Sony PMW-EX3 Professional Camcorder
The Sony PMW-EX3 is a 1920x1080 1/2 inch cinema camera — with 1080p video. Used copies start from $650 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony PMW-EX3 Professional Camcorder
Used Sony PMW-EX3 Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Sony PMW-EX3
The Sony PMW-EX3 is a professional camcorder built around a 1/2-inch sensor capable of recording at up to 1920x1080 resolution. It delivers Full HD 1080p video across a range of frame rates — 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps — making it adaptable for broadcast, documentary, and event production workflows. Recording formats include XAVC and MPEG-2, with 8-bit color depth and color profile options of Standard and Cine Gamma.
The camera uses Sony's SxS (ExpressCard) media for storage and features a Sony A (Minolta A) lens mount, giving shooters access to a broad selection of compatible glass. The body is constructed from magnesium alloy, keeping the build solid despite the absence of weather sealing, and weighs in at 2.4 kg with dimensions of 243 x 210 x 453 mm. A 3.5-inch LCD display with 1920x480 resolution is paired with an electronic viewfinder of matching resolution running at 60Hz.
Connectivity includes Mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, and USB 2.0. The camera accepts BP-U30 or BP-U60 batteries with an approximate runtime of 4 hours. ISO range runs from 100 to 6400, and autofocus is handled via contrast detection.
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.
Dual Monitoring System: A 3.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder allow flexible monitoring in both bright and dark shooting environments.
Magnesium Alloy Body: Solid magnesium alloy construction keeps the body durable and rigid for demanding field production use.
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 |
| Display | 3.5 inches LCD |
| Display Resolution | 1920x480 |
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
Reviews — Sony PMW-EX3
Videos — Sony PMW-EX3
Sony PMW-EX3 Video Review — Philip Bloom
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony PMW-EX3
What lens mount does the Sony PMW-EX3 use?+
The PMW-EX3 uses a Sony A (Minolta A) lens mount. This allows compatibility with lenses designed for that mount system.
What recording formats does the PMW-EX3 support?+
The camera records in XAVC and MPEG-2 formats. Video is captured at 8-bit color depth at up to Full HD 1080p resolution.
What storage media does the PMW-EX3 use?+
The PMW-EX3 records to SxS (Sony ExpressCard) media. This is a proprietary Sony format commonly used in their professional camcorder lineup.
Is the PMW-EX3 weather sealed?+
No. The specifications list weather sealing as None. While the body is constructed from magnesium alloy, it is not rated for use in wet or dusty environments.
What frame rates are available for video recording?+
The PMW-EX3 supports 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps at up to 1080p Full HD resolution. This range covers standard broadcast and cinematic production requirements.
How long does the battery last on the PMW-EX3?+
The camera uses BP-U30 or BP-U60 battery types, with an approximate battery life of 4 hours as listed in the specifications.