[Ajit Patel] "Has anyone heard if Sony plans to release a refresh-software,hardware or both- of its ex1r/ex3 cameras at this NAB or should I just go ahead and buy one? "
Firmware version-up changes for these 2 cameras is ongoing. If Sony plans to bring out improved models they're not saying and those who do know are probably bound by an NDA.
Your decision to upgrade the the EX line should be based on a few criteria:
1) By purchasing now will I be better able to serve my clients?
2) Will my increased revenue be able to absorb the cost in a timely fashion?
3) Can I afford the various associated costs such as batteries, recording media etc?
Keep in mind that you're also buying into a different workflow which may include software purchases. If anything I think that if there are any discontinued cameras on the horizon it would probably be the EX3 before the EX1R. I don't know if Sony is replacing their outboard recorder but if they do it will most likely be solid state.
FYI Sony will be introducing a new XDCAM EX that is smaller than the EX1R. I can't seem to find the article I got this from but I did read it somewhere.
- Don
Don Greening
A Vancouver Video Production Company
Reeltime Videoworks
http://www.reeltimevideoworks.com