Ned,

When I was at the release of the 500 Sony said that you can only format UDF on the new SxS 1GA or the SxS Pro cards. SD cards will work at 35Mb/s 4:2:0.

Then you'll be surprised to find that the SxS-1 cards have data rates of 1.2 Gb/s and the original cards were only 800 Mb/s. That's 50% speed increase for ingest, playback, and browsing.

The original SXS-1 cards have the same specs as SXS Pro but the new SXS-1A are oddly faster and cheaper than the SXS Pro cards.

I'd say that makes it even more likely that the original SXS-1 line was "invented" to rival Panasonic's cheaper P2 line whilst trying not to annoy people who had just invested in SXS Pro media. I'm only guessing but just maybe that invention involved changing the colour of the cards and claiming the life expectancy was lower. Obviously the newer SXS-1A cards use a different design.

Mike,
Yes you are correct. I meant to say "SxS-1A" cards. Thanks for making that clear.

Not very nice that I spent more on my SxS Pro cards per GB, and now am buying the faster SxS-1GA 64GB for less.

But that is the way it goes buying memory.

Yes. I honestly wasn't even thinking in terms of 35Mbps 4:2:0 because I only really shot in HD 4:2:2.

Sorry Ned I should have figured you knew that.

My PMW-500 is on the way. I will do a detailed review in about a week to 10 days after receiving the camera on Friday. This will be on my blog. Then it gets put to work hard in the coming year.

HDVF35W view finder since I found a used one.
2 - SxS-G1A 64GB cards
Lens is Fujinon ZA17x7.6BERM-M58B
Batteries are Switronix 3 - 130 wh with dual charger
Protabrace carry on bag

I will use my NTG-3 Shotgun and Sennheiser G3 wireless set with two lav's and one handheld.

More soon.

Thanks to everyone for your input which help me decide on the purchase.

Good stuff Paul, think you made a good choice. It could well be that the 500 will be all the camera you need for the next quite a few years to come - hope so.
Steve

Thanks Steve,

That is what I am hoping. This could be the last 2/3" camera I have to purchase. Who knows what is next but this fills a huge void for me.

Thanks for your help on and off the forum.

Congratulations Paul

I have placed an order for the PMW 500, HDV20A view finder, and the HA 16X6.3BERM-M48 lens along with some media.

Hope to have this in my possion within a few weeks.

When I get this I will also do a review.

Cheers

Hey Paul,

In case my email doesn't go through to you, can you provide your thoughts in my thread about the Zacuto rig you used? http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...-new-post.html

Thanks

Again, congrats to Paul and the great kit.

I think you should be pleased with both camera and the Fujinon lens

Ned

Simon nice to know you have placed the order. Nice choice on lens, the 6.3 end should be helpful. Hope you solve the PDW350 lens issue quickly.

Steve I responded.

Thank Ned it feels right, and finding a used C35W was very nice.

Thanks paul,

Looking forward to getting the 500 into everyday use. The 350 lens is dead, so I'll use my EX1 for the time being. If I find a good used cheap 1/2'' lens I may throw that on or I'll get a 1/2'' to 2/3'' lens adaptor and use the new one.

Chgeers