sure. will send an ex3 along in case you want too cameras.

Thanks, Philip - looks like a winner! What's Sony's quoted price?

Hi Philip, your statement "everything you need and want in a HD camera" just does'nt wash with me as the 700 is missing one of the most important features, that of variable frame rates.
I'm an XDCAM convert from the initial SD release back in 2003.
Unfortunately I've been spoilt with the PDW-F350 and the variable frame rates (under / over cranking). This feature has become an essential part of my work so much so that I also have an EX1 - same feature, better resolution!
The only resolve for the present is to have both an EX1 and a 700 or maybe just settle for the EX3.
Cheers,
Mal

Looks real good. But four channels of audio with only two audio input jacks does not make a whole lot of sense. What's the MSRP on this baby?

Ah, so those XLR jacks are 5-pin, carrying two channels each. I see.
With the current approximate conversion rate, looks like mid thirties in US$. Lot's lower than I expected.
The battery drain issue is MUCH improved. I'd say now on an overnight, instead of losing 40% of the battery's charge, it now loses about 1-2%. Still more than if the battery is removed, but it's way better than it was. At least you can pack aboard a plan with the new TSA rules requiring the battery to be installed, and arrive at your destination with a reasonable amount of battery left.

When will this camera have 23.98 and 24 frame rates!
This is a needed feature in any broadcast camera
at this level!

Hi Philip, We are going to acquire one of this toys very soon and I was wondering with which software can I edit the clips and which format are they. Our seller have no idea about these questions and it would be nice to be prepared when we get de cam. We use Avid Liquid Chrome to edit our videos, would it be compatible? Thanks!

Ahhhhh ..... everyone has said all. Guess I'll just say - good one mate!

oh, I cant do without my over-under-cranking too. Or P-mode shooting.

I ordered one... i should recieve it in august - september. Hope they bring an update with variable framerate, but i don't think so...

This camera is incredible, I saw footage at HD Expo. and the 2/3rd inch sensor is amazing, shallow DOF, crisp image, just amazing!

Hahahaha... funny that someone explained DOF to you. Interesting that the PDW-700 doesn't do 24p.

I've read that Sony stopped making PD disks. If this is true, how PD-based cameras can still be marketed? Who is making the disks for these cameras?

I found this link on wikipedia: sony.net/Products/MO-Drive/ProDATA/ reads: "Effective March 31, 2007, "Professional Disc for DATA" products have reached end of life." On the other hand, it is sony.net, not sony.com, so I am not sure about credibility of this site. Thanks for heads up about other PD manufacturers.

Hey Philip, just curious where you got the music from that you used on this / the EX3 video you did for Mitcorp? Looking for some new copyright-free music sources as I've exhausted Soundtrack Pro's music library and so much of the on-line stuff is a bit cheese. Thanks!

Hi Phillip,
All looks great, BUT I am thinking of Red cam's next move here. Is this Sony still drip feeding technology to us.We are in a recession many people are going to leave Sony for DSL-R's or Red's scarlet or am I wrong here.
I love Sony stuff but even this 700 looks old hat now.
"1080 is that all it does" someone said yesterday!

Lack of 24P and lack of solid state media would be the two biggest downsides of this camera. Although the discs do make for a nice instant archive, it greatly increases operating cost and capture setup.