EX1 versus EX3, why or why not?

As many have pointed out and I have mentioned in various threads, one of the biggest complaints I have about the EX1 is the hand grips. Whoever designed the EX1 hand grips must not get an approval from the ergonomics deparment.

As for the LCD screen resolution, I don't know if there is actually more pixels in the EX3. I have not seen any specification saying that it is.
 
I was going to post this up sooner but still gathering more information =).

PMW-EX3 main differences
  • Interchangeable Lens for creative shooting
  • Time Code / GenLock (multicamera system)
  • Remote Control Unit Support, RMB-150 / RMB-750
  • Semi-Shoulder, ergonomics.
Other features
  • Viewfinder / LCD combo: Sports the same High resolution LCD as the EX1 but with a built-in hood. Viewfinder attaches and detaches on the Hood compartment. The viewfinder / LCD combo is adjustable by its arm. Peaking, brightness and contrast located on the front of the viewfinder.
  • Slow & Quick motion is accessible by a button and knob where you can adjust the frame rate.
  • Extra Shoe located at the handle near the back. You can mount the new PHU-60K XDCAM EX Hard Drive(coming soon) or wireless applications, Lights.
  • The SxS media slot cover on the camera has a notch for the cable to the PHU-60K hard-drive so you can close the cover.
Purchase the EX1($6,449.00)
The PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3 uses the same technology. The included Lens are the same Fuji 14x Lens except the Lens on the EX3 is interchangable. Both features three 1/2-inch CMOS sensors, amazing 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 HD recording capability plus flash memory recording. Basically, I would lean towards the EX1 over the EX3 if you don't need the new features that are on the EX3. You save $1,871.00 from purchasing the EX1. Cost Effective.

Purchase the EX3($8,320.00)
If you Prefer 3 point contact, semi-shoulder design.
Have a spare lens, interchangeable.
For the viewfinder / LCD combo with built-in LCD hood.
For Studio and multi-camera setups (Our engineering department is already drawing up plans for few Studios & TV Stations).

Below are some pictures I've taken today. They are mostly photos of the LCD. I promise more photos to come. We're setting up a studio demo at our store and I'll take more photos with information on studio setups.

1: EX1 / EX3 & also the EX30(DECK) uses the same LCD.
The EX3 has a nice lens hood.
LCD.jpg


2. Attachable Viewfinder, which magnifies the LCD.
LCD-VF.jpg


3. LCD/VF is adjustable and can be extended.
adj-lcd.jpg


4. LCD also has a Mirror Function:
mirror.jpg


5. Extra Shoe at the back for Lights, Hard Drive, Wireless audio etc.
shoe.jpg



I also have a thread I started on XDCAM EX availability and pre-order information. Hopefully I will have time to update that today or tomorrow with our special deals on XDCAM EX accessories w/ the camera.
 
True, but with a redrock mattebox and a redrock shoulder mount and a external HD LCD screen with the EX1. It would be the same price of a EX3. the only thing I see is the Gen lock and the ability to change the lens which how much is a HD lens again? But wait I have a matte box that you still need to buy if you go the EX3 way.

I wonder why not get a full real shoulder cam then.
 
Thanks for the information. It looks to me that the built-in LCD hood is a clip-on, correct?
 
Unfortunately you can't tuck the LCD in. I think the LCD compartment needed to be bigger to incorporate the easy access buttons from the back and the hood is made specifically for the EX3. You can adjust the viewfinder from the arm, which you can also extend.

(Photo from Philip Bloom)
photo3.jpg
 
The problem for me personally with viewfinders, is they cause imbalanced eye strain. I'm right eye dominant, and after viewing through a viewfinder with it, my eyes seem cross eyed for lack of a better way to define it.

On my EX1, I flipped the rubber eyecup 180 degrees, and use the LEFT eye with the viewfinder piece. Now I have two benefits, no more cross-eye, and it puts the ergonomics just right, the camera nicely balanced for a two hand hold, and centered to my torso.

It's been really good optical exercise using my non-dominant eye with the viewfinder.
 
Tom, are you sure you're not left eye dominant? I use to do a lot of competitive shooting (firearms) and the situation you describe above sounds like a classic case of using your non dominant eye.
 
RDykmans said:
Tom, are you sure you're not left eye dominant? I use to do a lot of competitive shooting (firearms) and the situation you describe above sounds like a classic case of using your non dominant eye.
Click to expand...

Hi RD,

I think I am still right eye dominant. When I make a circle with my finger and thumb and look through it, and close one eye the image I'm seeing is from the right eye.

I did some benchrest in the day...6ppc, heavy varmint krieger cut rifled cryo'd barrel, Lapua 220 Russian (caliber) brass, Vita Vouri N133 powder, I think it was about 27.5 grains, 66 grain Jeff Fowler flat base bullets. My rifle was smithed by Ronnie Long, McMillan stock, sleeved XP100 action, Weaver target scope, a few other goodies. I still have it, but have lost some interest along the way. At the club, I could get a few .1 groups, .2 was ordinary. It probably makes me sound like a snob when all in all, I rise to about the same level of mediocrity in most competitive sports. What I proved more than anything was that I could load some good custom ammunition, and I'm an okay shooter. I'm definitely not a pistolero or fast handler type. I'm accurate enough for minor population control of a few squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs which now I actually regret. I love animals and nature. I've had deer, elk and coyotes squarely in the sights, and cannot pull the trigger on them. I was happiest punching holes in paper and killing beer cans. I have a S&W 586 4 inch .357 magnum that I quit using, just blows my ear drums out. I prefer the balance and handling of a Springfield Armory M1911A1 .45 ACP although it's not as accurate or powerful, it just feels right. I have a couple of .223 bolt action tacticals, a Savage 10FP and Remington 700PSS, Leupold LRT 30mm scopes, a Kel Tec .223 which is kind of fun when it's not jamming, and perhaps my favorite of them all, the venerable Win 1894 .30-.30 lever action with iron sights. So there you have it, more than you wanted to know!

But to your point, I do have the same sort of an eye strain using the rifle scopes. I'm sure my right eye is dominant, but not by much. My eyes have been pretty good overall for my age, I'm 54 but I read at a 56 level :).
 
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I find that the possibility of using a relay lens adapter for 35mm is a big advantage. Besides, not only P&S is not the only way to go. Soon Letus and Cinevate will have theirs...

Cheers...
 
I cannot find any information on attaching cinema or SLR lenses to this camera other than the standard 35mm adapter. On Sony's video from NAB, they show cinema-lenses mounted directly on the camera. And on their specs, it says "Included in the package is a ½-inch lens adaptor to allow use of other ½-inch lenses, plus the ability to use other optional lens adaptors for 2/3rd-inch, cinema-style and digital SLR lenses." (taken from the description on AbelCine.com). Does anyone have any further information on this?

And where can I find more information on a relay lens adapter.
 
By "cinema style" lenses, I believe they were talking about the Digiprime lenses for 2/3" cameras. At NAB they had an EX3 or two outfitted with some.
 
Ahh, missed that. Now I've figured it out. Thanks. I'm trying to decide between the EX1 and EX3, and trying to weigh all the options, 35 adapters, etc. It's a tough one. Especially with such little information on relays right now.
 
I was one of those Canon XL1s users who thought I would buy more lenses, but never changed the stock lens, until recently. Now I do change-out the XL's stock lens for my SD work and can never go back to fixes lens only. Lens Adapters rigs can make the camcorder get big and bulky and harder to free up the camera and maneuver and find creative camera angles. (especially for coverage work.

Often my job shots don't call for extremely shallow deep, but do call for wide angle lenses, or tele zooms for far away subjects. It is so convenient to be able to just connect a zoom tele lens if you need more than the 14x the stock lens gives you. But Sony EX3 has made it so easy to use and Mount Nikon SLR type lenses directly to the EX3 via Nikon Nikkor direct mount adapter. and 1/2" lens 2/3" and B4 Relays and etc and many more, and you don't need deep pockets, you can find these lenses cheap of eBay.

I think I will get some lenses for my Sony EX3. The creative options of being able to change lenses like I do with my still photography appeals to me greatly.
 
Tom Roper said:
The problem for me personally with viewfinders, is they cause imbalanced eye strain. I'm right eye dominant, and after viewing through a viewfinder with it, my eyes seem cross eyed for lack of a better way to define it.

On my EX1, I flipped the rubber eyecup 180 degrees, and use the LEFT eye with the viewfinder piece. Now I have two benefits, no more cross-eye, and it puts the ergonomics just right, the camera nicely balanced for a two hand hold, and centered to my torso.

It's been really good optical exercise using my non-dominant eye with the viewfinder.
Click to expand...

I too have recently experienced eye strain from the viewfinder on the EX3. I normaly shoot on an Ikegami HL DV7W or Sony Digibeta and have never experienced this problem. Yet after only one day filming using the EX3, I noticed that for the next 2 days my eye sight was blured whist watching TV at home.

I've passed this info onto my Camera trade union in the UK and they are looking for more cases of eye strain than just me before they will investigate.

If anyone knows of further cases of eye strain, could they please pass them onto me.
 
Did you adjust the diopter to suit your eyes? I always adjust it with both eyes open while focusing on something a metre or two in front of the camera.
 
I don't know much about the EX1, but i can tell you that the EX3 is IMO playing Rusian Roulette in an important shoot. The lens failed me 3 times already. Iam so frustrated with camera. The image is great, but i wonder if this is a professional camera.
 
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