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 (http://philipbloom.co.uk/2008/08/30/production-ex3-review-windsor-waltz/)

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?

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!

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

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

another good reason to go Nanno!

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

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

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 (http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/letus-elite-upgrade.html)

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?

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 (http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/letus-elite-upgrade.html)

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

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.

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?

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

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?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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 (http://www.convergent-design.com/) 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

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