Sony has entered the compact Large Single Sensor (LSS) camera market in impressive fashion with the release of their F3 camera. The PMW-F3 uses Sony’s XDCAM EX technology and records to SxS media. The Super-35mm CMOS imager delivers the wide field of view and shallow depth of field of 35mm imagery, with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. In addition to a shallow F3 lens mount, which allows the use of adapters for a multitude of lens formats, the F3 includes a PL lens mount adapter for access to a wide variety of cinema lenses, such as those manufactured by Zeiss, Cooke and Fujinon.

AbelCine has now fulfilled all pre-orders and has the PMW-F3 in stock and ready to ship. The F3 is available in two configurations – the F3L (camera only) and the F3K, which includes a set of three, new Sony PL mount lenses (35mm, 50mm and 85mm; all T2.0). The PMW-F3L sells for $13,960, while the PMW-F3K sells for $19,890.

To help you get the most out of your purchase, Abel is offering an exclusive training class on the F3. Taught by Abel’s camera technology specialists, the class covers optics, workflow and accessories. What’s more, this half-day class is free when purchasing an F3 camera from Abel. Visit training.abelcine.com for the latest information on this and all our classes.

The PMW-F3 offers 1080 and 720 recording modes, with Slow and Quick motion available. An optional upgrade enables 10-bit 4:4:4 uncompressed HD Dual-Link HD-SDI output, 4:4:4 3G-SDI output, and stereographic interlink between two cameras for 3D imaging – all firsts for a camera of this size and price point. Other features designed for professional video capture include genlock and timecode interfaces, selectable Gamma modes, four levels of HyperGamma and S-Log (with the 4:4:4 option).