Dublin City University have been supplied with 10 PMW-EX3 camera kits to replace their old Mini-DV tape cameras. The Specialist dealer was Sony Specialist Dealer Eurotek in Dublin.
“We helped Dublin City University with choosing the Sony XDCAM format with the loan of demo kit for a few weeks. I had previously supplied them with the PMW-EX1 and they loved it, but thought it heavy for handheld use, so when the EX3 range came out they just fell in love with the kit,” says Tommy McManus of Sony Specialist Dealer, Eurotek.

“We provided them with multiple format cameras: from P2, to AVCHD, to Hard drive, to XDCAM EX, to test out prior to tendering. They chose the EX3 because of the workflow and ease of use, along with its functionality, flexibility, and the integration with Apple Final Cut Pro,” explains McManus.

Eoin Campbell, Senior Technical Officer, School Of Communications at Dublin City University, puts his choice this way: “We were looking for cameras in the solid state area: the newest technology for our Communications Studies and Multimedia degree and postgraduate courses. We wanted to move away from tape and moving parts. Also we were searching for the best picture quality we could find within our price range”.

After testing out the other cameras they settled on the EX3s because of: “the picture quality in dark areas, and blacks, and the superb image quality overall”. “Another factor was that these cameras were full HD rather than HDV and, working with the Fujinon lens, the images are brilliant”.

Campbell has used the camera for 6 shoots now and is very happy with it. “The students will start by using the cameras to film 3-5 minute interviews and documentaries and then move on to longer formats. Those specialising in multimedia will also spend time on greenscreen and motion graphic work,” he comments.

As part of the camera kits each of the PMW-EX3 cameras were supplied with Sony PHU-60 60gbProfessional Hard drive unit, Vinten Protouch 10 Tripods, Petrol Bags , DV44 Lowel Lighting kits and Sennheiser EW-112p G2 Lapel Radio Mic Kits, along with additional Sony BP-U60 batteries.

“It can be hard to teach the youngest students menus,” says Campbell, “so we will standardise the menus for newest students, by setting them on the highest quality, while the final year students will push the boundaries and set their own menus and formats”.

Eurotek have worked closely with DCU over the past decade and supplied them with their last big order of equipment (GY-DV500 Kits) around 9 years ago. “Our after sales support is second to none with our own in-house engineers. We have Loan cameras should a camera become faulty and have to go away for repair. I’m also out and about most days, so should them have a question or want to run something by me I’m more than happy to drop by. That was one of the key factors in their decision , the local Knowledge and support we can supply them with,” adds McManus

“Eurotek have been fabulous over the last 10 years,” says Campbell. “We have a great working relationship with them and they produced the best tender in our public procurement process, and you can’t say fairer than that.”