Digital Video - April 2008 - (Page 20) IN REVIEW HVX200, the Panasonic includes an SD memory-card slot to save “scene files” to exchange with other users, to save or to use even in multi-camera shoots where obviously all cameras need the same settings. Furthermore, the Panasonic scene files include frame rates and shutter style (time or angle). The lack of this on the EX1 could be a significant shortcoming for some users. One additional control is also unworthy of a professional camera. The rear of the unit houses the threeposition power switch: camera, off and media. The switch is a flimsy consumerstyle toggle without precise stops. It is very easy to move from camera to media, missing the off setting completely. Finding the detent is also difficult. At one point during my tests, I thought I’d turned the EX1 off only to find two hours later that I had a discharged battery due to the toggle being in the media position. I hope to see both of these issues rectified in future versions of the EX1. SONY PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX The camera is powered by the new U-series batteries, which embody a convenient time-remaining button and, most importantly, deliver 14.4 volts rather than the 7.9 volts which run smaller cameras. The menu system is independent of the Picture Profile menus. It contains all of the options that one would expect, but some of the arrangement of items perplexes me. Most notably here is the selection of mode. The top-level menu contains all of the various camera settings. But to select shooting mode, you need to navigate to the very last hierarchical menu and then practically to the end of those sub-menus. This leads me, though, to the frame rates and sizes of the camera. Once having gone through all of those menus, choices allow shooting in 720 or 1080 modes, with 720 in the NTSC world at least in 23.98 or 59.94 modes. In 1080, it is possible to shoot 60i, 30p or 24p. And that’s a true 24p, not a frame-pulldown mode. There are From top: Viewfinder display with Direct Menu item choice highlighted, Picture Profile Menu with color matrix settings indicated, and Picture Profile Menu with color matrix options. THE AT2020’s GONE DIGITAL If you’re in the market for a USB microphone, don’t compromise on audio quality. Experience the AT2020 USB. Plug it in & transform your sound. • Crystal-clear sound with studio-quality articulation and intelligibility for podcasting, home studio recording & field recording. • Side-address cardioid condenser with USB digital output. (Windows and Mac compatible) • Superior transient response, low noise & extended frequency response. www.audio-technica.com Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. http://www.audio-technica.com http://www.audio-technica.com
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