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Sony PMW F3

  |   Adam Carroll Blog

I generally work as a cameraman and videographer around London but I travel extensively when works requires. I use three principal cameras systems the Sony PMW F3 a Sony PXW FS7 and DSLRs.

One of my favourite cameras (it has a beautiful sensor) and was one of the first shallow dedicated cameras in this price bracket following the success of the Canon 5D Mark II. The PMW-F3 is part of the CineAlta 24P family of digital cinematography products and its support for multiple frame rates includes a filmic 23.98P as well as S-Log workflows.

Sony’s Exmor™ Super35 CMOS sensor was designed with the benefit of two decades experience in Digital Cinematography, pioneering digital HD acquisition for feature films and broadcast TV through the legendary CineAlta product range. It brings a true ‘film look’ and superior image quality into reach for independent movies, pop promos, commercials and other applications, as well as making the PMW-F3 an ideal B-camera for high-end feature film production.

The PMW-F3K is supplied with three high quality Sony lenses and an industry standard PL Mount adaptor providing compatibility with industry standard 35mm lenses. (Also available is the lens-less PMW-F3L.)

Exceptional flexibility is a key feature of the F3 along with with multiple workflow options. XDCAM EX’s proven high-speed, intuitive workflow offers seamless integration with leading nonlinear editing software – as standard. In addition, a 10bit 4:2:2 HD-SDI output opens up hybrid recording possibilities with a variety of external recording devices. And from April 2011, a Dual Link HD-SDI option will enable 10bit RGB uncompressed signal output – ideal for the high-end film production.

My last shoot in the Southeast of the UK (a single cameraman and soundman crew) was shot with the Sony F3 specifically chose for what the producer called a classic look when using Zeiss lenses).