What is the Opening on the side of the XDCAM EX for?

[Charles Papert]

Any camera that uses a fan can be set to switch them off when it is rolling for obvious reasons. Under most conditions this will be fine. HD cameras are not the best in direct sun coupled with excessive heat, so it is a good idea to shield them from the sun when possible.

[Paul Joy]

Originally Posted by Serena Steuart

I note that the manual tells about removing dust from the exterior and viewfinder, so Sony doesn't expect operation only in a cleanroom.

One of the things I was quite surprised about with the EX1 was the fact that Sony don't seem to have made any effort to protect the various ports on the camera. The larger broadcast cams have rubber covers for the various connector points as do many consumer cams, but the EX1 doesn't make any effort at all to protect them.

The iLink and headphone connectors on the side of the handle look epecially vulnerable without any kind of protection.

Paul.