Sony Super 35mm PMW F3 Camera with Lens

Brochure Product Information Technical Specifications CBKRGB01 S-Log Gamma Option for PMW-F3 S-Log Gamma Option Instructions for PMW-F3 Accessories Lens Adapters
NOTICE:	Sony has released a Firmware Update for the PMW-F3 Firmware Version 1.10.  Part Number XDF3V110 Click to Download

Product Overview

Highlights:

• Uses a newly developed Super 35mm CMOS Image Sensor with a shallow depth of filed, high sensitivity, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
• Employs a PL lens mount to allow flexible use of 35mm cinema lenses.
• Uses the same MPEG2 Long GOP Codec and SxS recording media as the rest of the XDCAM EX family for full 1920x1080 HD Recording, utilizing the “ready-to-use” XDCAM EX file-base workflow.
• Package includes a three PL lens kit consisting of a 35, 50, and 85mm T2.0 PL fixed focal length PL mount lenses.
• RGB and S-Log output will be available as a future optional RGB and 3G SDI software upgrade, allowing for a seemless workflow for high-end content creation with HDCAM-SR series products.
• To make full use of the wide dynamic range of the newly developed CMOS imager, the PMW-F3 can be equipped with S-Log gamma, allowing users to flexibly adjust captured images as they wish in the post-production process.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

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. This sensor has an extremely high sensitivity of F11 (ISO800) with a very low noise level (an S/N ratio of 63 dB). This is a significant advantage especially when shooting in low-light conditions or at night using only ambient light.

• 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. This greatly broadens the choice of lenses for a wider spectrum of creative expression. A PL lens mount adapter comes with the camera as standard. The PMW-F3 supports the Cooke/i Technology protocol, which enables the camcorder to communicate with the lens to obtain lens metadata such as focus and iris position. The ARRI LDS interface will be supported as well. This improves post-production workflow as lens metadata can be recorded onto an SxS card and brought into the post-production process.

• 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. This workflow offers seamless integration with leading nonlinear editing software.

• 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. In addition, the camcorder’s power consumption is only 24 W, and about three hours’ recording can be achieved with only one BP-U60 battery.

• 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. By using external recording devices such as HDCAM-SR recorders, users can achieve x 2.5 natural slow-motion playback in 1080/24p mode.

• 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. A LUT (Look Up Table) function is also provided for monitoring purposes when S-LOG output is activated. The same option includes 3G-SDI output functionality. It enables users to select Dual-link HD-SDI or 3G-SDI depending on the connecting devices.

• Another new feature of the PMW-F3 is the 3D-LINK option which is especially convenient for 3D stereoscopic shooting. Two PMW-F3 cameras can be controlled by one camera remote controller at the same time. The two cameras are connected with a special 10-pin cable that includes genlock, timecode in/out, and control line. Simultaneous control of the Iris and Focus functions of two cameras is extremely useful .

• 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).

FEATURES

Exmor™ Super35 CMOS image sensor

The 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 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 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 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 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 PMW-F3L 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 PMW-F3L 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 PMW-F3L 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 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 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, 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

Utilizing a mature and highly efficient compression format together with high performance SxS memory cards, the 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 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 standardized 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 ExpressCard 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.

Immediate recording start and no overwriting footage

By virtue of recording on flash memory card, the PMW-F3L can start recording virtually the instant the camcorder is turned on. Moreover, the PMW-F3L automatically records on an empty area of the card - there's no danger of overwriting existing content.

This is extremely convenient, as camera operators do not have to worry about accidentally recording over good takes, and they don't have to search through footage for the correct position to start the next recording. In short, it means the camera is always ready for the next shot!

Instant-access thumbnail search with 'Expand' function

Each time a recording is started and stopped on the PMW-F3L camcorder, the content is recorded as a single clip. During playback, users can cue-up to the next or previous clip simply by pressing the 'Next' or 'Previous' button, as you would do on a CD or DVD player.

Furthermore, thumbnails are automatically generated for each clip as a visual reference, allowing operators to cue-up to a desired scene simply by guiding the cursor to a thumbnail and pressing the 'Play' button.

The 'Expand' function allows one selected clip in the thumbnail display to be divided into 12 even-time intervals, each with their own thumbnail identifier. This is useful if you want to quickly search for a particular scene within a lengthy clip.

3.5-inch* Hybrid Color LCD Screen / Viewfinder as per EX1R

The PMW-F3L is equipped with a newly developed, easy-to-view, color LCD screen with a high resolution of 1920 x 480 pixels. The LCD screen is located in an easy viewing position on the side of the camera.

The LCD Screen can also be used to instantly review recorded footage, as well as to access the camera's set-up menus and view thumbnail display status indications such as audio meters, depth-of-field indicators, and the remaining memory and battery time. What's more, the Hybrid LCD screen - which comprises transmissive and reflective panels - offers clear viewing even in bright sunlight.

*Viewable area measured diagonally.

Genlock and Timecode Interfaces

The PMW-F3L includes genlock and timecode interfaces, making it ideal for multi-camera operation and entry level HD studio use.

3D System Link Option*

Using this option you can easily synchronize timecode, genlock and control functionality with a single cable, locking together left and right cameras to simplify 3D acquisition. *Available from April 2011.

Remote Control Capability

The PMW-F3L offers professional remote control of various camera features via standard Sony 8-pin control interface. This allows use of Sony optional RM-B150 and RM-B750 remote control units offering increased flexibility for studio/location use.

Compact Design

The PMW-F3L has a chassis built around its Super 35mm CMOS sensor. Its lightweight, compact design provides exceptional flexibility when shooting, particularly as a B-camera. It also offers a 'best of both worlds' combination of compatibility with 35mm lenses via a PL Mount adaptor, plus support for a huge range of other Sony and third-party digital cinematography accessories.

Low power consumption

Sony’s chip design expertise means the PMW-F3L operates with exceptional efficiency with an average power consumption of 24W. This makes the camera more reliable, extends its battery operating time and is also environmentally conscious. With the optional BP-U60 battery attached, the PMW-F3L can record continuously for just under three hours (with dual-link option off).

Wide array of interfaces

The PMW-F3L camcorder comes equipped with a wide range of interfaces optimized for a variety of operational needs. These include dual HD-SDI output, down-converted SD-SDI output, i.LINK (HDV) input/output, USB2 and analogue composite output.

Additional Information

Only SxS memory cards are guaranteed for use with the PMW-F3L XDCAM EX camcorder. USB based memory cards cannot be used with the XDCAM EX range. USB based memory cards might work with the XDCAM EX range in some cases, but Sony does not guarantee that all the functions will operate. The performance of USB based memory cards can vary.

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Technical Specifications

Please be aware that the features/specifications can differ from country to country

XDCAM EX PMW-F3 v1.1 firmware download

Sony BP-U60 Battery

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack for PMW-EX1/EX3/F3, and PHU-60K

14.4 volt, 56Wh battery for XDCAM EX camcorders. The BP-U60 uses a communication line with the EX camcorder, whereby the precise remaining capacity can be displayed on the camcorder's LCD and viewfinder. The battery information display on LCD is available even while the camera power is off (not on EVF). The BP-U30 and BP-U60 also have LED displays to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery at the push of a button on the battery itself.

MTF -- Nikon to Sony PMW-F3 Lens Adapter

Click to enlarge

Simply turn the blue ring to adjust aperture.  This adaptor incorporates a built in control ring allowing you to visually adjust lens aperture.(Patent pending)

Although designed for G series lenses, this adaptor is compatible with ALL Nikon lenses including DX series.

(Please note. Using this adaptor will introduce a magnification factor of 1.5X with full frame lenses)

• Original design for intuitive operation
• Impossible to damage lens during fitting and operation
• Compatible with DX and 35mm format lenses
• Compatible with lenses with or without aperture rings

Order from the ZGC Webstore

MTF -- Canon FD to Sony PMW-F3 Adapter

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The worlds first Canon FD to Sony F3 adaptor.

This adaptor allows you to Fit any Canon FD lens to Sony's new PMW-F3 camera.

(Please note. Using this adaptor will introduce a magnification factor of 1.5X with full frame lenses)

• Original design for intuitive operation
• Impossible to damage lens during fitting and operation
• built in iris activation mechanism

Order from the ZGC Webstore

MTF -- Canon EF to Sony PMW-F3 Adapter

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The worlds first Canon EF to Sony PMW-F3 adaptor.

A simple, non electronic adaptor allowing you to fit a canon EF lens to your F3. Aperture to be set on a camera body before shooting.

(Please note. Using this adaptor will introduce a magnification factor of 5.4X)

Order from the ZGC Webstore

Order from the ZGC Webstore