Sony PMW-F3 review

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 9/10 from 1 reviewers.

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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; the other includes three PL lenses (35/50/85-mm, T2.0), the PMW-F3K.The PMW-F3 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, which allows two camcorders to be controlled simultaneously for 3D stereoscopic shooting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The PMW-F3 delivers a scalable external recording solution. When the RGB and S-LOG output option is added, RGB 4:4:4 baseband signal output is available for external recording devices such as HDCAM-SR recorders.
Another new feature of the PMW-F3 is the 3D-LINK option which is especially convenient for 3D stereoscopic shooting.
The PMW-F3K is an affordable and "ready-to-use" solution, ideal for entry-level users, with three Sony fixed focal length PL lenses (35/50/85-mm, T2.0).

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