Sony PMW-F3: Overview
Super 35mm Full-HD Compact Camcorder with PL Mount Adapter
*Comes with FREE Sony S-Log Software Key (CBKRGB01)
Sony CBKRGB01
Optional software key required to enable the following functionality in the PMW-F3 camcorder: S-Log gamma, 3G-SDI output, Dual Link RGB444 video output,and User-defined as well as pre-loaded LUTs
PRELIMINARY PRODUCT INFORMATION
The Sony PMW-F3L 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.
You may consider The PMW-F3K which is supplied with three high quality Sony lenses and an industry standard PL Mount adaptor providing compatibility with industry
standard 35mm lenses, Or Sony PMW-F3L without lens
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-F3L 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.The PMW-F3L 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.
Record in 4K using Gemini 444 recorder
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Sony PMW-F3: Features
PRELIMINARY PRODUCT INFORMATION
Please find preliminary information on Sony PMW-F3L features below. This information is subject to change. More information will be made available soon.
Exmor™ Super35 CMOS image sensor
The Sony PMW-F3L is equipped with a Super 35mm sensor which is the same size as Super 35mm film and has been specifically developed for digital cinematography. Its positioning within the chassis is
exactly the same as it would be within a 35mm film camera – ensuring exactly the same optical performance with the unrivalled range of 35mm Cine lenses.
In addition, Sony's advanced accumulated sensor technologies
provide an excellent sensitivity of F11 (ISO 800)* and a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio of just 63 dB*. Unique Exmor™ sensor offers exceptional noise reduction and greatly reduces power
consumption.
*All measured at 1080/59.94i and typical value.
PL Mount Adapter for compatibility with 35mm Cine Lenses
The Sony PMW-F3L is supplied with a PL Mount Adapter to provide immediate compatibility with the huge range of filmic 35mm lenses,
including prime, digital cinematography and even still lenses. There are also hot shoe electric interfaces for Cooke/i and ARRI LDS.
Sony PMW F3 Original Mount for Zoom Lens
Sony plans to introduce a range of zoom lenses directly compatible with the F3 mount. More details will be revealed shortly. Zoom lens
compatibility expands the operational flexibility of the F3 so it can be used for almost any application.
23.98P Native Recording
The Sony PMW-F3L camcorder is the first compact camcorder to be a member of the legendary Sony CineAlta™ family. It offers native
23.98P* recording which, in combination with advanced creative features such as selectable gamma curves, makes this camcorder ideal for cinema production.
*In 1440 x 1080/23.98P (SP) mode, images are handled as 23.98P and
recorded as 59.94i signals through means of 2-3 pull-down.
Slow & Quick Motion Function
The Sony PMW-F3L offers a powerful 'Slow & Quick Motion' function - commonly known as over-cranking and under-cranking in film
shooting. This enables users to create unique 'looks' or special effects with slow- and fast-motion images, and can be selected on
the control dial on the side of the camcorder.
The Sony PMW-F3 can capture images at frame rates selectable from 1 fps (frame per second) to 60 fps in 720P mode and from 1 fps to 30 fps
in 1080P mode, in increments of 1 fps, onto a single card. For example, when viewed at 23.98P, images captured at 60 fps will appear 2.5 times slower than normal. Conversely, images captured at
4 fps will appear 6 times faster than normal.
With the 'Slow & Quick Motion' function of this camcorder, images are recorded natively without interpolating the frames. This
means the quality of the slow -and fast- motion images is extremely high and incomparable to those created in the editing process. In addition, these slow -and fast- motion images can be played back
immediately after shooting, without using any converters or processing on nonlinear editing systems.
1920 x 1080 HD recording using the "MPEG-2 Long GOP" Codec
The Sony PMW-F3 camcorder records 1920 x 1080 HD images using the 'MPEG-2 Long GOP' codec, which conforms to the MPEG-2 MP@HL
compression standard. 'MPEG-2 Long GOP' is a mature codec - also adopted by the XDCAM HD and HDV 1080i series of products - which enables users to record stunning quality HD footage with highly
efficient, reliable data compression.
Selectable Bit Rates
The Sony PMW-F3 camcorder offers a choice of bit rates - either 35 Mb/s (HQ mode) or 25 Mb/s (SP mode) - depending on the desired picture
quality and recording time. The HQ mode supports both 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 resolutions. The SP mode supports 1440 x 1080 resolution at 25 Mb/s, which provides compatibility with HDV 1080i products.
Multiple-format recording - 1080/720 and Interlace/Progressive switchable operation
The PMW-F3L camcorder offers a wide array of recording formats for multiple content creation applications. Scanning mode is switchable between 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 1440 x 1080 resolutions. Frame
rate is also selectable from interlace and progressive - 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, and native 23.98P*.
In addition, 59.94P and 50P progressive recording is available in
1280 x 720 mode. The SxS memory card can simultaneously hold multiple files of any of these recording formats, allowing for
flexible use of the memory card.
*In 1440 x 1080/23.98P (SP) mode, images are handled as 23.98P and recorded as 59.94i signals through means of 2-3 pull-down.
Slow Shutter Function
The Sony PMW-F3L camcorder offers a 'Slow Shutter function' for capturing clear images in low-light environments. This allows the shutter speed to be extended to a maximum of 8 frames. The 'Slow
Shutter function' not only increases camera sensitivity but also produces a special blurring effect when shooting a moving object, for enhanced shooting creativity. The shutter speed is selectable from 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-frame periods.
High-quality uncompressed audio recording
In addition to HD recording, high-quality audio is an equally significant feature in the XDCAM EX system. The PMW-F3L camcorder
records and plays back high-quality, two-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed audio.
Exceptional workflow flexibility
The Sony PMW-F3L uses XDCAM EX’s proven high-speed, intuitive workflow and offers seamless integration with leading nonlinear editing software. In addition, 10bit 4:2:2 HD-SDI output opens up
hybrid recording possibilities with content simultaneously recorded on internal memory and, in uncompressed form, on a variety of
external recording devices.
From April 2011, a Dual Link HD-SDI option will enable 10bit RGB 23.98/25/29.97PsF or 10 bit 4:2:2 108050P/59.94P uncompressed
external recording – ideal for integration with highest quality production workflows such as HDCAM SR. The PMW-F3L also supports selectable Gamma, four levels of HyperGamma and S-Log for
a wide range of shooting conditions from standard to wide latitude. The PMW-F3L can simultaneously record LUT (Look Up Table) information onto the internal media for additional workflow
flexibility.
3G-SDI is available for 10bit RGB 1080 23.98/25/29.97PsF or 10bit 4:2:2 1080 50/59.94P output.
SxS Memory Cards combine high transfer speeds and high reliability
Both SxS PRO™ and SxS-1A™* memory cards use the PCI Express interface to achieve an extremely high data-transfer speed
of 800 Mbps - 1.2Gbps, and can resist considerable shock (1500 G) and vibration (15 G). Also, a unique 'Salvage function' serves to restore content damaged by power loss or memory disconnection
during recording**.
In addition, PMW F3 with an optional MEAD-MS01 or MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor***, a high-speed Memory Stick™ or SD memory card****
can be used as emergency or alternative recording media.
* SxS-1A memory cards support fewer re-writes than SxS PRO™ memory cards. Notification is given when an SxS-1 memory card
approaches its end of life.
** In some cases, images recorded just before an accident may not be restored (several seconds). No warranty is given on always
achieving content restoration.
*** Slow Motion and the Salvage function are not supported.
**** For information about memory devices, please contact your nearest Sony Specialist Dealer.
Long Recording Time
Utilising a mature and highly efficient compression format together with high performance SxS memory cards, the Sony PMW-F3L can record superb quality HD images for an exceptional 140 minutes* on a
single 32Gb update SxS card. As the PMW-F3L features two memory card slots, this recording time is easily doubled to 280 minutes (with two 32Gb cards) and when recording across two cards, the
transition is seamless without any frame loss.
*When recording in HQ (35 Mb/s) mode, recording time may be more than the above specified figure depending on the actual bit rate that is adopted during VBR encoding.
IT Friendly
The Sony PMW-F3L is part of Sony’s highly successful XDCAM EX product family which supports a high speed nonlinear workflow. With XDCAM EX, recordings are made as data files in the 'MP4' format,
which is widely used in a number of recent electronic portable devices and has been standardised by ISO.
File-based recording allows material to be handled with great
flexibility in an IT-based environment - easily available for copying, transferring, sharing, and archiving. All these operations
are accomplished without any 'digitizing' process required.
File-based data copying allows for degradation-free dubbing of footage, which can be performed easily on a PC. The file-based
recording system also allows for material to be viewed directly on a PC - simply by inserting the SxS memory card into the Express Card slot on a PC or Mac, or by linking a PC/Mac to the XDCAM EX unit
via a USB2 connection. This works in just the same way as a PC reading files on an external drive. The file-based operation can dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of your
workflow.
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| Specification |
General |
| Mass |
Approx. 2.4 kg (without lens and accessories) |
| Power Requirements |
DC 12 V (11 V to 17.0 V) |
| Power Consumption |
Approx .24 W (while recording, EVF On, LCD monitor Off, HD-SDI Dual Link On)
#Approx. 14 W (while recording, EVF On, LCD monitor On, IO Select HD SDI & HD HDMI)" |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 40°C
32°F to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature |
-20°C to +60°C
-4°F to +140°F |
| Battery Operating Time |
Approx. 130 min with BP-U60 battery, HD-SDI Dual Link On |
| Recording Format (Video) |
MPEG-2 Long GOP
•HQ mode: VBR, maximum bit rate: 35 Mbps, MPEG-2 MP@HL
•SP mode: CBR, 25 Mbps, MPEG-2 MP@H-14
•SD mode: DVCAM |
| Recording Format (Audio) |
Linear PCM (2 ch, 16-bit, 48-kHz) |
| Recording/Playback Time (MPEG HD) |
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/SD Mode:
•Approx. 140 min with SBP-32 (32 GB) memory card
•Approx. 70 min with SBP-16 (16 GB) memory card
•Approx. 35 min with SBP-8 (8 GB) memory card |
| Recording Frame Rate |
NTSC
HQ mode:
•1920 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p,
•1440 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p,
•1280 x 720/59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p
SP mode: 1440 x 1080/59.94i, 23.98p (pull down)
SD mode: 720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97PsF
PAL
HQ mode:
•1920 x 1080/50i, 25p,
•1440 x 1080/50i, 25p,
•1280 x 720/50p, 25p
SP mode: 1440 x 1080/50i
SD mode: 720 x 576/50i, 25PsF |
Camera Section |
| Built-in Optical Filters |
OFF: Clear, 1: 1/8ND, 2: 1/64ND |
| Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% Reflectance) |
T11 (typical) (1920 x 1080/59.94i mode) |
| S/N Ratio |
63 dB (Y) (typical) (1920 x 1080/59.94i mode) |
| Shutter Speed |
1/32s to 1/2,000s |
| Slow Shutter (SLS) |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8-frame accumulation |
| Slow & Quick Motion Function |
720p: Frame rate selectable from 1 fps to 60 fps
(17 fps to 60 fps when HD-SDI Dual Link is ON)
1080p: Frame rate selectable from 1 fps to 30 fps
(17 fps to 30 fps when HD-SDI Dual Link is ON) |
| White Balance |
Preset (3200K), Memory A, Memory B/ATW |
| Gain |
-3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, AGC |
Input/Output |
| Audio Input |
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), Line/Mic/Mic +48V selectable |
| Genlock Input |
BNC (x1) |
| Timecode Input |
BNC (x1) |
| SDI Output |
BNC (x2) (HD-SDI/ HD-SDI Dual Link/ 3G-SDI switchable)
HD-SDI (A): SMPTE 292M (HD-SDI mode)
HD-SDI (A, B): SMPTE 372M (Dual Link HD-SDI mode, 4:2:2 1080 50p/
59.94p)
HD-SDI (A, B): SMPTE 372M (Dual Link HD-SDI mode, 4:4:4 1080 23.98/ 25/ 29.97PsF w/ CBK-RGB01 option)
HD-SDI (A): SMPTE 424M (3G-SDI mode, w/ CBK-RGB01 option)
BNC (x1) (HD/SD switchable)
HD-SDI: SMPTE 292M
SD-SDI: SMPTE 259M |
| Video Output |
BNC (x1) HD-Y or Analog composite |
| Audio Output |
Phono jack (CH-1, CH-2) |
| Timecode Output |
BNC (x1) |
| Earphone Output |
Stereo mini jack (x1) |
| Speaker Output |
Monaural |
| DC Input |
XLR-type 4-pin (male) (x1) |
| Remote |
8-pin |
| i.LINK |
IEEE 1394, 4-pin (x1), HDV (HDV 1080i) / DVCAM stream input/output, S400 |
| USB |
USB device, Mini-B (x1) |
| HDMI |
A Type (x1) |
| Other Equipment |
| Viewfinder |
0.45-inch*3 type color LCD: 852 (H) x 480 (V), 16:9 |
| Built-in LCD Monitor |
3.5-inch*3 type color LCD monitor: approx. 921000 effective pixels, 640 (H) x 3 (RGB) x 480 (V), 16:9, hybrid type |
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Supplied Accessories
· Lens mount adapter (1)
· Microphone (1)
· Wind-screen (1)
· Infrared Remote Commander (1)
· USB cable (1)
· Shoulder strap (1)
· Lithium battery (CR2032 for backup) (1)
· Lithium battery (CR2025 for the IR Remote Commander) (1)
· CD-ROM:
- Utility software (1)
- Operating instructions in PDF (1)
- Operating instructions (English) (1)
- Operating instructions (Japanese) (1)
· SxS Device driver software end-user license agreement (1) |
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