A couple weeks ago FreshDV linked to a C47 video where Jem Schofield discussed seeing the PMW-F3 in use in a high-ISO test. At that time, Jem indicated he thought the native sensitivity rating of the camera was 800 ISO and that it offered a 6400 ISO equivalent with 18dB of gain engaged. He also talked about how clean the image was, even at 18dB of gain…which piqued my interest greatly. Well it’s all been confirmed now by Andy Shipsides from AbelCine, as he posted these figures over on a DVinfo forum thread…

-3 db – 640 ISO

0 db – 800 ISO

3 db – 1250 ISO

6 db – 1600 ISO

9 db – 2000 ISO

12 db – 3200 ISO

18 db – 6400 ISO

There is more info in that forum thread linked above, on the video format and settings used in Andy’s tests…as well as caveats about the Cine gamma modes, so check it out. Andy also has promised to blog pictures and more info soon. He’s already posted a Chroma DuMonde chart framegrab that was shot at 6400 ISO, and it looks rather clean indeed. So go peep the thread and also keep an eye at Abel’s blog for more info.