The multiple award-winning PMW-EX1 Camcorder is now even better thanks to new v1.11 firmware which is standard on all camcorders shipping from mid-August 2008 and is a free* upgrade for older models for a limited period only. (*Relevant to EU countries only)
Key features;
* Support for new 32GB SxS PRO Card
* Support for PHU-60K Hard Drive Unit
* 24PSf signal output in camera mode
* Shutter speed options increased
* Usability enhancements to menus
* Minor bug fixes
For upgrade contact your local supplier.
Source: Sonybiz EU
Some additional information from Sony Canada:
Note SxS card side panel on the EX1 has to stay open when the PHU-60K is attached to a PMW-EX1
Note this does NOT allow recorded 24P files to playback natively from the camera over HDSDI, just live camera output.
For 24P file playback via HDSDI please use the new PDW-EX30
deck from November 2008.
The firmware upgrade for the PMW-EX1 has to be performed in a Sony of Canada Ltd.
service depot, and a minimum shop charge (approximately $100) will apply. Installation of
the upgrade also includes a free multi point camera inspection and adjustment, if required.
New PMW-EX1 products purchased from that timing will have the new software installed at factory.
The easiest way to detect whether a camera has been upgraded is a slight change in the menu
structure in the old version the word “return” is at the top of each menu tree and in the new
version there is an arrow symbol for return at the top of each menu tree. Also the 32GB or PHU media will be recognized. Firmware upgrade for the PMW-EX30 expected November 2008
Expected to be available in November there will be a no charge firmware upgrade to finalize 2 standard features of the PMW-EX30
1) Output of DV via i.LINK (Firewire) from HQ 35Mbps files
2) Output of 24P recorded files via 24Psf over HDSDI
An unrehearsed presentation by Ned Soltz to Dallas Final Cut Pro User Group. Ned’s first attempt to remove the standard supplied Fujinon lens and dock camera to a Fujinon 18x 1/2″ lens.
Sony has announced a new CMOS sensor technology that claims to offer better image acquisition, lower noise, and nearly twofold light sensitivity in future camcorders.
The Assistant Editor is a workflow tool for long-form documentary editors or producers. The software processes your log notes from logged selects and builds a technically competent edited sequence that tells the story you choose to explore. It creates an edit that will have:
* an opener of your choice;
* a beginning, middle and end;
* no jump cuts;
* appropriate B-roll (with lowered audio volume and crossfades);
* lower thirds (using a Motion Template of your choice) exactly where you’d expect them to be.
A good, FAST First Cut! You can even choose to make an edited sequence that is trimmed down to a duration you want.
The Assistant Editor (Documentary version) will be available late August 2008 priced at $295. It will require Final Cut Studio 2 and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.
Source: The Assistant Editor
Responding to the needs of professional videographers for longer solid state recording media, Sony are launching a new 32GB SxS PRO memory card.
The new SBP-32 card doubles storage capacity from 16GB to 32GB and demonstrates the commitment of Sony to support its popular XDCAM EX series with an expanded range of media solutions. Super fast SxS PRO is the world’s first PCI Express solid state storage solution for professional videographers shooting and editing in high definition using the latest XDCAM EX camcorders.
Fully compliant with the ExpressCard™ industry standard, SBP-32 enhances workflow with higher recording flexibility and fast data transfer speeds. Record up to 100 minutes of full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 35 Mbps or up to 140 minutes of 1440 x 1080 video at 25 Mbps using the new memory card with the PMW-EX3 camcorder. Like all SxS PRO cards, SBP-32 can transfer large data files such as high definition video footage at industry-leading speeds of up to 800 Mbps* for efficient non-linear video editing. It also retains the compact size and reliability of other cards, ensuring high suitability for location filming in harsh environments.
With the launch of the new SxS PRO memory card across Europe, Sony expects increasing demand for its XDCAM EX range of professional camcorders.
The 32GB SBP-32 will be available from 11 August 2008.Broadcast Buyer
Award-winning videographer and prolific trainer Douglas Spotted Eagle journeys inside the Sony XDCam EX-1 Camcorder. Douglas’ straightforward training techniques and thorough knowledge will assist those wishing to find the finer points of the camera.
“Sony are on top of this integration technology and making it accessible to a wide range of broadcast and production companies.”
Designed for the latest XDCAM EX camcorder, SxS PRO media is set to change the way professional HD video is captured and edited. These solid state ExpressCards provide near instantaneous read and write performance with transfer speeds of up to 800Mb/s.
According to Sony’s SxS PRO European product manager, Nadege Poncet, “For professional videographers and broadcasters requiring faster turnaround times and more efficient high definition digital video workflows, SxS PRO is the ideal solution.”
Jamie Allan, broadcast consultant at Sony Specialist Dealer, Jigsaw Systems Ltd, adds, “The broadcast and IT industries have become more and more intertwined in the past five years. Now with the expanded XDCAM EX platform, Sony are on top of this integration technology and making it accessible to a wide range of broadcast and production companies.”
The SxS PRO memory cards, developed with SanDisk, comply with the ExpressCard industry standard adopted worldwide by PC manufacturers to replace the legacy PC Card format. All computer manufacturers are expected to adopt the ExpressCard technology in the near future. The cards are half the size and 40 per cent lighter than standard PC cards.
“Producers who have tried solid state like the fact that the methodology is akin to shooting film,” says Owen Tyler, operations director at Soho post house Evolutions. “It forces them to be more disciplined about what they are shooting. With DV, people bring in hundreds of hours of media — taking up costly and unnecessary amounts of time and storage. Solid state means being a bit more cerebral in terms of what you record.”
For example, after recording 50 minutes of 35Mb/s, users can review clips in the camcorder or when plugged into a laptop and either delete clips or select the best takes to transfer using the PMW-EX1’s clip browse software.
“It made sense on such a hi-tech, high octane production to try the EX1 out.”
Special Treats Productions are arguably the world’s leading producers of promotional and broadcast content for major entertainment, music and feature film events. One of their most recent assignments involved putting Sony’s PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Camcorder through its paces on action scenes for the latest James Bond film; Quantum of Solace.
Doug Jensen explores the new Sony PMW-EX3 EXCAM EX camcorder’s options and versatility.
Doug Jensen is a 25-year veteran of the television and video production industry, with experience in all phases of production. He has worked extensively as a free-lance network cameraman and owns a production company called Vortex Media.
