Sony announces the new 4K compact Super35 PXW-FS5 professional camcorder, enabling ultimate handheld shooting and complete creative control to a wider audience.

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New A7sII preorder links:
A7sII at BHphoto (Click here).

Press release:

Enabling professionals to shoot in any style, at any angle, anywhere.

Amsterdam, September 11th 2015: Sony has today announced the PXW-FS5, the latest addition to its rugged range of professional camcorders with superior creative features and flexible shooting. The versatile “grab and shoot” style PXW-FS5 provides unsurpassed on-the-go shooting in the most demanding of conditions, with stunning image choices and creative features. Complementing the successful PXW-FS7, this compact camcorder delivers high quality imagery suitable for a range of professional applications from event videography to corporate and online video production.

The PXW-FS5 is ergonomically designed with the user in mind; the 0.8kg lightweight body has excellent weight balance ensuring reliability and all-day comfortable handheld shooting, for almost any location, even airborne mounted on a drone. Ease of use for a variety of shooting applications is possible with the one-touch rotatable grip; all of the key controls are at the user’s fingertips allowing for ultimate shooting flexibility and instant switch between low or high angle shooting. In response to users demand for more ergonomic flexibility, the 3.5-inch type LCD panel can be attached to different positions on the handle or the compact camera body, further supporting easy handheld operation and offering customisable shooting.

Superb creative expression is visible through the inclusion of 4K XAVC high-definition shooting, with the Super35 Exmor™ CMOS sensor incorporating 11.6 million pixels and 8.3 million effective pixels, capturing detail and image texture that even HD sensors cannot see. The high sensitivity and large size of the sensor delivers background defocus, increased low-light sensitivity and lower image noise coupled with stunning picture quality. High quality imagery is further ensured by High Frame Rate cache recording at 10bit 4:2:2 Full HD and an incredibly high frame rate of up to 240fps, in 8 second bursts, which makes 1/10 times Super Slow Motion possible without sacrificing bit depth or loss of image quality.

The PXW-FS5 is the world’s first* Super35mm camcorder to feature built-in electronic variable ND filters, further expanding the depth of field representation by the large-format sensor and enabling flexible exposure control, encouraging the user to reach their full creative potential. Professionals can push their work to the next level with a high-end cinematography feel to footage, coupled with the mobile feel of the camcorder. Get the exact shot needed for a project, even in difficult shooting locations; as the compact power zoom E lens PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS( SELP18105G), provided in the PXW-FS5K kit model, enables zoom operation with one hand.

Integrating easily with other camera lenses, α Mount System offers unsurpassed compatibility with both Sony and third-party lenses. The PXW-FS5’s E-mount can take virtually any lenses, such as SLR lenses via an adaptor, as well as Sony’s E-mount and A-mount lenses; ensuring the camcorder adapts to multiple environments. Sony’s α Mount System and its enhanced interfaces include 3G-SDI, HDMI output and SD dual card slots. Also equipped with Wi-Fi and a Wired LAN terminal, the PXW-FS5 features enhanced network functions such as file transfer and streaming transmission. Furthermore, the future firmware update will provide RAW output.

“Last year we launched the PXW-FS7 at IBC, which changed the way broadcast programmes and documentaries were made. With that in mind and building on the success of the PXW-FS7, we’re introducing a lighter more compact camcorder, the PXW-FS5,” said Claus Pfeifer, Strategic Marketing Manager at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “The PXW-FS5 presents unrivalled flexibility coupled with complete creative control, equipping professionals with all the tools needed to exceed any brief. It stands apart in the current market as a comfortable handheld, lightweight camera, which at the same time delivers high quality imagery for content creation spanning; cinematic wedding videography, corporate footage, online and event videography. Professionals have all the practical and creative functionality at their disposal, leaving them without any limits to realise their full potential.”

*As a Super35mm camcorder with integrated electronic variable ND filter, based on Sony research.

Key features of the PXW-FS5

• Flexible handheld shooting with a compact 0.8kg lightweight body

The lightweight body with excellent weight balance ensures comfortable handheld shooting as well as an easy fit with a drone or gimbal. The one-touch rotatable grip enables instant switching between low or high angle shooting. Shooting parameters can be changed with one hand even during recording thanks to the multi-functional grip. In the same way the zoom can be operated with a single hand. The detachable handle, one-touch rotatable grip and flexible LCD panel support various shooting styles.

• Creative expressive performance, including 4K shooting and 240fps high-speed shooting

The camcorder is equipped with an 11.6million pixel Super35 Exmor™ CMOS Sensor, enabling 4K XAVC long GoP high-definition video shooting. It is the world’s first Super35mm camcorder with a built-in electronic variable ND filter, supporting linear control from 1/4ND to 1/128ND and further expanding the depth of field representation. 1/10 times Super Slow Motion reproduction is possible thanks to the 10bit 4:2:2 full HD 240fps High Frame Rate, with no sensor cropping. Low light capabilities and background defocus are heightened by the high sensitivity and large sensor size. On top of this, the 14 stops of latitude in exposure deliver strong grayscale rendition without crushing shadows or blowing out light details.

• Variety of shooting applications and rich network functions

The camcorder is equipped with enhanced interfaces including 3G-SDI, 4K HDMI output, MI shoe, SD Dual card slots, Wi-Fi and wired LAN terminal, supporting various system configurations. The Clear Image Zoom allows users to zoom in at up to 2x, even with a fixed focal length lens.

Find out more about the PXW-FS5 here.

Follow live on SAR: Sony IBC Press Conference (Sony PXW-FS5 E-mount camcorder, lenses and maybe more).

At exactly 9am Berlin time hit the play button above to follow the Sony product announcement!

New A7sII preorder links:
A7sII at BHphoto (Click here).

Full September 11 announcement rumor recap:

SR5 (two trusted source confirmed this): New Sony PXW-FS5 E-mount camcorder. S35 sensors. 4K internally, but 8 bit XAVC-L (note the L) 100 Mbit max. No HFR as far as I can tell, 30fps max in 4K. Looks like a baby FS7. Price will be between old FS700 and current FS7, likely $5,000-6,500 USD. Differentiation on FS7 is much better CODEC, higher frame rates (incl 60p 4K), option for RAW and ProRes, bigger build.
SR4 (one trusted source heard this): Sony will announce 7 new lenses (some in development and some for real). Among them we have new FE telephoto lens(es), fast portrait prime, 24-70mm GM and maybe some “Updated” A-mount lenses.
SR4 (two trusted source heard about this): A60000 successor to be announced between now and PhotoPlus. Note: The rumor is not SR5 because it happened once that Sony delayed the announcement of that camera. Don’t want to bring bad luck again :)
SR3 (one anonymous source): New A6000 successor to be announced on September 11.

Zeiss explains why Milvus lenses are ideal for use on Sony E-mount cameras.

milvussony

Photographyblog posted the Zeiss slideshow of the official Zeiss Milvus presentation. And made it clear why those lenses are made for Sony E-mount owners too:
– The lenses are manual focus anyway. So by using an adapter you don’t lose anything.
– Smooth precise manual focusing system ideal to use with Sony focus peaking.
– All lenses of the range are color matched. Ideal for video post processing.
– 4K ready (high-resolution power edge to edge) and HDR ready (excellent ghost and flare resistance)
– No need of in camera lens correction. The lenses are already top of the notch.

Sounds like this could be a ncie lens for Sony A7s and Sony A7rII photographer and filmmakers!

Here are the detailed Lens info and preorder links at BHphoto:
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).

Zeiss_Milvus_Sony

 

Zeiss announces the new Milvus lens (4k optimized) line for Canon/Nikon DSLR. Preorder at BH!

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Zeiss just announced a sort of Loxia lens line for Canon/Nikon DSLR. The lens line is called “Milvus”. There is no plan to make those for A-mount but of course you can use those lenses adapted on any E-mount camera. And Zeiss stressed to say that these lenses are made with 4K in mind (it means smooth and noiseless aperture and focus ring). A7s and A7rII owners may be interested in those!
Here are the detailed info and preorder links at BHphoto:
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).

Why these news matter for Sony E-mount owners:
– The lenses are manual focus anyway. So with using an adapter you don’t lose anything
– Smooth precise manual focusing system ideal to use with Sony focus peaking
– All lenses of the range are color matched. Ideal for video post processing
– 4K ready (high resolution power edge to edge) and HDR ready (excellent ghost and flare resistance)
– No need of in camera lens correction. The lens are already

Here are two youtube videos introducing the lenses:
Carl Zeiss Lenses – NEW Milvus lens family for DSLR
William Heuberger about using ZEISS lenses

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Sony Tidbits…


How to really autofocus your photos with Sony. Part 1

Gold Box deal on Transcend and Samsung SD cards at Amazon.de (Scroll the horizontal deal bar).
SEL90M28G Autofocus drive noise (See discussion at SonyAlphaForum)
Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon T* review at Admiringlight.
Sony RX100 Mk IV review by Ken Rockwell.
Sony A6000 portrait with fe 90mm f2.8 macro (SonyAlphaForum).
How I Light Paint Epic Milky Way Photos with the A7r (Mirrorlessons).
Sony 5 axis IBIS vs EF Lens Based IS vs Panasonic 2 axis IBIS Comparison (Tysonrobichaudphotography).
Sony’s new mid-range phones take 13-megapixel selfies (Engadget).

Bernie Aniciete:Music NSFW. Quick video of a few choreographer friends dancing. Used the Sony NEX-6 and RX100ii. https://www.facebook.com/BnEPhotography/posts/10207495939863783

Markus Messmann:für deutschsprachige Alpha6000 Fans https://www.facebook.com/groups/879760975415058/

 

Sony Tidbits…


Unboxing Of The New Sony RX100M4 Camera

A7s Fire Photography (SonyAlphaForum).
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens review at Talkemount.
Fascinating! You can watch an original 150 year old photo of Lincoln – in 3D! (TheNakedCamera).
Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens review at Talkemount.
$20 Minolta 1.7/55 from 1968 vs $1000 Zeiss 1.8/55 from 2013 (Philip Reeve).
The Best Travel Camera is the A6000 at Fstoplounge.
RX100 mark IV review (Mirrorlessons).
90mm FE lens test at Dcfever.

Mariano:i’ve been a long time reader and long time canon user. but that started to change 2 years ago, and this year, i’ve finally made the switch to an all-sony mirrorless system. i see that it’s a common experience lately, but there are a lot of photographers that are still skeptical about going mirrorless. i started a blog about my observations on the switch that i thought your readers might find interesting. my hope is that it will be helpful for anyone contemplating about doing the same thing. The website is: http://movetomirrorless.com

Canon will make 8K camcorder and 120MP FF DSLR…sometimes in the future.

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UPDATE: I made some fun in my previous article and some people didn’t get it. I therefore now redacted the article to make it more “serious”.

Today Canon  said they ar developing a 8K Cinema Camera: “that will support the production of next-generation 8K video content” and MP FF camera: ” The high-resolution images that the camera will be capable of producing will recreate the three-dimensional texture, feel and presence of subjects, making them appear as if they are really before one’s eyes. The camera will facilitate a level of resolution that is more than sufficient for enlarged poster-sized printout while also enabling images to be cropped and trimmed without sacrificing image resolution and clarity.” Real product announcement? No. Release? No info…. (via MirrorlessRumors).

Reminder: Back in 2010 Canon announced a 120MP APS-H sensor (Source: Canon). And that sensor never found it’s way in a real camera to date. So let’s see if and when they will actually release the 8K camcorder and 120MP FF camera…