Sony XDCAM EX Series User Manual

1
The Lens
The Sony XDCAM EX
series offers attrac-
tive features for
focus and lens
options. While the
PMW-EX1R uses a
fixed Fujinon
®
14x HD
lens, the PMW-EX3 allows for interchangeable lenses.
Students will notice the novel focus ring. Most cameras in
this price range have a servo lens, which is adequate for
most work as it supports autofocus; but students may find
it difficult to manually change focus on the fly, should the
need arise. Professional camcorders typically have a
focus ring with distance readouts, but lack autofocus
capability. The XDCAM EX series splits the difference; in
the forward position the focus ring becomes a normal
autofocus lens, while sliding the ring backwards snaps
it back into full manual mode, allowing the user the best
of both worlds. “The focus ring closes the biggest gap
between consumer and high end production cameras.
It measures distance accurately,” says Professor
Anthony Artis, the Production Center Manager of NYU’s
Department of Film and Television Program.
Sony’s XDCAM EX line of handheld, file-based camcorders
have become an essential video production tool in educational
institutions. The most popular models, the PMW-EX1R and PMW-EX3
camcorders, are available at an attractive price point and offer
superb image quality in a handheld, lightweight body in
addition to high speed workflow.
The XDCAM EX series features both ½-inch (EX1R, EX3, PMW320) and 2/3-inch (PMW350) 3CMOS
sensors, amazing 1920x1080 and 1280x720 HD recording capability plus flash memory recording.
Combining the moderate bit rate of MPEG-2 Long GOP compression to the SxS PRO
™
memory
card, the XDCAM EX series offers cost effective long form recording coupled with nonlinear
capabilities such as instantaneous random access and high speed file-based operation.
The Sony XDCAM EX
™
Series

Sony XDCAM EX Series Specifications

General

Brand	Sony
Model	XDCAM EX Series
Category	Camcorder
Language	English

Summary

The Sony XDCAM EX Series

The Lens

Features a novel focus ring offering both autofocus and manual control, bridging consumer and professional camera types.

Image Quality

Details the 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensors, enhancing resolution, depth of field, and overall image appearance.

Shooting Features

Highlights 1080/24p for film look, focus ring, slow/quick motion, and gamma curves for creative control and unique effects.

Durability

Emphasizes the camera's robustness for use in challenging environments and remote locations, praised by users for reliability.

Workflow and Storage

Details file-based workflow with SxS cards, focusing on time savings, ease of use, and reduced tape footprint for efficient media management.

The Perfect Teaching Tool

Positions the XDCAM EX series as a powerful, affordable HD teaching tool for educational institutions, bridging beginner and pro levels.

Sony Extra Credit Program

An incentive program for colleges purchasing Sony professional video products, offering rewards to help acquire technology.