Used Sony PMW-EX1R XDCAM EX Full HD Camcorder

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.