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New Rig Gets the Camera Going
While the Sony PMW-F3 has earned a niche in a wide range of production scenarios, the camera presents some potential difficulties as a handheld unit. Despite various third-party handheld options, ENG-style lenses are indicated for many run-and-gun situations. After all, the F3 was equipped with a zoom rocker that had no functionality until Sony released the SCLZ18xl40 zoom lens.
While the internal XDCAM EX 35 Mb/s codec may be adequate for some productions, higher-end productions need more robust codecs. Third-party products do provide more robust options; however, many environments, particularly those in broadcast television, have standardized on HDCAM SR. The other component of the rig, the SR-Rl solidstate recorder, brings Dual Link HDCAM SR recording to the F3 or any other Dual Linkcapable camera.
I had the privilege of testing these products with F3 owner/operator/DP Timur Civan and DIT/editor/colorist Tom Wong. Additional evaluations were performed by Andy Shipsides of AbelCine in New York. Individually and together, we looked at different aspects of the system and formed our impressions.
SCL-Z18X140 LENS: 18-252mm 03.5-6.3
Sony showed this lens under glass at NAB. Shipments will begin in Ianuary 2012.
The first thing you'll notice is the size of the lens. While large enough to cover a Super 35 sensor, it nonetheless weighs less than 5 lb.
The lens attaches directly to the native F3 mount. It provides complete electronic connections to the camera, including the ability to use the rocker switch as a servo zoom controller.
The SCL, designed to be an ENG-style lens, is patterned after the Sony EX lenses. All controls are in the same lens positions as on the EX models. It provides the options of auto or manual control and, most importantly, the same image stabilization as is available in the EX lenses.
In order to keep the weight down, Sony opted to use what appears to be a combination of metal, carbon and some plastic construction. Our only concern about this construction is a plastic-enclosed motor mechanism on the right side of the lens: Our fear is that it could be damaged with heavy use. This is, after all, a lens that may see some intense use by virtue of...