While browsing through DV.com, the latest SONY HD camcorder caught my eye. It’s branded with the Cine Alta logo and records 1080p or 720p to solid state memory cards, similar to the Panasonic HVX200.
Adam Wilt took a pre-release camera for a test ride and reports it to be the worst camera for operating hand held in its class though he was impressed with a first look at the image quality.
For my money, what would have really stolen the show would be if the Sony memory cards were less expensive that the Panasonic P2 cards. A quick trip to Froogle revealed that they both run about $850 for a 16GB card–a missed opportunity for Sony. As these prices continue to drop, this will certainly be less of a deciding factor.
More importantly, while the camera calls itself HDCAM EX, the codec is much more compressed than true HDCAM (150MB) at 25MB for 720p and 35MB for 1080p. If I were shooting a feature or doing a green screen composite, I would much rather use DVCPRO HD at 100MB like it’s competitor, the HVX200 employs.
I can’t say much more about it without having it in my hands. Sounds like a great camera but I still have my money on the 200 for now.
I read the DV review of the PMW-EX1 in the hardcopy (GASP!) of the the magazine. I too look forward to holding one in my hands. My biggest complaint about pro-sumer camcorders has been the lack of precise control that servo lenses offer. It appears that Sony has recognized this problem and attempted to address it with a combination mechanical/servo system. As for video compression, I have high hopes. Adam Wilt makes this statement. “My gut impression is that codec quality on this camera is a step above that of previous HDV and XDCAM HD camcorders, though I’d need to do more controlled testing to tell for certain.” The storage issue is one that users will have to wrangle with. The Sony/SanDisk SxS card looks to be very similar in price and capacity to the Panasonic P2 card. As with all technology, prices will fall as capacity increases. (From the article)”Overall, the EX1 is a very promising camera: pin-sharp, sensitive imagers with what looks to be considerable latitude, variable frame rates, the benefits of solid-state recording, HD-SDI and lots of “tweakability.” It’s painful to handhold, and the analog I/O cabling is sub-optimal, but those problems have to be set against what may yet be turn out to be the finest images in the sub-$10k field. I’ll be very interested to put a production model EX1 through a rigorous evaluation.”Me too, Adam, me too.
Posted by Jeff | January 15, 2008, 6:13 pmWhile I’m sure that this camera and can make a nice image (as has been my experience with HDV), I would rather stay with the tried and true DVCPROHD100 format for several reasons:1) 3x more data means cleaner chroma keying and better blow ups for the big screen.2) GOF compression will always have more artifacts then interline compression.3) Final Cut plays very well with DVCPROHD. To use the HDCAM EX footage, you’re stuck with transcoding until they offer support for the new codec.Finally, if the price is similar and the Sony is a nightmare to use for hand held shots, why not just go with the 200!? That’s my $.02!
Posted by MSamstag | January 15, 2008, 9:09 pmI have the Sony PMW EX1 and I found the camera very awkward to hand hold too.However, after a little searching around, I found a great shoulder brace specifically for the EX1. It’s called the VSB1 and it is from Studio 1 Productions. Here is the link to their site:http://www.studio1productions.com/vsb1.htmI have been using the brace for the past few days and love.Rob
Posted by Rob | February 2, 2008, 3:17 amRob,I just checked out the VSB1 camera brace at the link you gave. It looks pretty good. It seems like the accessory box at the rear might offer some counter balance, especially if you were to run an Anton Bauer battery adapter from it. I have used cameras in the Canon XL series with the AB battery/XLR adapter and that counterweights the camera nicely while offering bonus battery life. This is exceptionally good when shooting with a camera light.
Posted by Jeff | February 5, 2008, 9:17 pmJeff,I have the Canon XH-A1 and I am using the VSB1 shoulder brace that Rob recommend for the EX-1. I’ve found that it works with a wide variety of video cameras. It’s worth checking out.http://www.studio1productions.com/vsb1.htmTim
Posted by Anonymous | February 24, 2008, 4:56 amThanks Tim,I have high hopes of acquiring an HVX200 this year. I have worked with this camera (and its sibling, the DVX100) quite a bit. It is also a somewhat unwieldy camera, especially for someone used to more professional gear. I plan to look into the VSB1 brace as well. I really like the idea of having that counterbalance at the rear.
Posted by Jeff | February 25, 2008, 10:14 pm