PMW-F3 Super 35mm camcorder shipping now

BVE, Earls Court London - 15th February

Today, Super 35mm shooting becomes accessible to an even wider audience as the first of Sony Professional’s PMW-F3 Super 35mm camcorders are shipped. Many of the first orders leaving the factory will be delivered to UK dealers and Sony Professional anticipates demand will be further fuelled by the products’ first UK public viewing at this year’s BVE.

In just three months after launching globally, Sony Professional’s specialist dealer network in the UK has already made a significant commitment to the new Super 35mm technology, with CVP Mitcorp, H Preston, Jigsaw, Proactive, ProKit, Top-Teks, Visual Impact and WTS already placing substantial orders to go into facilities, rental fleets and production.

As the first PMW-F3’s leave the factory and Sony showcase the new technology at BVE 2011, David Cheesman, Channel Sales Manager, Sony Professional explained why the cameras have received mass appeal: “Like the F35 and SRW-9000PL, the PMW-F3 features a Super 35mm format sensor, to bring film-like shooting within reach of a whole new market. Designed with our customers firmly in mind and offering a cinematic look and feel at an affordable price point, it is no surprise that we have seen such phenomenal take-up for the new camera.”

Representing a breakthrough for filmmakers in terms of features, performance and price, Sony’s PMW-F3 is the latest addition to Sony Professional’s line-up of Super 35mm digital motion picture cameras. Based on a Super 35mm sensor and PL mount technology, the camera is the latest example of Sony’s continued commitment to developing powerful and affordable production tools and is designed for television, commercials, music promos and budget features, at a price point that will bring Super 35mm shooting within reach of a wider audience.

Cheesman continued: “The orders in the UK alone are not only a direct reflection of market demand, but testament to the industry’s growing desire for flexible solutions which can fit effortlessly into workflows across a wide range of productions.”

Visitors to the Sony Professional stand will have the opportunity to see how the PMW-F3 can be used as a stand-alone camera or as a B Camera with an F35 or SRW-9000PL. And Sony will also be demonstrating how a forthcoming portable recorder based on SR Memory will soon bring even more options for the user. The new PMW-F3 camcorder is based on Sony’s XDCAM EX workflow, and uses Sony’s SxS™ recording media. Its Super 35mm CMOS imager delivers shallow depth of field, with high sensitivity and low noise levels as well as wide dynamic range. Additional workflow for RGB and 3D are also available as options.