Back in May 2008 the Sony PMW EX3 was launched at America’s NAB Show. Las Vegas attendees greeted the camera with interest. They appreciated the EX3’s design; its quality in terms of undercranking, not to mention time lapse and its excellent new interchangeable lens system. Over a year on and the camera remains groundbreaking, with EX3s literally flying off shelves – and that's no big surprise; for this camera is both simple and ingenious. For a hand held, HD, non-linear XDCAM it is damned near perfect. As an upgrade to the EX1, the EX3 doesn’t fail to deliver as Sony has taken the original and turned it into something bigger and bashier. Yes, this is some upgrade, and there are no two ways about it; the EX3 is undeniably more accessible than its predecessor.
There are several additions and changes to the PMW EX3. The camera has a different structure to the EX1; it’s almost as if the Canon XL has been crossed with an EX1 in regards to shape. This has something to do with the addition of a shoulder brace, which clicks out and allows users to rest the camera securely while filming. It’s a neat little extra, and one that allows for far smoother hand held work. Another change is the viewfinder. This has been moved to the centre side of the camera, and sits as a clip off, working with, and above, the LCD screen. It’s a clever design and one that makes for straightforward use. Meanwhile, Sony has added a fantastic interchangeable lens system. Now with a ½ inch adaptor, ½ inch wide angle and long lenses can be used. It’s an inspired addition, making the camera incredibly versatile, while producing footage that’s sharp and slick, just the way you’d want it to be.
Like the EX1, the PMW EX3 records to card. 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB, will give one hour, two hours and three hours footage, retrospectively when compressed. Most laptops have a corresponding card reader, which means users can simply slip the card into their computer and download footage at a swift rate of about 20mins per 16 GB. And if you don’t have a laptop at hand, no problem; the EX3 can take the information from it’s A and B SxS card slots, and record between each. Of course there’s more, like the mirror image option that flips in the viewfinder, or the new up coming EX hard drive, but really, you’d be better off experiencing the wonders of the EX3 yourself, first hand.
There are several additions and changes to the PMW EX3. The camera has a different structure to the EX1; it’s almost as if the Canon XL has been crossed with an EX1 in regards to shape. This has something to do with the addition of a shoulder brace, which clicks out and allows users to rest the camera securely while filming. It’s a neat little extra, and one that allows for far smoother hand held work. Another change is the viewfinder. This has been moved to the centre side of the camera, and sits as a clip off, working with, and above, the LCD screen. It’s a clever design and one that makes for straightforward use. Meanwhile, Sony has added a fantastic interchangeable lens system. Now with a ½ inch adaptor, ½ inch wide angle and long lenses can be used. It’s an inspired addition, making the camera incredibly versatile, while producing footage that’s sharp and slick, just the way you’d want it to be.
Like the EX1, the PMW EX3 records to card. 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB, will give one hour, two hours and three hours footage, retrospectively when compressed. Most laptops have a corresponding card reader, which means users can simply slip the card into their computer and download footage at a swift rate of about 20mins per 16 GB. And if you don’t have a laptop at hand, no problem; the EX3 can take the information from it’s A and B SxS card slots, and record between each. Of course there’s more, like the mirror image option that flips in the viewfinder, or the new up coming EX hard drive, but really, you’d be better off experiencing the wonders of the EX3 yourself, first hand.
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