Sony Sony PMW Camcorders

Essentials You Need to Know Before Getting a Sony PMW Camcorder

Sony released their PMW camcorders for professionals who need equipment that can keep up with the demands of film studios and field video producers. The Japanese brand produced many outstanding Sony professional camcorders, but the PMW EX-1 stood out. If you're seeking professional-level equipment to record videos, you can find a new, refurbished, or used PMW camcorder on eBay to meet your needs.

The PMW series of affordable camcorders churned out several camcorders designed and manufactured with filmmakers and video producers in mind. In the years that the line existed, those released in the PMW family shared a common feature. These are some functions found in most PMW camcorders:

• Exmor CMOS sensors
• Ability to record in high-speed SxS cards
• Full-HD recording capability
• CineAlta technology as found in the PMW-F5

The brand categorized its Sony professional camcorder line into three types: studio and broadcast cameras, digital cinema cameras, and camcorders. The first classification features versatile, expandable 4K, HD and HDR capabilities, while the digital cinema cameras were made with a larger format, Super 35mm sensors, and support for a wider range of cinematic lenses. The camcorder line was designed for broadcast, videography, and corporate use. The PMW line falls into the camcorder category, which is further divided into two groups: shoulder cameras and handheld cameras.

The Japanese manufacturer released several outstanding Sony professional camcorders in this line. All of them were equipped with features that made life easier for video producers and filmmakers. If you are on the market to buy a new or preowned Sony professional camcorder, read on to find the one for you. These are some of those that made their mark in the professional video community:

• The Sony PMW-EX1 - This high-definition professional camcorder was a big hit due to its features. The Japanese company integrated its three 1/2-inch Exmor CMOS sensors, an ability to record directly to SxS cards, and capability to produce images in 1080p.
• The Sony PMW-F5 - This PMW camcorder is a compact and flexible camera that is available at an affordable price to make creating HD, 2K, and 4K accessible for your creations. It features the brand's CineAlta technology, onboard XACV recording, and 14 stops of exposure latitude.
• The Sony PMW 300 - The PMW-300 is the first semi-shoulder camcorder to incorporate the 1/2-type Exmor 3CMOS sensor. It also features the ability to record in MPEG HD422, a format set by broadcasters around the world. The camcorder also comes with a 14-times zoom lens with a focus ring, HD-SD/SDI output, HDMI input, and a standard recording mode of 1080p/25p.