Sony PMW-EX1: A Game Changer

Review: Sony PMW-EX1 1/2” 3-CMOS HD Camcorder" by Adam Wilt

Camera guru Adam Wilt compares the Sony EX1 (approx. $6500) to changing the playing field like Sony's DV VX-1000 did in 1995. Wilt did a first look review last year, but this is a very in-depth review of the camera, its features, and performances based on a production unit.

Interestingly, the review is on a brand-new site called Pro Video Coalition. Mike Curtis of HD for Indies seems like he will be doing his serious work there too--keep your eyes on this site.

Don't want to spend this much on a camera or you still want to record on tape? Well, Sony will still be selling their V1 and Z1. Check Wilt's thoughts on those cameras, as well as the competition from Panasonic and Canon here.

Here are Wilt's Pros and Cons for the EX-1:
Pros
• Highest resolution and detail in its class, with minimal aliasing.
• 1-30fps 1080p, 1-60fps 720p, plus 1080i; 50Hz and 60Hz operation.
• Excellent tonal scale control with wide latitude.
• Cine gammas have superb highlight handling.
• True 1920x1080 sensors, true 1920x1080 and 1280x720 recording.
• 1440x1080 HDV-compatible mode with i.Link I/O.
• Linear Matrix for fine color control.
• Robust SxS solid-state recording; lightning-fast offloading.
• True manual iris and zoom; indexed manual focus with lens scale.
• Best LCD resolution in a Handycam; great status displays.
• SDI with embedded timecode and audio.
• Surprisingly artifact-free XDCAM EX HQ codec.

Cons
• Awkward to handhold.
• “Clock radio” power switch makes it easy to switch camera on by mistake.
• Many buttons and switches hard to operate by feel.
• Knee circuit in standard gammas doesn’t handle colored highlights well.
• “Mustache” distortion at wide angles.
• Steady Shot can cause slight corner vignetting during wiggly shots.
• No SD (480- or 576-line) recording. Poor-quality SD outputs; no Y/C.
• Not all output connectors active simultaneously.
• No single-frame or slo-mo playback.