Sony is anticipating to start shipping the new PMWEX3 mid to late July!
You can start placing your Pre-Order's with any Authorized Sony XL Reseller.

Tapeworks Texas Inc is taking Pre-Orders Now!
Tapeworks Texas Inc is a Sony Authorized XL Reseller. We will have a PMWEX3 for product demonstrations as soon as they become available. Please contact us toll free 866-827-3489 to go over the PMWEX3 specifications.

Sale Price for the PMWEX3 from Tapeworks Texas Inc is $8,320.00
50% down is required for Pre-Orders which will put you in line when we start receiving/shipping. Remaining balance will be required when Tapeworks ships. Orders will be shipped first come/first served.

Sony is including 1 SBP-8 8GB SXS card with the PMWEX3 kit as a promotion!

Tapeworks currently has BP-U60 batteries in stock for $229.00
SBP-16 16GB SXS cards are also currently in stock with a Tapeworks Sale Price of $834.00

Please contact Tapeworks Texas Inc 866-827-3489 and speak with one of our XDCAM EX Specialists to customize a quotation to meet your specifications!

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

scott,

any word on the hard drive option?
will it work with EX1 as well?

thanks

paul

Paul,

The Sony PHU60K 60GB Hard Disk Drive unit is anticipated to be released July/August timeframe. It will attach to the PMWEX1/EX3 via the SxS card slot. Sony has not released pricing on this item yet, but I will keep you informed on any information that becomes available.

Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser

thanks scott,

that's a very important addition to our bag!

is there any word about a 4:2:2 add-on from sony as well?

the aja unit is nice, but not too portable.

paul

Paul, not that I am aware of. I have a meeting with Sony tomorrow and I will ask for you.

Scott,
Do you guys take other cameras as trade-ins?

Glen, no, Tapeworks only sells new A-Stock (or B-Stock if available from the mfg) product. We do occasionally have deals on demo'd gear. But we do not take trade in's or purchase used gear. This way all product we sell have full mfg warranty.

Have you tried posting your used gear on the Private Classifieds forum here in DVinfo?

-Scott Cantrell

thanks scott,

that's a very important addition to our bag!

is there any word about a 4:2:2 add-on from sony as well?

the aja unit is nice, but not too portable.

paul

Hi Paul-
Check out the nanoFlash from Convergent Design. Look for us under the Tapeless Recording Solutions elsewhere in this forum.

thanks scott,

that's a very important addition to our bag!

is there any word about a 4:2:2 add-on from sony as well?

the aja unit is nice, but not too portable.

paul

Sony don't officially support any 4:2:2 add ons but the convergent design box will record in xdcam hd 50mbs 422 but you will need to press record on it everytime you roll and over and undercrank won't work

With over/under cranking not working on the Flash XDR/nano boxes I agree, but my understanding is they can be activated by the TC, embedded in the EX1's SDI output.

be good if it could. But I spoke to Sony guy about it and he said it couldn't

The other major downside is you lose one of the major benefits of tapeless is you cannot view back your rushes through the lcd screen without plugging an sdi monitor into the box

This is rather strange - I was sure I've read somewhere that it could be triggered via SDI connection. Anyway, I've had another look at the pdf brochure of the Flash XDR -

http://www.convergent-design.com/downloads/Flash%20XDR%20Brochure.pdf

- and it says: "Programmable triggers: GPIO, Incrementing Time-Code, etc." I thought that thru SDI, the EX1 or EX3 can detect Incrementing Time-Code and hence trigger the recording on the unit. Or am I missing something?

I guess you're not missing anything, Brian. With all due respect to Phil (and his Sony sources), once the TC begins incrementing (in the right mode, of course), the Flash will start recording.

Sony must not be very pleased with the fact that - even using Sony's own codec which probably contributes to the Converget Design prices - somebody else is going to upgrade their (Sony's) product capabilities so that it belongs to the market niche they wanted to reserve for their (Sony's) most expensive products.

Is anyone else finding this EX3 astonishingly more affordable than previously thought?!

This is the second place with a sub-$9,000 price tag for this camera, much better than I thought it would be listed for...

This really makes me rethink my purchasing decisions over the next year...

Does anyone know the UK price ?

Paul.

A little less than 6000 pounds plus VAT.

George/

Is anyone else finding this EX3 astonishingly more affordable than previously thought?!

Sony has yet to drop the other 'shoe'. Their warranty coverage is Country specific and so the deal breaker may well be how Sony intends to deliver firmware upgrades. Asking money for the upgrade is one thing, but asking the end user to also send the camera into a Sony Authorized Repair depot is another. Time is money when having to return and wait for one's camera to be returned for a simple firmware upgrade. Then there are the reassuring experiences of having one's camera endure the harsh realities of shipping and repair depot handling. You know that advertisement with the 500 pound Guerilla handling of airport luggage.

I hope Sony's Broadcast division is willing to listen to the EX customer as well as learn from their consumer products, PS and computer divisions. These later Sony citizens, who actually serve the customer by delivering firmware upgrades to the customer--for the customer to install! Even Cell Phone users expect these firmware update capabilities as common place. Power to the people and all that entails--customer loyalty and all that warm fuzzy customer satisfaction stuff :-))

Sony is including 1 SBP-8 8GB SXS card with the PMWEX3 kit as a promotion!


Doesnt the EX3 always come standard with a 8GB SxS card, just like the EX1 does? or do you mean there is a promotion for an extra 8GB SxS card in addition to the one that comes in the box with the EX3?

Doesnt the EX3 always come standard with a 8GB SxS card, just like the EX1 does? or do you mean there is a promotion for an extra 8GB SxS card in addition to the one that comes in the box with the EX3?

So far all I've seen is AbleCine in NY, who have actually posted details on their web page with pricing. They mention the 8 GB card as included. There is no mention of any promotion for an extra 8 GB card in addition to the one that ships with the EX3.

So far all I've seen is AbleCine in NY, who have actually posted details on their web page with pricing. They mention the 8 GB card as included. There is no mention of any promotion for an extra 8 GB card in addition to the one that ships with the EX3.

Right, thats why I was a bit confused about the way Scott talked about the 8GB SxS card...

I don't think adding an 8GB card constitutes as a "promotion". It's what you need to get going. What, is adding the battery charger and battery a "promotion" too?

Yes, the EX3 has come down in prices quite a bit, and that's good. But it still does the same thing. Unless I'm mistaken, ergonomics and interchangeable lenses are the main upgraded features. I get a feeling not too many of us can afford cine lenses - plus I'm not too sure I see the logic behind enabling interchangeable lenses on a sub $10k body, when the lenses themselves run much much much higher.

But hey! I'm not saying they should bring up the prices to $13k either! :)

sort of true. But with most high quality HD lenses costing more than the body it is nothing new.

What it gives you is the ability, when you need to, to hire in high quality glass for special shoots. Also it lets you stick on 35mm adaptor relays like P & S and Letus.

1gb card promotion? Do they not mean to say 1 extra card? That is poor!! It's like buying a car and not being given the tyres. Well perhaps the petrol would be better analogy.

The ergonomics and viewfinder make it far superior to the ex1 as well as the genlock and tc in and out make it worth the extra dosh.

That is one thing I've always been considering-- the fact that getting a good set of lenses for the camera could run higher than the price of the camera itself!

Might as well still get a 35mm adapter with cheaper lenses... but then what does that leave us as far as advantages from the EX1?

Besides the ergonomics, LCD hood, and overcrank knob on the outside, if I'm not going to buy cine or 1/2" lenses, is their a glaring advantage I'm missing?

hey ryan

your post reminded me of Monty Python's "Life of Brian" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kiUgr9dCrk

other than the ergonomics, proper viewfinder, outside frame rate knob, genlock, tc in and out, proper bnc video out, cold shoe at rear for more accessories, semi shoulder mount, ability to use different lenses if needed, why is the ex3 better than the ex1? :-)

Chuckle, chuckle,<big grin>

Touche Phil...so maybe there are well over a dozen significant advantages that make it worth it, but does it also shoot my movie for me? Toast bread? I didn't think so. ;-)

But seriously, I guess my point (although poorly worded) was that there are great advantages, but some I'll use and some I won't for my intended uses. I have to justify added costs. This is going to be through my personal funds rather than my company's (which makes the purchasing decision 1000 times more difficult).

Paul Chiu,
Sony does not have anything planned on for a 4:2:2 add on.
As already noted by Mike Schell, it looks like there re 3rd party products that will be available.
In concerns with the PHU60K HDD interfering with your bag, not really.
There will be a card that goes into the SXS interface on the camcorder which will have a USB cable attached that will then go to the HDD.
Thereby mounting of the PHU60K HDD is optional to the customer's configuration.
Concerning PHU60K compatibility with the PMWEX1, yes it will be compatible, but the EX1 will require a firmware update (soon to be released).

Noah, I did not mean to confuse you, I used the terminology as outlined on a Q/A from Sony concerning the EX3.
In answer, The EX3 will NOT always come standard with an 8GB card.
Sony did not anticipate to supply a SXS Card with the purchase of the EX3, or the EX1 for that matter.
The 8GB SXS card that currently ships with the EX1 is titled a "Promotion" as it is not, I repeat not, an included item on their list of accessories that ship with the camcorder kit. It is currently a "Promotion" to include the card with the purchase.
The PMWEX1 also has an additional Rebatable Promotion for an additional 8GB SXS card.
As of now, this rebate is not being offered with the release of the PMWEX3.

Ryan, I believe Phil Bloom provided a very good synopsis between the two camcorders!

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net
866-827-3489

Sott brings up a good point on the SxS card that came with the EX1...Not the rebate additional card but the one that came with the camera. The Package contents page in the owners manual does not show an SxS card...Should be included with your camera so that may end soon??

Sony don't officially support any 4:2:2 add ons but the convergent design box will record in xdcam hd 50mbs 422 but you will need to press record on it everytime you roll and over and undercrank won't work

Hi Phil-
I must admit to a lack of knowledge on the undercrank/overcrank function, but doesn't the EX1/3 output a valid HD-SDI stream when operating in this mode? If so, we should be able to capture with XDR/nanoFlash.

Also, every camera I have tested will output an invalid (all 1's) time-code when operating in "live mode", but once you press the record button you get a valid incrementing time code. We are planning to use this "feature" as one of the record trigger options. Does the EX1/EX3 operate differently?

I'll have an EX1 this week and test these issues with Flash XDR. But, any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Concerning PHU60K compatibility with the PMWEX1, yes it will be compatible, but the EX1 will require a firmware update (soon to be released).

Hi Scott,

I found that comment interesting because I worked the EX Workflow Pavilion for Sony at NAB. We were using the hard drive on the EX-1 throughout the show and it worked perfectly. I was not aware of any upgraded firmware in the EX-1 cameras we were using but perhaps it had been.

-gb-

Hi Phil-
I must admit to a lack of knowledge on the undercrank/overcrank function, but doesn't the EX1/3 output a valid HD-SDI stream when operating in this mode? If so, we should be able to capture with XDR/nanoFlash.

Also, every camera I have tested will output an invalid (all 1's) time-code when operating in "live mode", but once you press the record button you get a valid incrementing time code. We are planning to use this "feature" as one of the record trigger options. Does the EX1/EX3 operate differently?

I'll have an EX1 this week and test these issues with Flash XDR. But, any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Mike

I really hope it does as I will most likely be buying one as just the 420 puts some people off so having another option would be great. If your box will start recording from the TC trigger I will get one then, for me that was the biggest problem. i will tell clients who want overcrank and timelapse that is will be on SxS. I have been hired by CVP Mitcorp to make overview videos of new products so I will really like to get my hand on one of these in tandem with the EX3/ EX1 to show people how it works and workflow.

One of the other main applications that attracts me to this product is it will work with other cameras with HD SDI out.

When shooting with other tape based cameras if will let me record some or all rushes for me to look back on at the end of the day on my macbook pro. Something I am not able to do currently. For example am DP in Germany tomorrow for a few days tomorrow shooting on an HDX900 DVC PRO HD, I would love to be able to look at what we have done but I won't. Am so used to it from shooting on my F350 or with P2/ EX1.

Phil

Touche Phil...so maybe there are well over a dozen significant advantages that make it worth it, but does it also shoot my movie for me? Toast bread? I didn't think so. ;-)

But seriously, I guess my point (although poorly worded) was that there are great advantages, but some I'll use and some I won't for my intended uses. I have to justify added costs. This is going to be through my personal funds rather than my company's (which makes the purchasing decision 1000 times more difficult).

The picture is identical Ryan and if you are always just going to stick an SGpro on it and never need the other features then save yourself some money and buy extra cards. I would always advise people to save up if they can for a bit longer and get the ex3 just for that viewfinder and ergonomics/ shoulder mount.

greg,

can you check the firmware version of the pmw-ex1 which worked with the new hard drive unit?

thanks

paul




Hi Scott,

I found that comment interesting because I worked the EX Workflow Pavilion for Sony at NAB. We were using the hard drive on the EX-1 throughout the show and it worked perfectly. I was not aware of any upgraded firmware in the EX-1 cameras we were using but perhaps it had been.

-gb-

I doubt it Paul as that camera would have been a Sony camera.

This may have been addressed elsewhere, but will the undercrank/overcrank knob automatically change the resolution your shooting in? If your shooting in 1080p and wish to go to slomo, will you still have to dig in the menu to go to 720?

- Ray

This may have been addressed elsewhere, but will the undercrank/overcrank knob automatically change the resolution your shooting in? If your shooting in 1080p and wish to go to slomo, will you still have to dig in the menu to go to 720? - Ray

You have to press the knob in for a couple of seconds for it activate, then a cool blue light around the knob indicates your set to go. Check it out by watching Phil's review which also provides the answer to your question:

http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Philip_Bloom/XDCAMEX3.html

Hi Scott,

I found that comment interesting because I worked the EX Workflow Pavilion for Sony at NAB. We were using the hard drive on the EX-1 throughout the show and it worked perfectly. I was not aware of any upgraded firmware in the EX-1 cameras we were using but perhaps it had been.

-gb-

Greg,
My Sony tech-rep was just here at Tapeworks this past Thursday. According to him, all current PMWEX1's on the market will require a firmware update to work with the HDD. I believe they are still working out the details on how this upgrade will be performed. I am unsure if the one you used at NAB had this upgrade yet or not. But I do recall seeing it on an EX1 as well when I went through Sony booth.

BTW, call me tomorrow if you get an opportunity. I have a question for you concerning a product demo show we will be hosting on the EX1 and EX3 this upcoming August.

Concerning the Free 8GB SXS card that is currently shipping with the EX1 as a promotion, I am awaiting information from Sony for a definitive answer as to how long this will be provided. I will let everyone know as soon as I have an answer.

Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
866-827-3489
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

Scott, According to this rebate coupon the card will be available unitl September 30/08

http://www.sony.ca/xdcamex/files/52751-2_Eng&Fre%20Card.pdf

Do you know if Sony will supply the EX3 with a card and also have the rebate for the extra
card like they do for the EX1 ???

Ray,
Sony is planning on shipping 1 8GB SXS card with the kit as a promotion.
They have not released any information concerning a rebateable card. I am sure more information will be provided as we get closer to the release, which Sony is now saying mid to late July.

-Scott Cantrell

This may have been addressed elsewhere, but will the undercrank/overcrank knob automatically change the resolution your shooting in? If your shooting in 1080p and wish to go to slomo, will you still have to dig in the menu to go to 720?

- Ray

Yes, it will only overcrank/ undercrank to the max it can it the resolution you are set to unfortunately.

Hi Mike

I really hope it does as I will most likely be buying one as just the 420 puts some people off so having another option would be great. If your box will start recording from the TC trigger I will get one then, for me that was the biggest problem. i will tell clients who want overcrank and timelapse that is will be on SxS. I have been hired by CVP Mitcorp to make overview videos of new products so I will really like to get my hand on one of these in tandem with the EX3/ EX1 to show people how it works and workflow.

One of the other main applications that attracts me to this product is it will work with other cameras with HD SDI out.

When shooting with other tape based cameras if will let me record some or all rushes for me to look back on at the end of the day on my macbook pro. Something I am not able to do currently. For example am DP in Germany tomorrow for a few days tomorrow shooting on an HDX900 DVC PRO HD, I would love to be able to look at what we have done but I won't. Am so used to it from shooting on my F350 or with P2/ EX1.

Phil

Hi Phil-
I'll keep you abreast of our progress. We will be testing the incrementing time-code question later this week.

I now have a better understanding of the overcrank/undercrank and yes this is a feature that will require SxS cards for capture. We may be able to implement this function in our box, but that will require more study.

BTW, our 100 Mbps 4:2:2 Long-GOP is above HDCAM quality (according to the Sony white paper on XDCAM CODEC technology), and to my eye, visually identical to uncompressed.

Yes, the universality of HD-SDI makes nano/XDR a tool useful with a wide range of cameras. Besides playback on your Mac Pro, you can stream out HD-SDI and if you add an HD-SDI to HDMI converter, view on virtually any flat screen.

Phil - Thanks for the advice. After all, it was your great video review of the camera a couple months back that got me into the camera in the first place. Saving the cash for cards will be important especially if some of these dealers may not be throwing in a small one to start off with.

Does anyone have experience in how many SxS cards they go through in a full day of shooting?

Depends on what you mean by a full day of shooting...and what you are shooting. I have two 16GB and two 8GB and have shot a lot of action sports for 8-10 hr days...and have not even used the two 8GB cards yet. One thing I noticed is I am a lot more selective with my shots now that I have the ability to record as soon as I hit the button instead of having a delay and I can also review my last shot very easy. This all saves a ton of wasted record time compared to just letting a tape roll. Two to three hrs of footage for me with out having to offload is fine for most of the stuff I shoot. If needed I can just use the two 8GB cards while offloading the two 16GB cards and continue to shoot if need be. This new tapeless workflow has completely changed my shooting style and I get all the shots I want without as much wasted tape so to speak. One thing to be aware of is shooting 720 60 slow mo will eat up more card than 1080p 30...Again it all depends on what you are shooting... and your shooting style... but I really could not see needing more than two 8GB and two 16GB cards...That gives you plenty of time to record and offload.

Hi Phil-
I'll keep you abreast of our progress. We will be testing the incrementing time-code question later this week.


Just wanted to confirm that the incrementing time-code approach will definitely work as a record trigger on Flash XDR / nanoFlash. A live shot out of the EX1 will produce a constant time-code value in the HD-SDI stream. As soon as you press the record button, the timecode will start to increment, which is our trigger to start recording.

When you power down the EX1, the nanoFlash will detect the loss of incoming HD-SDI signal and automatically go to low power mode to conserve battery power (we are targeting less than 1W power). As soon as the camera is powered-up, nanoFlash will wake up (about 3 seconds) and be ready to record.

I am disappointed the Nano/XDR will not support under/overcranking, however does it support 720/60p? and if so does it work with all codec rates currently offered or are we limited to 1080 24/30 frame rates.

I am disappointed the Nano/XDR will not support under/overcranking, however does it support 720/60p? and if so does it work with all codec rates currently offered or are we limited to 1080 24/30 frame rates.

Hi Jerry-
Under/Overcrank may be a possibility in the future, but we will need to study in more depth.

Yes, we do support 720p60 and 720p50 (for that matter) at all the various CODEC rates (50/100 Mbps Long-GOP and 100/160 I-Frame 4:2:2 full-raster 1280x720).

I see that B & H are now taking pre-orders. They changed their web site listing to allow names to be addded to their orders for the EX3.

I got my hands on the EX3 on Monday at my local dealer. Very nice! I plonked down my deposit and they tell me that it could by the 2nd week in July for delivery. I am #3 in line. They are receiving 5 units only.

The info on the Flash XDR looks great for the EX3 workflow - but I see it's $5,000. Anyone confirm this price? Convergent Design please?

The price was shown to be $4500 for XDR and $3500 for the Nano, early adoptors get
some type of upgrade for free...

I see that B & H are now taking pre-orders. They changed their web site listing to allow names to be addded to their orders for the EX3.

I got my hands on the EX3 on Monday at my local dealer. Very nice! I plonked down my deposit and they tell me that it could by the 2nd week in July for delivery. I am #3 in line. They are receiving 5 units only.

The info on the Flash XDR looks great for the EX3 workflow - but I see it's $5,000. Anyone confirm this price? Convergent Design please?

The price was shown to be $4500 for XDR and $3500 for the Nano, early adoptors get
some type of upgrade for free...

Ray, how do you mean - which upgrade is intended free for early adopters (I'm one of them :))

Piotr, Per this post....

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=124420