Adam Wilts EX1 review.

Barry's numbers are correct.

Because of that inherent delay, Barry flatly condemned the EX1 as an ENG camera ("No way" or something to that effect). I think this was an overstatement and overreaction (like many of the statements in his review) because in practice, there are ways to use the EX1 without going into that mode at all, let alone so frequently that it would interfere with your shooting.

And compared to recueing a tape, the EX1 is much faster.

But for solid state, this is one area where the HVX definitely beats the EX1.



Also, to clarify, this is not a problem with SxS but with the EX1 itself, which has a very slow boot time. I am sure SxS is capable of almost instant start times. The cards mount on my mac in a second or two.
 
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exactly, to look back at the last shot. Just press record review whilst in camera mode and it will play back instantly and if you suddenly to need to roll whilst viewing hit record and it stops playback and instantly records.

The thing I like about playing back in "vtr" mode is no matter what your camera is currently set to it will play back footage of any frame rate or any resolution. With my HVX i had to make sure the camera was in the same setting before it could play back.

I am hoping the startup time and switch time will be fixed by the March firmware update.
 
This is the first time that I have read about a March firmware update. Could you tell me a little more about this? Thanks.
 
i know it will update it to take 32gb cards and it was also "do a lot more", that is literally all I was told.

With no memory card slot how will the firmware be updated?
 
philip bloom said:
With no memory card slot how will the firmware be updated?
Click to expand...

I'm hoping it will update via USB.


I'm not a fan of how Sony chose the playback clips mode, It's to slow.
But, I'm sure glad they offered the instant access to the last recorded clip.
This was real important.
 
maybe it will be via the SxS card, i know you can put camera settings downloaded onto them then transfer them back to the camera...

Surely the firmware update will increase the power on switching time. God, I hope so!
 
In critical ENG situation where action can erupt any second, I don't know why any camera man would sit and look at their playback clip.

In narrative situation (most of my work), I have never heard any crew or director said "Awww come on ! hurry up and play that last take NOW".

We all can hope that the firmware update would allow the camera to use off the shelf "certified" express card, but I doubt that "promise" will be implemented this soon.

Most probably, the march update will mask/make the light fall out will be more even on the CMOS sensor.
 
Stevet said:
I'm hoping it will update via USB.
Click to expand...

It will probably be via SxS, similar to the way it's done on my Nikon - copy a downloaded file to the card and put it in the camera.

This will mean they don't have to write an updater for both Mac and Windows and support another piece of flaky software!
 
if you press rec review to check back a clip then for some reason something DOES happen whilst watching back you can just hit record and it immediately stops playing back and records
 
Very interesting review. Thanks for the link. It seem the HVX200 has a serious competitor now...what will be the Panasonic answer.
 
Camera War Forever!

One Camera To Rule Them All!

One Camera To Rape Them!



...resolution wise..
 
Shadow said:
Very interesting review. Thanks for the link. It seem the HVX200 has a serious competitor now...what will be the Panasonic answer.
Click to expand...

I really hope Panasonic comes out with something that blows away the EX1.
It's this kind of drive that offers us with some amazing tools!
 
this is what I want from Panasonic to make me move back over.

As good a lens as the EX1, perhaps even removable. Sharp ex1 like LCD screen, same quality viewfinder. Massive price drop in P2 cards so I can get same recording time as for the same cash as EX1. Keep the tape deck. 1920x1080 chip. None of this pixel shift malarkey!

Do all that and I will love one!
 
philip bloom said:
this is what I want from Panasonic to make me move back over.

As good a lens as the EX1, perhaps even removable. Sharp ex1 like LCD screen, same quality viewfinder. Massive price drop in P2 cards so I can get same recording time as for the same cash as EX1. Keep the tape deck. 1920x1080 chip. None of this pixel shift malarkey!

Do all that and I will love one!
Click to expand...

At least they know they're not alone anymore and I'm sure they visit this site quite often, they have to get something new or Panasonic may find themself losing customers from competition and I don't think that 's what they want.
 
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I'm not really sure how many HVX200 users will bail for the EX1. The EX1 is quite the package, but the HVX200 has been a real hit with everyone and has proven itself in many applications.

Things are only going to get better. Im also wondering what Panny has up their sleeves.
 
For my part, I'll give Panasonic the benefit of the doubt, and time to answer the EX1. I love the P2 workflow, am comfortable with pretty much all aspects of it, and with a lot of the action-sports stuff that I tend to shoot, I've still not seen EX1 action footy that makes me need to switch at the moment. I've had nothing but positive experiences with all of my Panasonic gear, and if they unleash a camera that has what Mr. Bloom asked for, everyone wins.

That said, like most HVX users, and film makers in general, I want the best tool for the job. In time, if the Sony fits that bill, and Panasonic doesn't answer, I'll have no problem switching.

--SM
 
I'm about to purchase a camera but will be waiting until after NAB. So far, the EX1 is looking *real* nice. The HVX is still a solid camera. Not obsolete by anymeans. What I really want to see is what the Scarlet camera is all about. Canon also probably will have something to say. Either way, I don't think that one can really make a bad choice at this point in time.....

Story trumps everything.
 
whachusay said:
What I really want to see is what the Scarlet camera is all about.
Click to expand...

I hear you there, but plan on waiting two years before you actually get your hands on one. Based on the EX1 and possible new Panasonic competition, the Scarlet would have to be nothing short of amazing and inexpensive ( less than $7k USD).
 
The "waiting" game is interesting. I do it now and then too. I needed a Mac Pro for editing but I waited until after MacWorld in hopes they would update the Mac Pros, which they did. Whew! But experience has also shown that if you wait for, say NAB for some new camera announcement, the manufacturers are savvy and they'll announce a new camera and give a tentative release date, but rarely do they deliver by then. They just want to get word out there they're working on a camera, and here are the specs, blah blah blah, just to keep you from buying a competitors current model. So if you're waiting for NAB, most likely whatever is announced won't be available in 2008. But maybe it will. Just don't count on it. The Scarlet sounds interesting (even though we know nothing about it), and I'm sure it will come to market, but don't hold your breath on that one, unless you already have a good camera and can hold your breath a really really long time.
 
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