The newest member of Sony's CineAlta lineup, the PMW-F3 inherits DNA from the F35, which has been used for years in high-end digital cinematography, as well as most of the features and file-based workflow capabilities of PMW-EX1R and EX3 XDCAM EX solid-state memory camcorders.The PMW-F3 is equipped with the newly developed Exmor™ Super 35 CMOS image sensor, PL lens mount, and SxS card for 1920 x 1080 full-HD recording. Sony offers two affordable models of the PMW-F3: one is without a lens, the PMW-F3L/RGB; the other includes three PL lenses (35/50/85-mm, T2.0), the PMW-F3K/RGB.The PMW-F3K/RGB now features future expandability, including RGB 4:4:4 baseband output with S-LOG gamma for external recording which means it can be used in an HDCAM-SR™ workflow. It also offers a 3D-LINK option (CBK-3DL01), which allows two camcorders to be controlled simultaneously for 3D stereoscopic shooting.
Highlights:
Exmor Super 35 CMOS image sensor
RGB 4:4:4 and S-LOG output features pre-installed
Standard PL lens mount
Identical recording format and media to the existing PMW-EX1R and PMW-EX3
Small, compact body with a very modest footprint, weighing just 2.4 kg (5 lb 4 oz)
About three hours’ recording can be achieved with only one BP-U60 battery
HD-SDI Dual-link output connector
Scalable external recording solution
3D-LINK option
Affordable and “ready-to-use” solution
Ideal for entry-level users
Three Sony fixed focal length PL lenses (35/50/85-mm, T2.0) included
Exmor™ Super 35 CMOS Sensor
The PMW-F3 is equipped with a newly developed Exmor Super 35 CMOS image sensor which offers creative shallow depth of field, similar to that of a film camera. This sensor has an extremely high sensitivity of F11 (ISO800) with a very low noise level (an S/N ratio of 63 dB). This is a significant advantage especially when shooting in low-light conditions or at night using only ambient light.
RGB & S-LOG Output (CBK-RGB01)
The PMW-F3K/RGB now includes a scalable external recording solution. The RGB 4:4:4 and S-LOG output features are now included pre-installed. RGB 4:4:4 baseband signal output is available for external recording devices such as HDCAM-SR recorders (i.e. Sony SR-R1). A LUT (Look Up Table) function is also provided for monitoring purposes when S-LOG output is activated. The PMWF3K/RGB also includes 3G-SDI output functionality. It enables users to select Dual-link HD-SDI or 3G-SDI depending on the connecting devices.
PL Lens Mount
The PMW-F3 employs a PL lens mount that is standard for film cameras, allowing use of a virtually unlimited number of prime and zoom lenses for 35-mm film cameras. This greatly broadens the choice of lenses for a wider spectrum of creative expression. A PL lens mount adapter comes with the camera as standard. The PMW-F3 supports the Cooke/i Technology protocol, which enables the camcorder to communicate with the lens to obtain lens metadata such as focus and iris position. The ARRI LDS interface will be supported as well. This improves post-production workflow as lens metadata can be recorded onto an SxS card and brought into the post-production process.
XDCAM EX™ Workflow
The recording format and recording media are identical to the existing PMW-EX1R and PMW-EX3, and proven, high-speed, intuitive XDCAM EX workflow can be used with high reliability. This workflow offers seamless integration with leading nonlinear editing software.
Small and Lightweight, With Low Power Consumption
The PMW-F3 has a small, compact body with a very modest footprint, and weighs just 2.4 kg (5 lb 4 oz). It offers mobility, flexibility, and cost efficiency. In addition, the camcorder’s power consumption is only 24 W, and about three hours’ recording can be achieved with only one BP-U60 battery.
HD-SDI Dual-link Output
The PMW-F3 has an HD-SDI Dual-link output connector which offers 4:2:2 1080 50/59.94p uncompressed signal output as standard. By using external recording devices such as HDCAM-SR recorders, users can achieve x 2.5 natural slow-motion playback in 1080/24p mode.
3D-LINK Option (CBK-3DL01)
Another new feature of the PMW-F3 is the 3D-LINK option which is especially convenient for 3D stereoscopic shooting. Two PMW-F3 cameras can be controlled by one camera remote controller at the same time. The two cameras are connected with a special 10-pin cable that includes genlock, timecode in/out, and control line. Simultaneous control of the Iris and Focus functions of two cameras is extremely useful.
Painting capabilities for Digital Imaging Technicians
With the use of either the RMB-150 or RMB-750 controller (sold separately) hooked up to the 8pin remote connector, digital imaging technicians can make various adjustments to the look of the footage captured by PMW-F3 camera based on the needs of the DP. Adjustable parameters are shown below.
Native 24P Recording with Slow & Quick Motion
For a film look the PMW-F3 offers native 24P (SD or HD) recording and Slow & Quick Motion function also known as over and under-cranking. These features enable users to create unique ‘looks’ or special effects with slow- and fast motion images.
Camera Section Specifications Detail:
Built-in Optical Filters OFF: Clear, 1: 1/8ND, 2: 1/64ND
Gain -3, 0, 3 ,6, 9, 12, 18 dB, AGC
Imaging Device Exmor Super 35mm equivalent CMOS
S/N Ratio 63 dB (Y) (Typical)
Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance) T11 ISO800 (Typical)
Shutter Speed (Time) 1/32 to 1/2000 sec.
Slow Shutter 2 to 8 frames
White Balance Preset (3,200 K), Memory A, Memory B/ATW
General Specifications Detail:
Battery Operating Time Approx. 130 min (HD-SDI Dual Link ON, w/BP-U60)
Approx. 170 min (HD-SDI Dual Link OFF, w/BP-U60
Built-in Microphone None
Dimensions (W x H x D) 151 x 189 x 210 mm (6 x 7 1/2 x 8 3/8 inches)
Mass Approx. 2.4 kg (5 lb 4.7 oz) without accessories
Operating Temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Power Consumption Approx. 18 W (Typical) (HD-SDI Dual-Link OFF, VF ON, LCD monitor OFF.
Max. 24 W (Typical) (HD-SDI Dual-Link ON, VF ON, LCD monitor ON)
Power Requirements DC 12 V (11.0 V to 17.0 V)
Recording Format Video: HD HQ Mode: MPEG-2 MP@HL, 35 Mbps / VBR
HD SP Mode: MPEG-2 MP@H-14,25 Mbps / CBR:
Audio: LPCM (16 bits, 48 kHz, 2 channels)
Recording Frame Rate HD HQ Mode: 1920 × 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P,23.98P; 1440 ×1080/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P,25P, 23.98P; 1280 × 720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 25P,23.98P HD SP Mode: 1440 × 1080 /59.94i, 50i (23.98P is converted to 59.94i in 2-3 pulldown processing).
Recording/Playback Time HQ Mode:
Approx. 100 min with SBP-32 (32 GB) memory card
Approx. 50 min with SBP-16 (16 GB) memory card
Approx. 25 min with SBP-8 (8 GB) memory card
SP Mode:
Approx. 140 min with SBP-32 (32 GB) memory card
Approx. 70 min with SBP-16 (16 GB) memory card
Storage Temperature -20 °C to +60 °C (-4°F to +140 °F)
Inputs/Outputs Specifications Detail:
Audio Input XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
Audio Output RCA phono jacks (x2), –10 dBu (47kΩ load, reference level)
Composite Output BNC type (x1), 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω, HD-Y or analog composite signal
DC Input XLR-type 4-pin
DC Output N/A
EXT 50-pin N/A
Genlock Input BNC (x1)
HDMI Output A-type (x1)
Headphone Output Stereo mini jack (x1), –18 dBu (reference level output, 16Ω load)
MIC XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
Remote 8-pin
SDI Output BNC
Timecode Input BNC (x1)
Timecode Output BNC (x1)
USB Mini-B/USB2.0 Hi-Speed (x1)
i.LINK i.LINK, IEEE1394, 4-pin connector (x1), S400
Lens Specifications Detail:
Filter Diameter All included Sony PL lenses = 95mm
Focal Length PMW-F3K includes a 35, 50, and 85mm fixed focal length lens
Focus Manual
Iris Manual, T2.0 to C (close) (All PMW-F3K Sony PL Lenses)
Lens Mount PL mount (with supplied lens mount adapter)
Monitoring Specifications Detail:
Built-in LCD Monitor 8.8 cm diagonal (3.5-inch) color LCD, 16:9 Aspect ratio, Picture size 640 (H) × 3 (RGB) × 480 (V) delta sequence, Hybrid (semi-transmissive) type
Viewfinder 1.148 cm diagonal (0.452-inch), 16:9 Aspect ratio, 852 (H) × 480 (V) Picture elements
Current rebates
Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce an XDCAM EX camcorder mail-in rebate promotion.
Effective October 15, 2011 UPDATE: This promotion has been extended through March 31, 2012., Sony is offering a cash back rebate to the
end user if they purchase a qualifying XDCAM EX camcorder, inclusive of camcorder packages. The
rebate is designed to offer the end user a substantial savings off the cost of the camcorder.
PMW-F3K 1 $800.00
PMW-F3L 1 $800.00
*ELIGIBLE CAMCORDER MUST BE ORDERED FROM A SONY AUTHORIZED RESELLER AND SHIPPED TO END USER
CUSTOMER WITHIN THE PROMOTION PERIOD TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR REBATE.
REBATE OPTION 1: PMWF3 EARLY ADOPTERS ($1200 mail-in rebate):
End users who took delivery of PMWF3(K/L) November 30, 2011 or prior will be eligible for a $1200
cash mail-in rebate if they purchase the recently announced SCL-Z18X140 power zoom lens between
November 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. When claiming the rebate, they will also have the option to
share a short story with Sony highlighting their positive experience(s) so far using their PMW-F3(K/L)
camcorder. PMWF3 must be shipped to the end user by November 30, 2011 and SCL-Z18X140
must be ordered by and shipped to the end user between November 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012
to qualify for the early adopter $1200 rebate. Customers who take delivery of the PMWF3 after
November 30, 2011 will NOT qualify for the early adopter rebate.
Early adopters of PMW-F3(K/L) can receive further industry exposure through Sony’s global marketing
activities, if they authorize Sony to publicize their positive PMW-F3K/L stories, pictures and/or
footage and Sony elects to do so. This unique opportunity is optional and available from Sony at no
additional cost only to early adopters of PMWF3(K/L). However, offer expires on March 31, 2012
and there will be limitations on the number of PMW-F3K/L early adopters Sony may choose to work
with.
REBATE OPTION 2: NEW PMWF3 CUSTOMERS ($500 mail-in rebate):
End users who purchase a SCL-Z18X140 between November 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012 and a
PMWF3(K/L) between December 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012 will be eligible for a $500 end user cash
mail-in rebate. SCL-Z18X140 must be ordered by and shipped to the end user between November
1, 2011 and March 31, 2012 and the PMWF3 and must be ordered by and shipped to the end user
between December 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012 to qualify for the $500 rebate.
Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce an XDCAM EX Camcorder / External Recorder mail-in rebate
promotion. Effective October 15, 2011 through December 31, 2011, Sony is offering a combination cash back
mail-in rebate to the end user if they purchase a qualifying External Recorder in combination with an eligible
XDCAM EX camcorder, inclusive of existing Sony camcorder packages. The rebate is designed to offer the end
user a substantial savings off the cost of the camcorder/Ext Recorder combination.
PMWF3K Convergent Design: $450.00
PMWF3L GEMINI 4:4:4
Cinedeck:
CINEDECK EX- SKU 8510
CINEDECK EX- SKU 8530 $100.00
AJA:
KI-PRO-RO
KI-PRO-ND-RO $100.00
AJA:
KI-PRO-MINI-RO $50.00
Convergent Design:
NANOFLASH
NANOFLASH BUNDLE $350.00
*ELIGIBLE CAMCORDER AND RECORDER UNIT MUST BE ORDERED BY AND SHIPPED TO THE END USER
CUSTOMER WITHIN THE PROMOTION PERIOD TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR REBATE.