PMW-500 on IBC Amsterdam 2010

[Uli Mors]

Hi,

yesterday I had the first contact with Sony PMW500.

this model fills the gap between PMW320/350 and PDW700/800.
Since the PMW500 can record the same disk folders (including proxy files) in UDF mode onto SxS I placed this thread into XDCAM HD.

Here is my first contact.

YouTube - Uli Mors - erste Eindrücke der Sony PMW-500 auf der IBC2010
(german version)

ULi

[Stephan Hubenthal]

Thanks Uli,

interesting news indeed for anybody who couldn't make it to Amsterdam!

I guess pricewise the PMW-500 aims more towards the PDW-700/800 range than to the more affordable PMW-350 (plus a nanflash or another 4-2-2-recording device, if needed)

Therefore I think it does not make the PMW-350 obsolete, what are your thoughts?

Stephan

[Steve Phillipps]

Originally Posted by Uli Mors

this model fills the gap between PMW320/350 and PDW700/800

I disagree and I think it's a misconeption bought about by the name PMW500. I'd say it's not between the 350 an 800 it's right up there with the 800 - the only difference really being that it's solid state instead of disc, and solid state really is the medium of choice at the moment for a lot of users. If anything I'd say the 500 is more highly specced due to having the variable frame rates at 1080 and 720 - something no other CCD camera does AFAIK (maybe a few odd/pricey exceptions?)

Steve

[Doug Jensen]

Steve,

I agree with you 100% that the 500 is much closer in performance and features to the F800 than the 350, but it would be wrong to say that "the only difference really being that it's solid state instead of disc."

There are still dozens of differences between a 500 and F800 that go beyond just the recording medium. You give up a lot with the 500, and only gain a few things the F800 doesn't have. Some of those differences might be important to someone, and others not so important. If someone is weighing one camera against the other they really owe it to themselves to take a very close look at exactly what the differences are. I'd call the PMW-500 an "F800 Lite".

[Steve Phillipps]

Of course you're right that there are lots of little differences.
We may have to agree to disagree about it being an "F800 lite" though, they really do seem to be on a par to me - certainly in terms of presumed image quality and major features such as formats and frame rates. My idea of a "lite" would be one that has a handicap in at least one big area, like codec, chip size/resolution, lack of 24P or overcranking etc.
But as you say, everyone has their own requirements.
One thing's for sure, it's seriously tugging against my "I'm not going to buy another expensive camera" idea. Anyone know if the 0% finance deal will apply on the 500 for pre-orders?
Steve

[Doug Jensen]

Quote: "My idea of a "lite" would be one that has a handicap in at least one big area, like codec, chip size/resolution, lack of 24P or overcranking etc.".

Steve,
That camera is called the PDW-700. :-)

I think the PMW-500 better fits my deifnition of an F800 lite, but, what difference does it make? Both are pretty fine cameras. I had the chance to spend some more time today with the 500 and I still can't find too much not to like. If I didn't already have an F800, it woud be very very tough to decide which camera I wanted to purchase.