Two different cameras: PDW-F350 is optical disk, PMW-350 is solid state SxS. Tip o' the hat to Sony's naming department - 'thanks guys'.

I don't understand Sony sometimes. Two cameras launched at a similar price point to the same market with such similar names. PMW-350 and PDW-F350, it's hardly surprising there is so much confusion.

Sony is just being careful to use up all the old numbers, not be caught without enough new ones. :)

Well, even if they adopted a Dewey Decimal System, or a BMWesque sort of moniker, at least it could have been the 370 series, or the 330. I really can't work out why it isn't an EX-7.

Does anyone know if the PMW 350 viewfinder underscans?

Not sure Mike but I will know tomorrow when mine arrives. I am sure Alister knows and might even have it is his review.

Yes and No, the 350 VF underscans in the same way that the EX3 VF underscans. So while it shows much more in the VF than you should see on a normal TV there are a few pixels at the edges that are not visible.

A question for Alistair
 

Please tell me if the PMW350 stock lens has the jerky slow zoom issues common to the EX1 and EX3. Would I have to buy a proper lens to get smooth, feathered stops and starts? Many thanks for any reply.

BMW actually did a similarely odd thing by naming their new 650GS bike the F650GS and that new bike actually has a 800 engine... In regard to the PMW350, yes. There is going to be a lots of confusion on the consumers and crew bookers side. PMW-EX5 or PDW-F400 would have been a much more logical choice.

Dave I think the answer is yes you will have to also buy a nice 2/3" HD lens for the 350. There have not been too many who have tested the stock lens. I will be doing that tomorrow on my camera but I have received word that it has the same jerky slow zoom issues. I will confirm this tomorrow.

But it is to be expected with a $2000 HD lens. Nice glass be it wide or long with a Nano hooked up will make this camera shine.

It's a shoulder mount, so therefore it needed three numerals.

I don't see why it wasn't called the PMW-400, but I think the Japanese have some kind of superstition about certain numbers.

What? I expect a professional lens to work! The jerky zoom is a major issue on the EX3 - smooth zooms are essential for almost all documentary work.

I can accept that a $2,000 lens may not look as good as a $20,000 lens but it is pretty basic to make it zoom smoothly. I've never seen the issue on any lens/camera besides the EX1/3 and really cheap consumer grade kit. It is totally unacceptable on a camera/lens at this level.

Mike Sony has a options for you buy the camera with out a lens and buy a 2/3" lens of your choice. Also don't jump to conclusions until the new 350 lens is fully tested. I am only trying to give you information here.

Sorry, probably my irritation bubbling over from finding this fault in the EX3. I really hope they have sorted it for the PMW350 as initial reports suggest the lens is optically surprisingly good it would be a real shame if it was let down but a jerky zoom.

No worry Mike,

Currently I am charging the batteries for my PMW-350 since it arrived. I will let you know my thoughts on the stock lens soon.