Alister Chapman has a mini preview of the pre-production Sony PMW-F3 on his blog. I’m looking forward to trying one out very soon myself.

www.xdcam-user.com

Andy Shipside at Ablecine has a short video up on the F3. The more I see of this camera, the more I think it would be an ideal addition to my own kit.

Ablecine on the F3

Some nice pictures of the F3, along with some info on the new HDCAM-SR solid state recorder and the Sony T2 primes. The deck is ideal pairing with the F3 if the cost is kept in check, with full 10bit RGB 4:4:4 S-Log.

FD Times Report

Sony just announce another 3 Perf Super 35 sensor sized camera. This looks like the real competitor to the AF100, with the F3 targeted well above that. E-Mount lenses recording to AVCHD as part of the NXCAM range. Due mid 2011.

Sony S35 NXCAM

Ablecine have compiled some handy tools and information on the ARRI Alexa.

Ablecine Alexa Resources

Sony have finally released specs for their new budget Super 35 sensor digital cinema camera. The native recording they have chosen is not quite what I’d hoped for, standard XDCAM EX, but it does have 10bit 4:2:2 HD-SDI, as well as an upgrade option for 10bit 4:4:4 RGB 3G HD-SDI. This means S-Log recording is possible.

It also has a proper PL mount systems, with ARRI and Cooke lens data connectors, as well as all the usual I/O options used in professional production.

The cost is still vague, but 14000EU has been mentioned, which does seem a bit pricey for the base model with no lens or options.

Sony PMW-F3

Here’s a short video on the Abelcine blog on the AF100, showing a prototype model. Not hugely informative, but it shows the form factor well. Based on an oversized 4/3″ Bayer sensor, you will get almost the same field of view as 3-Perf 35mm, and quite cheap at around $5500AU. Hobbled by a 4:2:0 24Mbit AVC codec though. Still, worth keeping an eye on when it comes out in December.

Panasonic AF100