PRESS RELEASE

Rambo

PRESS RELEASE

Sony grows large sensor camera family with new 4K camera systems

Sony is unveiling two new CineAlta™ 4K cameras, complemented by a full line-up of new accessories. The new cameras, the PMW-F55 and PMW-F5, fill a critical gap in large-sensor acquisition between Sony's PMW-F3 camcorder and its F65 CineAlta Premium 4K camera, giving content creators new levels of flexibility and creative options for HD, 2K or 4K acquisition and production.

With a modular and compact design for easy configuration, each camera features a new type of 4K Super 35mm image sensor with a 4096 x 2160 resolution (11.6M total pixels).

The 20 megapixel F65 remains the flagship of Sony's large sensor camera family. The 8K sensor-equipped F65 continues to evolve, with new features designed for the most demanding high-end imaging applications. These features include a new high frame rate mode for 4K RAW recording at 120P to deliver stunning 4K images with super smooth slow motion capabilities, and image capture using the SR codec at 12-bits. Future updates to the F65 will deliver 6K de-mosaicing, along with other major new features.

New PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 Cameras

The new PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 CineAlta 4K cameras deliver unprecedented creative options for HD/2K/QFHD/4K (PMW-F55) and 2K*/HD (PMW-F5) production. Both offer multi-codec support featuring Sony's new XAVC MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, the SR codec (MPEG4 SStP) and the industry-standard High Definition XDCAM 50Mbps 4:2:2 codec. In-camera recording is on Sony's New SxS media, SxS PRO+ (Plus ) – which can be used to record XAVC in HD High Frame Rate and in 4K at up to 60fps (in the PMW-F55), and XAVC HD High Frame Rate in the PMW-F5.

In addition to on-board recording onto SxS PRO+, the PMW-F55 and PMW- F5 can also be connected to the new AXS-R5 RAW recorder. Slow-motion imagery at up to 240fps** (PMW- F55) and up to 120fps** (PMW- F5) can be captured as 4K RAW files on newly developed AXS memory.

The PMW-F55 features a global shutter to eliminate rolling shutter skew and flash band, and features a wider colour gamut for exceptional colour reproduction. The cameras are further distinguished by wide (14 stops) exposure latitude, high sensitivity, and low noise.

New Options for Monitoring

The PMW-F55 can connect to the new 4K 30-inch LCD monitor, PVM-X300, using four 3G-SDI interfaces to monitor pictures at 4096x2160 resolution at up to 60p, while recording and playing back XAVC 4K images. Similarly, it is also possible to connect directly to the 84" BRAVIA 4K LED TV for large-screen monitoring of the camera's 4K 60P images (at resized horizontal resolution of 3860 pixels).

PL Lens System – The Second Generation

The PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 cameras continue Sony's efforts to offer the most flexible lens options. A PL-mount lets users choose cinematic lenses from suppliers such as Angénieux, ARRI, Canon, Carl Zeiss, Cooke, FUJIFILM and Leica.

Sony is also launching a second generation of cost-effective PL mount prime lenses. Each is certified for 4K capture, and is designed to minimize geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris delivers beautiful bokehs and the focus rings rotate 240°. The new lens series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, each has the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same height except for the 135 mm lens.

Shooters can use stills lenses by removing the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount. This makes it easy to accept commercially available adaptors for third-party lenses, including Canon® EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch B4 lenses. A third option is the use of Sony FZ-Mount lenses with auto focus servo zoom (model SCL-Z18X140.)

Viewfinders

Using a new digital interface, PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 users can take advantage of a new series of high-quality OLED and LCD viewfinders. The DVF-EL100 OLED viewfinder measures 0.7-inches with 1280 x 720 HD resolution, superb brightness, contrast and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch LCD viewfinder offers 10 times the contrast of previous Sony LCD viewfinders, with a flip-up eyepiece for direct monitoring. A third option is the full HD DVF-L700. This compact 7-inch LCD viewfinder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, with pixel-to-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of HD images.

New RAW Recording System

Sony is also unveiling the AXSM™ Access Memory System for 2K*/4K RAW recording, based on Sony's unique recording technology. Optimised for this new platform is the AXSM memory card (512 GB capacity, model AXS-512S24), using the generic file system exFAT. Users can record 4K RAW data up to 60 fps and 2K RAW up to 240 fps**, with a 300MB/s sustained transfer speed. PC-friendly operation is enabled through use of the AXS-CR1 card reader, offering a USB 3.0 interface for high speed transfer.

Additionally, the new AXS-R5 RAW recorder directly docks onto the PMW-F5 and PMW-F55, for an extremely elegant and compact recording system for 2K** and 4K RAW recording.

New Recording Media

The cameras support Sony's new high-speed, enhanced versions of its SxS PRO memory cards: the "SxS PRO+(PLUS)" series (in 128 and 64 GB capacities, models SBP-128B and SBP-64B). Based on the format long used in Sony's XDCAM EX camcorders, the cards support XAVC 4K and XAVC HD high frame rate recording, and can be directly inserted into the cameras.

New Battery and Charger

The PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 cameras take advantage of Sony's new BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine-Lithium Iron Phosphate-instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony's BC-L90 quick charger. The new battery supports outstanding mobility for on-set shooting enabling two times higher speed charging than current chargers and a maximum 150 minutes of consecutive shooting.

The PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 cameras are also compatible with Sony's BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the BC-L70 and L160 chargers.

Shoulder Rig

Delivering advances in ergonomics specifically requested by cinematographers, the PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 feature Sony's newest shoulder rig for extra stability and comfort. The rig is sturdy, lightweight and uses industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-party hand grips and other accessories.

Pricing and Availability

The new cameras are scheduled to be available in February 2013, with suggested list pricing to be announced. For more information, visit

http://www.pro.sony.eu/pro/product/f55

or

http://www.pro.sony.eu/pro/product/f5

2K/QFHD for PMW-F55 and 2K for PMW-F5 will be available with firmware version up.
**High frame rate higher than 60fps will be available with firmware version up.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/show-highend/resource.solutions.bbsccms-assets-show-highend-F5.shtml

PDF - http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/show/highend/pdf/F5_Camera.pdf

gib

Wow, that is some spec

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/sony-goes-red-hunting-with-pmw-f55-and-pmw-f5-pro-cinealta-4k/

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Still Lenses. Slip off the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount with 18 mm flange focal distance. It’s perfect for accepting commercially available adaptors for still lenses, including Canon® EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses.
FZ-Mount Lenses. There’s also Sony’s game-changing FZ-mount auto focus servo zoom: the SCL-Z18X140.

Funny, isn't it?

E-Mount also has same flange distance. Something tells me that it is not random :-)

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.fdtimes.com/2012/10/30/sony-f55-and-f5/

Tron

This one really looks like a winner... and Red is announcing a price drop on Epic tomorrow. Amazing times continue in the cinema camera world.

mintcheerios

Finally, global shutter. Sony continues to be on fire!

endotoxic

sony needs to be on fire.

kavadni

This looks like the camera to dream about .. should be cheap F3s about soon too

NickBen

I am glad Sony is finally waking up below the F65 pricepoint, but I am more impressed by the $2995 actual price and footage seen from the BMCC than this F5 announcement at undisclosed price. Plus, the BMCC includes on-board RAW recording at that $2995 price!

At over $10K with No 4K recording without separate recorder is quite a joke, even the $4995 JVC records compressed 4K at 60p in-camera, though small chip on generic SD cards ...

Hopefully there will be a BMCC 4K RAW camera recording to generic SSD by next NAB 2013 under $10K when this Sony actually ships, that would get me opening the wallet again...

but ultimately, image matters more than money at these price points- show us some footage Sony!

Rambo

mintcheerios October 29. Finally, global shutter. Sony continues to be on fire!

Only on the big brother F55, the F5 is still rolling shutter.

goanna

What a difference a Day Makes ! Who's the only show in town now?

ahbleza

Looks like an interesting price for Sony's F5 4K camera.

http://www.marcotec-shop.de/en/products/cat_179/detail_4729.htm

Only 13.295 Euro (excluding VAT.)

B&H don't have a price yet, but are suggesting February availability.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=sony+cinealta+pmw-f5&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta

I think Sony are feeling the pressure from RED's recent price reductions.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

US pricing

PMW-F5 CineAlta 4K Camera $19,400
PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K Camera $34,900
AXR-R5 RAW Recorder $6,300
AXS-512S24 512Gb Memory Card $2,100
AXS-CR1 card reader $660.00
DVF -EL100 OLED Viewfinder $5,800
DVF-F350 3.5” LCD Viewfinder $3,800
DVF-L700 LCD viewfinder $5,000
SCL-PK6/F PL mount six lens package $24,600
SCL-PK3/F PL mount three lens package $13,600

Via: http://community.sony.com/t5/F5-F55/PRICING/td-p/37285

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Jon Fauer made 96 page report on the Sony F5 and F55 - http://www.fdtimes.com/2012/11/27/sony-f5-and-f55-96-page-report/

truestory

Australian Pricing...

PMWF5   DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY CAMERA   $18,000
PMWF55  DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY CAMERA   $32,000
AXSR5                 RAW RECORDER                  $5,800
BPFL75  70WH OLIVINE BATTERY            $550
BCL90       QUICK BATTERY CHARGER           $870
DVFEL100    0.7 INCH 720 HD OLED VIEWFINDER $5,400
DVFL350 3.5 INCH QHD LCD VIEWFINDER     $3,600
DVFL700 7 INCH FULL HD LCD VIEWFINDER   $4,700
AXS512S24   AXSM CARD 512GB             $2,000
AXSCR1  AXSM CARD READER            $620
SCLPK3/F    3 x PL MOUNT PRIME LENS SET     $12,800
SCLPK6/F    6 x PL MOUNT PRIME LENS SET     $22,800

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

last_SHIFT

For those who are or will be in the Tri-State area:

https://email.adorama.com/pub/sf/ResponseForm?ri=X0Gzc2X%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGil04zgzaNnbMzcnyYST3mzaGMjcNHy3zcnVXMtX%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGi0PRzaljRNn66fYXhHCXwLeoYBwRWn&ei=EoXnZ-IrWt5jxlabTfL9lAw

maxr

a bit more about XAVC codec

like his accent. all good

Vitaliy_Kiselev

After extensive input from all of you, we present to you the ongoing development and new firmware timeline charts for the AXS-R5, F5 and F55. .

Highlighting the big update this month is the HD – 10 bit SR Codec, (SR File). This codec has been strongly requested for episodic television and feature film work; since it’s an extremely robust algorithm that is visually lossless (areas of every frame are uncompressed). Also, 220Mbps 4:2:2 and 440Mbps (both 4:2:2 and RGB) result in very manageable file sizes and very easy to decode.

The SR File is the exact same codec as used in the HDCAM-SR digital tape system, which was, and in many cases still is, the mastering and deliverable standard in the production industry. For shooting in HD, the picture quality of SR File with the F5 and F55 should prove spectacular and will be a key differentiation from every other camera on the market today for HD production.

You may also notice on the charts that, where possible, the F5 is updated with the same features as the F55. Some major changes to the firmware timeline include the support of exposure tools, (more are coming in addition to what is listed in the charts), and the addition of 1.3 x Anamorphic. False Color is confirmed but exact implementation is being finalized and will be announced soon.

After significant feedback about the F5 high frame rate, we studied the possibility of increasing HFR to the same level as that of the F55, which is up to 240 frames per second. As a result of this effort we are proud to implement 240fps in the F5 in a future firmware update.

2K RAW: September will see the same frame rate values being implemented as the F55 which are 120P, 180P, and 240P.

XAVC HD: Both cameras will have 120P HFR

Later we will implement the Slow/Quick mode, meaning each frame can be individually dialed in, up to 240fps speed. (Refer to the charts below for more information)

ND filter knob – We are going to provide an upgraded filter knob for FREE later this month. Details will follow.

New Cables – For purchase, new cables connecting the DVF-EL100 OLED VF to the camera body will be available, expected later in July.

B4 2/3″ lens adapter is confirmed, details will be posted here when available

Please keep in mind that all features are always subject to change, and not every feature is listed in these charts as some are still going through engineering analysis in terms of when and how they can be implemented.

So if you do not see your desired feature listed, don’t be discouraged. It does not mean that it’s not coming.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

We are very pleased to announce v1.2 firmware for the F5, F55, and AXS-R5 recorder. This is a major update and includes powerful functionality not previously available. Major features are listed below

Major Features in this update:

SR File format, 4:2:2 and RGB variants

Camera ID + Reel # naming mode. SxS and RAW files

USB Wirless LAN mode - Attaching the supplied USB wireless module, IFU-WLM3 to the camera. Smartphone, tablets connectivity via Wi Fi

*x1.3 Anamorphic support - Display image without distortion in the VF, and output image without distortion "4K/2K to HD Conv" in the "Output Setting" of the Video Menu to "Anamo x1.3' or "Anamo x2"

Various improvements and enhancements

Firmware - http://community.sony.com/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/2/PMW-F5_V12_1.20_69_2013-07-25_00-45-47_firmware.zip