Joining the F35 and SRW-9000PL in Sony's lineup of CineAlta 24p digital cinema cameras, the PMW-F3K Super 35mm Full-HD Compact Camcorder continues the democratization of high-end image capture. The camera's newly developed Super 35mm-size CMOS sensor offers 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" sensor found in some DSLRs, the PMW-F3's chip is on a 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.
Another advantage of the camera's highly efficient sensor is its low power consumption--only 24 watts. Not only does this mean a standard 12V battery can last nearly 3 hours, but the low amount of heat the sensor generates offsets the need for an internal fan--contributing to the camera's extremely light weight (just over 5 lbs). As a result, this is the first CineAlta camcorder designed with a handheld form factor.
Using a solid-state workflow based on the XDCAM EX platform, the PMW-F3 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 dual-link HD-SDI ports to output to an external recorder in 10-bit 4:2:2 or 10-bit RGB (with upgrade). Meanwhile 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.
An 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. (Three Sony lenses--35mm, 50mm, and 85mm--are supplied so that you can start shooting immediately.) Beneath the removable PL adapter, the camera's native, stainless steel F3 mount provides a foundation for future versatility. Its short flange distance will allow for the development of smaller, lighter zoom lenses as well as compatibility with a wide array of both cine and photo lenses (using optional adapters).
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 S-35 brethren. Not only will it intercut perfectly with the F35 and SRW-9000PL as a 2nd unit or B camera, it can easily stand on its own in applications as diverse as indie film, television, commercials, music promos, and education. In the world of digital cinema, these are indeed interesting times--and the PMW-F3 represents another revolutionary stride toward affordable, motion-picture quality imaging.
*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.
*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.
Image Device | Super 35mm Exmor CMOS Image Sensor (23.6 x 13.3 mm) |
Picture Elements | 1920 x 1080 (Effective) |
Lens Mount | Sony F3 PL Mount (with supplied lens mount adapter) |
Lenses | Focal Length: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm Aperture: T2.0 Min Shooting Distance: 0.35m, 0.5m, 0.85m Filter Diameter: 95mm |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 63dB (typical) |
Horizontal Resolution | Not specified by manufacturer |
Sensitivity | F11 @2000 lux, ISO 800, 89.9% Reflectance (typical) |
Minimum Illumination | Not specified by manufacturer |
Signal System | NTSC / PAL |
Built-in Filters | Neutral Density: CLEAR, 1/8, 1/64 |
LCD Monitor | 3.5" Hybrid-type 16:9 Color LCD Monitor Approx. 921,000 effective pixels |
Speaker | Mono |
Viewfinder | 0.45", Aspect Ratio 16: 9 |
Shutter Speed | 1/32 - 1/2000 sec Slow Shutter (SLS): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8-frame accumulation |
Gain Selection | -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, AGC |
White Balance | Preset, Memory A, Memory B/ATW |
Memory Card Slot | ExpressCard/34 (x2) |
Recording Format | MPEG-2 Long GOP HD HQ mode: VBR, maximum bit rate: 35 Mb/s, MPEG-2 MP@HL HD SP mode: CBR, 25 Mb/s, MPEG-2 MP@H-14 SD mode: DVCAM Audio: Linear PCM (2ch, 16-bit, 48-kHz) |
Frame Rates | NTSC area: HD 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 HD SP mode: 1440 x 1080/59.94i, 23.98p SD mode: 720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97p PAL area: Slow & Quick Motion Function |
Recording/Playback Time | HQ Mode: Approx. 100 min with SBP-32 (32 GB) memory card Approx. 50 min with SBP-16 (16 GB) memory card SP/SD Mode: |
Audio Dynamic Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
Audio Signal Format | 2-channel 16-bit, 48-kHz linear PCM uncompressed |
Audio Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
Signal to Noise Ratio | Not specified by manufacturer |
Input and Output Connectors | SDI: BNC (x1 Output) Dual Link HD-SDI: BNCx2 (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: RCAx2 (x1 Output) Timecode: BNC (x1 Input, x1 Output) Genlock: BNC (x1 Input) USB: Standard A-Type (x1), Mini B-Type (x1) Headphone: 3.5mm Stereo Mini (x1 Output) Remote: 8-pin DC Input: 4-pin XLR (male) |
Power Requirements | 12VDC |
Power Consumption | 24W (Typical) |
Operating Temperature | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.9 x 7.4 x 8.3" (15.1 x 18.9 x 21 cm) (protrusion not included) |
Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4kg) (camera only) |
Reviews Sony PMW-F3K Super 35mm Full-HD Compact Camcorder with 35mm, 50mm & 85mm Lenses (Import)