Sony PMW-EX3 Professional Camcorder
The Sony PMW-EX3 is a 1920x1080 1/2 inch cinema camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony PMW-EX3 Professional Camcorder
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Camera Overview — Sony PMW-EX3
Key Features — Sony PMW-EX3
Three 1/2-Inch CMOS Sensors: The PMW-EX3 uses three separate 1/2-inch sensors in a 3-chip configuration, delivering accurate color separation and clean Full HD images typical of broadcast-grade camcorders.
Full HD 1080p Recording: Records at up to 1920x1080 resolution; supported frame rates include 24fps, 30fps, and 60i/60p, covering broadcast, documentary, and event production requirements.
XDCAM EX MPEG-2 Format: Records to Sony's XDCAM EX MPEG-2 codec at up to 35 Mbps — the PMW-EX3 does not support XAVC, which is a later codec not available on this model.
Interchangeable Lens Mount: Sony A-mount bayonet allows use of compatible Sony and Minolta A-mount lenses, giving operators optical flexibility beyond a fixed-lens camcorder design.
SxS Media Recording: Records to Sony SxS ExpressCard media, a reliable solid-state format widely used in professional broadcast and ENG workflows.
Cine Gamma Color Profile: Cine Gamma picture profile retains more highlight and shadow detail, providing additional latitude for color grading in post-production.
Camera Specifications — Sony PMW-EX3
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography, Documentary, Event |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | 1/2 inch |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| ISO Range | 100 – 6400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | Variable |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 60fps |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
| Video Color Profiles | Standard, Cine Gamma |
| Image Stabilization | None |
Description — Sony PMW-EX3
The Sony PMW-EX3 is a professional camcorder featuring a 1/2-inch sensor with a native resolution of 1920x1080. It supports Full HD video recording at 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, with recording handled in XAVC and MPEG-2 formats at 8-bit color depth. Two color profiles are available — Standard and Cine Gamma — giving operators some control over the image look in-camera.
The camera uses a Sony A (Minolta A) lens mount, enabling interchangeable lens configurations. Storage is handled via SxS (Sony ExpressCard) media. Monitoring options include a 3.5-inch LCD display and an electronic viewfinder, both at 1920x480 resolution, with the viewfinder running at 60Hz.
Connectivity covers Mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, and USB 2.0. The magnesium alloy body measures 243 x 210 x 453 mm and weighs 2.4 kg. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 6400, and the camera is powered by BP-U30 or BP-U60 batteries with an approximate runtime of 4 hours.
Pros — Sony PMW-EX3
- ✓Full HD 1920x1080 recording at up to 60fps across three frame rates (24fps, 30fps, 60fps)
- ✓Dual recording formats — XAVC and MPEG-2 — provide workflow flexibility
- ✓Sony A (Minolta A) lens mount enables interchangeable lens use
Cons — Sony PMW-EX3
- ✗No weather sealing (bodyDesign.weatherSealing: None), limiting use in adverse conditions
- ✗8-bit color depth may constrain flexibility in color grading compared to higher bit-depth formats
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — optical, in-body, or digital — per imageStabilization specs
Videos — Sony PMW-EX3
Sony PMW-EX3 Video Review — Philip Bloom