EX-3 Unpacking Photos

Ned, can you tell me your impressions on how much does the EX3 compares in therms of weight compared to the HVX200?
 
It is heavier than EX-1 but only by a pound or so (<500 kg for metric folk). I would say it feels heavier than the HVX by a similar amount.

As you can see from the comparison photos, it is definitely larger than EX-1.

Another point that really hasn't been noticed by too many others-- EX-1 distance from built in mike to front of lens hood is about 1/2". The EX-3 gives another inch. This should make it easier to mount matteboxes (mattebox vendors either had to re-engineer for EX1 or supply a donut extension)

Ned

Balance is excellent. The shoulder pad makes a tremendous difference but even balancing the camera for a chest-level shot is much easier than with the EX-1.
 
nsoltz said:
It is heavier than EX-1 but only by a pound or so (<500 kg for metric folk).
Click to expand...
I suspect you ment g (grams), not kg (kilograms). :thumbsup:

Congratulations on your new camera! Looks excellent! Hopefully it can replace my DVX soon.
 
Oops... gr... not kg...

That's what I get for trying to do metric conversions while playing with new toy!
 
B&H had in stock as of yesterday. I bought mine from TM Television in Dallas. I'm a firm believer in supporting one's local pro dealer whenever possible-- nothing against B&H or any of the other dealers. There are also other forum sponsors here who would certainly be worthy of one's business as it is almost equally-important to support those who help keep forums like this alive.

Ned Soltz
 
nsoltz said:
B&H had in stock as of yesterday. I bought mine from TM Television in Dallas. I'm a firm believer in supporting one's local pro dealer whenever possible-- nothing against B&H or any of the other dealers. There are also other forum sponsors here who would certainly be worthy of one's business as it is almost equally-important to support those who help keep forums like this alive.

Ned Soltz
Click to expand...

Maybe they're backlogged then. Their website still say they're "accepting orders"
 
Thanks for the info, Ned. asked this question because I have a Glidecam 4000 and smooth shooter. The Glidecam + smooth shooter just can't handle the weight of my HVX + Brevis (bare, no matebox) + BTLH 80 monitor (Battery belt powered). So I assume its a no go for a similar setup with the EX3. However, heard the EX3 LCD is top notch, and might not push me to have the BTLH-80 on camera/Sled- and, assuming Brevis do comes with their Relay lens, the brevis setup should, in theory, for the EX3, be lighter...

Decisions, decisions! I know the HPX170 would make my Glidecam 4000/smooth shooter workable with a 35mm setup and the BTLH80 monitor, but the EX3 just sounds too good...

Ned, Picture (motion, gamma, DOF) impressions? Your take on the image quality vs the competition? Are you happy with your investment so far?

Thanks, and sorry about the constant flow of questions!
 
HI, Sergio

I had been shooting with the EX-1 and wrote a review for DV several months ago in which I found both strong and weak points.

Since the EX-3 weighs 8 pounds, you might need to assess whether your Glidecam rig can handle this weight.

By virtue of the 1/2" chips, the DOF capabilities are superior to the HVX. Low light is better but I think the 200A and the HPX170 fix that. I much prefer Panasonic's presets and gamma adjustments. Sony's just seem harder to access and I still have a great deal to learn about getting the most out of the EX series (I'm more of a writer, product reviewer, editor and tech guy more than I am a shooter-- hence I continue to learn how to milk every drop out of cameras).

I am surprised at how well a long-GOP codec handles motion. Really not having an artifacting issue. I have never shot in SQ mode and would only do so if I had HDV footage to match. I am surprised at how well it keys (but only use progressive footage to shoot keys). The image is very sharp... maybe at times too sharp.

Panasonic can definitely have a more "filmic" look.

I am very anxious to try the EX-3 with additional lenses and hope to do that within coming weeks.

Yes, a relay lens will definitely lighten the load and reduce the risks always present when hanging something off your lens (even with rods, supports, etc there is always a chance of something going wrong).

After a couple of days, I like it. And the great thing about a camera is that one is not married to it and divorce is a lot cheaper. If it doesn't live up to expectations, I can always sell it.

Ned
 
nsoltz said:
HI, Sergio

I had been shooting with the EX-1 and wrote a review for DV several months ago in which I found both strong and weak points.

Since the EX-3 weighs 8 pounds, you might need to assess whether your Glidecam rig can handle this weight.

By virtue of the 1/2" chips, the DOF capabilities are superior to the HVX. Low light is better but I think the 200A and the HPX170 fix that. I much prefer Panasonic's presets and gamma adjustments. Sony's just seem harder to access and I still have a great deal to learn about getting the most out of the EX series (I'm more of a writer, product reviewer, editor and tech guy more than I am a shooter-- hence I continue to learn how to milk every drop out of cameras).

I am surprised at how well a long-GOP codec handles motion. Really not having an artifacting issue. I have never shot in SQ mode and would only do so if I had HDV footage to match. I am surprised at how well it keys (but only use progressive footage to shoot keys). The image is very sharp... maybe at times too sharp.

Panasonic can definitely have a more "filmic" look.

I am very anxious to try the EX-3 with additional lenses and hope to do that within coming weeks.

Yes, a relay lens will definitely lighten the load and reduce the risks always present when hanging something off your lens (even with rods, supports, etc there is always a chance of something going wrong).

After a couple of days, I like it. And the great thing about a camera is that one is not married to it and divorce is a lot cheaper. If it doesn't live up to expectations, I can always sell it.

Ned
Click to expand...

Thanks for the answers and time, Ned. Unfortunately for us over here, there's not much of a second hand market- which means either you know someone who's interested in buying, or you're in big trouble. We're outside of the "paypal" circuit (no paypal in Macau) , so Ebay selling is not that big over here (and safe)... We are only 50km from Hong-Kong, but its BIG distance (market wise!) :)

Enough ranting.

You know, my main dilema is in "Upgrading". Is the different significant from the HVX200 (non a) to the EX3 to warrant the "upgrade"? (This is a rethorical question. It ends up subjective, obviously.)

You see, the only major theoretical upgrade I can see happening is not on the HPX170 or the EX3 per se, but both of them having HD-SDI. This, with a COnvergent Design nanoflash unit and its fantastic codecs should bring a major "boost"to overal image quality in any production with these cameras. That, and of course, the Red Scarlet, which is a year away, so still far away from being into consideration.

The EX3 brought 1/2 chips and interchangeable lenses to the table in the pricepoint, which is really something unique and very wellcome. These are definitive pluses to the HPX170. This, on paper sounds fantastic, and I would love to see examples of this camera with other lenses, even with 2/3 prime lenses and its limitations on the 1/2 ccd's.

Ned, excelent work on DV.com. Í try not to miss your posts over here. That's why I know you understand I'm not trying to fall on the usual "which is best" argument, but am trying to get as much infiormation as possible on this camera. I always respect your opinions, and would love to see frame grabs and further impressions from you on this camera. Specially the interchangeable lenses, any test with the nanoflash and do share your advances in Gamma and image tweaks- use the HVX Cine D for reference, since this is probably what most of us like most from the HVX...

Cheers and, again, thanks for your time!
 
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