I unboxed the new EX1Rs at work and within a few minutes I found a few things that from operator stand-point are a step backward from our HVR-Z5P HDV cams.

1 - Is there a way to manually tweak the WB preset? I.e. can I manually set 5600k and then invoke an adjustment to dial in some adjustment in kelvins? Maybe I'm missing something but the WB operation seems less intuitive and flexible than the Z5P preset mode, where a push on WB, then the scroll wheel and easy full manual adjustment tweaks without delving into PP.

2 - sliding switch for manual zoom ring operating - being able to make fine adjustments on the Z5 without chance of introducing cam shake flicking these switches now sees a luxury, price to pay for the crash zooms I guess as the EX1 is not servo driven in manual mode?

Hi Mark,

1. There isn't a way to directly enter a WB value like on your other cams. The way you to get some custom WB presets is to make a series of picture profiles. In each PP you can set the preset WB. I wish there was a direct entry way myself but there isn't. I had hoped Sony would address this in previous firmware revisions but after a couple of years and no fix I'm not holding my breath anymore on this one.

2. When you move the ring to the "manual" setting for focus you change the physical connection to the focus ring. There is no servo control when you are in manual focus mode. The alternative is to leave it in "auto" and turn the focus wheel to "help" the camera focus on what you want. I have found this unusable in the field since if the subject of interest isn't in the center of the frame it won't track focus correctly.

Even with these aggravations I still enjoy using the camera. Hopefully you will too.