Pre-Production: Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM Test Shoot

Introduction

As mentioned in my JVC and Panasonic post, I will also be conveying a test shoot with the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM. This will revolve around using the same script that I used for the other two cameras so that Kate and I can compare directly which camera seems the most suited to shoot for our Mockumentary.

Below is the shot list for the test script.

Shot List for Test Shoot

Jesse Miller Review

Likewise to the test shoot, I also researched online for reviews from DoPs regarding the Sony EX1. I came across the video below which was created by Jesse Miller - an American DoP and Vlogger who conducts reviews on cameras.

All in all, his review was reasonably helpful. He highlights the key advantages in terms of the camera's hardware, software and workflow. He first begins to comment on the Fujinon lens - seeming very impressed with its iris dial and how the focus has a large range between its tight and wide focus. This will be very beneficial for us for when we want to get quick pull focuses and zooms, as the camera having a 14x optical zoom will enable a wider range for zooming, enabling this idea of 'spying' on our actors to work.

Jesse then begins to explain the benefit of the Sony having a direct menu - how the Sony gives you the opportunity to enter the menu whilst in live mode. As you can see from my print screens, you can change thing such as shutter and steady shot without having to go onto the full menu. This is reasonably beneficial for us as it enables us to alter the camera modes and see (in some cases) it's direct effect without having to leave live mode. For example, we can alter the white balance whilst in live mode which can be very time-consuming.

Using 'direct menu' to save time by not having to enter
the full menu and instead staying in live mode

Strengths and Weaknesses

All in all, the test shoot proved to be very beneficial. The Sony generally performed well and met the majority of our standards during the test shoot. This may be down to the fact that I have used this camera to shoot documentary work and generally have confidence and experience with this camera. Nonetheless, below are the strengths and weaknesses I found when shooting in the Mockumentary style:

Strengths

- The camera has shortcut zoom keys which enable smooth and fasts zooms
- The Sony is the heaviest out of the three which works as a benefit by enabling the camera more
  .durable for handheld tracking/panning shots.
 - Has 2 audio inputs and 4 channels enabling a wider range of audio recording to go through the
   camera.
 - Higher quality and larger LCD screen making it easier to set up and prepare for shots.
 - Dual express card slots, likewise to the JVC

Weaknesses

 - Restricted focal length, likewise to the JVC. However the camera has a higher optical zoom (14x
    instead of 10x) giving the camera a wider range.
  - Some shortcut buttons are hard to reach or placed in uncomfortable positions.