Phil, what does that round tubular part at the back do, does it extend out?

a very small amount paul. I should have showed that on the video. It extends back or in so does the viewfinder which also moves side by side so it can fit even Mr Potato Head.

Nice work, Phil. Thanks for your efforts and a great overview. When will they announce the "Official Price"?

They may have done already!

I will be selling one of my EX1s and buying one!

This camera sounds great, but Sony's marketing strategy doesn't feel very user friendly here. They posted plenty of information about their other new cameras but kept this under wraps till the last second. As a result many of us who would have waited for the EX-3 bought the EX-1 assuming that we would have at least a year till its replacement came out.

So now I'll probably take a loss along with lots of people who dump their 3 month old cameras to upgrade. I guess i'd feel better if I had made money off this thing already.

Lenny

Lenny & Phil,

Let me know if you want to sell your EX1- I'll be purchasing one in the next week or two. I'll also be at NAB tomorrow:) Some of the new sony HDCAM recording devices make the EX1 a much more attractive cam for wedding and event video.

Miike Jensen
Jensen Wedding Films
Sacramento, CA
www.jensenvideo.com

I'm ready to buy my EX1 this week unless something else is announced at NAB that knocks it out of the water. Will the other manufacturers start announcing tomorrow?

Will the other manufacturers start announcing tomorrow?

Usually the manufacturers have an event and then a press release follows. Here's a link for all the official press conferences...

http://www.nabshow.com/2008/press/pressconferences.asp

On the Red forum they say the Scarlet will be revealed Monday as well. Has NAB ever been so exciting? Seriously I wonder.

Maybe Apple and Avid not turning up is the best thing that could have happened. Lets the other companies get a word in edge-wise.

Hmmm, the price of the EX3 will be $13,000?

Though I believe it is worth every penny, suddenly it isn't as enticing as I thought, with me thinking it would retail under $10k.

$13K USD.
If so, that changes things. You could buy two EX1 cameras for that price!

I just got to thinking and wish that a firmware update would allow the EX-1 to flip an image on the lcd. That feature would be simple and could be done in the menu.

Phil, how much did you explore the remote port on the back of the EX3? Is it the standard Sony remote connector? Does this mean I can plug in an RMB-750 and paint it?

-Sean

That cant be right. That would be the UK price about £6500 I reckon but the US price is always less.

Phil, how much did you explore the remote port on the back of the EX3? Is it the standard Sony remote connector? Does this mean I can plug in an RMB-750 and paint it?

-Sean

it is designed for studio work, to control iris etc. Didnt examine it at all am afraid

The remote connector is the standard Sony CCU remote port and it will work with the RMB150 or RMB750.

More EX3 picture here....

http://www.ingenioustv.com/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=69

Thanks for the excellent review Phil. As much as I love the new EX3 I will be sticking with my EX1 for a long time yet. The additions aren't worth the extra $5000 or so in my opinion for what I do, which is mainly Corporate stuff and conferences. In your review you mentioned a shoulder mount you bought on ebay. I tried the link to your blog but got a not found message. What mount did you buy?

One more question Phil. The 35mm lens you had on your Letus Extreme, was that a 35mm stills camera lens or a film camera lens?

No need to answer the last question. I see that it is a SLR lens.

Say Phil, As long as we've got your attention here, I'm wondering which of the swing tilt lenses you're liking these days. I seem remember you talking about the Harblei 65mm and 85mm and waiting for an Arsat.

Any observations or suggestions.

BTW Along with everyone else here thanks so much for sharing your experience and always beautiful pictures with us.

Lenny Levy

I don't think it's worth every penny of 13k especially when you can get a HPX500 for $9500 at B+H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/489912-REG/Panasonic_AG_HPX500_AG_HPX500_2_3_Shoulder_Mounted.html

That shoulder mount must be really, really good.

You must remember the EX3 is full 1920x1080 P or I with fantastic low light performance for a HD camcorder. Just because a camera uses 2/3" CCD's and comes in a full size on the shoulder box doesn't mean it going to be better.

The only thing to remember is that you are paying $5,000 extra for a shoulder mount and some small improvements. Worth it? No.

I agree that a HPX 500 becomes a more viable option. What is the added value of interchangeable lenses? They are proprietary so in a few years they become worthless (watch the XL-H1... the follow up won't be 1/3" anymore). I know there is a 2/3" adapter but then you can better go for a 2/3" camera.

I think this camera is overpriced.

I think the true value of the EX3 will come into play when someone comes out with a 35mm adaptor that mounts directly to the body. With the stock lens out of the way I imagine the 35mm lens images would be even better wouldnt they?

Thanks for the excellent review Phil. As much as I love the new EX3 I will be sticking with my EX1 for a long time yet. The additions aren't worth the extra $5000 or so in my opinion for what I do, which is mainly Corporate stuff and conferences. In your review you mentioned a shoulder mount you bought on ebay. I tried the link to your blog but got a not found message. What mount did you buy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pro-Shoulder-Support-Pad-for-Camcorder-Video-DV-Camera_W0QQitemZ150235104306QQihZ005QQcategoryZ23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

One more question Phil. The 35mm lens you had on your Letus Extreme, was that a 35mm stills camera lens or a film camera lens?

all my lenses are Nikon mounts, some of them expensive, some dirt cheap

Say Phil, As long as we've got your attention here, I'm wondering which of the swing tilt lenses you're liking these days. I seem remember you talking about the Harblei 65mm and 85mm and waiting for an Arsat.

Any observations or suggestions.

BTW Along with everyone else here thanks so much for sharing your experience and always beautiful pictures with us.

Lenny Levy

yeah i have both those hartblei. they really are great lenses

The only thing to remember is that you are paying $5,000 extra for a shoulder mount and some small improvements. Worth it? No.

I agree that a HPX 500 becomes a more viable option. What is the added value of interchangeable lenses? They are proprietary so in a few years they become worthless (watch the XL-H1... the follow up won't be 1/3" anymore). I know there is a 2/3" adapter but then you can better go for a 2/3" camera.

I think this camera is overpriced.

i was told £1500 more than EX1...

Did you get to try that Arsats or try any of the wider Hartblei's?

I think the true value of the EX3 will come into play when someone comes out with a 35mm adaptor that mounts directly to the body. With the stock lens out of the way I imagine the 35mm lens images would be even better wouldnt they?

You'd still need some lens at the back-end, but the whole thing can just natively attach or use the B4 mount, either of which will be much, much easier to set up. It may even become viable to switch between native glass and the adapter between shots!

George/

i was told £1500 more than EX1...
Why is it even one penny (or pence) more than the ex1?

It has a shoulder mount and now you can remove the fujinon lens that was once permanently affixed. Am I missing some other monumental changes to the EX3?

I do NOT think this camera will be embraced by indie filmmakers. To really do this Sony would have to launch a cam with a full sized CMOS chip (35mm) at a price point under 10k. (and this should be very doable considering the new 35mmCMOS chips being produced for DSLRs) Otherwise there are just too many other better options at the moment. The EX3 will NOT capture their attention any more than a slew of other cameras.

I think the true value of the EX3 will come into play when someone comes out with a 35mm adaptor that mounts directly to the body. With the stock lens out of the way I imagine the 35mm lens images would be even better wouldnt they?

This is the feature that could persuade. And there was a large number of people who bought the EX-1 that would have wanted this feature.

However NOW a large number of those people have instead invested in the EX-1 trying to get them to cough up a second time may be hard especially if the same picture quality is to be had from an adapter. As for pro use I cant see most pros would care that much for this feature especially when the new full size XDCAMS come online. Even if the EX-3 is more aestheticly pleasing. There is a limit to peoples finances. In fact many who waited or thinking of buying now and in this camp may still plump for the EX-1 Because of price weight size and popularity. I think there will be some who may see the marketing strategy as a little unfair in its tactics.

Thank you for your review Phil. Did you see any buffering of video in the camera? I use DR60 with buffer a lot. That unit have saved me a lot of tapes since it came on the marked. And I cant use it on EX3. Or perhaps it can be used on the EX3 in HDV mode? Have you heard if the new recorder have a buffer recording?

/Arnt

Thanks for the review Phil - it was good to see the offical one ;)

I am interested in buying one (and selling my EX1) solely for the viewfinder.

I travel alot in my work and I am interested in the weight of the cam and how big a bag it will need! I like to travel with my cams in backpack (helps on long walks) but they have to be allowed on a plane.

I am assuming it has the same bayonet mount at the frount so will take the upcoming 1.6x extender from Schiender. That is until I can afford and replacement long lens - any recommendations?

With the stock lens out of the way I imagine the 35mm lens images would be even better wouldnt they?

In as much as Philip Bloom thinks we are birds-of-a-feather look-a-likes (at Vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/879872#top), and heaven knows his vision is not too shabby, but he might be right, I seriously doubt it as from my perspective you are unique, like everyone around there, and here. In any event the question that niggles is if the 35mm lens delivers a better picture, so to speak, then why on earth didn’t Sony put one on the front of the EX1 in the first place, instead of this Fujinon piece of, seemingly, crap. This I don’t understand. I mean, why not build the (Letus Extreme for instance) 35 mm adapter into the camera with a 35 mm coupling device on the front…and Bob’s your Uncle…choose your weapons.

Why not!

Is it perhaps that the Fujinon delivers a ‘better picture’, for most people who buy this camera?

And you, dear gently-outrageous 35 mm adaptor unnatural art freaks, are in-organic invaders from another planet!

Keep up the good work while you’re at it.

Phill,

Maybe the US price is inflated by the weak dollar. But the US list price is $13,000 which is $5,000 more than the EX1. I see it listed in the UK for 5,900 pounds which a 2,000 pounds premium over the EX1.

I still think that is a lot of money for something made out of plastic.

I really like these cams but not when they start to fall in the pricerange of 2/3" professional cameras. But hey, let's wait for the RED announcement and see the whole industry being flabbergasted by some guys from Texas. Fun.

I think the EX3 is an improvement but the price is enormous.

The cost of the "film look" is now about the cost of an Arriflex - I'm about to break out my old Cannon Super 8 - now that's what I call organic!

I somehow feel peeved, or is it jelous, no, I know what it is, it's dull.

That's enough Sony hype for now, thanks.

Paul

Great review Phil very well done with the presenting! Perhaps your talents are in front of the camera too.

Even less keen on the viewfinder now I realize its fixed.

Phill,

Maybe the US price is inflated by the weak dollar. But the US list price is $13,000 which is $5,000 more than the EX1. I

Not sure if the actual price has been officially revealed yet!

Guys, Adam Wilt put up the first pictures of the Sony booth at NAB (http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/sony_snapshots_nab_2008_day_0/) on PVC with some EX3 configurations and general info.

Floris, it's not just 'plastic'. The sensor block and the encoder/recorder may be the same but the electronics should be quite different. There are other outs as well as other controls, so not just a cosmetic fixup. That is even ignoring the the lensmount and lens controls.

As for pricing; 'street' is about 20% below list for the EX1 in the US. That should hold true for the EX3 too. But whatever the price in the US, I hope we'll get a good deal in Europe ;)

George/

Thanks for the review Phil - it was good to see the offical one ;)

I am interested in buying one (and selling my EX1) solely for the viewfinder.

I travel alot in my work and I am interested in the weight of the cam and how big a bag it will need! I like to travel with my cams in backpack (helps on long walks) but they have to be allowed on a plane.

I am assuming it has the same bayonet mount at the frount so will take the upcoming 1.6x extender from Schiender. That is until I can afford and replacement long lens - any recommendations?

the weight is similar to the ex1...you asking recommendations for new lenses? i wouldn't get the exteneder, a lot of money. you can get some v nice 1/2" sd glass that looks pretty much the same as some of the hd stuff out there for about £2500...

Adam Wilts photos show the EX3 with a 2/3rds lens. It will be interesting to see what other adaptors appear. However because it's a prism block camera 35mm still lenses probably won't work directly, or at least not provide ideal results. DigiPrimes would work though, it would be great to see some stills from one of those on the EX3.

One thing no one else has mentioned is a remote control port. There's a photo of an external remote control unit as well on Adams blog. This is quite interesting. Does anyone have any other info about it? It seems to have a screen on it. I wonder what the remote output actually provides.

An EX3 with a portable HDSDI recorder and some decent fast lenses could be an interesting solution for some.

cheers
paul

the weight is similar to the ex1...you asking recommendations for new lenses? i wouldn't get the exteneder, a lot of money. you can get some v nice 1/2" sd glass that looks pretty much the same as some of the hd stuff out there for about £2500...

Phil do you think that if I use my Canon SD lens (18x with extender) that I currently use with my DVCAM DSR 300 (1/2 inch lens) would produce very good results even though this lens was made for SD and for 4:3 format? The lens alone costed me more that the price of the EX1. Or is it better to stick to the Fujinon stock HD lens? Who will produce the better result?

Paul, I've made several posts about the remote port as well. In Adam Wilt's photos he shows an RMB-750 and says it is "one of the remote panels that works with this camera". VERY exciting to me. An EX3 with an SRW-1, and I'll no longer have to fight with the iconix cameras...

Phil do you think that if I use my Canon SD lens (18x with extender) that I currently use with my DVCAM DSR 300 (1/2 inch lens) would produce very good results even though this lens was made for SD and for 4:3 format? The lens alone costed me more that the price of the EX1. Or is it better to stick to the Fujinon stock HD lens? Who will produce the better result?

the stock fujinon lens is superb, and it works with all the auto features...it is just not very long. That lens may well work very well to be honest. Let me check and get back to you...

Adam Wilts photos show the EX3 with a 2/3rds lens. It will be interesting to see what other adaptors appear. However because it's a prism block camera 35mm still lenses probably won't work directly, or at least not provide ideal results. DigiPrimes would work though, it would be great to see some stills from one of those on the EX3.

One thing no one else has mentioned is a remote control port. There's a photo of an external remote control unit as well on Adams blog. This is quite interesting. Does anyone have any other info about it? It seems to have a screen on it. I wonder what the remote output actually provides.

An EX3 with a portable HDSDI recorder and some decent fast lenses could be an interesting solution for some.

cheers
paul

Sony will also have an adpator to let you mount their 35mm digital SLR lenses onto the ex3, a bit pointless due to the large magnification factor that will happen with them. I did say to them why bother!!?

Sony will also have an adpator to let you mount their 35mm digital SLR lenses onto the ex3, a bit pointless due to the large magnification factor that will happen with them. I did say to them why bother!!?

Canon did that when they introduced the XL1. It ended up being mostly useless. But for those people wanting longer lenses, it will be a good low-priced option.

Sean, i didn't see that. But im with you on that one.

a cmount adaptor would be amusing too. afterall they're about the right image circle coverage and there are some nice lenses out there (might look a little odd sizewise on this camera though). Plus also same deal with the prism block. Would be interesting to experiment though.

cheers
paul

Phil, why are you awake and blogging at 5:30AM? I would expect you to still be cuddling up to some Vegas dancer, or coming off a 10 hour stint at the poker tables.

Sheesh!

I don't think it's worth every penny of 13k especially when you can get a HPX500 for $9500 at B+H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/489912-REG/Panasonic_AG_HPX500_AG_HPX500_2_3_Shoulder_Mounted.html

That shoulder mount must be really, really good.

Yes, but you are neglecting the fact that the HPX500 is body only - no lens.

A business partner of mine has the EX1 and I have used it fairly extensively so far, and it really is an amazing camera for the price. Now the EX3 has everything I pretty much wanted in a camera, but yes, if it is 13k, then it isn't so tempting to me now.

I love the Canon XL series, and may have to relook at the H1s or a used H1 if this is the case. Just wished they'd make the viewfinder as crisp as the Sony'
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