XDCAM EX camcorder - Key Concepts and Camera comparisons (PDF)

The first camera in the XDCAM EX range, the Sony PMW-EX1 camcorder employs 3 x ½" CMOS sensors with 1920x1080 pixels capturing native 1920x1080i/P and and 1280x720P formats in 35Mbps (HQ mode), and 1440x1080 in 25mbps (SP mode). With sensors and data rates derived from the XDCAM HD range of camcorders, this is the first 'Handycam' style camcorder to carry the renowned CineAlta logo, more commonly associated with the high end Sony HDCAM camcorders such as the F23 and the F900R.

The first and perhaps, finest addition to the Sony PMW EX1 is the integrated lens. On previous Handycam models, the optics were provided by Zeiss, while the Sony PMW-EX1 incorporates an impressive, Fujinon 14x zoom lens. It is the first camera of its kind to include 3 independent rings for controlling focus, zoom and iris, each of which is marked in the familiar standards that pro-camera operators have become accustomed to. Focus is marked in feet and meters, focal lengths in mm and iris in f-stops. To accommodate user's still using auto-focus or focus assist, the lens offers two options when it comes to controlling focus. The focus ring can be moved back and forth to activate either fully manual focusing or alternatively an auto/manual assist focus mode. Iris control can also be toggled between manual and automatic. Another nice feature is the zoom rocker positioned on the hand grip. Used on pro B4 mount lenses, and similar in both in size and sensitivity, the rocker provides greater control for the operator.

The Sony PMW EX1 offers the undercranking/overcranking, under the alias of 'slow and fast motion', facility offered by the XDCAM HD F-350 camera although the Sony PMW EX1 offers 1fps to 60fps in one-frame increments in 720P, and 1fps to 30fps in 1080P. Images can then be played back on the camera at the relevant speed negating the need for any frame rate converters.

The ability to manipulate your images in the picture profile section of the camera has expanded from that of the Z1. The Sony PMW EX1 offers control of colour matrix, knee, advanced detail settings and black gamma - not available on the Z1 - as well as 8 preset gamma curves. For those wishing to push and maximise the dynamic range of the camera the Sony PMW EX1 includes the 4 hyper gamma curves employed by the higher end Cine Alta cameras, although the labelling order is different..

A further creative tool is a slow shutter function enabling capture of images in low light environments as well as offering a streaking/blurry effect when shooting moving subjects. The slow shutter is adjustable from 2 - 8 frames and 16, 32 and 64 frame accumulation periods

Another feature of the Sony PMW-EX1, not seen before on the Handycam range is a BNC output offering switchable HDSDI/SDI for HD/down-converted monitoring or off board recording. It also offers analogue component outputs with the option of having letterboxing/squeeze/crop applied where desired.

The on board 16:9 3.5" LCD monitor swings out from beneath the on board stereo mic and is nearly 4 times the resolution of the LCD on the Z1. The LCD provides a stunning representation of images, coupled with the 'expanded focus' function, makes focusing even easier. It is a transmissive / reflective panel displaying clear viewing in direct sunlight. The viewfinder at the rear is switchable between colour and monochrome depending on the operator's preference.

The ergonomics of the camera on the whole are well thought out. Switches are grouped together in a user friendly manner, particularly those on the lens. Users of previous handycam models will find the majority of the external switches and toggles familiar. The one downside to the shape of the camera is the handgrip on the side of the camera. Whilst being rotatable (up to 120 degrees) for user comfort it feels lopsided and throws the balance of the camera out, particularly over long handheld shots. To get around the issue, the shape of the camera allows for the second hand to be positioned underneath the camera for increased stability, although this may not be practical in certain applications. Alternatively the use of a hand grip/moose bar type attachment would eliminate the imbalance produced by the hand grip.

Due to the Sony PMW EX1 consuming more power than the Z1/V1 cameras, a new Lithium Ion battery system is used. The NPF range of batteries are not compatible with the Sony PMW-EX1.