Adam Wilt reviews the Sony EX-1
By MicroCinema Scene • Feb 4th, 2008 • Category: News, Tech
DV guru Adam Wilt has written a lengthy and very in-depth review of Sony’s new EX-1 Camcorder. The EX-1 is seen by many as Sony’s response to the Panasonic HVX200 which has quickly become a favorite camcorder among indie filmmakers. The fact that this camera is the first camcorder from Sony’s Cine Alta group only adds to the lust factor.
Wilt has written the definitive review of this camera to date and while he seems blown away by the image quality, he points out some interesting “quirks” - mainly having to do with interface design.
The US$6500 (street price) Sony PMW-EX1 is a six-pound, high definition Handycam with three 1/2” CMOS chips. It resolves a true 1920×1080 image; shoots both interlaced and progressive; records 1920×1080, 1440×1080 (HDV-compatible), and 1280×720 formats; and offers variable frame rates from 1 fps to 30 fps (1080p) or 60fps (720p). The camera records using long-GOP MPEG-2 on dual SxS solid-state memory cards, and provides an SDI output with embedded audio and timecode. It is awkward to handhold, some controls are hard to use, and it lacks SD recording, but its excellent pictures, comprehensive image tweaks, and pin-sharp LCD make it a compelling HD camcorder.
If this camera is on your radar, this is a must-read article - followed up by the excellent series of posts over at FreshDV.
Related Articles:
MicroCinema Scene is your guide to the world of low-budget filmmaking. Our mission is to empower filmmakers by providing practical how-to filmmaking information, a system for networking with other filmmakers and a promotional outlet for truly independent movies.
Email this author | All posts by MicroCinema Scene
Adams review of the Ex1 is right on. My comments on the Ex1 is that is can be a pain to handhold. Solution: look at the VSB1 made by Studio 1. http://www.studio1productions.com/vsb1.htm
While you still need your left hand to help suppor the camera, the brace makes it much easier to keep it steady when handholdling
Danny