PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Given a choice, with costs roughly the same, which used camera would you go for?

PMW-200 or PMW-320?

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

For what application? Without knowing how you intend to use the camera it's impossible to say.

Do you need to be able to change lens, for example to shoot at long focal lengths from a tripod or do you need to be able to shoot hand-held while running around? Do you need 50Mb/s broadcast quality internal recordings or will you clients be more impressed by a large "professional" looking camera?

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Usage would be general, all around video production. That means tripod and hand held. Covering meetings and run and gun shoots. Corporate, training and broadcast. 50mbps, 4:2:2 is a plus, but not necessarily a deal breaker. But ask me that again in a year.
Use the lens that comes with the cameras. That's the budgetary constraint, no cash for longer lenses for the 320.

This would be your one, do-all camera. It has to do all of your shoots. I chose XDCAM because it's the most requested format out here.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Are the internal picture settings for the PMW-200 closer to the ones from the EX cameras, or more advanced like in the PMW 350/320 series?

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

PMW-200 has Hypergammas and the same scene file/Picture profile settings as the PMW-320/350/400 etc.

Picture quality will be almost exactly the same from either the 200 or 320, so if 50Mb/s is not an issue then it s down to which form factor suits you better.

Do also consider that the batteries for the 320 are more larger and more expensive plus you will need a more substantial (and thus more expensive) tripod for the 320.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Though I am a newcomer here, I wanted to chime in. I use a PMW320 when I am working for a local TV station. I am not fond of it. There are the obvious 4.2.0 reasons and cost of good glass and batteries. But I am also not happy with the viewfinder, the ergonomics, and find the reach under when on stick to get to the zoom a pain. If you are going wireless for audio then you really should go with the slide in receiver from Sony and I am not fond of that system either having "hit" issues often. The stock lens is less than impressive. It is a rugged beast and I suppose if I were the guy making decisions at the TV station I would go for the 320 since it will be used by a number of operators and will probably stand up.
But, recently I decided that it would be a good idea to add to my camera inventory and get a camera that could cover for extra work at the tv station. I looked at buying a 320 but didn't. The camera I bought was a PMW300. Partly based on Alistair Chapman's review of two cameras that had caught my eye. the new Z100-4k and the PMW300. When I spoke to my friend Bill Kerrigan also a member here, I was convinced as he who has an EX3 is also going to go this route.
The cost in my country of a 320 is almost the same as a 300 and you get a much more versatile and somewhat future friendly camera. Great for an owner/operator but again not necessarily for a tv station or rental house.
I have had the PMW 300 for a couple of weeks, still have lots to learn about it and kitting it out but I just love the images, light weight and flexibility.
I wish you all the best in your decision and look forward to reading what you decide.
Brian

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Since I bought my SxS cards, my PMW200 hasn't left 50mbps 4:2:2 mode if that helps at all.

I see a difference. Some say they don't.

YMMV.

As much as I LOVE shoulder cams (I entered the industry in the waning days of BetaSP production and shot BetaSX for 6 years at the Canadian National Public Broadcaster) I personally buy or rent "mid-sized" cameras like the EX1/EX3/PMW200 now for my work.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

For the record, I use one of Alister's PP setups as the basis for my look with a few minor changes for a slightly sharper image right out of the camera with a TAD more noise suppression.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Hi Shaun, just curious about your PP settings, can you exactly point out which one you are using? I have read Alister's previous post though. There were one in the initial post and several in the replies.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

I was informed by a local production company that they'd get some use out of a PMW-200 if I bought one. They have one, and sometimes need a twin for 2 camera shoots that need the 50mb, 4:2:2 codec.
That seals the deal for me. Of course, i could splurge a bit more and get the PMW-300. Either way, the 50mb codec seems to be the way to go.
Thanks for your input, guys.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

I actually really recommend to get a 300. You won't regret for it.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Oh, I agree...I'm not sure my budget agrees, though.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Seconding Meng's comments.

The PMW-300 is a truly lovely beast - and don't forget it'll get a XAVC codec upgrade option this year which will give it (hopefully) a 5+ year type longevity just like my EX3 had. Maybe that will become a new replacement "industry workhorse codec", just like XCDAM has been/is right now. Time will tell. Unfortunately, when it comes to the PMW-300 this year that additional codec option appears unlikely to include a 1080p50/60 frame rate which would have been ideal for sports/slow motion in post type applications - see a post by Alister Chapman on here a while back - but I live in hope! Boo on you Sony if that's true.

Also, apart form a better build quality and design, superb viewfinder and of course the interchangeable lens option, the images will be very similar to PMW-200, just a little cleaner due to updated processing technology that Sony used due to it being a year younger in the PMW family.

Just saying...;-)

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Another +1 for the PMW-300 here. The build quality is so much better than the 200 and the new viewfinder is nice.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

I see theres a PMW-300K1 and a PMW-300K2 whats the difference?
at a price of €8000 and €12000 I'll be holding on to my PMW 200 for a while yet.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

I'm guessing the K2 has the 16x zoom lens, instead of the standard 14x zoom.

I am looking for a good deal on a slightly used 300, but I wouldn't complain about having a 200 by any means.
But I agree on the 300 being the better choice. It just looks more "professional," and my clients expect bigger cameras. I know, it's all perception, as the 200 and 300 have the same lens and imagers, but the clients call the shots. I also like XAVC, as I believe it will be the standard within a few years.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

The K2 lens may be 16x and not 14x zoom, but it doesn't have optical image stabilisation. That is a deal breaker unless you do tripod only work requiring the additional zoom capability.

FWIW, I'm about to order myself a PMW-300 K1.

Andrew

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

I went for the PMW320 - but that was a couple of years ago, when the equivalent competition was the EX1 and EX3. The big difference between then and now is the 50Mbs codec (to say nothing of XAVC). I haven't had any concerns at all with the 35Mbs codec - but it would be nice to know I had a camera that was "fully compliant", I won't pretend otherwise. It depends who your customers are.
The ergonomics were exactly why I DID go for it! I am also surprised that you don't like the viewfinder. To the latter point, (zoom operation on tripod) then I know what you mean - but it was completely sorted for me quite cheaply with Libec | ZC-9Pro .
Again, I'm surprised. The slot-in receiver system I would give as a point in favour of the PMW320. No attaching receivers to brackets, no loose wiring, no powering issues. Just turn on the camera, select the radio receiver and that's it.
I thought it's fundamentally the same as on such as the EX3, and very similar in build etc to the PMW200? Again, it may not be up to the standard of a "normal" broadcast lens (no doubler, for one thing) but for the price I find it amazing. Better than I'd realistically hoped for.

I suppose the question would be that if I was buying now, would I still get the PMW320?

It's when you start to add accessories like camera lights, radio mic receivers etc, that I think the 320 shines, and using V-lock batteries then is a distinct advantage - everything is easily powered from the one battery, and they last a long time. It's heavier than such as a PMW200 - but I find I can handhold one for longer as all the weight is straight over the shoulder. It balances nicely, it's not front heavy.

That said, then I wish Sony would bring out a PMW320 with the codec options of the 300. Nowadays I'd look closely at the PMW300 as an alternative for that very reason. It's balance is still front heavy, but I believe it's possible to rear mount a V-lock battery to improve that, and solve powering issues for such as on camera lights?

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Hi everyone,
Let me take the opportunity of this interesting thread to ask your opinion about this: I was offered €6500 for my PMW350L that have about 910hrs of operation and i'm tempted to accept the offer and get the pmw300k1 with same amount!!! what do guys think!? i don't really know how much does a used 350 sell for! i only know it's less than half the price i paid for a pmw350K version!!
I really like the idea of having the 300 even if i keep using the 350 but not as primary camera as now i have a PDW700
Thanks in advance
Sam

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Used PMW-350s are going for about $13,000 - 15,000 USD, from what I've seen, assuming the camera includes the stock lens and viewfinder. I think you can get a lot more for it. If you're in no hurry, shop it around.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Optical image stabilization is a nice feature to have, but by no means is it a deal breaker for me. I spent the first 20 years of my professional career shoulder mounting 2/3" cameras, with me being the only support the camera had. I almost always use tripods anyway, but when you gotta shoulder mount, you work with what you have. Personally, I would gladly sacrifice image stabilization for better zoom range.

I don't know how comfortable the PMW-300 is for shoulder mounting, but it's doubtless not the best. But I'd still prefer the 16x zoom lens.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

With the stock lens of PMW-300 with its steady shot feature, it's OK to hold it onto shoulder, but for a 3rd party lens like Fujinon the picture would be trembling due to its imbalanced weight. That however, if you want to shoot using a low angle by holding it into your hand then any lens would be OK. Dynamic style like shooting over shoulder while running would also be fine. If you always have good tripods or cranes, then well... anything is good.
The only bummers I currently have would be that it doesn't have a colour temperature knob, and the chromatic aberration of the Fujinon lens. the former may be solvable using the iPad remote control and for the latter... I have to use the stock lens or get a new lens with silly money... if I have it. Most of latest *new* fujinon lenses do support it, but yeah, it must be new, nothing like that can be found in the used market.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

the price offered is for body and viewfinder only,no lens included in the price but indeed as you said it is too low even if i'm tempted by the pmw300 :))
good luck with your choice..

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

David,
Just getting around to responding to your experience. I prefer the 350 and I guess if I were going to buy a 320 now I would buy a used 350. I love the viewfinder in the 300 and agree that it is not as ergonomic as it should be but it weighs next to nothing compared to the 22 pounds of the 320. As for the audio hits issue, guess it depends where you are located but that is my experience. The lens is the lens.....in many ENG situations it just lacks. But it is certainly a robust camera and when you set it up nicely and get used to it you can get good images. I totally agree if they had built a 320 with the 300 features and viewfinder it would be a natural choice for many TV outlets who are concerned about cameras that go from one op to another.
Cheers
Brian

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Brian,

I don't have any experience with the big ENG cameras. Will be upgrading to the PMW-300 from a Sony V1 HDV camera.

How is the lens not up to scratch compared to bigger and more expensive models? I'm keen to have your thoughts if they are able to be explained in writing.

Andrew

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

The PMW-350 will command a higher price.
To be honest, I think the asking price for that PDW-350 is way more than what the camera is worth. It's still a 35mbps, 4:2:0 XDCAM. It's been replaced by the far more capable PDW-700/F800.
You can find cheaper PDW-350s on Ebay, if you really want one.

To be clear, that's my opinion on the asking price. The seller and a potential buyer may disagree.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

If you don't include the lens, that changes the value. I don't know what the value is without the lens. Several thousands less, for sure.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Just curious where you saw a used PMW-350 for about $13,000 - $15,000? What's a good place to buy / sell cameras like that nowadays? Thanks.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Ebay has a few, or did. Keep looking, they occasionally come up.
Omega Broadcast, a site sponsor, has some deals. B&H does as well, but you have to keep checking their site until one shows up.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Thanks Glen. What are some good sites / locations to sell cameras (other than Ebay)?

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

This website has a good equipment exchange forum. I've bought and sold gear there.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Don't get me wrong - I'd have preferred a 350 to my 320, but like for like (K models with kit lens) the 320 was about half the price and had some pluses - inbuilt SD capability being one. The big minus is, of course, 1/2" chips against 2/3". Well, you get what you pay for.....

Regarding the lens, then I wonder if you're comparing it with full 2/3" broadcast lenses? In which case, you're right - it's not up to the standard...... but it's vastly cheaper, and I find it exceptional value for money. And whilst it may not be up to their standard, it's broadly of a standard with what you'd find on a PMW200 or 300 - which is what this thread is most focussed on.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Thanks Glen

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

If youre looking for a good 350, a fellow shooter friend of mine in Houston is retiring. he has a 350 setup with tripod, cards, sony wireless for sale. hes taken very good care of it. if youre interested.
email me
jimstamos@sbcglobal.net
I can put you in touch with him.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Update, for those interested -- I just ordered a PMW-300!
I found a b-stock model and saved a few hundred dollars. Still has the Sony warranty.

After all my research and the opinions from all of you on this forum, the 300 was easily the best choice in my budget range. The XAVC upgrade, now scheduled for June and Long GOP in October, sealed the deal. I want this camera to be viable for years down the road.

Now, let's hope it pays for itself.

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

How did you manage to get a "b-stock model" on a very current camera?

Andrew

Re: PMW-200 or PMW-320
 

Cameras used for demos and trade shows and such. I got mine from a forum sponsor:

http://www.omegabroadcast.com/