OK, as long as we're guessing.... I'd say a 2/3" CMOS handheld XDCAM EX....

I would say the biggest threat from Panasonic HMC150 or even the 170 would be to the Z5. Also if Sony feel that Canon will enter with a Xl1 replacement then a Solid State Z5 would be the answer. AVCHD for the Prosumer and a version with EX codec for the pro market. The DV and DVCam equivalent today.

At least that's what I would like !!!! Will have to wait a few days to see how much money my possible Christmas present is going to be!!!!! I really like the XR500 that makes my FX1 look dated now so a 3chip version in a Z5 body would be perfect for me.

Ron Evans

Why not? It's the professional space, not consumer, and the HVR-MRC1K uses CompactFlash, so there is some precedent.

If you watched the EX1-R/PMW 350 press launch, the Sony rep mentioned that there would be announcements "in the next few weeks" regarding 3D acquisition. This could be it.

Id prefer improvements to the 2D stuff first but Sony have a lot invested in 3D tech so we're going to get it sooner or later, like it or not.

Xdcam codec, sub 2/3" cmos sensors. Solid state only. Handheld. Just my guess.

Cant be 2/3" I think.. the Jap Sony manager said the EX1 is already a marvel to have such a small form factor with 1/2" chip.

Could be a 1/3" with XDCAM Codec or AVCHD to pit against the Panny 152 in my opinion. If it is a 1/3" XDCAM long GOP it would make a good companion to XDCAM EX owners. Form factor looks like a Z5 thou.

I really doubt it's an xdcam ex product, if it was wouldn't they have announced it with the EX1-R and PMW 350? That would be the logical thing to do wouldn't it?

Can't be 1/2 inch (they just revised it) and if it is 2/3 inch or bigger it must be single sensor (actually Sony had an excellent 2/3 inch Hi8 back in the early 90s).

My guess: 1/3inch 3chip, Xdcam codec, CF to rival the Jvc cameras and a death nail to HDV.
Alternative but less probable: APS single chip Xdcam codec, CF
There is a slight chance that instead of CF we will see MStick but my bet is on CF

Woah, APS-C with XDCAM CODEC would be quite a killer if the lens are fast enuf. Good guess n I hope its true. Oh well, one more day to go!

"APS-C with XDCAM CODEC" - yep, sounds about right....in which case anyone want to buy my 2 week old Canon 7D! We'll know soon enough - but that would just be my (bad) luck if this got announced tomorrow!

Ok guys, I'm gonna bite on this one. If it is a APS-C with XDCAM CODEC then how much would you guess that puppy will cost? Considering the EX3 (with lens) is $8,300 then I'd guess an APS-C cam will be $12,000 with lens.

Also, would said camera accept anything other than Sony lenses?

An APS-C chip in a true video camera format has made too much sense and that's exactly why I think that Sony isn't going that route quite yet. My guess is something smaller in scope and size, like others have tossed out there maybe a 1/3" FX1 sized XDCam.

Or we all could be wrong and it could be a copy machine that interfaces with PDF's. Revolutionary.

My guess:

1. New APS-C global-shutter CMOS sensor
2. Raw output plus HDMI
3. Frame rates up to ≥ 60p, including 24p, 25p, and 30p
4. High ISO (think Canon 1D Mark IV)
5. Price: ≤ $3,000

If it's anything less (or costs more), don't buy it.

I don't see those options coming anywhere near that price. Global shutter, 60p and 1D Mark IV ISO performance for $3000 or under... oh I get it, you were making a joke right?

Yup. I don't see Sony offering those options at any price.

New PMWF350 with 2/3" sensors:
Link