Articles tagged #SONY
Articles tagged
#SONY

Why Videocraft chooses the FX3 over the A7S

Arden from Videocraft delivers the low down on the 5 reasons why we choose the FX3 over the A7S for video.

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New Updates to FX6 Cinema Line Camera

Sony announces new updates to FX6 cinematography cameras

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Sony FX6 features released and here’s the reasons why we love it!

After the year we've had so far, we've all been looking forward to a bit of good news from Sony. After the release of the A7S MK3 and the early teaser of the Sony FX6 in September, there has been a lot of discussion on the Internet about what features the camera will and will not have. The early morning announcement reveals that the new Sony FX6 gives us pretty much everything that everyone had wished for and then quite a few other things as well. The FX6 is the newest addition to Sony’s recently announced Cinema Line series of Digital Cinema cameras, joining the PXW-FX9 and the flagship VENICE in the range. Sony’s Cinema line represents a real change in philosophy from Sony, moving from the idea of producing cameras that produce images that try to match what we see in day to day life, to producing cameras with images that evoke a feeling. This is the basic premise of Sony’s S-Cinetone colour science and is a big step forward for Sony. Sony has been criticised over the years for producing cameras that produce ‘cold’ images out of the box, but Sony’s Cinema Line cameras certainly swing well away from the traditional ‘Sony’ look.

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Sony FX9 Firmware Ver 2.0 released and available for download.

UPDATE: Sony released the firmware downloaded for the FX9 today - you can find firmware and documents here https://pro.sony/en_AU/support-resources/pxw-fx9/software/00250129 Based on ongoing discussions between Sony and content creators, FX9 is gaining significant new capabilities through firmware updates. Ver.3.0 upgrade is free of charge and will include below key features: Further information and schedule will be updated later.

  • S700PTP Remote Protocol
  • Center Scan mode for Super 16mm lens
  • B4 Lens support when using adaptor
Ver.2.0 upgrade is free of charge and available October 2020. New Features & Improvements:
  • Full-frame 4K 60p/50p recording with oversampling (image sensor scan size is around 5K)
  • FHD 180fps shooting
  • DCI 4K recording
  • 16 bit RAW output (with XDCA-FX9)
  • Support DWX digital wireless audio receiver (with XDCA-FX9)
  • Eye-AF capability
  • Support 6G-SDI
  • Adds User 3D LUT function
  • Adds HDR shooting function with Hybrid Log Gamma
  • Support touch screen operation (regarding some status screen and some setting)
  • Increased upper limit of Gain setting
  • Support XLR-K3M with digital I/F
  • Image quality improvement at S35 2K mode
Available now: For very latest Software, Firmware and multi-lingual Operations Manuals for FX9, please visit FX9 downloads page

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Setup live streaming direct to YouTube with the Sony PXW-Z90 Camera

How to setup live streaming direct to YouTube with the Sony PXW-Z90 Camera. Here is a step by step basic guide on how to setup live streaming using RTMP protocol direct to YouTube there are similar steps for other online apps such as Facebook and Vimeo. Firstly, check the firmware you have installed on your PXW-Z90 camera, to do this you need to follow these menu stepsMENU > OTHERS > VERSION DISPLAY

. For RTMP/RTMPS streaming functionality on the PXW-Z90 camera you need to have downloaded the V2.00 Firmware which is available for FREE from the Sony Website - When doing this we found the process to be much more stable on a PC rather than a MAC computer. https://pro.sony/en_AU/product-resources/software-firmware/firmware-pxw-z90-v2-00   Ok now to set up your live streamingYou need to start with setting up YouTube Go to your YouTube Studio account, now if you have never streamed live from your YouTube account before you will not be able to stream for the first 24 hours of requesting to do so - so head into the “Go LIVE” setup the day before you need to stream anything.   CREATE > GO LIVE > NEW STREAMThe only details that are mandatory that you need to enter in here is the title and category of your content and whether the content is made for kids Click CREATE STREAMWhen the Manage Stream screen comes up you need to take note of both STREAM KEY and the STREAM URL as these are details you will need to enter into the camera so it can connect with YouTube. The STREAM KEY is hidden so it’s a good idea to copy this and the URL into Notepad or Word Doc on your computer for easy and quick reference. Now to connect up your PXW-Z90First, you need to connect the camera to a WIFI network - you do this by heading to the NETWORK SET section on the MENU MENU > NETWORK SET > Wi-Fi SET > ACCESS POINT SET               Wifi networks that are discoverable will show in the list, if your network doesn’t show in the list or is not discoverable you will need to select MANUAL SETTING and know whether you are using a WEP or WPA network when entering the name and password for the WiFi network.             Once the camera is connected to a WiFi network a tick is visible on the menu to show which network you are connected to and indicators show the strength of the signal the camera is picking up. So you’re on WiFi - what's next?You need to connect the camera to YouTube via RTMP. You can also connect to Facebook and other streaming software and you can use each of the presets to save different settings for each type of app you would want to connect to. So, go to the NETWORK SET section of the menu to do this MENU > NETWORK SET > RTMP/RTMPSIf this is the first time you have tried RTMP streaming from your PXWZ90 this then you need to put the YouTube settings into one of the Presets - there are three available so you may want to set one up for YouTube at 720p or another at 360p which are the two resolutions you can use to stream on the PXW-Z90 or maybe a different streaming channel like Vimeo or Facebook.So lets setup YouTube at 720p on PRESET 1, to do this simply scroll down to PRESET 1 and select DISPLAY NAME Here you can set a display name for your Preset. You may want to change to YouTube 720p for easy reference at another time. SIZE This gives you the option to select between 720p and 360p streaming resolution . DESTINATION SET This is where we need to enter the information of the STREAM KEY and the STREAM URL that we were given on the YouTube Stream Settings earlier. . So first enter the URL you enter the rtmp:// address, this is quite laborious using the typing function of the Sony camera - but note you can either use the joystick toggle to enter or the touchscreen which you may find easier. Use the bar at the top to select between alpha, numeric and special characters screens for entering the URL address. Once entered click the large OK button in the bottom left. Next, the Stream Name is where you enter the STREAM KEY from YouTube, this displays as an asterisk shortly after you enter a letter, this makes it hard to know where you are up to. Unless you are really speedy at this you can push the DISPLAY button on the side of the camera and it will keep the STREAM KEY viewable whilst you enter it and once you finished and pressed OK it will change back to the asterisk view. Once you enter these details press OK and return to the RTMP/RTMPS menu, scroll up to PRESET SELECT and choose PRESET 1 where you have just configured the previous steps. If this is all done correctly you are pretty close to streaming now, but before we get to that if you find that your EXECUTE menu selection is greyed out or faded and unselectable and nothing is happen - you will need to change the REC SET in your MENU. Make sure that your FILE FORMAT is HD or lower to be able to EXECUTE the RTMP streaming function of the PXW-Z90.   Changing your FILE FORMAT for Streaming on the PXWZ90To change your FILE FORMAT to a format that will allow you to stream follow these steps in the MENUMENU > REC/OUT SET > REC SETGo to FILE FORMAT and select either XAVC HD or AVCHD in the menu options.This will update the REC FORMAT and when you return to the RTMP/RTMPS streaming menu EXECUTE will now be highlighted white ready to go ahead for streaming.   So you have the camera, connected to the WiFi network, you have entered the YouTube details into the Destination set - you are ready to EXECUTE!Starting the Stream to YouTubeOnce you have pressed EXECUTE it will ask you which network you are streaming from, in this setup we have followed you would select Wi-FiYou then are ready to connect your camera stream to your YouTube preview screen. To stop and start the connection between the camera and YouTube you simply press the THUMBNAIL button on the camera.You should now see a preview of your camera in your Stream Management of YouTube.To start streaming your content hit the GO LIVE button at the top right corner of the screen!And you are now live streaming to YouTube with the Sony PXWZ90 Camera!   Other tips and tricksFor Ethernet connection or Wired LAN you will require separate accessories from Sony (VMC-UAM2, CBK-NA1) to connect the USB port from the camera to an ethernet cable. RTMP/RTMPS providers: Both YouTube and Facebook have checkboxes for reusing the "Stream Name". Unless you really enjoy entering the "Stream Name" every time you want to stream, you will want these to be checked.Note that using this method you can only go to one site at a time. If you want to be tricky, you can create an RTMP stream to go to apps such as restream.io, and then you can go to multiple apps at once!  

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Sony FX9 Camera, features in more detail

We recently interviewed Hiroki Hamamoto from Sony Japan whilst he was visiting Australia and asked him about all the new features available on the Sony FX9 Features we love about the FX9The Sony PXW-FX9 is definitely the talk of the town and a lot has been discussed about the Full-Frame sensor and more importantly when our stock will be arriving, as the first in the country to put orders in we will be pleased to see these cameras hit our shelves hopefully early in the new year. The camera’s full-frame 6K sensor will provide recording in DCI 4K*(4096 x 2160 at 17:9 recording available in future firmware release), Ultra HD and HD resolutions. The image processing with debayering and oversampling ensures image quality beyond the limits of conventional Super 35mm sensors. Compared to a 4K Super 35mm sensor, the FX9’s 6K sensor has over twice the surface area while providing a wider angle of view and shallower depth of field. Sony has this video which highlights some of the key features of the PXW-FX9 beyond its sensor.Sony Product Feature Video for FX9So there are a few key features here at Videocraft we are particularly fond of with the FX9 camera and not necessarily the ones you would expect.   Auto Focus Features that work for productions!Tracking shots with Fast Hybrid AF you can effortlessly track fast-moving subjects with pin-sharp focus, even when using wide lens aperture settings to maintain a shallow depth of field with the camera’s full-frame sensor. Developed by Sony’s α camera engineers, the enhanced Fast Hybrid AF combines phase-detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. In addition, Face Detection intelligently recognises and locks on to human faces. The dedicated 561-point phase-detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% of the whole image area width and 96% of the height, allowing consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

So all these cool functions for auto-focus are also available to camera operators as customisable Auto Focus settings, such as 7-level AF transition speeds from Fast – switching between subjects as quickly as possible – to Slow, where speed is reduced to fit a more measured shooting style, such as a historical TV drama. And also 5-level AF subject shift sensitivity ranges from Locked-on – ignoring other moving subjects in the frame – to Responsive that switches focus from one subject to another – ideal for snapping between race cars as they speed by.   Dual Base ISO for stunning images in any lightFX9 features a base sensitivity of ISO 800, providing the optimal dynamic range for typical documentary applications such as shooting outside or in brightly lit interiors. A secondary High Base sensitivity of ISO 4000 excels in low light conditions such as early morning and evening shoots while maintaining superb image quality. ISO 4000 is also ideal whenever you’re using slow lenses. Combining Dual Base ISO with the camera’s electronic variable ND Filter provides superb creative control in almost any shooting environment, equipping you with responsiveness to changing lighting conditions on the go.   Cinematic colour science with S-Cinetone™S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that’s tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators with rich mid-range colours, alluring facial tones and a softer tonal look – developed with the same expertise as Sony’s world-leading VENICE digital cinematography camera. S-Cinetone means that straight out of the camera your content looks fresh and vivid, with subjects that really stand out while retaining plenty of latitude in post-production thanks to the high-performance full-frame image sensor.   Stable, shake-free handheld footage with Image StabilizationAdvanced image stabilisation information means even handheld footage can be transformed with Sony Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare software in post-production to look as smooth as if it were shot with a gimbal. Unlike in-camera or lens stabilisation, metadata generated by FX9’s built-in gyro allows you to creatively choose the balance between the level of shake-compensation and the resolution of trimmed 4K imagery. This feature is also compatible with any E-mount lens and allows for far faster processing than conventional NLE stabilisation workflows.   Yippee its Variable ND!So we fell in love with Variable ND on previous Sony cameras such as the FS5 and FS7 and now we get even greater creative control with Sony’s unique built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter on the PXW-FX9. Set it to Auto, or adjust filter density manually in smooth increments from 1/4 to 1/128 as you shoot, for perfectly exposed images without affecting depth of field as lighting conditions change. Use higher density settings with slower shutter speeds for breathtaking artistic effects.   So what is 'Electronic Variable ND Filter'?Sony’s Electronic Variable ND Filter can be seamlessly varied while shooting because of its innovative technology, which is optically based rather than using image processing. There are three different ways to use this filter: seamlessly altering the image exposure while shooting by scrolling the dial on the right side of the camera. Selecting Auto ND, where the camera will proactively adjust the density of the filter to find the best exposure for shooting, which works really well in outdoor environments where the light may have considerable variations, this auto function maintains your exposure and adjusts the ND when the light level changes. Or you can set your own fixed filter levels just like you would with a conventional optical ND filter, the default settings are 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64. However, it is possible to change these three settings to whichever values you prefer. Generally, camera operators use iris, gain control, or shutter speed and each has their own side effects to the creative look of your frame, by using the optical-based yet seamlessly control your image exposure with the electronic ND filter without sacrificing your creative choices.   Audio is just as important as the images you capture!Well, the pictures are only half the story and with the 4-channels of audio input and recording on the PXW-FX9 Camera, enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee. Plus the FX9 offers independent control dials for each channel. In addition, using the optional accessories such as the XLR-K3M, XLR-K2M or XLR-K1M XLR adapters – with two extra XLR inputs – allows even more devices to be connected.On a side note if you are thinking about a multi-cam job with the PXW-FX9 - we’ve been nerding out about the fact it takes external timecode into the camera without having to add any external accessories to achieve it. To get in early and make sure you are one of the first to own an FX9 camera - place your pre-order online

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Product Review: Sony FS5 II Super 35mm Compact Cinema Camera

News & DocumentaryYes, but with mixed results

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Sony unveils new E-mount Cinema lens FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G

Sony introduced a new full-frame E-mount lens, 16-35mm (FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G) to accompany the newly announced PXW-FX9 full-frame format camcorder, offering high optical performance, reliable operability and intelligent shooting functions for professional video creation. Compatible with a wide range of E-mount cameras from VENICE to Alpha™ interchangeable lens cameras as well as the new flagship FX9, the addition of this new lens, optimised for professional video shooting, brings unprecedented creative flexibility for content creators. Sony will further enhance its Cinema Lens line-up going forward. "Our ongoing conversations with partners and customers have shown that there is a clear need for versatile tools which improve efficiencies and drive greater ROI (Return on Investment). Along with Sony’s “One Mount” solution based on its Alpha series, the flexibility of our new E-mount Cinema Lens series offers content creators greater creative freedom and helps them concentrate to their artistic vision," comments Anthony Kable, Group Manager Content Creation, Sony Australia. Lens for a new age of full-frame video shooting The new lens is compatible with intelligent shooting functions of E-mount system that support and improve Large Format Sensor (LFS) shooting. Paired with the new full-frame format camcorder FX9, the new lens supports fast and accurate auto focus, making it possible to track fast moving subjects while maintaining a shallow depth of field. Stunning bokeh and corner-to-corner resolution The two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements with extreme surface precision of 0.01-micron, together with circular 11-blade apertures deliver beautifully smooth bokeh in every frame. The two XA elements and three aspheric lenses are positioned in a way that effectively reduces field curvature, astigmatism and, in combination with two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glasses, reduces colour distortion. Additionally, floating focus provides outstanding resolution at every zoom position. Nano AR (Anti Reflection) coating drastically reduces flare and ghost phenomenon. Excellent operability with three independent rings, remote control from the camera, and a detachable servo zoom The new E-mount lens further offers accurate and precise operability thanks to three independent rings for focus, zoom and iris that content creators can manipulate so they get the exact results they desire. The linear response Manual Focus (MF) feature provides precise manual focusing action. The focus ring with a large rotation angle comes with a distance scale, which makes it possible to quickly and easily set the same focus position during scenes that need to be shot repeatedly. Used with compatible cameras such as FX9, remote controllers and supported smartphone applications, full-control of zoom/iris and focus can be operated from the camera. This drastically simplifies lens operation and give more opportunities to capture critical moments. The new range also supports numerous lens accessories to facilitate a variety of different shooting styles. The industry standard 0.8 mod. (32 pitch) gears on each lens ring provides the option to use standard follow focus. Equally, widely-available 115mm diameter matte box and lens support can be used to aid accurate, responsive and precise operability. Additional functions include a de-clickable iris ring, the option to reverse the rotation direction of the zoom ring to be fitted with user’s preference and detachable servo zoom that provides smooth zooming expression. The new 16-35mm (FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G) will be available from April 2020 onwards.

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Sony's new PXW-FX9 6K2 Full-Frame sensor camcorder

Sony today unveiled the PXW-FX9 at IBC, its first XDCAM camcorder featuring an advanced 6K2 Full-Frame sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system. The new flagship camcorder offers content creators greater creative capabilities to capture stunning images that truly resonate with audiences. Building on the success of the PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2, the FX9 uniquely combines high mobility with an advanced AF system, impressive bokeh and slow-motion capabilities thanks to its newly-developed sensor. The FX9 also inherits its colour science and Dual Base ISO 800/4000 from the VENICE digital motion picture camera and represents the ultimate tool of choice for documentaries, music videos, drama productions and all-round event shooting. The FX9 was designed in close collaboration with the creative community and is another example of Sony continuously evolving its proposition to innovate with the customer and market needs. The camcorder benefits from the versatility, portability and performance expected of an FS7 series "Run & Gun" style camcorder, while also offering High Dynamic Range and Full Frame shooting features. “Today’s content creators require a camcorder that is agile, versatile and customisable to their specific creative needs, yet also offers superior performance and image quality. With the new FX9 we are striking the perfect balance between agility, ergonomics and powerful features, offering content creators the complete toolset to achieve their full artistic intention,” explained Anthony Kable, Content Creation Group Manager, Sony Australia. “At Sony, we consistently listen to our customers and every product, solution or service we unveil has always been developed with their specific needs in mind. Our latest flagship camcorder is no different and we are excited to see how it will help content creators to go make tomorrow." Powerful features for creative content creators The newly-developed 6K Full-Frame sensor offers wide dynamic range with high sensitivity, low noise and over 15 stops of latitude that can be recorded internally in 4K 3 4:2:2 10bit. Oversampling by the Full-Frame 6K sensor allows professionals to create high-quality 4K footage with impressive bokeh effects through shallow depth of field, while wide-angle shooting opens new possibilities for content creators to express their creativity. This means that every scene captured looks true-to-life whether it’s shot in broad day light or in the middle of the night. The camcorder can also capture content up to five times the slow-motion speed with FHD 120fps shooting. With the same colour science and Dual Base ISO 800/4000 as the VENICE camera, the new sensor can also create softer and more alluring facial tones. The enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system with customisable AF transition speeds and sensitivity settings also combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. The dedicated 561-point phase-detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% in width and 96% in height of imaging area, allowing consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects while maintaining shallow depth of field. Limitless creativity and flexibility Inspired by the high mobility "Run & Gun" style approach from the FS7 series of camcorders, the FX9 offers content creators even greater flexibility thanks to Electronic Variable ND Filter. This allows more creative effects for content creators and instant exposure level changes depending on the filming environment – even when it’s moving from an inside space to outdoors or while filming in natural light conditions. By recording image stabilisation information and using it on the Catalyst Browse/Prepare4 option, content creators can capture incredibly stable visuals even in handheld mode. Sony is also working to encourage other third-party non-linear editing tools to adopt this functionality. The FX9 comes with a range of customisations and expansion features. These include compatibility with the new UWP-D series of wireless microphones via Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe) with digital audio interface, the XDCA-FX9 extension kit enabling 10bit S35 4K 120fps and 16bit RAW output5, compatibility with Sony BP-GL and BP-FL series batteries, D- Tap, RJ-45 interface and stable “Dual Link” streaming by using two carrier lines, as well as DWX slot-in type digital wireless receiver commonly used in broadcast environments5. The FX9 will also be compatible with the newly launched E-mount lens FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G, which uniquely balances full manual operability for movie shooting and auto-control functions. “Based on our ongoing conversations with customers, partners and the wider industry, we at Sony understand the needs of today's creative storytellers - from the world's top cinematographers, to documentary film makers, music video directors or broadcasters. What they all need is a flexible camera that allows them to tell their own unique story, no matter the environment they operate in. Our next-generation FX9 not only captures stunning visuals with life-like image quality, but it also offers advanced AF features and customisation options. This makes it the ultimate creative tool for modern content creators,” concludes Kable. The FX9 will be available towards the end of 2019

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Sony's new PXW-Z750 4K 2/3-type camcorder

Sony announced the PXW-Z750, the world’s first 2/3-type shoulder camcorder to support 4K shooting with a 3-chip CMOS sensor system. The latest member of the XDCAM family is optimised for news and live production applications including sports broadcasts, magazine shows, unscripted television, and documentary shooting. Sony’s premier 3-chip CMOS image sensor system is mounted on a wide prism block to ensure detailed imagery and vivid colours, along with 4K, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and High Frame Rate (HFR) acquisition with high sensitivity with low noise. Its 2/3-type sensor delivers imagery with deep depth of field and enables quick focus operation. B4 mount lens can be attached directly to maintain high sensitivity and resolution. The PXW-Z750 is also the first 2/3-type 3-chip camcorder equipped with global shutter technology for capturing clear and crisp images while negating artefacts such as flash band and rolling shutter distortion. This makes the camera an ideal tool for shooting in uncontrolled lighting conditions, as well as for capturing quickly moving objects and action often associated with sports, live events and nature videography. As a result of industry demand and adoption, the camera supports HFR for HD, up to 120fps, to minimise blur or distortion. HD images are generated through 4K oversampling, resulting in clear images with minimal noise. Maximised flexibility in HDR operation The PXW-Z750 also features maximum HDR operation. The camera supports S-Log3 / HLG and employs BT.2020 and BT.709 colour spaces. Leveraging the PXW-Z750’s 4K/HD simultaneous recording feature, users can enjoy the benefits of 4K HDR and HD HDR at the same time. Additionally, the camera accommodates Sony’s SR Live for HDR, supporting simultaneous recording of 4K HDR and HD SDR to meet various demands. “Our cutting-edge new PXW-Z750 flagship model expands Sony’s lineup by bringing the most transformational visual elements – including 4K, HDR and HFR – into a portable and ergonomic package,” said Anthony Kable, Content Creation Group Manager, Sony Australia. “We’re meeting the demands of producers by delivering a robust 4K platform with global shutter 4K image sensor. The camcorder can be further enhanced to create an even more comprehensive Sony’s solution when paired with our audio, media and wireless workflows.” The PXW-Z750 incorporates encoding algorithms for optimising HDR recording, as well for recording 4K sequences. The camera supports XAVC-L for long-GOP QFHD 10bit 4:2:2 at 200Mbps, allowing large volumes of captured data to be compressed to approximately 1/3 in size when compared to XAVC-I Class 300 1. XAVC-L does this while maintaining its high quality, high resolution 4K imagery and wide dynamic range. Another powerful feature is 12G-SDI support, which enables the transfer of 4K images (50p or 60p) over a single BNC cable, enhancing the flexibility of the camera. Seamless integration with Sony’s hardware and service The camera supports a range of complementary accessories and options to suit users’ needs, preferences and budget, while offering expanded interoperability. Sony’s high-quality wireless audio solutions and shotgun mics, including the latest DWX series digital wireless microphone system; the new slot-in receiver DWR-S03D and bodypack transmitter DWT-B30 are compatible with the camcorder. Advanced integration with the DWX series includes synchronised power on/off, control by menu settings or assignable buttons and audio information on the viewfinder. Paired with Sony’s newest durable SxS PRO X cards, the SBP-120F (120GB) and SBP-240F (240GB), ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps are supported, allowing the camera to capture high bit rate content. When the new cards are used in conjunction with the new reader/writer, SBAC-T40 equipped with Thunderbolt™ The camcorder also supports B4 mount lenses, enabling use with a wide range of in-market and new lens solutions. B4 mount lenses offer a range of focal lengths tailored to suit the needs of unscripted and news shooting environments. The PXW-Z750 also supports several viewfinder and battery solutions. In addition to hardware integrations, the PXW-Z750 has built-in wireless network features and supports XDCAM air, Sony’s cloud-based workflow service for news production that offers streaming from the field and the efficient file clips management. The PXW-Z750 is planned to be available in February 2020.

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Sony Launches its First IP 4K Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera BRC-X400 with NDI®1 capability

Sony announced its latest addition to the 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera range, the BRC-X400. Ideal for cost-efficient content creation, the compact yet powerful camera is extremely well-suited for broadcast applications from studio to reality TV shows as well as shooting in large venues including event halls and houses of worships (HoW).

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New high-quality Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems

New UWP-D series comes in new lightweight design and includes unique “NFC SYNC” feature, which enables easy and fast frequency setting

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News Production Kit CBK-FS7BK for Sony FS7 and FS7II Camcorders

Sony Evolves FS7 and FS7 II Camcorders for News Production with CBK-FS7BK ENG-Style Build-up Kit which delivers advanced wireless capabilities and excellent weight balance for extended shooting stability as well as a new LA-EB1 B4 Lens to E Mount Adapter   Sony’s popular PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7 II XDCAM camcorders are now further optimized for newsgathering thanks to a new ENG-style build-up kit and a new B4 lens to E mount adapter. The build-up kit, CBK-FS7BK, enables extended shoulder mount usage, making the camcorders ideal for news production, interviews, documentaries, and reality television shooting. Combined with the new lens mount adapter, LA-EB1, both E mount and B4 lens assets can be used on either the FS7 or FS7 II, allowing users to capture images with deep and shallow depth of field (DoF) – all with a single camera. “The new build-up kit and lens mount adapter give the FS7 and FS7 II camcorders the ergonomics, networking features, and zoom ratio of a traditional run-and-gun shoulder-mount camcorder, allowing crews to quickly adapt their shooting style with minimal equipment,” said Anthony Kable, Content Creation Group Manager, Sony Australia. “As video production evolves, the demand for cinematic-style shooting has permeated into every facet of the industry, including broadcast news. FS7 shooters will be excited by the possibilities and adaptability the new build-up kit and lens mount adapter provides.” The CBK-FS7BK build-up kit includes: an extension unit with a wireless audio receiver slot and built-in network capability, providing advanced network operation for broadcast usage; a viewfinder and a cheese plate with enhanced robustness; and an adjustable shoulder plate designed to achieve optimal weight balance. Streaming and file transfers are possible via wireless LAN or 4G/LTE connection. QoS performance streaming is provided through the camcorder’s Dual Link connection, allowing multiplexing of two cellular networks. With the new LA-EB1 mount adapter, B4 lens can be attached to both the FS7 and FS7 II camcorders1. The inclusion of B4 lens allows users to shoot deep DoF with the high zoom ratio necessary for traditional news production. The CBK-FS7BK or FS7 extension unit XDCA-FS7, compatible with the B4 mount’s communication interface, provides power through its DC supply and allows users to record directly with the lens REC button. Further, information such as iris and focus is displayed on the viewfinder of the camera and recorded as metadata, which streamlines post-production efforts. The adapter also works as a hub for the power zoom of the lens, enabling one-hand operation via the servo zoom. Other highlights of the CBK-FS7BK build-up kit and LA-EB1 mount adapter include: • Various interface support including genlock/timecode for multi-camera operation and RAW output • Compatible with Sony BP-GL and BP-FL series batteries • Newly designed shoulder plate with an extended slide mechanism, allowing users to find the optimum weight balance with their choice of lens • ENG-style LCD viewfinder included • Exchange lenses on-site with no tools required • Image circle is expanded to 13.5mm by magnifying the optical system. F-stop can be as small as 0.6, which can capture bright images • ALAC (Auto Lens Aberration Compensation) decreases chromatic aberration caused by the lens The ENG-style build-up kit and mount adapter for FS7 and FS7 II will be available in December 2019.

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New Live 4K HDR Production and Workflow with Sony's HDC-5500 Camera System

Sony is introducing the latest member of its HDC family of 4K live camera systems. HDC-5500 is a new multi-format live camera capable of direct 4K signal output in 12G-SDI, carrying the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensors that ensure superb image quality in HD, 4K and HDR live production. Optional software achieving high frame rate up to 4K 2x and HD 8x1 will be available.

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Sony Professional: XAVC – what is it?

XAVC is a open standard codec that is riddled with flexibility in image quality, colour space and coping with variable frame rates offered by cameras. Whether you’re making news, music promos or even 4K movies, XAVC offers reduced bitrates and file sizes without sacrificing on-screen quality. It supports 8 and 10 colour depths, providing maximum dynamic range for colour correction and grading as well as a wide range of 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 sample structures , to enhance the colour grading process, increase creative control and flexibility. XAVC has been designed to support all current popular AV media resolutions, including 4K, QFHD, 2K, HD and SD as a proxy. Sony outlines XAVC on their you tube channel - and its across their full range of cameras so whether your working with F55 or even right down to a handheld camera like PXW-Z90 - this codec can make life a lot easier for your workflows.

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Videocraft builds first Esports Production Studio in Australia for Gfinity

The global esports market is booming with revenue predicted to reach US$1.65 billion in 2020. One of the industry’s drivers in this country is Gfinity Esports Australia with their new Elite Series competition which is delivering gamers and fans a clear and structured competitive framework within Australian esports. A key requirement for the Elite Series competition was the creation of Australia’s first, dedicated Gfinity esports production studio which has been designed and built by Videocraft. The Elite Series presented by Alienware sees 6 city-based clubs competing weekly in front of a live audience at Gfinity’s state of the art esports arena within the Hoyts Cinema Complex at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter and it is here that Videocraft built the new production studio.Clubs compete across iconic game titles: Counter Strike Global Offensive, Street Fighter V and Rocket League, for a share in the some of the largest prize pools in Australian Esports history and each event is broadcast live on Twitch. COO of Gfinity Australia Sam Harris said, “Gfinity are setting the new benchmark for quality in esports in Australia. As such, we looked for experienced partners to help bring our vision to life. Videocraft played a pivotal role in the development of the high quality production capabilities for our first esports arena at the Hoyts Entertainment Quarter.” Videocraft’s Nick MacLean added, “Gfinity have produced esports events very successfully in the UK for years and set a very high standard for their productions. It was clear that all of our 45 years of broadcast experience would come into play for this project as the knowledge required to build the studio transfers perfectly into esports.”As well as creating and building a studio to create content for Twitch, Videocraft also had to send content, ready for playout, to TEN’s digital channel, One. MacLean continued, “For this studio we had to produce all the content to a much higher standard than for regular SD television which is usually 1080 50i. However, as the primary delivery and viewing platforms are online and in order to keep up with refresh rates, all of the content from the studio is 1080 60p.”

Videocraft designed and built the new Gfinity esports production studio with one of their highly-acclaimed and well-proven FlyAway kits at the core. The kit also integrates Sony HDC-2400 cameras, HDC-P1 cameras, EVS XT3 video servers, a Sony vision mixer and full Yamaha audio. MacLean added, “We deliver all of the competition match content in 1080 60p live to Twitch who in turn put it out live to their viewers. For One we had to work with Channel TEN to come up with a solution that looked equally as high quality. This meant a workflow which involved sending One the content in 1080 60i - which is the same as a live feed from the USA - and then cross converting that to 1080 50i. From there it all went out via the Telstra DVN and the whole process was flawless.” The mix of broadcast expertise and workflows combined with the new generation of esports’ requirements is an interesting one as the production crew and equipment are all from a traditional TV environment which in turn makes the esports online production values particularly high. Maclean said, “We used all of our broadcast experience and expertise to give Gfinity, Twitch and One the very best quality content possible. We also broke new ground by using the clever new Bird Dog NDI converters for supplying vision feeds to monitors throughout the new facility. This meant we could control the units, get them to accept any material we wanted in 1080 60p and put this up on the screen whenever we wanted to. The Bird Dog converters enabled us to maximise the network infrastructure we built for the new facility and made life particularly easy for operators choosing content from a single screen. There were also complexities involving the project to the cinema location that we needed to overcome. The studio floor was built in the cinema and our CAR and control room built in one of the projection bio boxes on the other side of the complex. We had an extensive fibre install completed to enable us to send signals to various parts of the cinema complex. Utilising Mediornet and a 10gig Ethernet backbone made this very simple.” In a nutshell esports is already having a huge impact in Australia and now with dedicated arenas and high end production facilities, that impact stands only to grow further. Nick MacLean concluded, “This project was all about quality and experience. We had to use all of our experience and work closely with Twitch, TEN and One to make sure everyone got the pictures the way they required them, in a seamless fashion and looking amazing. In the world of esports gamers play at 1080 60p therefore the images we give them to watch also have to be of the same ultra-high standard. This creates the very best in engaging content which in esports, is all that’s acceptable.” Season 1 of the Gfinity Esports Australia Elite Series started on 2 June and runs for 7 weeks of competition, featuring Melbourne Avant, Sydney Chiefs, Brisbane Deceptors, Perth Ground Zero, Melbourne Order and Sydney Roar. Each of the Clubs 3 teams compete on Saturdays, CSGO 3-8pm and Sundays, Rocket League 10-1pm and Street Fighter V 4pm-7pm in an action packed 5 week regular season and 2 week Finals.

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SONY releases new cameras at NAB2018 - FS5II, PXWZ190, PXWZ280

Sony has today expanded its Large Format Sensor category with the launch of the new XDCAM™ handheld camcorder FS5 (Body:PXW-FS5M2, Lens Kit: PXW-FS5M2K). Complete with stunning 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 120fps performance and RAW capabilities, the new Super 35 mm camcorder marries outstanding image quality with an ergonomic modular frame, offering content creators the ultimate creative flexibility. In addition to S-Log 2/3, the FS offers Instant HDR Workflow1 to produce HDR content for quick post-production without the need for grading2.The FS5II is an outstanding E-mount camcorder for interchangeable lens camera users, offering boundless creative options for web commercial, music video production, dramas, corporate & event videos and documentaries.

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Sony unveils its first 8K System Camera with three 8K sensors at IBC 2017

Sony has unveiled the UHC-8300, its first 8K camera system to include 1.25-inch three 8K sensors, at IBC 2017 for the first time globally. It opens up the world of 8K with the flexibility to offer customers new capturing technology for shooting in 4K and more.

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Sony announces new palm camcorders featuring 273-point phase-detection AF sensor and 4K HDR recording

The new XDCAM® PXW-Z90 and the NXCAM® HXR-NX80 come equipped with 1.0-type stacked Exmor RSTM image sensor, offer an optimal choice to a wide range of users from professionals to video enthusiasts

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Sony Launches Ultra-Compact, Robust and Waterproof RX0 Camera

Introducing multi-unit, multi-view shooting to create a new imaging experience that has never been seen before

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