Looking for a high-quality, Full HD camera (1920 x 1080p), without draining your wallet? Sony’s PMW-EX1, part of the XDCAM EX line of cameras, is perfect for getting that professional look you’d see on big-budget productions.

Sony's EX1 brings CineAlta to the pro-sumer market.

Budget Friendly
Recently, Clearwater-based film production company Four Star Productions utilized the EX1 to shoot the $150,000 feature film DECEMBER. When it came time to choose a camera, renting the F900 with a set of prime lenses was the first choice, with the Varicam as a back-up.
“The quotes came back at $20,000 to $30,000 to rent [a VariCam] for a month, and we knew that would kill the budget,” said co-producer Marina Pronesti. “We then took another look at reviews for the HD EX1, and began pricing rentals, or even doing a straight purchase. To rent an EX1 for a week, the price was significantly less than either the F900 or the Varicam. For a month, we were looking at tremendous savings, even if we were to buy the camera, (SxS) cards, and batteries, plus other accessories like a matte box and follow focus.”
Moving Picture has the PMW-EX1 in stock, ready to rent, and we’ll ship it anywhere in the United States. The longer the shoot, the bigger the rental discount you will receive.
Knowing the EX1 was a powerful camera, and part of the Sony CineAlta line of cameras (which includes the F900 and other high-end HD cameras), the DECEMBER team were able to achieve some stunning images.
The flexibility and power of the EX1 makes it a winner for any production: The ease-of-use with set-up; powerful Picture Profile controls (to get the “look” you desire); the ability to shoot in Full HD 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, or 720 x 480; 24p, 30p, 60p and 60i frame rates; slow- and fast-motion; the simplicity of working with the SxS solid-state flash drives; and much more.

***SIDEBAR: Moving Picture Technology Tip: What are SxS Cards and Picture Profiles? Sony’s SxS (pronounced: "S by S") cards are removable, solid-state, flash memory cards that store footage shot with the EX1. They are available in card sizes of 8 GB (up to 35 minutes of HD audio and video) and 16 GB (up to 70 minutes of HD audio and video). Because they’re non-linear, it’s quick and easy to access clips. Transferring footage to a non-linear edit system is extremely fast, with transfer speeds up to 800 Mb/s. Picture Profiles are specific image controls found in the menu settings. Shooters can manipulate color, gamma, and more, to get the “look” you want.***

To help achieve the kind of depth of field seen in film and TV shows, consider using a 35mm lens adaptor, which allows shooters to use prime and cine zoom lenses used by film and high-end HD productions. A matte box and follow focus makes it easier to work with the camera.
Moving Picture has both the P+S Technik and Redrock Micro 35mm lens adaptors, with sets of prime and zoom lenses, along with matte boxes and follow focus units, ready and available for rent. We can ship to anywhere in the U.S., even after 4 PM EST!
Click here to see exclusive stills and footage from “DECEMBER,” a Four Star Production. [Provide link.]

PMW-EX1 Editing Workflows
If you’re coming from a tape-based post-production logging, capturing and editing workflow, stepping up to the EX1 may seem daunting. Moving Picture will help you get started with this easy process.

Final Cut Pro
The latest version of Final Cut Pro 6 is needed, along with Sony’s Log and Transfer Utility for Apple FCP (http://www.sony.com/xdcamex, Resources tab, under Downloads). Hook up via USB cable, either the EX1 or the Sony SxS memory card reader to the Apple you’re using. On the desktop, you’ll see two folders representing the two SxS cards. Inside you’ll find a folder called [get the name]; copy that in an external firewire drive or a second internal drive (NEVER the start-up disk, which could cause damage and valuable lost files). You will want to create a folder and name it after your project (ex., Project Name_Roll_1) to keep your files organized.
From Final Cut Pro, choose File, Import, Sony XDCAM. This will open the Log and Transfer utility; there, you can Add and Remove the folders you’ve created and transferred the SxS files to. Select a folder and the clips will appear in the top window. You can select a clip and play it in the bottom center window. Highlight all the clips, select a folder on the second drive where the QuickTime video clips will go, then hit Import. You can log clips under the Logging tab, which streamlines editing.
In no time at all, the Log and Transfer Utility will have processed the EX1 data and created QuickTime movies, which are then found in the Final Cut Pro browser, ready to edit.

Kinoflo 4x4 high output, flicker-free soft light that runs on 1/10th the power of conventional tungsten softlights. Can be used with Tungsten or daylight bulbs to achieve proper color balance and with the included bulb-selectable ballast, offers fast, lightweight alternative to traditional lighting systems.

Litepanels 1x1 LED is an incredibly versatile production light. Combining Litepanels' hallmark LED technology in a sophisticated, slimline housing, this revolutionary modular lighting system provides 1'x1' of pure, luminous, soft, directional, dimmable output. A key advantage of this cool burning unit, is its compatibility with 24V battery sources, making it the perfect run-and-gun light when a small on-camera light just isn't enough.

Kino Flo Diva-Lite 400 portable softlights boast the company's trademark modular fixture designs with full-range dimming, switching and remote control features. The Universal model can be used anywhere in the world from 90VAC to 265VAC. All Diva-Lites can go from nighttime to daytime interiors by switching True Match® tungsten for daylight quality lamps. It's like having two set-ups in one!

5600K Joker Bug 200w provides a lightweight, "go anywhere" alternative to tradiional HMIs. When power is hard to find, simply use two Anton Bauer batteries and this Joker Bug proves its versatility.

ARRISUN 575 fresnel, spottable daylight fixture for jobs of all sizes.

ARRISUN 1200 larger fresnel daylight lamp, but still manageable on smaller shoots when small HMIs just won't do.

CanaTrans® UHF transmitter for film or video applications - this is it - hands down! Highest power in its class for unprecedented transmission range. Over 1000 ft. line-of-sight. Variable RF power levels, variable video and audio gain, video absent notification and wide range input voltage. The CanaTrans® is now the UHF transmitter of choice with hundreds of users worldwide! Leading rental houses and camera operators are already enjoying the vast benefits of this new device.

MPES 7" LCD wireless "walk-around" client/director monitor offering great mobility when used in partnership with a CanaTrans® transmitter (see above).

Panasonic HDX900 is a full 2/3" DVCPRO HD camcorder that records pristine 100Mbps HD images in any of 11 video formats, encompassing 60Hz and 50Hz production. With 1080i, 720p, 24p and 25p capabilities, the AJ-HDX900 is perfect for long-form HD programming and an invaluable tool for digital cinematography, cable and television production in any format, sports and events, for globetrotting documentarians and feature crews, and for the rental companies that serve them. The HDX900 boasts three CineGamma modes to replicate the look and feel of film. Standard HD SDI output is included for monitoring and line recording. Built-in downconverter produces a SD output, allowing the use of low-cost standard definition accessories.

Sony HVR-Z1U features native 16:9 CCDs, combined with a high quality 12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens and Sony's 14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.

Panasonic AG-HVX200 is a hand-held, high-definition video camera that combines high and standard-definition formats, multiple recording modes and frame rates, along with solid state P2 memory. The HVX200 offers variable frame rate capability, providing the cinematic expression of higher-end cameras like the Panasonic VariCam® AJ-HDC27. In 720p mode, the HVX200's frame rate can be set from 24p/30p to any of 20 steps between 12p and 60p, allowing for undercranking/ overcranking for fast or slow-motion effects in 720P. These effects can be dubbed to a DV tape after recording to offer some unique capabilities in the SD mode.

Sony BVW-D600WS is the wide screen switchable version of the BVW-D600 digital 1000 Betacam SP camcorder. This is the highest-end Beta SP camcorder available.

Hi Def Panasonic BT-LH900A comes equipped with two SDI inputs automatically detecting HD or SD, one component input (Y/Pb/Pr or RGBS), and one composite input. The new Video/CineGamma Conversion Table and built-in waveform monitor function support HD production when using the popular Panasonic VariCam HD Cinema Camera. It easily mounts atop the VariCam and other cameras as well. Also convenient is the separate control panel that can be mounted on the top, side, or bottom of the monitor.

Sony HVL-LBP On-Camera Battery Powered Light features a wider uniform light for 16:9 aspect and 600 lx @ 1m brightness! Powered by InfoLithium "L Series" battery, the battery operation time is approximately 3 hours with the NP-F970 battery! Supplied accessories include Diffuser/Condensing lens system and battery adaptor.

Litepanels Miniplus Flood and Spot are the perfect solution for tight quarters lighting packages, eye-lights and on-camera lighting scenarios. Renting with a full compliment of quickly adaptable gels, the Miniplus LED panels can provide any variety of color temperatures. Also with several options for powering or mounting, the versatility of the Litepanels Miniplus can go where other lights cannot.

Matte Boxes for Betacam, HDcam and DVcam cameras.

Lectrosonics "butt plug" UH400A wireless transmitter, includes 48 volt phantom power.

Lectrosonics SM Super-Miniature Digital Hybrid Wireless UHF Belt Pack Transmitter
Lectrosonics sets a new standard for size, power, reliability and functionality with the ultra miniature SM transmitter. Not much bigger than two AA batteries, the 100 mW SM packs all user controls onto a control panel that includes an LCD, four switches for adjusting operating frequency and modulation level, and modulation and power indicators.

Sound Devices 302 - 3 Channel Mixer the most compact and cost-effective battery-powered professional audio mixer in its class. With important features to accommodate nearly any over-the-shoulder production, the 302 interfaces with any professional microphone, wireless system, and camera / recorder input.

Phonak - Invisible RF wireless ear wigs Invisible Wireless in ear monitoring by Phonak. Provides silent playback up to 200 feet!

Motorola Walkie Talkies and accessories
Including FBI Style ear mic systems for that "undercover look", Noise Canceling headsets, Handmics, and Spare Batteries (FREE!)

email:

David Wells, President davidwells@movingpicture.com