Doug,

Thanks, but would I not need a 2/3" lens for the PMW350?

Yeah, 2/3" for the PMW-350 and 1/2" for the PDW-F350 and EX3. It's a 1/2" lens that I'm selling. This thread has drifted in so many directions I can't tell which camera we're talking about or whether it's the zoom control on the grip or the handle that people are complaining about.

Keep off the Jack Daniels Doug and things may become clearer :-)

Happy New Year to you.

Interesting - I've not heard of this complaint before. I'm still using a Z1 for most of my work, and like to have the top handle zoom speed set to it slowest (and fastest). Then I can do short 'tracks' around objects, pressing on that handle zoom rocker (in or out) as I track. Funnily enough the slow, gentle zoom adds to the interest of the shot I find, as you combine a zoom with track.

So you mean to tell me even the EX1R can't guarantee this operational mode?

tom.

Sadly, I'll have to confirm that.

I have an EX1 that can do the slowest creep zooms with the top rocker, but it did go back to Sony to cure vignetting.

Just done a side by side with my new EX1R, and the EX1R does exhibit a form of irregular zooming using Speed 2 on the rocker.*

It seems most apparent, or at least I notice it, between Zoom 0-20 and particularly around 60-68. It doesn't stop altogether, but it seems to 'snag' a bit - like there's slack in the couplings as something accelerates that pulls or pushes a bunch of things on rails. Definitely mechanical, an example of 'sticktion' or uneven lubrication. I'd also point out that the 'start' from 0-5 has a big 'bump start' to it on the EX1R.

I tried disengaging steadyshot, used Auto and Manual focus, no change. Had a couple of runs that were smooth, so tried recording each pass in case I got a good one. It has to be said that 'humans' may not notice this (wife didn't spot it and when I showed her, I got a look along the lines of 'isn't there something useful you could be doing instead?'.

I do remember seeing an early EX1 example of 'jerky zoom' which was horrific. This was a lot better, but not 'right' - we're not being picky because there's 'good' EX1s out there.

I wonder if 'exercise' is going to help? Whilst I was doing the tests on USB speed, I was twiddling the zoom in and out to stress the VBR. Will sit and twiddle with it for a bit and test again in a few days time.

* The EX1R has a Menu control that goes down to 8, then alternates between * and / as if to say 'here be dragons', or at least 'all bets are off, YMMV' as you count the iterations to get to a 'virtual' 2. Certainly, at 2, a full zoom takes 1:20 (80 seconds) on both EX1 and EX1R, but the EX1R's full zoom time varies a little bit.

Pmw-350
 

I am very interested to hear about anyone who has purchased one of these cameras and has used it in the field, has it met your expectations, would you agree it is a good DSR-570 replacement? Are you usiing a Nano? Will it record to SxS and Nano? I am looking to buy one soon once the rush has settled down a bit. All coments welcome. Thanks

David Hart

I used a pre-production model for my review and I have one that I am taking to Arctic Norway next week to try to shoot the Northern Lights. So far it has exceeded my expectations. I like to record to a NanoFlash with it as at 100Mb/s the material is extremely robust through the edit process. However the 35Mb/s footage out of the camera is excellent. You can record to both SxS and the NanoFlash at the same time, you could even shoot HD in camera and SD on the NanoFlash.

Is it a DSR-570 replacement? I think so. It is a much more modern camera than the 570 with a very useful feature set (cache record etc). You can customize the pictures in more depth and it has that wonderful colour viewfinder. The only caveat is whether you can make the solid state workflow work for you. If you embrace it and take full advantage of it I doubt you'll ever want to go back to tape.

"Northern Lights" Hmmmmm....... Do you need an assistant for this Alister :-)

I have places for anyone that want's to come to Iceland 26th Feb to 2nd March, £600 pp exc flights ,including workshops on 3D shooting and Aurora filming. PM me if your interested.

Nice one Alister, I was thinking along the lines of being paid to go along.

We all have our wishful thinking days :-)

Get some good shots.

Iceland
 

Alister, what does the £600 include?

David

PM Sent, but basically accommodation, transport and tuition.

From one Bristolian to another, hi David, welcome aboard.

Paul.

Has anyone hooked some Zeiss DigiPrimes or DigiZooms on the PMW350 yet?
I'm guessing it will make superb video with them.
(Or an Angeneiux zoom....)

Good point Joe,

I am in the market for a wide 8-10mm 2/3" B4 prime for my PMW-350. Also I talked with someone on a used Angeneiux zoom but was pushed away by a few people who said they vary a lot in quality. And since I could not try it first I was not interested.

Pmw-350
 

Does anyone know if this camera has a colour temp dial in feature on the the menu like the DSR-570 has?

Prices are are increasing by 5% on 1st Feb!

David Hart

David the camera has a color temp button and a very easy White Balance with two presets. No color temp dial on the side.

That said I have never used a camera that is this easy to set white balance/color temp.

You can dial in color temp in the menu of any Picture Profile.

Thanks Paul, On the 570 you would go into the menu and highlight the colour temp and rotate the thumb wheel to change the numbers in 100 steps, i was hoping it would be possible on the 350. David

Craig, that's put my mind at rest, Do you own a 350 yet? Thanks David

Sorry David I thought you were asking if there is a wheel on the side of the camera that handles temp. You can set the button on the side for what ever you like and of course you can change it in the menus.

PMW 350 after three months
 

I will repeat the comments of Mr. David Hart's for my own benefit.--
"I am very interested to hear about anyone who has purchased one of these cameras and has used it in the field, has it met your expectations, would you agree it is a good DSR-570 replacement? Are you usiing a Nano? Will it record to SxS and Nano? I am looking to buy one soon once the rush has settled down a bit. All coments welcome. Thanks"
Please comment Since I am also verymuch interested in buying or I must wait for Scarlet.

ex1r
 

i can speak for the ex1r
excellant camera on all levels. lowlight, exceptional quality and a crystal clear lcd.
the 350 has bigger chips and is shoulder mounted,but for the 19,000 you would pay for that camera, you can buy 2 ex1rs and a nano.and still have 5,000 left over. yes you can record to nano and sxs.
2 32gig cards will get you almost 4 hours at HD quality.
lowlight may be alittle better on the 350 since it has 2/3 inch chips, but if its that dark you would use a light anyway. i would get the ex1r unless money is not an issue.
best camera out there in its class and at a very reasonable price point. everything else in that price range falls well below it on every level.

I have a PMW-350 and I love it. I regularly use it with a NanoFlash and it makes a really good combo. The picture quality is amazing with low noise giving very clean pictures which you can do a lot of work with in post. The overall package is excellent, light weight for a shoulder cam, low power meaning smaller batteries and the colour viewfinder. The kit lens works well and is a good starter HD lens. I've used it in Northern Norway at -20c and it performed flawlessly. I don't think there is anything else on the market that is even close for the money.