Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 18, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The PMW-F3 is based on the XDCAM EX workflow and records onto Sony’s SxS Express cards, although the data from the Super 35mm CMOS sensor with ISO 800, F11 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 63dB at 1920×1080/59.94i still has to be tested in practice.
Via HD-SDI dual-link output for external recording (4:2:2 1080 50/59.94P as standard, RGB 1080 23.98/25/29.97PsF optional), material can be recorded in 1920×1080, 1440×1080 and 1280×720 at 23.98/25/29.97p, 50/59.94i and, in DVCAM mode, 25/29.97PsF and 50/59.94i. There are also variable-frame-rate modes, from one to thirty frames in “Slow Mode” and from one to sixty frames in “Quick Mode”.
The camcorder, with a targeted list price of US$16,000 (body only), is available at extra cost as a kit with 35/50/85mm f2.0 prime lenses with PL mount. The “PL” mount is compatible with Sony’s zoom lenses, among others, as well as those from third-party suppliers such as Cooke, Fujinon and Zeiss. The PMW-F3 camcorder is expected to be available from February 2011 at a recommended price of US$16,000 (body only) and US$23,000 (body and optics).
Update:
Here is a short film made with the F3:
And here are classic test shots:
