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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony 4K TVs Now Shipping in US

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Sony XBR-55X900A 55inch 4K TV

As we continue to question the need for 4K production across the spectrum, TV manufacturers are wasting no time pushing 4K TVs out to customers. Sony 4K TVs are shipping from Adorama and Amazon with prices starting at $5000. The Seiki 4K 50″ TV is much more reasonably priced at $1445 here at Amazon.com.

While the 4K content I have seen at CES and NAB this year has been gorgeous, I’m not quite ready to pull the trigger on a 4K set. Many HD broadcasters and cable channels continue to pump out 720p programming to content consumers across the nation. Additionally, the compression from cable providers on HD content is terrible. I can’t imagine how bad the compression will be on full 4K content when it starts coming down the content pipe.

Of course, those finishing productions in 4K resolution now have access to 4K TVs to view final products and/or demo content to clients.

 

Phantom Flex4K: Up Close and Sample Footage

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Phantom Flex 4K-6

Vision Research unveiled its new Phantom Flex4K cinema camera at NAB 2013. The stunner feature is that it captures 4K RAW footage at 1000fps.

I stopped by the Vision Research booth to get a closer look at the Phantom Flex4K and to see some 4K demo footage on a 4K display. Before we get into the build and specs of the Flex4K, check out the below video shot with the Flex4K in 4K. [Read more…]

Panasonic 4K Prototype Camcorder on Display at NAB 2013

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Panasonic 4K Camera

4K was certainly the big theme this year at NAB. Whether it was cameras, capture, post or delivery, 4K video was everywhere.

Panasonic 4K Camera-6

Of course, some manufacturers are further along than others in the 4K development pipeline. Panasonic happened to have a single 4K camcorder under glass. However, this was a working model that was pumping out a 4K signal via a single HDMI 1.4a cable to a 4K monitor next to the display. [Read more…]

New Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and 4K Camera Available for Pre-Order

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Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and Production Camera 4K won’t be shipping until July 2013. However, the line to get one starts now.

I expect both of these models to be in high demand. I sat down with a representative earlier today and he said that while the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera will begin shipping in July, they are expecting a high demand that will lead to a hefty backorder log.

In short, if you want one, pre-order it now.

You can pre-order the Blackmagic Pocket Camera here at B&H Photo.

You can pre-order the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K here at B&H Photo.

Blackmagic Brings 4K for $4K to Reality with New Super35 Cine Camera

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Blackmagic Production Camera 4K

Alongside the new Pocket Cinema Camera, Blackmagic announced its new Production Camera 4K today at NAB 2013.

The new camera is housed in the same body as last year’s Blackmagic Cinema Camera; however, the Production Camera 4K sports some fancy new innards, including a Super35 format sensor that captures high quality compressed CinemaDNG RAW and ProRes 422 (HQ) files in 4K resolution. It boasts 12 stops of dynamic range and includes DaVinci Resolve color grading software. [Read more…]

Sony 4K Camcorder Unveiled at CES 2013

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Sony XAVC 4K Camcorder

At it’s CES 2013 press conference on Monday, Sony unveiled a concept model of an upcoming 4K consumer camcorder. Sony had a mock-up of this 4K camcorder under glass in their booth at CES.

While Sony referred to this camera as a consumer model, it is clear from looking at it that the camera is at least a prosumer model in terms of available features – if not a low-end pro model. [Read more…]

Sony NEX-FS700 Upgrade Coming Next Week?

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Sony NEX-FS700

When the Sony NEX-FS700 was announced, it was heralded as an affordable 4K camera; however, it wouldn’t quite be a 4K camera until some undetermined point in the future.  Well, that point may now be upon us.

An anonymous tipster sent word to SonyAlphaRumors that the FS700 will be getting its 4K upgrade next week.  At this point, there are no details regarding the method of distribution for the 4K upgrade or the price that may come with it.

Unless Sony just goes bananas with the upgrade pricing though, the FS700 should be the most affordable 4K cinema camera available once the upgrade is officially out.