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High Definition Video for Independent Filmmakers
A How To Guide for Digital Filmmakers
Welcome all! This is my blog to share my latest research,
thoughts, etc. on utilizing HD for independent filmmaking.

YES, I am available for consulting
Contact me at mike@hdforindies.com

All content copyright 2004-2007 Mike Curtis.

Friday, February 01, 2008

PVC: Adam Wilt's lengthy review of the hot new Sony XDCAM EX PMW-EX1 camcorder 

Adam Wilt, who joins me as another of the founders in the new Pro Video Coalition, does his usual bang up job reviewing the hot new Sony XDCAM EX camera, the PMW-EX1. He leads off his 6 page, in depth review with this:

The US$6500 (street price) Sony PMW-EX1 is a six-pound, high definition Handycam with three 1/2” CMOS chips. It resolves a true 1920x1080 image; shoots both interlaced and progressive; records 1920x1080, 1440x1080 (HDV-compatible), and 1280x720 formats; and offers variable frame rates from 1 fps to 30 fps (1080p) or 60fps (720p). The camera records using long-GOP MPEG-2 on dual SxS solid-state memory cards, and provides an SDI output with embedded audio and timecode. It is awkward to handhold, some controls are hard to use, and it lacks SD recording, but its excellent pictures, comprehensive image tweaks, and pin-sharp LCD make it a compelling HD camcorder.


Read on for all the nitty gritty details of what I think is shaping up to be my favorite new camera under $10K.

-mike

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Comments:
I hear that no one has successfully figured out a way to import footage at HQ 35Mbit 1920x1080 into Final Cut Pro 6. Only hdv 25 Mbit will work. Its a great camera review but i havent heard of any solid workflows yet.
 
I dont think that is true. Perhaps it requires an update to 6.0.2 but I have seen multiple demos of 35mbit working with FCP 6, including live on stage at the LA Final Cut Pro User's Group meeting.
 
I've done 3 shorts in the last two weeks that utilized HQ 35Mbit 108024p. Every single shooting mode is compatible with FCP 6 right out of the box. Just make sure you install the XDCam Transfer tool that comes on the cd in the box. Then all you have to do is slide the sxs card into your macbook pro and select import->xdcam and the xdcam transfer app will start automatically giving you a list of clips on the card. You can even have the xdcam transfer application start automatically when you slide a sxs card into the slot. Very easy.
 
Oops...forgot to say that yes it does require 6.0.2 to work.
 
I wrote 2000+ words on FCP and XDCAM EX1 SxS workflow in this article. Bottom line? It works just fine.

Matt Jeppsen
www.FreshDV.com
 
I find the camera a pleasure to work with in post...

here's a quick music video I shot the other day...

http://www.witzke-studio.com/peter3.m4v.zip

just 3 hours to shoot, and another few to edit.

I added a little vignette blur and darken in FCP, as well as a bit of sat and contrast in the 3-way.
 
On a modern 4-core or 8-core Mac Pro, how much realtime versus, say, DVCPROHD do you get in FCP6 with the 35Mbit/sec footage from this camera or XDCAM HD?
 
I have to choose a low cost HD cam to upgrade from my DVX100A. The thought was to upgrade to the HVX until the EX-1. I have only one concern and that is doing some keying work. Has anyone done any type of keying work with this camera?

Keith
 
I've seen some keying done on this camera that is better/cleaner than large tape based broadcast cameras. Off of a green screen, fine blond hair waving in the wind, pouring water between two clear glasses, etc.

Good stuff. Nice codec.

Randy Wedick
Band Pro Film & Digital
 
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