Now that Sony has finally decided to let us upgrade the firmware, perhaps it's not inappropriate to try and compile a feature wish list again?

Here is mine:

I'm using the nanoFlash with my EX1, and of course had to turn any overlay display OFF in the SDI-out port. Using the nano' s HDMI-out, I'm monitoring with the excellent Marshall 70XP. When I need to check some data, I need of course to peek into the VF/LCD which might be inconvenient. I've been thinking: is it really necessary that all settings are shared between the SDI and Component outs? Why not give us the possibility to turn menus off in SDI, but leave them ON in Component? We could then hook my monitor to the nano via HDMI, and directly to the camera via Component - and just toggling between those 2 monitor inputs, have live preview of both what the nanoFlash is actually recording, AND of the EX1's current settings (aperture, the need for ND, the active PP, etc.).

I think this wouldn't be very difficult for Sony to include in the future firmware releases - assuming they are listening to us, let us all ask for it...Thanks!

On top of my wishlist:
Combining cache recording with S&Q recording. (Not as a standard, but allowing to combine both options would make a great addition).

That's an excellent suggestion Piotr. It's easy to imagine a situation where you're operating a crane or jib with the monitor on the weighted end where looking at the LCD on the camera isn't practical. Hopefully that wouldn't be too difficult for Sony to implement.

Copy all.
Peaking whilst using expanded focus.

Paul.

Peaking whilst using expanded view.

While we are at it: peaking on external monitor!

My Marshall does have it's own peaking function, but it's just too sensitive and shows on all contrasty edges - not necessarily the sharp ones...

While we are at it: peaking on external monitor!



Yes that too.

Paul.

Repositioning expanded focus area using the little EX1 joystick.

Also, I'd like to see the Expanded focus marked in some way. Often enough, I forget I'm recording in Expanded mode. I like that Sony allows this view mode during recording, though.

Although probably out of the reach of a minor firmware upgrade, it would be great to see the whole view of the scene in say, the upper eight of the screen layed over a zoomed view that fills the entire screen ala Picture-in-Picture.

I'd like to see a Return choice at both the start and end of menu item lists to speed returning to the previous menu layer.

I'd like to see a Return choice at both the start and end of menu item lists to speed returning to the previous menu layer.

Or better still, be able to scroll down from the last position of a given menu branch straight to its first uppermost position (which indeed should be Return). This way, it'd be easy to either go up one level, or scroll the same level again.

Make it so Overcranking can be assigned to one of the assignable buttons. It would not have a dedicated dial but would be a simple menu selection and assigmnet option for whichever resolution and frame rate you decide to assign. Should be very easy to implement and would save a ton of time for those of us that switch back and forth often. It would be very nice to pwr up at 1080p then with the press of one button be shooting 720 30p overcranked to 60. Also I second the ability to cache record, although if I can get my Nanoflash I won't have to worry about that one.

I'd like to see a Return choice at both the start and end of menu item lists to speed returning to the previous menu layer.

Unless I am misunderstanding what you are asking for, the current firmware pretty much gives us that capability. By pushing the joystick to the left, you can jump backward at each menu layer.

Pete

I would prefer an NTFS (with its advantages) rather than a FAT 32 format for the memory, or at least have the option to choose.

I would prefer an NTFS (with its advantages) rather than a FAT 32 format for the memory, or at least have the option to choose.

That would make it incompatible with Macs, you could have permissions issues galore, extra overheads, extra cost for $ to MS. Fat is simple and sufficient.

All 3 white balances dialable to any selected temp

Unless I am misunderstanding what you are asking for, the current firmware pretty much gives us that capability. By pushing the joystick to the left, you can jump backward at each menu layer.
Pete

I have to adapt, then. I've been using that metal menu wheel the same way as on the Z1. Thanks for the tip.

All 3 white balances dialable to any selected temp

Name and store a bank of white balances rather than overwriting two presets A & B all of the time. I often switch between two or three when moving quickly between indoor fluorescent, daylight and shade in covering live events. The name would show up briefly on the LCD when the value is changed, and would help overwriting the presets persistently.

Otherwise, I wish WB info could be saved as a text file and dragged on/off the SDHC card.

4-5" Touch screen for input, particularly image display zoom for focusing and direct menu. Though, since many of use are using the LCD with a viewfinder magnifier attached, a second touch input surface on the opposite side of the foldout LCD housing would help.

Anyone try the new iPhone camera and video? You can select and define an area with touch input. The camera will adjust exposure and do contrast-based focus within that area.

I am still really missing the Z1 feature to '+' and '-' the Colour Temperature from the User Buttons. Not a shoot goes by without a bit of harrumphing about this.

I can use the PP White Set, but being able to dial in things on the fly was great for Run & Gun, or when stage lighting gets dimmed a tad more than you white set for.

I am still really missing the Z1 feature to '+' and '-' the Colour Temperature from the User Buttons.

Agree - perhaps not from user assigned buttons (too few of them available), but simply using the joystick and/or menu roller.

How about support for a Sony program to allow for LCD display calibration? The Z1 is blueish. My EX1 is a little more accurate, but it definitely does not look the same as the environment bathed in the same light when white-balanced from a WhiBal card.

This one is mainly for external recording devices' users (like the nanoFlash):

- in the SP (HDV) mode, the EX1 can be configured to record on SxS, a FireWire device, or both.

Why not enable similar possibilities for the HQ mode and SDI? Currently, you either need similar storage capacity on your EX and nanoFlash media when recording to both simultaneously, or use the latter's Record/Stop buttons when your EX media fill up.

I'd like to see overcranking in 1080 30p.

Is that strictly a limitation of the SxS transfer or can that be some sort of firmware improvement in the future?

I'd like for the slots to switch automatically on playback....

Often I'll dump rushes to a DVD for clients, and I do this by hooking up the EX1 straight to a consumer DVD recorder. Unfortunately it'll play back all the clips on one card and then stop. So I have to be alert with the DVD recorder's remote control! What I'd like it to do is play back all the clips on one card, then switch cards (seamlessly, just like when recording) and continue to play back until both cards have played all the way through.

Mark how does that footage look when played back from the dvd? is it still good quality?

I'd like to see DATE & TIME Stamp feature added.
With the Current Ex Line-up ( EX-1, EX-1R, EX-3, PMW350 ), there are NO options for
Superimposing a DATE & TIME image on video in Real Time.
I do understand that Metadata retains camera information.
However, I need the option to Burn-in Date & Time stamps during Legal Deposition recordings.
Sony, Please add this feature! Thanks in Advance.

lots of good ideas in this thread, and i hope sony take a few notes, this maybe a step to far but i have been hoping for something amazing like 422 to SxS.

now that cannon has a 422 50mbps codec maybe the EX1/3 could have similar via firmware improvements? that would keep a lot of users very happy, I also see the Arri Alexia can record 422 proress HQ to SxS cards so we know the cards can take more so maybe its possible.

I guess nano users might be upset, but it would be good for the format

Quicker / easier access to format function.
Face detection for auto focus so left hand can have a good break :-)

I second the higher bitrate recording, i.e. 50/100 etc.
I wonder if the compression in the camera is hardware or software based. I'm guessing that it's a dedicated chip and altering the compression levels/format won't be that easy...unless some forward thinking minds at Sony anticipated cheaper/faster memory and designed in a basis for lower compression levels.

Make more menu selectable items assignable to buttons.

Cache recording.

Quieter blacks.

I was very surprised that Sony made it easier for us to use 3rd party media with the last firmware update, usually Sony just abaondons a format and expects all the users the dump what they own and buy the latest. This gives me hope that Sony is finally attempting to support it's customers.

1. Up to 2.5 stops of Underexposure on the TLCS settings.
Long takes when the sun's in and out behind the clouds means Auto Iris is very useful but with my subjects, one stop is often not enough (I use the spotlight setting at the same time).

2. The ability to record Audio with no video.
Unwanted video takes up loads of space - on SxS and on your computer HD if you keep the BPAV files.

I guess the pros will say buy a dedicated audio recording device but many EX1 users are at the limit of their budget already.

As the OP in this thread, I'd like to thank you all for the input so far, and ask for more.

If Sony are listening (and I hope they do), I'd once again like to stress the need for turning the overlay display on/off independently for the two HD outputs (HD-SDI and Component).

And, the ability to record to SDI-out only (i.e. without internal media - just like with the Firewire in SP mode). This could be accomplished by incrementing TC on pressing the Record button - even when the camera's internal storage is full or absent; not a big deal!

Dear Sony - please :)

more picture profiles (why just 6?) and more functions to assign to buttons

6 is more than enough to confuse you, just give me a camera with a white balance switch, lol

I'd like to see an easy naming system for the white balance or possibly including any image to be associated with the WB. After the WB procedure, an option could be "Would you like to add a snapshot to identify the WB preset?"

I'd also like camcorders pick up some of the noise reduction options that are shipped in DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D90/D300s/D3s. Camcorders are seeing very small increases in image noise reduction at higher Gain values other than moving to larger sensors. DSLRs are delivering noise-free images up to ISO800 (gain = + 12 dB) on the D3. On the EX1, noise is pleasantly low but visible even on nearly middle-toned at + 6dB. The EX1 is by far an improvement over the Z1. I'd be willing to take a unit with double the battery weight if that is what is needed to do DLSR-class noise reduction at video frame rates.

Note. DSLRs present their recent gains in high-ISO performance as sensor improvements. An analysis of the Total SNR curves at DXO mark show a surprisingly small difference between a Nikon D3 and a D2X. DSLR manufacturers are making great improvements in their JPEG engines.

The noise is mostly blurred out on DSLRs. They resolve just over half the resolution of an EX. If you filtered an EX that much in post it would look noise free too. Also, +6DB is @ 800ISO on an EX. +12 would be 1600ISO.

Thanks, Dave. I didn't realize the base sensitivity of the EX1 was ISO800. Still, I'd like more and would prefer in-camera noise reduction that would lower the interframe compression load added by the noise at gains of +6 dB and more.

No mate, I meant the EX is 400. +6DB is one stop, for 800, +12 is 1600.

I'd like:
-the possibility to record on two cards simultaneously (like one SXS and one sd, perfect backup if anything goes wrong with the second)
-the possibility to lock in the menu the audio levels (perfect for recording with external mixer: set the levels once, tone at -20 or whatever, and forget about checking every other minute that the control knobs didn't move during the shooting)