July 26, 2012 - 09:05
It was foreseen in another thread, but specs etc are now out - fundamentally an EX1R with the full broadcast spec XDCAM422 50Mbs codec.
Alister Chapman has a full review here: http://www.xdcam-user.com/2012/07/50-megabits-for-the-masses-the-new-sony-pmw-200/
Be interesting to now see what happens with the rest of the XDCAM EX range - the EX3, PM320 and PMW350?
July 26, 2012 - 11:15
#1
Re: Sony PMW200
They've got to come up with an upgraded PMW350 with same spec as the PMW200 especially as Panasonic are about to lauch there new HPX 600 model soon, interesting times.
July 26, 2012 - 15:03
#2
Re: Sony PMW200
I do not think the 320 or 350 will get an upgrade any time soon. Sony will just hold the line that if you want one of those types of cameras to record 50Mb/s you should purchase a PMW500.
July 27, 2012 - 12:21
#3
Re: Sony PMW200
You may well be right and the sales of the larger models will be much smaller than the handhelds if Sony see a large contingent jumping ship in the way they have to the Canon XF305 I don't think they can stand by, when it's just a codec thing they can't justify it can they?
July 27, 2012 - 12:40
#4
Re: Sony PMW200
Sony are possibly in a tricky position codec wise on their ENG lineup. Although they would probably argue that for news application, which is where I am presuming that the majority of PMW-350's and 320's have gone, lack of 50Mb/s isn't really an issue. On the other hand an EX1 style camera like the PMW200 could do with 50Mb because it is likely that such a camera will be used in situations that aren't practical for larger higher quality cameras on the same shoot and they still need to be of matching quality. I would suppose that it also means that documentaries can be shot with full approval in locations where those hulking large cameras are simply a complete pain.
If you look at the Panasonic lineup the grass is rarely ever greener. Although the Sony's lack the higher bitrate recording, the Panasonic's often lose out in other areas such as chip performance, or in the general features available on the camera.
August 8, 2012 - 17:58
#5
Re: Sony PMW200
I've ordered 2 PMW 200's, not really for the 50mbps 4:2:2, but because I think Sony have addressed the niggles I had with the EX1R, (I've had 5 of them in the last few years).
I HATED the rotating grip, it offset the centre of gravity so you needed a lot more effort to keep the camera level when hand held.
NEVER used it!
The flip out screen was always a step backwards for me on the EX1. Having had some 6 Z1's before I found the top mounted screen far more useful as you could flip it up and look from the other side or up and round if you were filming from a car's passenger seat.
Finally I think the controls are far better positioned, as they are all on the LHS.
It's seems a bit lighter and narrower as well, which is good!
Also the processing looks like it reduces the noise in the blacks in low light, There was a LOT of that!
And I pray they have fixed the backfocus drift I've found - especially with the original model, not so much with the Rs.
Anyway - I'm sure the 50mbps will make me more employable (ha ha), but I will use it for chromakey work, which I do a lot of. Should in theory key better.