Sony HXR-NX3
 

Any chance of a new sub-catagory for this camera just released...

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

I agree. The NX3 might be my replacement for my Canon XH-A1's. I never thought I would own a Sony relying on Panasonic and Canon.
The camera is in preorder status at B and H. But we do ne a sub-category to discuss the pros and cons of the NX3.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

At this point it is weeks later and the camera is in stock at B&H, among other places...

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Just took delivery of the HXR NX3 to complement my NX5, will be taking it out for test footage this weekend, first impression's are very good, excellent codec 1080p 28mbps, many improvements from nx5 just what was missing..

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

looking forward to seeing your results!

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Generally the NX3 worked very well when compared to my NX5, however, I had a problem with what I would describe as lens flare.. Whilst completing a pan shot, a red flash can be clearly seen across the frames, this also affected auto focus which stopped during the shot.. I have attached two raw files to show this problem. one a normal speed the other using the slo mo function.. My NX5 has never suffered from this problem..

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

No files attached (that I can see)?? But would like to see them, very interested to hear more experience with this cam as a possible upgrade for my old HVR-Z5.

Regards
Dave

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

No files attached (that I can see) but would like to see them as very interested in this cam as an upgrade to my HVR-Z5

Regards
Dave

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Firstly sorry that the files didn't load, web site said security problem.. so I shall upload to youtube and attach when I can. Update since last comment.. used the camera this weekend, bright sunlight cloudless sky. was filming a National Motocross event. The camera suffered very badly from some form of lens flare. causing what I can only describe as a deep red flash across the screen that knocked out autofocus. The camera was not pointed directly at the sun, just a panning shot as the rider passed by. It became so bad that I ended up putting the camera away and using my NX5, which was problem free. As a result of this, I shall be returning the camera tomorrow This problem, was present with or without a uv lens filter.
I can only assume this is a fault on this camera???
Also there are a number of very useful features missing from the cameras menu function
It truth this camera may have the latest codec and sensors, but I would not consider it a replacement or even upgrade for any current owners of an NX5..
Here is the raw footage formatted to mp4 1080p from original avchd2

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Hmmm. I've recently taken delivery of two of these although I've not tested it outside yet. Sun is bright in the sky today so will take it for a spin later. I've largely been impressed with the camera overall. Some very neat features and the test footage I've have taken looks nice coming from my Z7s. The camera doesn't feel as nice as the Z7, especially the lens, but just a case of getting used to a new cam really.

Have done some tests at 12bd gain in low light and it holds up a lot better than the Z7 under similar conditions. To be honest, it's hard work editing my latest wedding as the Z7 now looks really short when it comes to low light. To be expected though as it's a much older sensor.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Martin's footage is terrible. It looks like the NX3 is not a replacement for my aging A1's.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Well I've just done a very quick test. Couldn't see anything like what Martin was experiencing when looking through the viewfinder pointing the cam straight at the sun or in its general direction. Decided to record a little bit of footage in case it was visible on recorded footage. Again nothing except what you would normally expect and certainly no redness. I think there must be a fault with the cam.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Update on NX3..The camera has been returned to the dealers, having viewed the footage, a replacement camera has been ordered.. I await the new camera and will be putting it to the test ASAP. Lets hope the original camera was faulty..Stay tuned.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Hopefully a new unit will sort the issue Martin. I have my first proper shoots on Friday and Saturday and will report back on how things go.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

I have my first real job with the NX3 coming up this weekend - glass art flameworking demonstrations. Here is a test I shot when I first got the camera. I shot in 1080 24p with picture profile 5 for more contrast. I think I'll just shoot with factory settings at 60p this weekend. Seems to perform very well to me. The outdoor shots at the end were in extreme sunlight and shade. Not sure any camera would handle that very well.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Like Greg Clark, I've been looking for a nice camera at the right price point to replace my XH-A1. I'm hoping the NX3 will fit that bill and will be monitoring this string closely. I'm impressed that this camera has THREE half-inch chips, too--especially at right around three grand! Quick turn-around on a project is a selling advantage for my services these days, and I welcome the ability to just pop an SD card into my computer instead of capturing hours of footage on tape. I've considered a DN60, but this could sway me toward a new cam outright. Question: with the "flare" issues mentioned elsewhere in the string, do the built-in ND filters not help at all?

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

The sensors in the NX3 are 1/2.8 or just a little bigger than 1/3" so smaller than 1/2" and likely crop to 1/3" for the lens which looks the same as on the NX5U, FDR-AX1, etc. They are 2.4M gross but 2.07 effective indicating a crop, much like most 1/3" cameras for 1920x1080.


Ron Evans

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Thanks for the clarification, Ron! That being the case, might it be better, then, to try to find a (gently used ) NX5, since it offers SDI out?

~TRW

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

I think you have to decide what is important to you. The NX3 sensors are newer and it has a light and WiFI control. It lacks smooth gain switching SDI etc that the NX5 has.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

I worked with my NX3 and an NX5u this weekend. There are many more items in the nx5 menu but I don't feel Iike the nx3 is lacking. I do like so soft gain option on the nx5 (obviously sony is just holding back to give the nx5 more "options"). The nx3's LCD screen looked WAY better than the nx5. I shot in 1080i since the nx5 does not shoot 1080p like the nx3. I haven't had the chance to compare footage yet. For me, the nx3 is great. I don't think I'll miss an SDI output or the GPS feature on the nx5. I really like that the nx3 displays iris and gain setting while in auto mode - it's nice to know what the camera is doing even when you're not in control.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Buried away in the menu on the NX5 under 'Display Set' is an option 'Camera Data Display'. Setting this to 'on' will display the iris, gain and shutter speed, even when in auto mode. As you say, a really useful feature.

I cannot take any credit for this. I found this on 'My NX5 menu settings. Adam Welz's NXCAM Blog' Not sure if I should link to it, but a search will find it.

Ken

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

They also indicate on the NX5U whether they are in manual or auto mode as well since manual does not mean manual until ALL controls are set in manual by their individual controls. Setting the main switch to manual just means it is possible to set things in manual. Until you do they are still in auto as indicated in the LCD. Set shutter speed to manual and the camera will still use iris and gain to automatically expose etc.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

The NX3 plays well with the NX5U!

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

A review of the NX3..
HD Warrior Blog Archiv Sony HXR-NX3 User Review with Allen McLaughlin

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Update, new camera has been provided by Sony, excellent quality footage with no sign of lens flare or previously reported problems. Thanks to H Prestons of Malvern.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

It has been more than a year since any reviews on the NX3. Any opinions? I am compairing to the Canon XF200 and the NX3 looks like it gives you more features for less money.

Re: Sony HXR-NX3
 

Hi Greg,
I have just returned from 3 months in the US shooting railroads with my new NX3, my first "serious" camcorder. I really like the camera and shooting in manual really brings out the cameras ability . The auto focus is quick and precise I found, as I shoot lots of moving trains as well as static shots. The white balance controls are easy to use and adjust and the auto WB is pretty good for a quick shot! The only minus is the zoom speed, it is a bit quick on start and not as slow as I would like, I do a lot of slow pan and zoom shots so it is a bit too aggressive for me but I have learnt to shoot around it. It's very good on battery life, even powering a shot gun mic on 48v , the menu is easy to use and the ND filters are very useful( would be nice to have adjustable ND as well, but the 3 filters work well) and I use them all the time get tight DOF.
As I said I'm no pro, but the NX3 is well balanced and easy to learn for a novice like myself, and having the manual controls takes me back to my young days learning photography! I can't speak of the "technical" aspects of AVCHD and all that, but for the camera itself I am very pleased with it.
Cheers Gregg.