The present trend on earth of home theater could seem like 3D cinematography is all of the hype today, but Sony’s latest imager in its CineAlta family begs to vary. Unveiled on the 2011 NAB Show, this F65 mammoth camera (pictured right) packs one beastly 20.4 megapixel, Super 35mm CMOS sensor — a big leap from the F35′s 2 megapixel 1080p CCD. With the exception of the apparent quantitative difference, what’s special about this new chip is that unlike the Bayer BG-GR subpixel matrix on conventional 4K sensors, here we have now green pixels forming the 4K grid while an RB-BR matrix fills within the space, thus doubling the choice of horizontal pixels to 8K for a finer 4K picture (see illustration after the break), in addition to allowing better visual effects editing using the additional data. What’s more, this sensor is fast — not just can it capture as much as 72fps on 4K, but it surely could also crank as much as a smooth 120fps on 2K. As for those trying to squeeze out each bit of detail from their clips, don’t worry: the F65′s got you covered with a 16-bit RAW output (19Gbps) at 4K resolution, or it is usually compressed to 5Gbps for the ease of recording onto the hot SR-R4 portable 4K recorder. Looks as if Sony’s finally found a candidate that’ll put a lid on film stock, but on the other hand, on the end of the day it’ll depend upon the worth tag when it comes out in Q3 this year.
Needless to say, Sony isn’t going to only ignore the 3D scene here. Also announced at NAB is the PMW-TD300, on the way to be the primary professional 3D camcorder sporting a shoulder mount. Featuring a couple of Exmor 3CMOS sensors, hardcore cameramen will finally be capable of go mobile with this new toy while filming 3D in 1080p. Unsure how the videos will prove, though — we’re not fascinated about the belief of watching shaky and potentially nauseating 3D captured by someone running along the sideline. Anyhow, this camera might be up for grabs in Autumn this year.
[Thanks, Blackjack]
The F65 sets a brand new benchmark with extraordinary resolution, dynamic range, colour reproduction and sensitivity
Apr 11, 2010
Sony is revolutionising digital cinematography with the official unveiling of its much-anticipated next-generation CineAlta camera. The F65 raises the bar within the quest for the ‘look’ of 65mm film, and delivers on its promise to derive true 4K resolution and beyond – on the point of image capture.
Sony’s unique 8K image sensor, with approximately 20 megapixels, offers higher image fidelity than some other camera. With 16-bit RAW output, the F65 establishes the gateway to a whole, end-to-end 4K mastering workflow.
“Sony’s new F65 digital movie camera combines true 4K resolution with an expansive dynamic range that permits a more nuanced reproduction of excellent textural and tonal details,” said Curtis Clark, ASC. “In conjunction with excellent contrast and exceptional colour reproduction the F65 produces images which have a rich filmic appear and feel, providing filmmakers with significantly enhanced creative photographic possibilities.
On the heart of the F65 camera is Sony’s newly developed 8K sensor, a good way to deliver pristine HD, 2K, and true 4K resolution today – and should go far beyond 4K sooner or later, because the industry must evolve. The Sony imager is additionally the primary to offer a dedicated green photosite for every pixel inside the 4K output image. Here’s twice the quantity of green resolution compared with traditional 4K Bayer pattern sensors, providing a major improvement in image resolution that may be ideal for VFX processing.
“Sony already has a successful track record in developing 4K technology, with our 4K digital cinema projection system literally re-defining the movie-going experience,” said Olivier Bovis, Head of AV Media Business, Sony Professional, Sony Europe. “However, Sony is committed to forcing every aspect of a 4K workflow – starting with acquisition. This camera is the head of 30-plus years of analysis, experience and engineering breakthroughs and is the most recent example of Sony’s ongoing pursuit of the best quality content creation and production.”
The 8K CMOS sensor can run as much as maximum 120Fps. This sensor performance combined with 16 bit RAW output makes the F65 the 1st image capture system designed from the floor as much as support the Academy IIF-ACES, Image Interchange Framework, Academy Colour Encoding Specification.
The F65 has also been designed for multiple production applications, including 3D rigs and Steadicam, and should offer a compact and light-weight detachable camera T-head for these configurations. Besides, an optional mechanical rotary shutter could be available for completely eliminating motion artefacts which are inherent with other CMOS sensor technology.
A dockable SR memory recorder – model SR-R4 – attaches to the camera to record directly onto an SR memory card of 256 GB, 512 GB or 1TB capacity with data security and sustained throughput of five Gbps. The recorder will enable ultra high speed recording of 16-bit RAW data.
A 1TB memory card recording at 24 Fps will store 50 minutes of footage in 4K 16 bit RAW. As with previous generations of CineAlta systems, Sony continues to work closely with the industry to develop this next generation digital movie camera technology and storage, workflow system.
Launch of the PMW-TD300 shoulder-mount 3D Camcorder enables users to exploit proven solid state workflow and capture 3D content more flexibly at the move
Apr 10, 2011
Sony is adding new dimensions to its 3D offering with the introduction of 2 single-body 3D camcorders for pro applications: the HXR-NX3D1E and the PMW-TD300.
The shoulder-mount design of the PMW-TD300 promises to bring greater flexibility to live shoots, freeing the operator to concentrate on image capture.
“This new camera will address the various needs in live 3D production, working inside the field as an ideal complement to the HD cameras currently utilized in 3D rigs by leading production companies and giving creative professionals a more flexible and mobile option for purchasing the best 3D shot,” said Olivier Bovis, Head of AV Media, Sony Professional, Sony Europe.
The PMW-TD300 encompasses a dual 1/2-inch Exmor 3CMOS sensor design with full HD 1920×1080 pixel resolution. The camcorder relies at the XDCAM EX recording platform, allowing users to milk a proven solid-state workflow for optimum flexibility.
When recording in 3D, left and right eye signals are simultaneously recorded onto separate SxS cards (four SxS card slots in total, two slots for every view). Its shoulder-mount design brings stability in ‘run and gun’ shooting environments, allowing professionals to fret less about ergonomics and concentrate more on getting definitely the right shot.
An inter-axial distance of 45mm delivers a variety of shooting zones to capture quality 3D images, especially for near-side shooting with a 1.2m minimum convergence distance. A newly developed dual-lens system allows full synchronisation with high accuracy in focusing, zooming and iris adjustment.
The camera is switchable between 2D and 3D modes. The 2D view is recorded onto a single card, with 2D redundancy achieved through parallel recording onto L/R cards. (Images recorded at the left and right cards are slightly different, because different lenses are used.)
The PMW-TD300 would be available in Autumn 2011.
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