Sony's PMW-EX1R XDCAM EX HD Camcorder is the impressive successor to the popular PMW-EX1. While retaining everything that was right about the previous camera, Sony has listened to its professional users and taken several steps forward, not only improving ergonomics and convenience, but bringing a whole new set of features to the world's only full HD compact camcorder.
Like its predecessor, the PMW-EX1R's core is its three 1/2"-type CMOS sensors and 14x Fujinon zoom lens. This heavyweight imaging combo captures full 1920 x 1080 hi-def images to solid state SxS PRO memory cards (sold separately) at multiple bit rates, resolutions and frame rates. Whether you're shooting weddings, documentaries or feature films, there's a frame rate and resolution for you--from 60fps and native 23.98p recording at 720p, to 1fps at 1080i. SxS PRO cards of up to 64GB in capacity can be used. For 64GB cards, the camera will require software version 1.15 or greater installed from Sony's website. The way to install it is by downloading the version to a computer, connecting the camera to the computer by USB cable, and selecting the upgrade option in "Others" tab of the camera's menu table. If your computer has an SxS slot, you can just transfer the downloaded file onto the SxS card and then pop the card into the camera to transfer the download, which in this case also you would do through the "Others" menu. 64GB cards can record 200 minutes in HQ mode and 280 in SP mode.
But along with its already proven imaging abilities and professional workflow, the PMW-EX1R expands its usability by offering DVCAM SD recording, XDCAM HD compatibility, and HDMI output. That means no more time-consuming downconverting or transcoding to work in different formats or with different recording and playback devices. Other new features add even more convenience and flexibility, including a high-resolution 1.23MP viewfinder, Cache Record, one-click S&Q button, auto iris, and even image inversion for flipping the image while shooting with a 35mm adapter. Make no mistake: the Sony PMW-EX1R is the first HD compact camcorder that truly does have it all.
Three 1/2"-Type Exmor CMOS Sensors
The PMW-EX1R is equipped with three newly developed 1/2"-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"-type image sensor, using Sony's advanced accumulated sensor technologies, allows the camcorder to provide an excellent sensitivity of F10, a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio of 54dB, and a high horizontal resolution of 1000 TV lines (in 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode). In addition, this large 1/2"-type image sensor can capture images with a shallower depth of field than smaller-size image sensors, giving users more creative freedom of expression. What's more, the Exmor CMOS sensor's unique design deploys an A/D converter to each column of pixels, resulting in a much lower clock speed than conventional CMOS sensors. This makes it possible to greatly reduce power consumption of the camcorder and extend battery life.
1920 x 1080 HD Recording Using the "MPEG-2 Long GOP" Codec
The PMW-EX1R records 1920 x 1080 full HD images using the "MPEG-2 Long GOP" codec, which conforms to the MPEG-2 MP@HL compression standard. "MPEG-2 Long GOP" is a mature codec--also adopted by the XDCAM HD and HDV 1080i series of products--which enables users to record stunning HD video and audio with highly efficient, reliable data compression.
New Selectable Recording Modes Including DVCAM Recording
The PMW-EX1R offers a choice of bit rates--either 35Mbs (HQ mode) or 25Mbs (SP mode)--depending on the desired picture quality and recording time. The HQ mode supports 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 resolutions. The 1440 x 1080 mode is new to the PMW-EX1R, ensuring native integration of XDCAM EX footage into an XDCAM HD Professional Disc workflow. By supporting 1440 x 1080, 35Mbs recording, material can be utilized with no transcode, just a rewrap to MXF for NLE and archiving.
The SP mode supports 1440 x 1080 resolution at 25Mbs, which provides compatibility with HDV 1080i products. Footage recorded in this SP mode can be seamlessly integrated into HDV-compatible editing systems by transferring the stream from the camcorder via the i.LINK (HDV) interface.
The PMW-EX1R also supports 25Mbs DVCAM recording in either PAL or NTSC modes, again providing seamless integration into existing DVCAM workflows, offering ultimate flexibility worldwide.
Robust Nonlinear Recording Media, "SxS PRO" & "SxS-1" (<I>Sold Separately</i>)
The XDCAM EX series uses high-speed SxS PRO and SxS-1 memory cards (sold separately) for its recording media. SxS PRO cards of up to 64GB in capacity can be used. For 64GB cards, the camera will require software version 1.15 or greater installed from Sony's website. The way to install it is by downloading the version to a computer, connecting the camera to the computer by USB cable, and selecting the upgrade option in "Others" tab of the camera's menu table. If your computer has an SxS slot, you can just transfer the downloaded file onto the SxS card and then pop the card into the camera to transfer the download, which in this case also you would do through the "Others" menu. 64GB cards can record 200 minutes in HQ mode and 280 in SP mode.
These cards are developed specifically for professional content creation applications with a number of key features:
*This data-transfer speed is a theoretical value. Actual data-transfer speed depends on the file type and the performance of the PC.
These cards are developed specifically for professional content creation applications with a number of key features:
- Compatible with ExpressCard/34 interface slot which is common on modern Windows PCs and Macs
- Uses PCI Express interface and achieves an extremely high "read" speed of 800 Mbs*
- Large storage capacity: SBP-16 (16 GB) and SBP-32 (32 GB) memory cards are available
- Can record up to 140 minutes of HD video and audio (using one 32-GB memory card)
- Compact size: approx. 75 x 34 x 5 mm (excluding the projecting parts)--half the size of the older PC Card standard
- Low power consumption
- Highly reliable: can resist shocks (up to 1500 G) and vibrations (up to 15 G)
- Affordability: SxS-1 media (introduced in late 2009) provides users with a lower cost alternative to SxS PRO media that offers the same high performance, but with an estimated 5-year life span when recording at full capacity once per day. Users can check the card life on their PMW-EX1R and PMW-350 camcorders and even see an alarm when the data rewriting limit is reached.
*This data-transfer speed is a theoretical value. Actual data-transfer speed depends on the file type and the performance of the PC.
Wide Angle Professional 1/2" HD Lens
The PMW-EX1R is equipped with a superb Fujinon 14x zoom lens specifically designed for the PMW-EX1R to offer optimum picture performance. It offers a wide angle of view of 5.8mm (equivalent to 31.4mm on a 35mm lens), and many other convenient features for both broadcasters and videographers.
Unique Focus Operation - Professional Manual Focus and Auto Focus
The Fujinon lens adopts a newly developed and unique focus ring mechanism, which offers two types of manual focus, plus an auto focus operation. The PMW-EX1R 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 cameras, which professional users are familiar with.
Long Recording Time
Utilizing a mature and highly efficient compression format together with high performance SxS memory cards, the PMW-EX1R can record superb quality HD images for an exceptional 140 minutes* on a single 32GB SxS card. As the PMW-EX1R features two memory card slots, this recording time is easily increased to 280 minutes (with two 32GB cards) and when recording across two cards, the transition is seamless without any frame loss. This feature makes the PMW-EX1R an ideal camcorder for a wide variety of content production applications, including wedding and event videography, that require a long recording time.
*When recording in HQ (35Mbs) mode, recording time may be more than the above specified figure depending on the actual bit rate that is adopted during VBR encoding.
*When recording in HQ (35Mbs) mode, recording time may be more than the above specified figure depending on the actual bit rate that is adopted during VBR encoding.
Multiple-format Recording
The PMW-EX1R offers a wide array of recording formats for multiple content creation applications. In HD mode, scanning 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 and 50P progressive recording is available in 1280 x 720 mode. In SD mode, both 50/60i and 25P/30P modes are supported.
*In 1440 x 1080 and 1920 x 1080 modes, 23.98P images are handled as 23.98P and recorded as 59.94i signals through means of 2-3 pulldown.
In addition, 59.94P and 50P progressive recording is available in 1280 x 720 mode. In SD mode, both 50/60i and 25P/30P modes are supported.
*In 1440 x 1080 and 1920 x 1080 modes, 23.98P images are handled as 23.98P and recorded as 59.94i signals through means of 2-3 pulldown.
High-quality Uncompressed Audio Recording
In addition to SD/HD video recording, high-quality audio is an equally significant feature in the XDCAM EX system. The PMW-EX1R camcorder records and plays back high-quality, two-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed audio.
Built-in Stereo Microphone and Two-channel Audio Input
The PMW-EX1R has a built-in stereo microphone and two XLR audio input connectors for connecting professional microphones or feeding an external-line audio source.
IT Friendly
With the XDCAM EX series, recordings are made as data files in the MP4 format, which is widely used in a number of recent electronic portable devices and has been standardized by ISO. For SD recording, industry accepted .AVI type-2 files have been adopted. The file-based recording allows material to be handled with great flexibility in an IT-based environment--easily available for copying, transferring, sharing, and archiving. All these operations are accomplished without any "digitizing" process required. File-based data copying allows for degradation-free dubbing of AV content, which can be performed easily on a PC or Mac. The file-based recording system also allows for material to be viewed directly on a PC or Mac--simply by inserting the SxS memory card into the ExpressCard slot, or by linking the device to the PMW-EX1R via a USB2 connection. This works in the same way as a PC or Mac reading files on an external drive. The file-based operation can dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of professional video applications.
Immediate Recording Start and No Overwriting Footage
By virtue of recording on flash memory cards, the PMW-EX1R can start recording virtually the instant the camcorder is turned on. Moreover, the PMW-EX1R system automatically records on an empty area of the card--there's no danger of overwriting existing content. 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!
Instant-access Thumbnail Search with "Expand" Function
Each time a recording is started and stopped on the PMW-EX1R camcorder, the video and audio signals are recorded as one clip. During playback, users can cue-up to the next or previous clip simply by pressing the 'Next' or 'Previous' button, as you would do on a CD or DVD player. Furthermore, thumbnails are automatically generated for each clip as a visual reference, allowing operators to cue-up to a desired scene simply by guiding the cursor to a thumbnail and pressing the 'Play' button. For further convenience, the 'Expand' function allows one selected clip in the thumbnail display to be divided into 12 even-time intervals, each with their own thumbnail identifier. This is useful if you want to quickly search for a particular scene within a lengthy clip.
New Image Inversion Function
When a cine-style lens or a stills camera lens is attached to the camcorder with a DOF (Depth of Field) adapter, the image is usually rotated by 180°. The Image Inversion function normalizes the image for easy picture monitoring. This will also negate the need to flip the image in post-production.
Three Independent Rings
In addition to its unique focus ring, the PMW-EX1R is equipped with independent rings for zoom and iris adjustment. These are located adjacent to the focus ring, in the same layout as is common on shoulder-type camcorders. This gives users a high level of operational comfort and control.
AF Assist
The AF (Auto Focus) Assist function enables operators to manually change focus positions using the focus ring during AF mode. This means that AF reference focus positions can be shifted to manually changed positions.
MF Assist
The MF (Manual Focus) Assist function helps to precisely focus on the target subject when shooting in MF mode. When the MF Assist is turned on, auto focus is momentarily activated and finely focuses on the subject closest to the focal point of the lens at that time.
One-push Auto Iris
A One-push Auto Iris button has been added to the lens of the PMW-EX1R, allowing the user to go into Auto Iris mode only when this button is pushed. This is a feature seen on broadcast lenses and is used as a reference for camera operators when adjusting the iris settings.
Expanded Focus
At the touch of a button, the center of the screen on the LCD monitor and viewfinder can be magnified to about twice normal size, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing.
Selectable Peaking
The Peaking function can help operators adjust the camera's focus more accurately by altering the way pictures are displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder. It can enhance the outline of the image, which the camera focuses on most, and change its color to make it more visible. Enhance levels can be selected from a choice of "HIGH," "MIDDLE," and "LOW," and the outline color from "RED," "WHITE," "YELLOW," and "BLUE."
Optical Image Stabilizer
To minimize the blurring effect caused by hand-shake, the new lens incorporates an optical image stabilizer function that provides highly stable images.
23.98P Native Recording
XDCAM EX compact camcorders are the first to be part of the legendary Sony CineAlta family. The PMW-EX1R offers native 23.98P* recording which, in combination with advanced creative features such as selectable gamma curves, makes this camcorder ideal for cinema production.
*In 1440 x 1080/23.98P (SP) mode, images are handled as 23.98P and recorded as 59.94i signals through means of 2-3 pulldown.
Slow & Quick Motion Function
The PMW-EX1R offers a powerful Slow & Quick Motion function--commonly known as 'over-cranking' and 'under-cranking' in film shooting--that enables users to create unique 'looks' or special effects with slow- and fast-motion images. The PMW-EX1R can capture images at frame rates selectable from 1 fps (frame per second) to 60 fps in 720P mode and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080P mode, in increments of 1 fps. For example, when viewed at 23.98P, images captured at 60 fps will appear 2.5 times slower than normal. Conversely, images captured at 4 fps will appear six times faster than normal. With the Slow & Quick Motion function of this camcorder, images are recorded natively without interpolating the frames. This means the quality of the slow- and fast-motion images is extremely high and incomparable to those created in the editing process. In addition, these slow- and quick-motion images can be played back immediately after shooting, without using any converters or processing on non-linear editing systems.
New One-push S&Q Switch
A new S&Q (Slow & Quick Motion) button has been added to the exterior of the camcorder. This allows the user to switch quickly between Normal mode and S&Q mode. In S&Q mode, a blue LED on the button lights up. When the switch is pressed, S&Q mode is activated, and the recording format and frame rate are instantly changed to the conditions previously set via the menu.
Slow Shutter Function
The PMW-EX1R offers a Slow Shutter function for capturing clear images in low-light environments. This allows the shutter speed to be extended to a maximum of 64 frames. 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. The shutter speed is selectable from 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-frame periods.
Selectable Gamma Curves
The PMW-EX1R camcorder offers a wide variety of gamma curves to flexibly handle contrast and give a specific 'look' to an image. In addition to four types of standard gamma curves, the PMW-EX1R provides four types of CINE Gamma (CINE 1, 2, 3, and 4), which are identical to those of other CineAlta camcorders. Operators can select the best-suited preset gamma curve, depending on scenes.
New Cache Recording Function
Once enabled, Cache Recording continuously streams audio and video through the camcorder's internal memory. Once the Record button is pushed, the content buffered in the camcorder's memory is recorded onto the memory media at the start of the recording clip. The caching period can be adjusted for up to 15 seconds, so in a situation such as monitoring a developing situation, Cache Record enables capturing an event up to 15 seconds before the record button is pressed. When in Cache Recording mode, an indicator on the inside panel lights up.
Interval Recording Function
The PMW-EX1R offers an Interval Recording function that records signals at predetermined intervals. This is convenient for shooting over long periods of time, and also when creating pictures with special effects of extremely quick motion.
Frame Recording Function
Frame Recording is a special feature of the PMW-EX1R camcorder that is especially useful for stop-motion/clay animation shooting. Using this function, images for predetermined frames are recorded every time the Record button is pressed.
Shutter Angle Settings
In addition to the electronic shutter speed controls, the PMW-EX1R also has a "shutter angle" control--which is familiar to film users. By setting the shutter speed to "angle," the PMW-EX1R automatically operates with the proper exposure time, determined by the selected frame rate and the shutter angle.
Picture Profile Feature
The Picture Profile feature 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. Up to six different picture-tonal settings such as the parameters of matrix, color correction, detail, gamma and knee can be saved in the memory. These settings are displayed on the LCD monitor at the touch of a button.
Depth-of-field Indicator
A Depth-of-field Indicator can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder to help camera operators easily recognize the depth-of-field of a scene, and thereby produce their desired images.
Brightness-level Display
The average brightness level of the center of a frame can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder as a percentage. This is useful when a waveform monitor is not available for shooting.
Histogram Indicator
The Histogram Indicator can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder, allowing operators to easily evaluate the distribution of brightness on currently captured images. This enables proper exposure control of iris, gain and gamma.
3.5" Hybrid Color LCD Screen
The PMW-EX1R is equipped with a newly developed, large, easy-to-view, color LCD screen with a high resolution of 1920 x 480 pixels (horizontal resolution is 640 x 3, RGB). The LCD screen is located in an easy viewing position on top of the camera and can be flexibly rotated according to shooting angles--which is convenient when using it as a viewfinder. When not in use, it folds underneath the housing for the built-in stereo microphone. The LCD screen can also be used to instantly review recorded footage, as well as access the camera's set-up menus and view thumbnail display status indications such as audio meters, depth-of-field indicators, and the remaining memory and battery time. What's more, the Hybrid LCD screen--which comprises transmissive and reflective panels--offers clear viewing even in bright sunlight.
New Easy-to-See Color LCD Viewfinder
The PMW-EX1R comes equipped with a new 0.54" color LCD viewfinder, which displays high-resolution color pictures of approximately 1,226,000 pixels in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, which simplifies focusing. Operators can switch between Color and Monochrome Display modes, according to their preference.
Rotary Grip
The grip of the PMW-EX1R can rotate 90°, which allows camera operators to flexibly adjust the angle of the grip. This gives users greater comfort during low-angle and high-angle shooting. In addition, the shape of this grip has been improved compared to the EX1 so as to better fit the user's hand.
Four Assignable Buttons
Frequently used functions can be programmed onto four assignable buttons, allowing operators to make rapid changes when working in the field. These can be functions such as ATW, Freeze Mix, Rec Review, Expanded Focus, Depth-of-field and more.
On-handle Zoom Switch and REC Start/Stop Button
In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom switch and record start/stop button are located on the carrying handle. The PMW-EX1R has a new zoom transition menu which allows camera operators to select 'soft' for smoother start/stop operation of the on-handle zoom.
Shot Transition Function
The Shot Transition function allows for smooth automatic scene transitions. The operator can program start and end settings for zoom, focus, and white balance into the A/B buttons and, by pressing the start button, a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. It works by automatically calculating the intermediate values during the scene transition. The start of this function can be synchronized with the camera's REC start function.
The transition progress can be checked using an indicator displayed on the LCD monitor. In addition, a start timer function is also available for the Shot Transition function, helping to prevent operators from missing a shot. This function is very useful when complex camera settings are required during the scene transition--for example, when shooting subjects moving from the background to the foreground of a scene.
ATW & Hold Function
The ATW (Auto Tracing White Balance) function of the PMW-EX1R automatically adjusts the camera's color temperature according to changes in lighting conditions. This function is useful when recording outside for long periods, as lighting changes gradually over time. The PMW-EX1R also has a new ATW Hold function, which allows the operator to hold auto tracing at a desired color balance via an assignable switch.
Long Operating Time
With the supplied BP-U30 battery attached, the PMW-EX1R can record continuously for approximately two hours, while the optional BP-U60 battery extends the operating time to approximately four hours.
Wide Array of Interfaces
The PMW-EX1R camcorder comes equipped with a wide range of interfaces optimized for a variety of operational needs. These include an HD-SDI output, downconverted SD-SDI output, i.LINK (HDV/DV) input/output, USB2 and analog composite/component output. There is also an HDMI output (Type A) that allows the user to show the picture on a consumer display or professional monitor equipped with an HDMI input. Noncompressed video and two channels of audio can be output. When HDMI output is selected, other outputs are not available.
New IR Remote Control On Rear
The PMW-EX1R has a new IR remote control receptor on the rear of its handle. This allows the user to control the PMW-EX1R with a Remote Commander both from the front and rear of the camcorder.
Additional Aspect Markers For Cinematic Operation
The PMW-EX1R benefits from the addition of several new aspect markers such as 1.66:1, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, and 2.4:1 for more convenient cinematic operation.
Other Features
- Built-in ND filter wheel: 1: Clear, 2: 1/8ND, 3: 1/64ND
- Selectable gain: -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB
- High-speed picture search: x4, x15
- Freeze Mix function
- Skin-tone Detail control
- Low-key saturation