Sony PMW-EX1 Features
Recording Formats: XDCAM 30 / 40 / 50 / DV
1/2-inch type Three “Exmor” CMOS Sensors
The PMW-EX1 camcorder is equipped with three newly developed 1/2-inch type “Exmor” CMOS Sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920 (H) x 1080 (V),which delivers excellent picture performance with full HD resolution. This 1/2-inch type image sensor, with Sony's accumulated sensor technologies, allows the camcorder to provide an excellent sensitivity of F10, a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB, and high horizontal resolution of 1000 TV lines [In 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode] *. It also greatly reduced power consumption and associated heat dissipation of the PMW-EX1 camcorder, which made possible the unique use of 1/2-inch type sensors on the handheld camcorder. In addition, this large 1/2-inch type image sensor can capture images with a shallower depth of field than all other handheld camcorder's smaller-size image sensors, giving users more creative freedom of expression.
1920 x 1080 HD Recording Using the “MPEG-2 Long GOP” Codec
The PMW-EX1 camcorder records 1920 x 1080 HD images using the “MPEG-2 Long GOP” codec, which conforms to the MPEG-2 MP@HL compression. This highly efficient “MPEG-2 Long GOP” codec – that is also adopted in the XDCAM HD and HDV 1080i series of products – enables users to record stunning-quality HD video and audio over a long period of time by efficiently compressing the data.
Selectable Bit Rates
The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a choice of bit rates – either 35 Mb/s [High Quality mode] or 25 Mb/s [SP mode] – depending on the desired picture quality and recording time. The HQ mode supports both 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 resolutions. The SP mode supports 1440 x 1080 resolution at 25 Mb/s, which provides compatibility with HDV 1080i products. Footage recorded in the SP mode can be seamlessly integrated into HDV-compatible editing systems by connecting the camcorder via the i.LINK™* [HDV] interface. It can also be recorded on XDCAM HD's optical disc through the use of the supplied Clip Browser software. [Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other].
Long Recording Time
Combining the moderate bit rates produced by the efficient MPEG-2 Long GOP compression to large-capacity SxS PRO memory card, the PMW-EX1 records high-quality HD images for a long recording time of 70 minutes on a single 16-GB SxS PRO memory card. Equipped with two SxS PRO memory card slots, the PMW-EX1 achieves up to 140 minutes of recording using two 16-GB memory cards in the SP mode and a minimum of up to 100 minutes in the HQ mode.
Multiple-format Recording - 1080/720 and Interlace/Progressive Switchable Operation
The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a wide array of recording formats for multiple content creation applications. Scanning mode is switchable between 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 1440 x 1080 resolutions. Frame rate is also selectable from interlace and progressive – 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, and native 23.98P*. In addition, 59.94P, 50P, 25P, and native 23.98P progressive recording is available in 1280 x 720 mode.
The SxS PRO memory card can simultaneously hold a mix of multiple files of any of these recording formats, allowing for flexible use of the memory card. The PMW-EX1 camcorder records and plays back high-quality, two-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed audio.
IT Friendly
With the PMW-EX1 camcorder, recordings are made as data files in the “MP4” format, which is widely used in a number of electronic portable devices. The file-based recording allows material to be handled with great flexibility in a commonly available IT-based environment for copying, transferring, sharing, and archiving.
All these operations are accomplished lossless without any “re-digitizing” process required.
File-based data copying allows lossless dubbing of AV content, which can be performed easily on a PC. The file-based recording system also allows for material to be viewed directly on a PC – simply by inserting the SxS PRO memory card into the ExpressCard slot on a PC, or by linking a PC to the XDCAM EX unit via a USB connection. This works in just the same way as a PC reads files on an internal or external drives. The high speed file-based operation and SxS PRO memory card can dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of professional video applications.
No Accidental Overwriting of Footage
Immediate Recording Start By virtue of recording on flash memory card, the PMW-EX1 camcorder makes each new recording on an empty area of the card. This is extremely convenient, as camera operators do not have to worry about accidentally recording over good takes, and they don't have to search through footage for the correct position to start the next recording. In short, it means the camera is always ready for the next shot!
Wide-angle Fujinon 14x Zoom Lens
The PMW-EX1 camcorder is equipped with a high-quality, high-definition Fujinon 14x zoom lens specifically designed for the PMW-EX1 to offer optimum picture performance and unprecedented functionality. It offers a wide angle of view of 5.8 mm [equivalent to 31.4 mm on a 35 mm lens], and many convenient features for diverse shooting situations. The lens adopts a newly developed and unique focus ring mechanism, which offers two types of manual focus, plus an auto focus operation. The PMW-EX1 camcorder is equipped with two independent focus wheel mechanisms, which can be switched by sliding the focus ring itself back and forth. When the focus ring is in the front position, the lens works in the same way as a typical auto focus lens on a handheld camcorder. In this case, either manual or auto focus mode can be selected by the AF/MF switch on the lens. On the other hand, when the focus ring is set to the back position, the lens has an absolute focus position, and works in the same way as interchangeable-lens [which professional users are familiar with].
Three Independent Rings
In addition to the unique focus ring, the PMW-EX1 camcorder is equipped with independent rings for zoom and iris adjustment; all have physical stops and absolute markings permitting precise adjustments. The location, rotational range and feel are identical to other manual high-end HD lenses. This gives users a high level of familiarity and operational comfort.
Optical Image Stabilizer
To minimize the blurring effect caused by hand-shake, the new lens of the PMW-EX1 camcorder incorporates an optical image stabilizer function that provides highly stable images.
Slow & Quick Motion Function
The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a powerful Slow & Quick Motion function – commonly known as over-cranking and under-cranking by filmmakers – that enables users to create unique 'looks' or slow and fast-motion special effects.
Slow Shutter Function
The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a Slow Shutter function for capturing clear images in low-light environments. The Slow Shutter function not only increases camera sensitivity but also produces a special blurring effect when shooting a moving object, for enhanced shooting creativity
Picture Profile™ Feature
The Picture Profile feature of the PMW-EX1 camcorder allows camera operators to easily call up customized picture-tonal settings to suit particular shooting conditions, rather than having to readjust the camera each time – giving users greater operational efficiency.
Shot Transition™ function
The Shot Transition function of the PMW-EX1 camcorder, with a simple push of a button, allows for smooth, precise and repeatable automatic scene transitions to occur.
Built-in Stereo Microphone and Two-channel Audio Input
The PMW-EX1 camcorder comes equipped with a built-in stereo microphone and two XLR audio input connectors for connecting professional microphones or feeding an external-line audio source. These allow high-quality, two-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed audio to be recorded on the PMW-EX1 camcorder.
The PMW-EX1 camcorder comes with three application software packages that provide powerful and intuitive management of recorded contents in an easy way. Included are two versions of Clip Browser, one for Macintosh and PC respectively as well as the XDCAM Transfer application software for Apple Final Cut Pro nonlinear editing systems.
Clip Browser
The Clip Browser software for the PMW-EX1 camcorder is a simple-to-use PC application software that allows users to easily browse and copy video clips recorded by the PMW-EX1 camcorder to other devices such as hard disk drives. The Clip Browser software is compatible with both Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers.
Browse video clips recorded by the PMW-EX1 camcorder
Copy clip files from the SxS PRO memory card
Play back video clips on a PC
Combine segmented clips recorded across two SxS PRO memory cards
Convert MP4 files to the MXF format for export to nonlinear editing systems.