Sony XDCAM EX Series: A Compact Full-HD Production System With Flash Memory Recording

Introduction

In 2007, Sony introduced the revolutionary XDCAM EX™ handheld camcorder, the PMW-EX1, the newest member of the Sony XDCAM™ family of tapeless production systems. This response to growing demand for an affordable high definition (HD) production solution was driven by technological breakthroughs, including three 1/2-inch type Full HD CMOS sensors, 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 HD recording capabilities, and flash memory recording in an extremely compact body. These advancements were built upon Sony's extensive expertise from its CineAlta™ family of products.

The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers striking HD picture quality, enhanced mobility, and great operational efficiency, leading to its rapid adoption worldwide across a broad range of HD production applications and electronic cinematography. Sony further evolved the XDCAM EX lineup with the introduction of the PMW-EX3 camcorder and the PMW-EX30 deck. The PMW-EX3 features an interchangeable lens system for greater creativity and flexibility, while the PMW-EX30 serves as a compact recording deck for various uses including recording, viewing, dubbing, and feeding nonlinear editing systems.

The XDCAM EX products utilize the "SxS PRO"™™ memory card, based on the ExpressCard industry standard. Combining this with MPEG-2 Long GOP compression, the XDCAM EX series provides cost-effective long-form recording with nonlinear capabilities like instantaneous random access and high-speed file-based operation, delivering stunning HD pictures and efficient nonlinear operation for all types of HD video production at an affordable price.

XDCAM EX Camcorders: PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3

The XDCAM EX series offers two HD camcorders: the PMW-EX1, a handheld camcorder with a fixed-type zoom lens, and the PMW-EX3, a compact camcorder with an interchangeable lens system. Both models feature three 1/2-inch type "Exmor"™™ Full HD CMOS Sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920 x 1080, delivering high-quality HD images in 1080P, 720P, and 1080i resolutions. Frame rates are selectable from interlace and progressive modes (59.94i, 50i, 59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 25P, and native 23.98P recording).*

Creative shooting features include "Slow & Quick Motion" (over-cranking and under-cranking), selectable gamma curves, slow-shutter, interval recording, and the Picture Profile™™ feature. The PMW-EX3 additionally offers remote-control and multi-camera operation capabilities suitable for high-end camera systems.

*59.94P and 50P recording are available in 1280 x 720 mode. In 1440 x 1080/23.98P mode, images are handled as 23.98P and recorded as 59.94i signals via 2-3 pull-down.

Cutting-edge Camera Technology

1/2-inch type Three "Exmor" Full HD CMOS Sensors

The "Exmor" CMOS Sensors provide excellent picture performance with full HD resolution, sensitivity of F10, a signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB, and high horizontal resolution of 1000 TV lines*. This technology reduces power consumption and heat, enabling the use of 1/2-inch type sensors on compact camcorders. The larger sensor size allows for a shallower depth of field, offering greater creative freedom.

*In HD-SDI, HQ 1080 mode.

Lens Choices

Interchangeable Lens System (PMW-EX3 Only): The PMW-EX3 features a 1/2-inch type "EX mount" system for compact and lightweight lenses. The Fujinon 1/2-inch type XS8X4AS-XB8 is available for wide-angle needs. This system supports various 1/2-inch type HD lenses from major manufacturers via a supplied lens adaptor. A 2/3-inch type lens can also be used with a 2/3-inch type lens adaptor (e.g., Fujinon ACM-21) for cinema-style lenses.

Supplied Wide-angle Fujinon 14x Zoom Lens: This high-quality lens is designed for the XDCAM EX camcorders, offering optimum picture performance with a wide angle of view of 5.8 mm (equivalent to 31.4 mm on a 35 mm lens).

Unique Focus Operation

The lens features a unique focus ring mechanism offering two types of manual focus and auto focus. The focus ring can be switched between a front position (typical auto focus operation) and a back position (absolute focus position, similar to interchangeable-lens systems).

Focus Ring Positions:

• Front: AF/MF (Full AF, One-push AF, MF, AF/MF Assist)
• Back: Full MF (absolute focus position)

The lens also includes independent rings for zoom and iris adjustment, providing familiar feel and precise control for professional users.

Additional Focus Features:

• Optical Image Stabilizer: Minimizes handshake blur for stable images.
• AF Assist: Allows manual adjustment of focus positions during AF mode.
• MF Assist: Temporarily activates AF when the user stops adjusting the focus ring for precise manual focusing.
• Expanded Focus: Magnifies the center of the LCD monitor/viewfinder for easier focus confirmation.
• Selectable Peaking: Enhances image outlines to aid focus adjustment, with adjustable levels and colors.

Creative Recording Modes and Settings

23.98P Native Recording: Offers native 23.98P recording capability, ideal for cinema production.

Selectable Gamma Curves: Includes standard gamma curves and four CINE Gamma curves (CINE 1-4), identical to high-end CineAlta camcorders, for flexible contrast and 'look' control.

Slow & Quick Motion Function: Captures images at variable frame rates (1-60 fps in 720P, 1-30 fps in 1080P) for slow-motion or fast-motion effects. Images are recorded natively at full resolution.

Slow Shutter Function: Enhances sensitivity in low-light and creates blurring effects with selectable shutter speeds (2x to 64x accumulation periods).

Shutter Angle Settings: Provides a "shutter angle" control familiar to filmmakers, automatically setting exposure time based on frame rate and angle.

Interval Recording Function: Records one frame at pre-determined intervals for time-lapse or special effects.

Frame Recording Function: Records a single frame each time the Record button is pressed, useful for stop-motion animation.

Operational Versatility

Picture Profile Feature: Allows saving up to six custom picture-tonal settings (matrix, color correction, detail, gamma, knee) for quick recall.

Shot Transition Function: Enables smooth, automatic scene transitions with programmable duration and profiles (Linear, Soft Stop, Soft Transition), allowing programmed changes to lens and camera parameters.

Display Indicators:

• Depth-of-field Indicator: Displays a graphic on the LCD for depth-of-field control.
• Brightness-level Display: Shows the average brightness level of the frame center as a percentage.
• Histogram Indicator: Evaluates brightness distribution for proper exposure control.

3.5-inch Color LCD Screen: High-resolution (1920 x 480) rotatable screen for flexible viewing and operation.

0.54-inch Color LCD Viewfinder (PMW-EX1 Only): High-resolution viewfinder with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Assignable Buttons: Four buttons can be programmed for frequently used functions (e.g., ATW, Freeze Mix, Rec Review).

On-handle Zoom Switch and REC Start/Stop Button: Located on the carrying handle for convenient low-angle operation.

Rotary Grip: The hand grip rotates approximately 120 degrees for flexible positioning and comfort.

Built-in Stereo Microphone and Two-channel Audio Input: Features a built-in stereo microphone and two XLR connectors for professional microphones or line-level audio input, supporting high-quality, two-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed audio.

HD-SDI and Other Versatile Interfaces: Includes HD-SDI output, down-converted SD-SDI, i.LINK (HDV) input/output, analog composite/component outputs. The PMW-EX3 also features Timecode input/output and Genlock input for multi-camera systems.

Camera Remote Control (PMW-EX3 Only): Supports remote control via optional RM-B150 or RM-B750 units.

Adjustable Shoulder Pad and Cheek Pad (PMW-EX3 Only): Allows for comfortable positioning and balance.

XDCAM EX Recording Deck: PMW-EX30

The PMW-EX30 is a versatile and affordable compact recording deck for various applications, including viewing recorded materials, dubbing, and feeding nonlinear editing systems. It can also function as a full HD recorder for event recordings, capturing HD signal outputs from a switcher.

Key Features:

• Compact design, placeable horizontally or vertically.
• MPEG HD recording and playback at 35 and 25 Mb/s.
• Two SxS PRO memory card slots, supporting up to 280 minutes of HD footage with two 32-GB cards (in SP mode).
• Built-in 3.5-inch LCD monitor.
• Comprehensive HD interfaces: HD-SDI input/output, i.LINK (HDV) input/output, component output.
• Supports 29.97P/25P/23.98P and 29.97PsF/25PsF/23.98PsF recording/playback via HD-SDI.
• Down-converted SD outputs (SD-SDI, i.LINK, composite, S-Video) for SD environments.
• HDMI output for consumer displays.
• Adjustable audio input volume (CH1 and CH2).

Recording Formats: Supports various NTSC and PAL settings for HQ and SP modes, including 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 1440 x 1080 resolutions.

Recording/Playback Time (approx. on 32-GB card): HQ mode: 100 min; SP mode: 140 min.

XDCAM EX Application Software

Sony provides two application software packages for managing recorded content:

Clip Browser Version 2: A user-friendly PC application for browsing, copying, and converting XDCAM EX video clips. It supports various file formats and metadata registration.

PDZK-P1 Ver. 2.8 XDCAM Transfer: A plug-in for Apple Final Cut Pro that enables seamless import and editing of MP4 files recorded by XDCAM EX systems, and export to XDCAM EX MP4 files.

System requirements for both software packages are detailed in the original document.

Optional Accessories

A range of optional accessories enhance the XDCAM EX system's functionality:

• PHU-60K Professional Harddisk Unit: 60-GB external storage for recording clips.
• SBAC-US10 SxS Memory Card USB Reader/Writer: For transferring data via USB 2.0.
• BC-U2 Battery Charger: Charges two batteries simultaneously.
• SxS PRO Memory Cards: Available in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB capacities.
• Battery Packs: BP-U30 (28 Wh) and BP-U60 (56 Wh) Lithium-ion battery packs.
• Lenses: Various Sony and third-party lenses (e.g., Fujinon 14x zoom, Canon, Fujinon 1/2-inch type lenses).
• Microphones: ECM-673 Shotgun Microphone, UHF Wireless Microphone Packages (UWP-V1, UWP-V2).
• Remote Control Units: RM-B150, RM-B750 for PMW-EX3.

Workflow Examples

The XDCAM EX system supports various workflows:

• Ingest: Data transfer from SxS PRO cards or PHU-60K units to PCs via ExpressCard or USB interfaces. Direct connection to PMW-EX30 deck is also supported.
• Viewing and Dubbing: Viewing recorded media on monitors and dubbing to other formats or systems, including connection to HDCAM/XDCAM HD/HDV recorders.
• Archiving: Archiving recorded clips to Blu-ray Disc/DVD or Professional Disc™™ via PC and Clip Browser software, with options for MP4 to MXF conversion.
• Live Event: Integration into live event setups using components like AWS-G500HD Anycast Station, with HD-SDI connections from cameras to the PMW-EX30 deck.

Specifications Summary

Camcorder Specifications (PMW-EX1 vs. PMW-EX3)

Recording Deck Specifications (PMW-EX30)