Sony stock photo
Make: Sony
Model: PMW-EX1R
My use: We got one of these packages, along with an extra battery, 64GB SxS card and SD SxS adapter at my current full-time gig. I use it for the various promotional purposes and in-house training videos.
Average Price: $6,299
My thoughts: I’ve enjoyed using this camera more than I thought I would. I’ve shot the EX line in the past, but never at any real length, and this camera is essentially the second generation of the popular EX1. The “R” denotation has taken into account several issues with the first version and provides such things as a DVCAM SD mode, an inversion tool for use with 35mm adapters (wouldn’t this have been nice 5 years ago?), XDCAM HD compatibility to work with the big boys and an HDMI output, among other little surprises. The EX1 already was a nice little prosumer camcorder, but Sony has definitely improved its appeal and even slightly boosted the sensitivity of the sensor on this model. I’ve heard a few variances in what different people are getting shooting 1080/24p, but with the scene file profile I’m using (which is a custom profile), my rating is 500 ISO, which is really nice after being used to the abysmal sensitivity of such models as the HVX200. Currently, if I was in the market, well let me rephrase, if I had the cash on hand for a new camcorder, then I would definitely put this camera near the top of the pack. Sure, the DSLR proponents of the world will state that the arena has largely moved past this time of camera, but let’s face it, most of the work I do is simpler and smoother with a field production camcorder. Furthermore, if I’m shooting narrative pieces, I’ll go with something better than a DSLR if I have the choice. My only big complaint with this camera is the electronic viewfinder and LCD monitor; they are pieces of crap. Then again, almost every Sony camera I’ve ever used has had a lackluster viewfinder and LCD monitor, so there’s no surprise there. Use your meter if you’re not already doing so, even on run and gun and docu-style shoots!
Technical Specs from the Manufacturer (for 35mm Prime as representational of other 6 prime lenses included):
| Signal System | XDCAM EX, NTSC/PALNTSC area: HD HQ mode: 1920 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p, 1440 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p, 1280 x 720/59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p (native) HD SP mode: 1440 x 1080/59.94i SD mode: 720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97p PAL area: |
| Image Device | 3-chip 1/2″-type Exmor CMOS |
| Lens | Fujinon 14x Optical Zoom with Image Stabilization 5.8-81.2mm, f/1.9 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 54dB |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1000 Lines or more |
| Sensitivity | 2000 lux, 89.9% Reflectance, f/10 (Typical, 1920 x 1080 59.94i) |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.14 lux (Typical) 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, f/1.9, +18 dB gain, with 64-Frame Accumulation |
| Vertical Smear | N/A |
| Built-in Filters | OFF: Clear, 1: 1/8 ND, 2: 1/64 ND |
| LCD Monitor | 3.5″, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 921,000 Effective Pixels |
| Viewfinder | 0.54″ Color/B&W, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1,226,000 Effective Pixels |
| Scan Matching | Yes |
| Memory Card Slot | ExpressCard/34 |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/60-1/2000 sec + ECS Slow Shutter (SLS): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32 and 64-frame accumulation |
| Gain Selection | -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18dB, AGC |
| Maximum Recording Time | 32GB HQ: 100 min SP/SD: 140 min 16GB HQ: 50 min SP/SD: 70 min8GB HQ: 25 min SP/SD: 35 min |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Audio Dynamic Range | 90dB |
| Audio Signal Format | Linear PCM (2ch, 16-bit, 48-kHz) |
| Audio Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +3dB/-3dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Bottom Line: Solid prosumer grade field production camcorder. From what I’ve used so far, best pick in its class and price range.
notesonafilm 
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