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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony FS700 4K Firmware Update Coming Soon?

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Sony FS700

When Sony launched the FS700 cinema camera, it teased that it was capable of shooting 4K footage and that such capabilities would be unlocked via a firmware update at some, undisclosed point in the future.

Well, that time may be upon us.  Speaking with a Sony insider at the recent IFA show, EOSHD reports that Sony is prepping to launch the 4K firmware upgrade for the FS700 within a few weeks.  Noting further:

I was told that by Sony insider (not a sales rep) there are two external recorders already on the market that will work with the camera in 4K mode by Aja and Sony. Sony have no plans to restrict 4K output to their own external recorder(s), and that is the first bit of good news…Encouragingly this 4K firmware update is ‘weeks away’ according to Sony, unless that strategy changes or any unforeseen consequences occur. I asked about pricing and I am told it will be similar to the S-LOG upgrade for the Sony F3 which currently retails for £500 + VAT at CVP in the UK. It is just a firmware update.

Given that the FS700 is an $8000 camera, a reasonable price for the 4K firmware upgrade could deliver a stunning 4K camera at a sub-$10k price point – something that no one has really done yet.  (Notwithstanding the lackluster JVC HMQ10.)

[via NoFilmSchool]

 

Apertus Axiom Camera: Open Source 4K Camera

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Apertus Axiom

The Apertus Axiom Camera is an open source project that looks to produce a 4K camera with a Super 35 sensor, Cinema DNG files, 150fps at 4K, a global shutter and 15 stops of dynamic range.

The plan is to launch a Kickstarter campaign in the fall to crowdfund the project at a target price “well below $10,000.”

If this camera actually comes to market with those features and price range, it stands to further disrupt the pro video market.  Sony’s FS700 really stirred the pot when it was introduced as an $8,000 camera that will (at some undetermined point in the future) shoot 4K footage and capture high frame rate footage (something it will actually do now) in full 1080p HD.

Of course, performance, reliability and support are key components that the Axiom will need in order to become a real player in the market.

Head over to No Film School for a more detailed analysis of what this camera could mean.

Sony NEX-FS700 Price Confirmed at $7999

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Sony NEX-FS700

B&H now has the price listed for the Sony NEX-FS700 at $7999 for the camera body.  And, the price with the 18-200mm kit lens is $8599.

We kinda expected a pricepoint in this neighborhood; however, now that I’m actually looking at it, it’s hard to believe that Sony is delivering 240fps at full 1080p for $8k.  And, to boot, it’s going to capture 4K via an external recorder.

No pre-orders yet, but stay tuned.  I’ll let you know as soon as they open up.

Canon EOS C500 is a Pro Level 4K RAW Cinema Camera

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Canon C500

The Canon C500 was announced today alongside the Canon EOS 1D C.  Both offer 4K video capture; however, the C500 is clearly targeted toward the higher-end Hollywood user.

The C500 supports 4K-resolution video and outputs as a 10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream with no de-Bayering.  The C500 can shoot 4K at 1-60fps.

The camera will also output quad full-HD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048 x 1080) and full HD (1920 x 1080).  The C500 offers a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format during 2K output, which can be selected to operate from one to 60 fps. The C500 can capture 120 fps when switched to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode.

In addition to the external video output options, the  C500 simultaneously records in-camera a 50 Mbps HD proxy video to a CF card.

Like the C300, the C500 features a Super 35 format CMOS sensor and will be available in EF-mount and PL-mount options.  Pricing (rumored to be around $30k) and release dates are yet to be confirmed.

More info and images for the Canon C500 below. [Read more…]

Canon Cinema EOS Teaser for April 15

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Canon NAB Teaser

As expected, it looks like Canon has big plans in place for NAB 2012.  Engdaget broke news of this teaser, which takes place the night before the NAB Show exhibits open.  While the Internet is scrambling at guesses of what this “exclusive screening” will be, it seems rather clear that it will relate to the new Cinema EOS line (see prior invite below). [Read more…]

MacBook Air Editing 4K RED Footage

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The above video shows off some of the real world potential of Thunderbolt.  With the combination of a RED Rocket card and a Sonnet PCIe expansion chassis, even a little MacBook Air can chew through 4K RED footage at full resolution.

It was good to see some Thunderbolt products at CES 2012 finally starting to trickle into the market.  See coverage for LaCie, G-Tech and Western Digital for other Thunderbolt devices.

JVC GY-HMQ10 Hands-On: 4K Camera for Under $5K

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JVC GY-HMQ10 4K Cam

The JVC GY-HMQ10 is a new 4K camcorder, which captures the full 3840 x 2160 resolution at 24p, 30p and 60p frame rates.  Yeah, 60p at 4K…

The HMQ10 features a 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor at a true 8.2MP for pixel-to-pixel rendering of the 4K image.  It is equipped with a fixed 10x zoom lens with an f/2.8 minimum aperture (f/4.5 at full tele).

Check out this quick overview video from the CES 2012 show floor. [Read more…]

The 5D Mark III and Canon’s Response to the Nikon D4

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Canon's Response

Is history going to repeat itself with the Nikon D4 (see above mock-ad re: Nikon D3)? But this time on the video side of the DSLR market?

Nikon is really happy with its new D4 flagship.  My favorite quote from a Nikon person at CES was “We like to shut people up.”

Boy, did they…

There’s no doubt that the D4 is an amazing camera.  It’s amazing how far they’ve one-upped their own D3s.  I’m really hoping to get the chance to shoot some college basketball with one before the season is over.

For sports shooters, Canon’s 1D X and Nikon’s D4 should be close again.  I think the D3s edged out the 1D Mark IV in AF performance over series of real world tests I conducted in 2010.  However, I think the performance is closer than most forum postings would lead you to believe.

I’m curious to see how well these new cameras stack up against each other on the still image capture side; however, I’m even more interested in how Canon will respond to the Nikon D4’s key video capture features. [Read more…]