Hi, I have a number of random EX1 questions. Any input is appreciated.

Quick overview. I bought my EX1 in late June. I've only shot one project, and did so before learning all the features
of the camera and before watching the Vortex video, so I shot in Full Auto mode at the time. On my next shoot I'd like to take more control
of the camera and just had some questions;

1) What is the tall, deep body gap that sits in front of the SxS slots? (see attached photo) Does this serve a purpose other than being a hide-out for dust? Will dust in there become a problem for any camera function? Is using compressed air cans to blow this area out a bad idea?

2) The shotgun mic holder seems very loose and doesn't hold the Sennheiser I have very well. Even with the holder screwed
down tightly, the mic is floppy and can easily bang against the hard plastic of the holder. Does anyone else find this? Are there any
particular fixes to this, like adding some padding?

3) I bought a mini wind jammer made for the EX1 mic from B&H. (see attached photo) Anyone else tried this or something similar? I also noticed in the audio menu of the EX1 that there is a "wind filter" option to turn on and off. How does this affect the audio, does it work, or is it a gimmick feature and best left turned off?

4) Watching the Vortex DVD there was something shown for setting up a timecode preference. For the life of me I can't figure out how to switch to the setting shown. It's the setting "DUR" which is duration and displays the length of each clip being recorded as opposed to a standard running timecode counter or a clock view. I know the setting is under "timecode" in the TC/UB SET menu, but I never get the camera to display the "DUR" marker. What am I missing?

5) My last question involves setting up Picture Profiles. I would like to set up several for different shooting conditions, ie; bright outdoors, dark outdoors, interior shootings, etc. Going through the PP menu settings there is a tech heavy amount of specs to choose from. Are there any online resources that break down each setting and explain them in basics ways as to how they will affect your image?


Thanks in advance for ANY input,
Chad

The "bumps" in the rubber mic holder are actually hollow and very soft. On my own camera a Lightwave mic mount sits in there, and the Lightwave mic mount holds onto the mic.

The mic mount is very fragile. It could be the thin strips of plastic connecting the screws to the mount itself have already fractured, thus the flexibility of the mount.

I beefed mine up with fiber-reinforced epoxy. The spaces between the strips and other voids were carefully filled in after the interior surfaces were roughened with a tiny Dremel bit.

Here's a shot of the Lightwave mic mount. It's actually the one for the Canon XL1 but the cylindrical base of the mount just happens to fit the mic clamp of the EX1.

I honestly don't know what they expect you to use the built in mic mount for. I could probably fit two of my Azdens in there at once.

I used the built in wind filter and have to say it was pretty amazing on how well it actually works... I leave it on at all times... It is just a filter not an eliminator just to be clear but you will notice a huge difference between off and on. I have used some compressed air to blow some dust out of that area several times with no drawbacks that I can see... It's purpose is to allow heat to leave the camera...as far as I know.

This mount I made up works for me.

1) What is the tall, deep body gap that sits in front of the SxS slots? (see attached photo) Does this serve a purpose other than being a hide-out for dust? Will dust in there become a problem for any camera function? Is using compressed air cans to blow this area out a bad idea?

Unless I'm mistaken, it's for cooling purposes. It runs through to the other side of the body. I have no idea about compressed air, but since its purpose is to dissipate heat through air circulation, I'd venture saying a puff or two will do it no harm. Just make sure the air can is upright when blowing otherwise very cold liquid air will come out instead and THAT can't be good for the camera.

Unless I'm mistaken, it's for cooling purposes. It runs through to the other side of the body. I have no idea about compressed air, but since its purpose is to dissipate heat through air circulation, I'd venture saying a puff or two will do it no harm. Just make sure the air can is upright when blowing otherwise very cold liquid air will come out instead and THAT can't be good for the camera.
Yes and it doubles as a speaker too i believe.

Yes and it doubles as a speaker too i believe.

No, the speaker is on the front side of the rear handle post. Although I've seen similar-looking bass-reflex speaker ports.

That slot is for upgrades and accessories -- you slide your credit card through it and the payment goes directly to Sony's bank account in Switzerland.

Ray and Dean,

I have a good shock mount myself so I'll try to rig something up along the lines of your custom set ups. Thanks.