through the viewfinder with my left eye, which centers the cam in front of my torso, actually balances nicely for me in spite of the otherwise left lean tendency.

[bob jackson]

I have not read thru this thread and hope this is not a duplication.
Have a look at this promotion:
http://www.wordsandpictures.net/Sony...5-Top5_eBlast/

[sadude]

Originally Posted by GuyB

I'll just chip in and say that perhaps if you don't shoot with an EX1 much you wouldn't like the ergonomics of it handheld, but after having one for some time now, I have no complaints about it. I am intrigued on how this EX1R can improve on the handgrip just by shape alone, my EX1 feels great in the hand once you rotate the grip

I find it really difficult to use the grip on the camera. It feels really unstable because of the fact that the camera is too heavy to hold it only by the grip. You end up having to use two hands. My left hand ends up underneath the camera. I think if i had an extension so that i could turn the ex1 into a shoulder camera then that would be good but then i would not be able to use the eye piece.

[Duke M.]

The ability to rotate the hand grip helps, but IMHO the problem is that the grip is so far out to the right side that it puts a lot of torque on the wrist. (The EX1 doesn't actually weigh much more than an A1, but it feels like it does.)

I've found that transferring weight to the shoulder helps, and also helps with stability.

I've also found that shifting the weight back by using a hoodloupe with the EX1 package on the LCD helps.

Finally, putting another grip underneath helps by allowing your arm to get reinforcement from the rest of your body. When its ready to tripod mount I slide the shoulder pad off and add the field monitor.

Without them hand held is limited. But IMHO hand held should be limited anyway.