My Father passed away recently and he left behind a Sony EX1. I would only be using it to shoot my kids sports, kids at the park, etc.

Is this still a good camera or should I be looking for something else?

Also, it has a Tiffen 77MM clear UV filter on it that has a slight haze over the glass, what is the best way to clean it?

Do I even need a filter?

Thanks in advance,
Sam

heck yes its a good cam! GREAT even! until 4k becomes standard for acquisition that cam should serve you very well. fully featured pro level camera with a very sharp lens.

are there newer hd cams with TECHNICALLY better specs and features? sure, but when you get down to it the average person wouldnt notice an improvement in image quality compared to the EX. unless you had a client demanding footage with a higher bitrate/better codec/better color space, i would say stick with that cam. if i myself had one i'd see no reason to upgrade til 4k shooting becomes standard.

re: filter-- some folks leave one on all the time to protect the lens, i dont. plus the ex has the barn door style lens cap.

cleaning? microfiber cloth/lens tissue and lens cleaning fluid. maybe canned air though thats one of those controversial topics. yes really.

Thanks for the feedback!! I am excited to get it going and shoot some footage.

Sam, for shooting your kids and the like, you might want to get something less expensive. You should be sure you are aware of how much that camera is worth. Check recent ebay sales. It could be a good thing for you to sell it now, while it is still worth a lot, and use that money to find something more suitable to wandering around with your kids. It's really a pro camera and it still has a lot of value to a pro shooter. Just sayin'.

Hi Sam,

I've used the EX1 as a B-cam (wide shots) with my super-wonderful Sony PMW-300 (http://pro.sony.com.au/pro/product/broadcast-products-camcorders-xdcam/pmw-300k1/overview/) and it's been fantastic. (See sample video here where you will see a wide shot from the EX1 at the beginning.)

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Andrew

Hello there,

I have been offered a used EX1, I haven't seen her up close yet, but I am tempted.

Thinking about a camcorder that will complement my Canon dSLR in long form events.
Any caveats I should watch out for? Or should I look elsewhere?

N.F.

I don't know the camera super well, but the one that I have used for wide shots was the main camera that was used to film the Return of the Catalina documentary.

See here: https://youtu.be/zwLnP8nD_jo?t=68

(the seated interviews have been shot since the doco filming and with a different camera)

These days it is held together with gaff tape. Still works well as long as you don't mind using the slide out screen on the side.

The only thing that I can think of as being a limiting factor is that (to the best of my knowledge) its codec for HD video is limited to 35Mb/sec so it doesn't do the 50Mb/sec that my PMW-300 will. That said, to me it is still a solidly good camera. It will likely be just as good today as it was back then.

Andrew

the ex-1 has an excellent pictrue, unfortunately it is crippled with many problems that makes it an average camera.
The the proprietary media format (SxS cards) is obsolete (at least for fullHD).
The ergonomic of the camera is bad (unbalanced and too heavy)
Some bugs (like the white labels on the case that are fading, or the battery draw even when camera off).
The EX1-R was a lot better camera
All in one if you got it , it is a nice camera to use for picture quality, but the resale value is very low.
So keep it.

still a GREAT camera. am thinking about picking up a second as a back up!

Still very happy with mine. I don't shoot a whole lot these days though and really haven't kept up with newer models. The only think that sometimes bothers me is there can be a slight "jerk" if you try to ease into a slow zoom. Seems to me this was an issue we discussed here a number of years ago, and it may have only affected some cameras.

I still use mine! I bought three when they first came out (years ago). I kept one when I downsized my business. I have never had a single problem BUT it is getting old.

One of my friends borrowed mine but he used it with an external SDI recorder. The footage was cut with that from his current EXPENSIVE Sony camera. Hard to tell which camera was used on different scenes.

I have been looking at the current generation of fixed lens Sony cameras but the models I can afford seem to be plagued with lens problems.

The lens on the EX1 cameras seems to be it's strongest feature. I guess I will use it a few more years.

Sam: if the filter is hazy, just replace it. I'm a big fan of the B+W clear nano-coat filters, and they're cheap insurance against damaging the prime element of the lens. But yeah, if it's still fully functioning, it's a great little camera.

If anyone is thinking of getting one, go for the EX1R. It is a significant improvement over the original EX1.

Well, not that many EX1Rs circulate here in Greece... :-)

N.F.

Still a capable camera and worth considering if the price is right. Still using my EX3 (bigger sister, same tech) regularly.

Two things:

Make sure to upgrade firmware so it can use later generation SxS card. Older EX1 cannot use 32GB cards. Harder to find the smaller cards these days.

The other thing you will run into is low light / noise performance. While the camera is still the same, the client's perception what workable conditions are and what to expect from challenging conditions has changed due to current generation of cameras having a lot more latitude.

So if you use it in well lit interiors or for exterior shots, not a problem. If you use it a lot in dark interiors consider another camera. Realistically the EX series cannot be rated higher than ISO 200 without pushing image quality. Most current generation cameras are rated at ISO 800 or higher with the use of SLog. That's at least two stops of light you're losing.

An alternative to consider which is similar and also available second hand at good prices is the F3.

Yes, but... the ex1's lens is a constant f1/9, if comparing to a dslr's iso performance, remember that long and fast lenses are either non existent, or very expensive. it's a really really great lens range and speed, i wish i still had it for certain shoots...

If i recall my ex1 days, i was quite happy up to 9db.

Yep, up to 9db was acceptable. I had an EX1R and an EX3. Between the two, the EX1R had slightly better picture quality. The EX1 and EX3 both suffered from blacks that looked almost magenta in some lighting conditions. I believe that it was referred to as IR contamination. The EX1R was much better at producing "blacker" blacks.

I have been shooting with a Sony PMW-300 (EX3 replacement) for the past of couple of years and love it, the best camera that I have had in over 30 years of shooting. Just wish Sony would come up with a 4K replacement for it.

actually the ex1 only SAYS it's constant aperture...even though it says 1.9 through the range, it actually loses something like a stop as you zoom all the way in.

Older EX1 cannot use 32GB

with ver 3 firmware no problem. haven't tried 64gb, but 32 are working fine for me.

with ver 3 firmware no problem. haven't tried 64gb, but 32 are working fine for me.

Right. We had one the other day which was still on 1.03 and it wouldn't take any 32GB cards.

Hello there,

had the chance to look up close and personal the EX1 on offer.
Pretty beaten up, with lots of cosmetic wear and tear, and lots of hours. Didn't inspire much confidence to me, so I passed.
I noticed that the current owner uses an SD card to SxS adaptor, so that reduced a lot the operating costs, I suppose.

Now, I am looking toward an NX100 or similar. I know that's a different animal, but cameras in the EX1 category (or the Canon XF300) are out of my price range...

N.F.

I'm not sure how much to worry about hours except as an indicator of use for other mechanical parts.

I bought a used Ex1r about 5 years ago and it still is a great camera -- good enough that I'm going back to it for a current project because of the quality and professional flexibility it gives me. The only thing that has stopped working is the rear thumb wheel on the back that changes menu options. A HUGE plus for the camera is the redundancy of key functions including this which allows me to use the joystick on the top to perform the same function. It's not quite as convenient, but I adjusted to it almost immediately.

As long as it functions properly, I wouldn't worry too much about cosmetics unless it's really bad and might possibly be an indicator of misuse and poor care.

If it wasn't so darn big and heavy and perform relatively poorly in low light compared to newer cameras, I'd still use it all the time.

(NOTE: The extra weight is a plus during springtime in Texas when the wind blows steadily giving far less shake on zooms. It also makes jib moves smoother as long as it's well balanced.)

The viewfinder on the original EX1 is just about useless, it's about like the viewfinder on a VX-2000. I don't know why they even bothered to put that viewfinder on an HD camera. But the LCD screen is very nice, so I use a hood on the screen and it works well.

The EX1R had an upgraded viewfinder, but IIRC there were still some complaints about it.

@ phil - i'm the other way - i always use the joystick, hated the wheel at the back ;-) also like the fact you can so easily change parameters on the lcd screen with it - very neat indeed.

@ boyd - it's bad, but not THAT bad. i use a hoodman on the lcd when possible, but quite often use the viewfinder when outside in inclement weather. it works, and with peaking i haven't had any problems with focus.

I would really like to find a modern 4k replacement for the EX1 I bought in Jan 2009. The camera has been such a workhorse when I think about it, and it's still in great condition.

I just filmed some theatre shows with my EX1 (left), an EX1R (right) and my JVC LS300 (wide and in 4k so I could zoom in post). With a simple talkback system between me and the EX1R operator it worked out nicely:

https://youtu.be/g_YCOOu1Dww

I've just spent three days shooting my regular tool demo videos with the EX1 on my jib. It certainly is heavy, and while the lens does bump a little on low speed zoom-outs I can work around it. I shoot on 32GB SD cards with the latest firmware and have no problems. The main screen backlight is starting to fade a little it seems, perhaps I'm just used to better screen on other cameras. Of course I'll never sell the camera as it's worth so little, which is both a good and bad thing I suppose!

Probably the closest Sony 4K cameras are the Sony PXW-Z100 or the PXW-Z150.
They may not handle as well in low light as the EX1 which I owned from when it was introduced (early 2008 I believe) to when I sold it in 2015. I currently use a PXW-X70 because I need a small camera.

Sony moved to single chip cameras in this area. The codec is generally much better than the EX1 in that it's XAVC and may be 10 bit 4:2:2 Long GOP or Intra depending on the settings. On the Z150 the aperture does stop down a bit when zoomed. I can't recall if the Z100 does the same. I wouldn't be surprised if Sony replaces or updates the Z100 at NAB since I don't think they consider the Z150 (which is newer and less expensive) an actual replacement for the Z100. The Z100 is a 1/2.3" sensor and can shoot Intra in 4k. The Z150 is larger 1" sensor but only shots 8 bit 4:2:0 Long GOP in UHD. Z100 widest aperture is F1.6 whereas the Z150 ix F2.8.

The "real" last in the EX series is probably the Sony PXW-X200 which has 3 1/2" sensors like the EX1 but it doesn't shoot 4k/UHD. This is why I think we may see a model beyond the Z100 and Z150 (a Z200?) that might be a little more EX1 like.

Thanks Craig. Very useful information to continue my reading!

I have owned an EX1r for many years. It has been used to collect footage for all kinds of programs. The zoom reach is great for event shooting. Slap a wide angle adapter on it and you can run and gun with the best of them. The zoom is touchy when you try and creep zoom, a known issue. Yes, the lens ramps up an fstop when you zoom in, but the camera has served me well. I keep looking for a 4K version of this camera, but I have yet to find one. The closest I have come is the Sony FS5, but you have to add lenses to make it as versatile. The 18-110 zoom lens makes it come close, but then the price ramps up.

My Z150 feels a lot like a 4K version of my EX1 except with a better viewfinder that can actually be used for shooting.

My Z150 feels a lot like a 4K version of my EX1 except with a better viewfinder that can actually be used for shooting.

Hi Doug.
I'm so glad you said that. I was down at my local Videocraft store (Sony dealer) yesterday completing my "due diligence" on the Z150 and have decided to get it. I have an upcoming pet project that I was originally going to film with the EX1R, but feel it would be better served being shot in 4K. I was looking for the closest 4K camera to the EX1R and the Z150 ticks nearly all of the boxes for me (the lens isn't quite as good, but that won't be a problem for me). The Z150 is fantastic "bang for the buck" and the perfect camera for me to dip my toe into 4K shooting and post. The EX1R still gives great images after 7 years and I'll continue to use that for my regular corporate work.

But it was actually your Florida Wildlife footage that impressed me so much and opened my eyes to what this camera can do. So thanks! (And I'll get your tutorials once I pick up the camera.)

Hi David, thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you found my footage helpful and I hope you like the camera as much as I do.

Hi Doug,

Comparing the Z150 to the EX1 regarding shallow depth of field, Z150 1" sensor but aperture goes from f2.8 to f4 compared to f1.9 on the EX1 with 1/2" sensor. Have you done a comparison? I do understand why the lenses are different but wonder what the impact is.

Do you have any evaluation on the differences in dynamic range between the two? The 150 seems to have issues in wide dynamic ranges situations (mid day for example) compared to the EX1 but that's just speculation on my part.


Also I can't find anything specific to graphs on the default Picture Profiles for the Z150 whereas I find charts and explanations on the EX1.

Hi Craig,

No, I haven't had a chance to compare the EX1 and Z150 head to head. It'd be interesting to do, but I haven't had the time. I think your implication that the advantage of the bigger sensor size of the Z150 might be negated by the slower speed of lens is probably accurate.

The Z150 has a very narrow dynamic range and that is the weakest part of the camera. Is it worse than the EX1? I honestly can't say because I haven't even turned on my EX1 for at least three years. I've been so spoiled by shooting mostly S-LOG, RAW, and Hypergamma 8 for the last four years that ANY camera without those features is going to seem limited in comparison. The EX1 didn't have great dynamic range, but I wouldn't want to say if the Z150 is better or worse unless I set them up side by side to check. Both cameras are capable for producing nice images if you nail the exposure and work within their limitations but there isn't a lot of wiggle room. But all things considered, I'd much rather shoot with the Z150 than the EX1. The OLED viewfinder, 4K codec, 120 fps in HD, 4:2:2 10-bit in HD, SD card media, HDMI output, etc. are reasons enough to choose it over the EX1.

As for understanding the built-in profiles of the Z150? What difference does it make? None of them are very good and I've created my own that I much prefer.

Thanks Doug,

Nailing the exposure, that's the challenge of course, especially in run and gun. I wonder if you ever trust the auto settings?

Regarding the Picture Profiles, I'm trying to find concrete info on what the "names" technically represent without doing a lot of testing. For example what are the gamma curves of "Cinematone 1, 2, etc) are and what how do they impact the color science. Of course I can setup charts or find a "real world" target environment (makes more sense with model in outdoor scene with sky I'd think) but I'd think someone has already done that and looked at outputs on a scope. I've seen that info for the EX1 posted but the Z150 settings are entirely different and I've seen nothing like the EX1 examples for the Z150.

Craig,

Alister Chapman has some excellent technical info relating to some of what you are asking on his XDCAM User website and Blog - Sony nomenclature etc. Or maybe in one of his online video tutorials?

It's been a while since I read/saw it - but I'm pretty sure it's there...somewhere! Might be worthwhile digging around in that direction.

I remember seeing that on Chapman's site relative the EX1. He posted on his blog and did a video as well. Didn't see anything like that on the Z150 though. Perhaps I overlooked it.

I wonder if you ever trust the auto settings?

Never. It's not just that the camera will rarely choose the exposure I want, there is also the constant problem of exposure fluctuation while running on automatic that is an even bigger problem. Despite the narrow dynamic range it isn't that hard to get a good exposure quickly and accurately using nothing more than zebras. In fact, if someone isn't used to shooting to LOG 90% of the time, as I do, the limited dynamic range of the Z150 might almost seem normal. LOG spoils you.

Normally, with human dominant subjects, I set zebra to 70% for skin peaking and adjust exposure from there depending on context.

Recently I was in a situation where I was shooting in mid day soon during a protest with scores of white placards... like being surrounded by bounce cards reflecting the sun. The conditions across people's faces went from over exposure to deep shadow depending on where they were standing. And I had to keep changing subjects with virtually no time to adjust exposure. On top of that sometimes the signs themselves (images or text on white backgrounds) were the subject.

I was thinking maybe I should create a PP for those situations, lifting the blacks (level or gamma?) in PP and then bringing them down in post as needed.

This brought me to the point where I really think I need to understand (see) the gamma curves both general and black. Alas I could use a test chart (and that's no substitute for "real world") and then find some way to test with people in a non critical situation.

Having owned an EX1 and seeing the Z150 PPs are different, I having a tough time trying to understand the Z150 PP settings. I'm wondering if their origins are from the NX series and I should be hunting for that.