How to get the most from your Sony PMW-F3L

We used the Sony PMW-F3K for our film 'The Death of Jack Hamilton'. The camera was used alongside the 5d mark ii and 7d, the latter two being secondary cameras. The images that we were able to capture on this camera were astounding, far superior to any DSLR.

The PMW-F3 is part of the CineAlta 24P family of digital cinematography products and its support for multiple frame rates includes a filmic 23.98P as well as S-Log workflows. This series has been very popular in mainstream cinema, having been used in films such as Sin City, Public Enemies and Avatar.

Sony's Exmorâ„¢ Super35 CMOS sensor was designed with the benefit of two decades experience in Digital Cinematography, pioneering digital HD acquisition for feature films and broadcast TV through the legendary CineAlta product range. It brings a true 'film look' and superior image quality into reach for independent movies, pop promos, commercials and other applications, as well as making the PMW-F3 an ideal B-camera for high-end feature film production.

The PMW-F3K is supplied with three high quality Sony lenses and an industry standard PL Mount adaptor providing compatibility with industry standard 35mm lenses. (Also available is the lens-less PMW-F3L.)

Exceptional flexibility is a key feature of the F3 along with with multiple workflow options. XDCAM EX's proven high-speed, intuitive workflow offers seamless integration with leading nonlinear editing software - as standard. In addition, a 10bit 4:2:2 HD-SDI output opens up hybrid recording possibilities with a variety of external recording devices. And from April 2011, a Dual Link HD-SDI option will enable 10bit RGB uncompressed signal output - ideal for the high-end film production.

A fantastic camera that I'd recommend to any filmmaker who wishes to produce a piece with a high production value. A lot more affordable than the Alexa and RED Epic, but far superior to any DSLR, this camera fits nicely in between.