Amazing, looks like a perfect fit in the hoodman. I imagined it being further from the screen. Does it cause any distortion in the view?

Thanks a lot Dave - I'm getting my Hoodman these days; the magnifier seems certainly worth trying!

Hi Gints & Mark,

I should point out this is on a Z1, on which (for me) the expanded focus feature is of little use (not usable while recording).

I can hold the edge of the Hoodman (almost as an eye-cup) against my face with very little distortion in the frame, the slight CA kinda helps to make the image appear more 'natural' (slightly blending the LCD pixel edges). And I think the extra detail in the EX1's LCD would still be visible through the magnifier and maintain enough clarity by which to judge critical focus.

Just like the EX3's revised LCD enclosure, the main function is to make the little screen easier to stare at when the camera is just inches from your nose (although cross-eyed DOPs do make some interesting shot selections!).

I just can't help thinking that the EX3 implementation is not quite as elegant as it might have been (non fold-away), but what matters in the end though, is how it feels to shoot with.

Those Sony engineers are good at picking the weaknesses in previous models to bring about improvements that we all want. Whats more interesting is that I had this one figured out three years ago! (although it was admittedly inspired by the XL2's v/f design).


Cheers,
Dave.

Actually I heard that the EX5 is a redhead.... I mean RED Head :-)

Story on DIGG
 

Story has been submitted to Digg...let's show Philip some digg love :)

http://digg.com/gadgets/NAB_2008_Spa...mcorder_Review

Screen doesn't flip 180 degrees?
 

I listened well to Philipp's video but I have to ask it again: Is it right that you can't flip the screen to see yourself standing in front of the camera? That would exlude the EX3 for VJ-Jobs.....

Markus

hello. Who said it doesn't flip 180 degrees? I have to say I can't remember but it must do, can't believe they would limit it

I should be getting back soon to do more tests with different lenses, I will check. Also if there are any other things you need me to check let me know,

Thanks Phil, at the moment I don't have more doubts. It seems that this cam could be a good evolution for my JVC-HD101.

Phil can you do a comparison between the stock 14x Fuji lens and say a Canon lens that was meant for 1/2' 4:3 SD cameras please? I'm eager to know whether a good expensive SD lens outperforms a cheap HD lens. Thanks

Hummm... I'm thinking of my Sony/Minolta 75-300mm zoom that I use with my Alpha 100, that will be a VERY HUGE telephoto! Knowing that the stock lens top end is at 81 mm, that will be a 3.7x magnification. Combining both sets of lenses, you'll have a range from 5.8 to 300 mm, that is a 51x total range. Not bad...

It is clear that it will have a limited use, but for wildlife or things like that, it will be a great and cheap solution. Have just made a test with a shot of the moon made with the EX1 at full telephoto, by scaling it to 370% the moon almost fills the whole screen.

On the other hand, I don't know how good is the resolving power of these Minolta lenses. The stills I take withe the Alpha are great, but pixel size of that DSLR imager is surely larger than that of the EX1/EX3 CMOS.

What would be really great is a 35 mm adapter of the Minolta A lenses with a manual ring to control the iris (and full auto iris, like on the stock lens) and also integrate autofocus control... Just like having an Alpha 100 body with a hole in the back to let the light go to the imagers of the EX3.

Dreaming is cheap, isn't it?

I would if I had one but I don't!

i stand corrected!! great news

I was able to flip around the EX3 screen @ the Sony stand after taking off the magnifier, the viewfinder has a switch to then flip the image. It does not auto flip the image, like the EX1.

There will be an adapter from Fujinon that will include the standard lens socket so you will be able to use 2/3 inch cable powered lenses. Don't know when this will be available but there was one on the Sony booth at NAB. Picture of it is attached.

There was also an EX3 with a Canon KH20 1/2" HDgc lens on it on the Canon booth and I have to say the pictures looked really nice with very little CA. On the same display there was an F355 with the same lens and I really struggled to see any difference between the two. The EX3 had a more saturated image and appeared more contrasty but I think this was probably down to camera setup, I suspect the F355 had the stock gamma while the EX3 looked to have a cinegamma and hisat matrix.

Did you find out if good 4:3 SD Lens would work? I'm interested I have a Canon YJ20x8.5B KRS collecting dust attached to an old DSR370. The EX3 would be ideal option for me.

am hoping to get an ex3 again soon to test with my hd 20x canon lens.

have many people placed pre-orders for the camera?

Phil, if you can manage to get a hold on one, can you pls test the EX3 with a 4:3 SD lens and compare the results with the Fujinon stock lens? Can you also inform us on:

1)the handling of the EX3 once it has a heavy piece of glass at its front and

2)whether there are any issues with back focus (which shouldn't be the case since I believe that backfocus is now done manually by the operator)

I haven't yet placed a pre-order for the simle reason that I do not want to be a free Sony beta tester. Once I see that there are no QC issues like those of the EX1 then I will surely but it. I'm interested in the EX3 as I can now use (hopefully) my Canon 18x with extender lens - depending on your findings.

Mark, I'd be sceptical about the peformance of the Canon YJ lenses on HD. You mention trying a "good quality" SD lens, but the YJ is not one. Not only is it SD, it's also the budget line of SD, so I wouldn't be too optimistic. You're also going down a size in sensor so the resolution of the 2/3" lens wouldn't be expected to be quite as high as one made for 1/2" cameras anyway due to the size on the photosites (technical discussion had in the past here and elsewhere, a tiny bit beyond my expertise!)
Steve

I tried a Canon YJ on my F350 when I first got it. The pictures were a little soft and there was lots of CA. I would imagine the results would be worse on the EX3 as with the stock lens the camera adds CA correction.

Not in Canada, based upon this quote from page-4 of Sony's May 14, 2008 new flash:

"The new XDCAM EX products are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2008. Pricing
is as follows:
• PMW-EX3 – suggested list price less than $13,000
• PMW-EX30 – suggested list price less than $6,000
• PHU-60K – suggested list price of approximately $1,200"

http://www.sony.ca/xdcamex/files/PMWEX3.pdf

I have heard no news about the release date slipping in the UK, but then again the EX1 was a bit late.

The EX3 I reviewed was pretty complete apart from a new SxS door needed to be fitted, something more sturdy. All the camera features were there so it looks like it shouldn't be that long.

I have one on order. Delivery promised as being July some time.

I have finally bought an EX3 and I have done a follow up review.

You can read it here and see my test short film

Philip Bloom Blog Archive Production EX3 Review/ Windsor Waltz

Flip Module Redundant?
 

So, seeing as the EX3 has the "Flip LCD Image" function do you think Letus will release a version of the ultimate or extreme without the Flip Prism Module? It would save space, weight and money.

No chance Alex

It only flips in LCD doesnt record so lots of rendering to flip image in post, so it would be like going back to the bad old days!

Phil - now that you have had the chance to exchange the Fuijinon with a "real" pro Canon lens. What are your conclusions on optical quality on the Fuijinon? Apart from the benefits of the extra zoom range on the Canon - how much sharper is the actual image?

The nanoflash and XDRflash recorders apparently will flip prior to recording. Should be an excellent option when they arrive.

another good ...
 

another good reason to go Nanno!

the stock lens really is a superb lens, almost no breathing. its is made for the camera so really works incredibly well with it

As I am buying the NanoFlash, it's a very interesting idea to me as well - even though I only have the EX1, so no flip on the LCD. However, as I'm planing to buy a good external monitor (possibly with the flip functionality), I believe I'd be good to go with this rig - right?

If so, is there a way to strip the Letus Extreme off the flip module, thus making it more compact and lighter - or am I dreaming? Or, perhaps Letus will be offering a compact version (i.e. without flip) for those (mainly EX3) users who also use the Nano/XDR units...

Speaking of Letus, they have recently come up with this upgrade module for the Extreme:

Letus35 Elite Upgrade Module*::*Letus Accessories*::*LetusDirect

Anyone uses it? Is it worth the price? (sorry for being off topic here).

The "Elite" is just for those who change lenses frequently and need the quick backfocus adjustment; then it's a timesaver.

George/

B.T.W. Are you coming to Amsterdam in a couple of weeks for IBC?

worth it, fixes the nightmare that is backfocus fixing on the extreme.

You need the flip as it provides the distance needed between the lens and the GG. Seriously the flip is essential, as someone who used to flip images on his m2 all the time its a 'mare. The nano flash is a nice idea but if we are keeping things compact then adding a separate recording device instead of the letus flip makes no sense.

kind of, the elite, or just the fix really is essential as the backfocus if you have ever tried to, is such a nightmare to fix if it goes out.

Yep coming on the Saturday, I will be part of the Apple Supermeet for Red Giant Software then going home Monday afternoon. If anyone is around and wants to buy me a drink and more than keen, never turn down a free drink me

George, - I don't change lenses frequently (and all of them use the same mount), and yet I just HAVE to repeat the back focus adjustment on my Extreme pretty often, which - as Phil just said - can be a nightmare. Additionally, pulling/pushing those 3 GG's stands often leaves me with increased noise/vibration, and/or uneven edge-to-edge sharpness due to the GG not being parallel to the "film plane"...So, if I could perform a very precise GG adjustment with the minimum resulting vibration and best possible flatness in mind, rather than a proper back focus (which could be fine-tuned later with the Elite upgrade), I guess it would be a great improvement.

But if one is into the CD Flash for all different reasons (50/100 Mbps, 4:2:2), then the added bonus of flipping the image could be taken advantage of...

It's pretty small too 106x94x36.

EX3 & HD Q's
 

Hi Phil and Everyone Else!

First off, I wanted to thank you all for your contributions to the discussions of these cameras, the EX3 and EX1. I've been following your previous reviews of other cameras and kit as well and it is a valuable service you're providing for us all.

I'm quit keen on the EX3. They're just now available in the region so I'm strongly considering this move. For a small Indie company like mine based totally out in the sticks, it seems the most affordable HD option thus far.

I do have a few questions though and I'm hoping that some of you may be able to help:

1. I'd like to see the EX3 set up for full shoulder mounted ENG work (matt box & rails, battery bracket on the back which could also hold with audio, the external drive or the Convergent Design Nano). Have you or anyone you know set this up yet? I'd love to see it, and here which components up the kit overall. I've seen it on the JVC 24p hdv camera and it feel solid, though I still don't like the camera itself.

2. On the subject of Convergent Design. Have you or anyone else used the flash recorders they're promoting at HDV To HD-SDI Video Converters Professional Video Equipment HDMI To HD-SDI Television Studio Equipment and what are your opinions? Is it your opinions that this is the best way to get full raster HD 422 with this camera?

3. Finally, as an Indie working in a far flung region of the world and a developing country, we've been hoping for a reasonably priced full HD entry point kit that would give us full broadcast yet not break the bank. In your opinion[s], will the EX3 have full broadcast acceptance?

Thank you very much guys.

Best regards,

Joe

Not yet ...
 

There is a pic up on the cinevate site with shoulder mount, mattebox, etc with an EX1. As for convergent design's equipment, none have hit the market yet. You could use AJA IO now to do something similar (not set on the rig) however i.e. 4.2.2 ... someone will come up with a full kit pic soon!

Congrats Phil on your EX3 purchase. Your video review helped me purchase mine. I've been using the EX3 for almost a month now and I am really happy with it. It's by far the best camera I've ever operated. I love your work, your eye, your editing, and your taste for music. I know the EX3 will be a great tool for what you already do. If you are ever in the Northern California area and need a hand or an additional camera, I'm at the ready.

Regards, Larry Huntington
TLH Video/Sound Productions
http://www.tlhvideosound.com