SonyF3Cam
Equipment category:

The Sony PMW-F3L Super 35mm XDCAM EX Full-HD Compact Camcorder with S-Log Gamma continues the democratization of high-end image capture. The camera’s Super 35mm-Size CMOS sensor offer a variety of advantages over smaller sensors, including increased control over depth of field, higher sensitivity in low-light, lower image noise, and an exceptional dynamic range. Unlike smaller, broadcast-style sensors or the larger “full frame” sensors found in some DSLRs, the PMW-F3’s chip is on par with Hollywood film cameras, in terms of field of view and depth of field. That means complete compatibility with cine-style film lenses and consistency of vision for cinematographers used to shooting on 35mm film.

Using a solid-state workflow based on the XDCAM EX platform, the PMW-F3 camera records natively to professional SxS media, using the MPEG-2 long GOP codec in an 8-bit 4:2:0 color space. More demanding applications can utilize the camera’s dula-link HD-SDI ports to output to an external recorder in 10-bit 4:2:2 or even 10-bit RGB 4:4:4.

The combination of four HyperGamma settings with S-Log and LUT capability provide RAW-like flexibility to the image data, allowing for increased picture control and dynamic range. S-Log expands the camera’s dynamic range to include at lease 12.5 stops of exposure latitude. Meanwhile, the F3’s Exposure Index mode sets the camera at an optimal ISO and adds a full stop of exposure, maximizing the sensor output for situations when highlights are a priority.

The included PL mount adapter strengthens the link between digital cinema and traditional film, providing an efficient means for using any number of professional PL-mount cine lenses-including full compatibility with Cooke/i and Arri LDS technology.

Other features-such as variable frame rates, multiple-format recording, slow shutter and uncompressed PCM audio-make the PMW-F3 an impressive companion to its larger Super 35 brethren. Not only will it intercut perfectly with the Sony F35, and SRW-9000PL as a second unit of B camera, it can easily stand on its own in applications as diverse as indie film, television, commercials, music videos, promos and education.

 

Technical Specifications and Features

  • Model: PMW-F3 or PMW-F3L (S-Log Capability)
  • Weight: 5.3 Pounds ( 2.4 kg ) (Camera Only)
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 5.9″ x 7.4″ x 8.3″ (15.1 cm x 18.9 cm x 21 cm)
  • Power Requirements: 12V DC
  • Power Consumption: 24W (Typical)
  • Operating Temperature: 32°-104° F ( 0°C-40°C )
  • Image Capture Device: Super 35mm Exmor CMOS Image Sensor ( 23.6 x 13.3 mm)
  • Picture Size (Pixels): 1920 x 1080 (Effective)
  • Lens Mount: Sony FZ and PL Mount
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 63 dB (Typical)
  • Sensitivity: F11 @ 2000 lux, ISO 800, 89.9% Reflectance (Typical)
  • Signal System: NTSC/PAL
  • Built-In Filters: Neutral Density: CLEAR, 1/8, 1/64
  • LCD Monitor: 3.5″ 16:9 Color LCD Monitor – 921,000 Effective Pixels
  • Speaker: Mono
  • Viewfinder: 0.45″, Aspect Ratio 16:9
  • Shutter Speed: 1/32 – 1/2000 Sec and Slow Shutter (SLS)
  • Gain Options: -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, AGC
  • White Balance: Preset, Memory A, Memory B/ATW
  • Memory Card Slots (2): ExpressCard/34
  • Recording Format: MPEG-2 Long GOP
  • HD HQ Mode: VBR, Maximum Bit Rate: 35Mb/s
  • HD SP Mode: CBR, 25 Mb/s
  • SD Mode: DVCAM
  • Frame Rates: NTSC
  • HD/HQ Mode
    • 1920 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p
    • 1440 x 1080/59.97i, 29.97p, 23.98p
    • 1280 x 720/59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p
  • HD/SP Mode
    • 1440 x 1080/59.94i, 23.98p
  • SD Mode
    • 720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97p
  • PAL
  • HD/HQ Mode
    • 1920 x 1080/50i, 25p
    • 1440 x 1080/50i, 25p
    • 1280 x 720/50p, 25p
  • HD/SP Mode
    • 1440 x 1080/50i
  • SD Mode
    • 720 x 576/50i, 25p
  • Slow & Quick Motion Function
    • 1 to 30 FPS @ 1920 x 1080 (17 to 30 FPS in Dual-Link Mode)
    • 1 to 60 FPS @ 1280 x 720 (17 to 60 FPS in Dual-Link Mode)
  • Recording/Playback TIme: HQ Mode
    • Approximately 100 Minutes with SBP-32 (32GB) memory card
    • Approximately 50 Minutes with SBP-16 (16GB) memory card
  • SP/SD Mode
    • Approximately 140 Minutes with SBP-32 (32GB) memory card
    • Approximately 70 Minutes with SBP-16 (16GB) memory card
  • Audio Signal Format: 2-Channel 16-bit, 48 kHz linear PSM uncompressed
  • Input and Output Connectors: SDI: BNC (x1 Output)
  • Dual Link HD-SDI: BNC x2 (x1 Output)
  • Composite: BNC (x1 Output)
  • HDMI: HDMI Type A (x1 Output)
  • FireWire: IEEE 1394 6-pin (x1 Input/Output)
  • Line/Mic 3-pin XLR (x2 Input)
  • Audio: RCA x2 (x1 Output)
  • Timecode: BNC (x1 Input, x1 Output)
  • Genlock: BNC (x1 Input)
  • USB: Standard A-Type (x1), Mini B-Type (x1)
  • Headphones: 3.5mm Stereo Mini (x1 Output)
  • Remote: 8-pin
  • DC Input 4-pin XLR (Male)