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Super 35mm Imager
Micro 4/3” Imager
2/3”
1/2”
27.1 mm
23.6 mm
13.3 mm
13.3 mm
21.8 mm
11.0 mm
8.8 mm
17.3 mm
6.4 mm
4.8 mm
7.9 mm
6.6 mm
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The PMW-F3 is equipped with a Super 35mm CMOS
image sensor which is equivalent to that of Super
35mm film and has been specifically developed for
digital cinematography. Its positioning within the
chassis is exactly the same as it would be within a
35mm film camera - ensuring optical performance
with the widest variety of 35mm cine lenses.
As shown below, Super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor
size itself is approximately 40% larger than that of a
micro 4/3” image sensor. Moreover, the actual size of
each pixel on this Super 35mm image sensor is
approximately 4 times larger than those typically
found in Digital SLRs. These are the foundations that
support the needs of professional shooters — greater
sensitivity, exposure latitude, low noise, and motion
smoothness along with shallower depth of field over
Digital SLRs and other camcorders using smaller
imager sensors.
The output signal from this new CMOS image sensor
is processed in the newly developed high-quality
camera signal processor inside the unit. By utilizing
cutting-edge technology, this camcorder achieves
very high sensitivity and an extremely low noise level.
When video mode sensitivity is F11 (ISO800), the S/N
ratio is 63 dB. When S-LOG mode sensitivity is F16
(ISO1600), with an 800% dynamic range, the S/N ratio
is 57 dB.
As the Exmor Super 35 CMOS image sensor offers
extremely high sensitivity, the ND filter is built-in for
easier control of incoming light intensity. In addition,
to minimize design size, ND filter glasses have an up/
down slide mechanism.
Exmor™ Super 35 CMOS Image Sensor
The PMW-F3 is supplied with a PL mount adapter to
provide immediate compatibility with the widest
range of 35mm cine lenses. There are hot-shoe
electric interfaces for Cooke/i Technology and ARRI
LDS on the PL mount adapter. This makes it possible
to improve the workflow by bringing iris, focus, and
other lens metadata into the post-production process.
In the future, Sony plans to introduce zoom lenses*
which are directly mounted to the PMW-F3 original
lens mount. This newly developed type of power
zoom lens will expand the operational flexibility of the
PMW-F3 so it can be used for broader applications.
Three PL Lens Kits (35/50/85mm, T2.0)
To make a camera operator’s entry into the 35mm
world as easy and economical as possible, the
affordable PMW-F3K model comes as standard with
three PL lenses. These have fixed focal lengths of
35mm, 50mm, and 85mm with T2.0, and - as this type
of lens doesn’t support flange back adjustment - an
adjustment mechanism is installed in the main body
of the PMW-F3. These PL lenses meet the specifications
both of traditional cinema lenses and of digital lenses.
• High resolution
• Well-controlled vignetting
• Low geometric distortion
• Minimized breathing
• Exit pupil position accommodates the characteristics
of the image sensor
• Eight-blade iris diaphragm specification
This Super 35mm image sensor camcorder has a
shallow depth of field. Its T2.0 lens achieves the same
blur quality (bokeh) as T0.8 lens with camcorders
which have a 2/3” image sensor typically used for
broadcasting.
Lens Interface & Mount
*
Optional Zoom Lens availability expected Winter 2011. Dates of
availability are subject to change without notice. Sony makes no
guarantees as to future product offerings or release dates.
