Sony announces three new camcorders with 273-point phase-detection AF sensor and 4K HDR recording

Sony announced three new 4K camcorders. This is the press text:

The new XDCAM® PXW-Z90, NXCAM® HXR-NX80 and Handycam® FDR-AX700, equipped with 1.0-type stacked Exmor RSTM image sensor,offer an optimal choice to a wide range of users from professionals to video enthusiasts.

Sony has today announced three new 4K HDR¹camcorders: the XDCAM® PXW-Z90, the NXCAM ®HXR-NX80 and the Handycam® FDR-AX700. Featuring Sony’s ground-breaking Fast Hybrid AF system, all three palm camcorders combine a fast and reliable autofocus (AF) function adapted for shooting with a 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, delivering stunning image clarity alongside a range of versatile shooting features. The new camcorders all support an instant HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow, enabling users to produce breath-taking HDR content with minimum post-production to suit a range of content creation scenarios and applications.

The Fast Hybrid AF system ensures highly accurate focusing and tracking during shooting, delivered by 273 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 84% of the shooting area, high-density placement of autofocus points and a newly developed AF algorithm. This reduces the burden of focusing, especially when accurate focusing is required for shooting 4K[i] films. In movie recording mode, the appearance of phase-detection AF frames indicates the focused area and easily allows users to monitor a subject that is in focus. The new camcorders feature a high-resolution OLED viewfinder (0.39-type OLED, 2,359k dots) and advanced touch screen operation, on the 3.5-type large LCD screen (1,555k dots), to allow users to quickly switch focus from one subject to another, while the AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range and Subject Switching Sensitivity can all be configured as required for different subjects and content styles.

The new camcorders support 4K HDR¹ recording with HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), offering an instant HDR workflow. This enables users to reduce the post-production work and produce high-quality HDR content without grading, which usually requires a highly skilled technique and specialist knowledge. They also have the following key technology features to support versatile shooting, including;

  • 4K²full-pixel readout without pixel binning, using an enhanced BIONZ X™ image processing engine
  • Super Slow Motion[ii]recording up to 960fps[iii], which is industry leading among palm categories and Slow & Quick Motion[iv]Full HD recording up to 120fps[v]
  • S-Log3/S-Gamut3 capabilities for users to create and work with images as they desire.
  • 29mm[vi] (35EQ)wide-angle ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and 18x Clear Image Zoom[vii]
  • Less image distortion (rolling shutter phenomenon), in comparison to conventional models when shooting subjects in motion

Workflow efficiency benefits such as Proxy recording, relay recording and simultaneous backup recording are also delivered thanks to the new camcorders’ dual memory card slots and multi-camera operation capabilities supported by TC (time code)/UB (user bit). The three new camcorders also have REMOTE terminals, Multi-Interface Shoe™, and HDMI Type A to ensure enhanced operability.

“We strongly believe in empowering customers to tell amazing stories, whether it’s a journalist out in the field covering a breaking news event, or a freelancer working under the tight deadline pressures of a one-day corporate shoot” explained James Leach, European Product Manager, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “Our new palm camcorders do exactly that. By minimising the efforts required to focus on a subject in-frame and streamlining the post-production workflow, we’re helping users concentrate on what they do best: storytelling.”

In addition to the above key features as series, the XDCAM® PXW-Z90 and NXCAM® HXR-NX80 also feature dual XLR audio input, a detachable handle, and access to Content Browser Mobile – a supporting smartphone application to enable Wi-Fi® monitoring, Camcorder remote control and wireless timecode sync[viii] between multiple cameras.

The PXW-Z90 also includes several features to suit broadcast-specific requirements including XAVC®format recording, which provides high-quality images at 4:2:2 10 bit (HD) and 4:2:0 8 bit (QFHD) in addition to conventional broadcasting MPEG2HD9 format recording, 3G SDI connectivity for compatibility with existing broadcasting equipment, and networking functions to support news reporting, such as compatibility with XDCAM® air, the Sony cloud-based ENG subscription service.

NXCAM® HXR-NX80 and Handycam® FDR-AX700 adopt XAVC S®[ix],an extended format of XAVC for consumer use which can record high-defined 4K2 films.

The XDCAM® PXW-Z90, NXCAM® HXR-NX80 will be available in December and Handycam® FDR-AX700 will be available in October. For more information on Sony visit www.pro.sony.eu, or visit stand 13.A10 at IBC 2017.

#SonyIBC17

[i] 3840 x 2160 pixels

[ii] 4K recording is not available. Sound cannot be recorded. A class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required.

[iii]960fps in NTSC, 1000fps in PAL

[iv] Sound cannot be recorded. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC memory card is required

[v]120fps in NTSC, 100fps in PAL

[vi]35mm equivalent

[vii]18x(4K), 24x(HD)

[viii] Optional licences required

[ix] A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps

Sony Tidbits…


How we made a Video out of a series of pictures shot by SONY A9?

10 Great Tips for Shipping Your Valuable Camera Equipment (Explora).
Inside the black market for Instagram verification (Mashable).
In praise of the Voigtlander 65/2 apo lanthar (Dpreview Forum).
Nikon keeps all options open: Patents 24mm f/1.8 for new FF and new APS-C mirrorless system camera (Nikoneye).
Rotolight NEO 2 LED combines the best of both continuous and strobe lighting (Newsshooter).

Christoph: “Andreas Altendorfer and I produced the music video https://youtu.be/p4atyReF2Lw called “Breaking Bad” by the band “Elephants in Paradise”.
 All recordings were filmed with a Sony A7sII and Zeiss Loxia 21mm f2.8, Zeiss Loxia 35mm f2, Zeiss Loxia 50mm f2, Sony FE 90mm f2.8 Macro. We used an Atomos Ninja Flame to record the S-LOG 2 files in ProRes. For camera movements we used a CAME-TV Argo Gimbal and a Manfrotto Slider. We illuminated the scenes with 3 Litepanels Astra Bi-Color and 1 Litepanels Sola 6 Daylight LED Fresnel.
 It was my first production with this equipment. I was particularly enthusiastic about the A7sii in dark situations, where you can work with little extra light and an open aperture. For bright situations in the sunlight, I would prefer an e-mount adapter with an electronic ND filter, like the one built in on the FS5 or FS7ii, with the same functionality (Auto ND), from Sony. Andrea, please put in a good word to Sony for this! 😊
 I love the Zeiss Loxia lenses, especially the 35mm. The picture quality is simply super and the handiness is an advantage in many cases. For example, to balance the camera on the gimbal or when filming out of your hand. However, this advantage is also the only disadvantage. The aperture ring is so narrow and the lettering so small that it is very difficult for the camera assistant to adjust from the side in low light conditions.
 The Atomos Ninja Flame Recorder was an indispensable tool for exposure and focusing. The ProRes files were free of compression artifacts and banding. (… to end heavily compressed on YouTube 😉) During the shooting I noticed that the Ninja Flame can record 1080p, 120, but the A7sii can only play beyond hdmi up to 1080p, 60. Workflow with SSD hard disks is simple and fast. Larger batteries are recommended.
 When it comes to light, the Sola 6 is my favorite, which I mostly used as the main light source because of the natural shadows. Most of the time I used the astras with a softbox. The lamps can also be operated with rechargeable batteries, which is pleasant for outdoor shots. (Of course, the setup will soon reach its limits in sunlight due to the light intensity.)
 It was a low budget production and all actors were amateur actors who made it for fun and free. I hope you will enjoy the video still or even because of that.
Best regards“
We have our own Facebook camera groups and pages you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony A9 group and Sony A9 page.
Sony A7rIII group and Sony A7rIII page
Sony A7sIII group and Sony A7sIII page
Sony A7III group and Sony A7III page
Note: In groups you can post your own stuff like images, news and questions. While on pages you will read the specific camera news from SAR.

Sony Tidbits…


Samyang 12mm f/2 NCS CS lens review with samples

8 Lessons Learned When I Photographed a Total Solar Eclipse (Explora).
A week in switzerland (SonyAlphaForum).
photographing parkour with the Sony a9 (Dpreview).
Sony 16-35mm GM test at SonyAlphaLab.
Phillip Reeve rolling review of the Voigtlander 65mm FE lens.
How to Piss Off a Photographer (Lok)

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Pre-order now: Aurora HDR 2018 for both Windows and Mac Versions!

You can finally preorder the new Aurora HDR which comes for both Mac and Windows at Macphun (Click here). This is the first time you get the software for windows too. A big step towards Adobe independency :)

Here is the press text:

About Aurora HDR:

Aurora HDR is not just a tool for merging bracketed images, it also provides numerous tools and countless options to create perfect HDR photos for every taste – from one-click presets and advanced tone-mapping, to layers, noise reduction and powerful luminosity masking controls.

Offer Availability:

Aurora HDR 2018 will be availabe for pre-order on September 12, and released on September 28.

Pre-Order Pricing:

  • Current users of Aurora HDR may upgrade at a special pre-order price of $49 ($59 MSRP)
  • New users can purchase Aurora HDR 2018 at a special pre-order price of $89 ($99 MSRP)
  • A collection of bonuses will also be included with every purchase.

Pre-Order Bonuses:

  • Trey Ratcliff Deep Dive video
  • Travel Photography Tutorial by Matt Granger
  • Source Brackets
  • 3-month Zenfolio Pro website, including a complementary design consultation. $60 value.

What’s new in Aurora HDR 2018:

  • Next-generation Tone Mapping – A new smart Tone Mapping algorithm automatically reduces noise, and produces more realistic and natural initial results.
  • Mac and Windows versions – Aurora HDR 2018 is available both for Mac and PC users, enabling mixed-computer households to share the same product key.
  • Lens Correction Tool* – The new Lens Correction filter easily fixes all kinds of lens distortion, from barrel and pincushion to chromatic aberration and vignetting.
  • Transform Tool* – Easily scale, rotate and shift your image to better fit your vision.
  • Dodge & Burn Filter – Selectively lighten or darken specific areas of an image to artfully direct your viewer’s eye towards the key subject of your image, similar to a traditional darkroom technique.
  • HDR Enhance Filter – Adds details and clarity to an image, adjusting colors, details and contrast without creating artificial halos or other problems.
  • User Interface – A new, modern and responsive user interface brings a powerful, yet  joyful experience to HDR photo editing.
  • History Panel – An easy-to-reference list of edits made to your image, the History panel allows you to click on any editing step to revert the photo to an earlier stage of editing.
  • Touch Bar support for Mac – Aurora HDR 2018 adds Touch Bar support to give new MacBook Pro users fast access to key editing features and speed up their workflow.
  • Image Flip and Rotate* – Perfect for correcting photos with incorrect horizons or making creative compositions or other stylistic changes to an image.
  • IMPROVED:  New Structure Algorithm – The re-developed Structure tool allows you to adjust detail and clarity of an image to get a classic HDR effect with great detail or a smoother effect with less details.
  • IMPROVED: RAW handling – An improved RAW conversion brings out more details in shadows/highlights, displays colors more accurately and reduces noise in RAW files.
  • IMPROVED: Crop tool update – Now specify custom crop sizes for even more versatility.
  • IMPROVED: Speed – Faster merging and masking performance, improvement in RAW image processing.

* Lens Correction and Transform tools, as well as image flip and rotate will be available in the Mac version at launch, and arrive in the PC version with the first free update in the beginning of October. Other tools and features that are currently available for Mac only would be added to PC version by the end of the year.

Preorder now at Macphun (Click here).

Sony PRO Support Expands in the US

NEW YORK, September 12, 2017 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today announced several updates related to their Sony Imaging PRO Support organization.

Sony’s organization to support working professional photographers and videographers now features a domestic 24/7 call center and new walk-in service centers in New York City and Los Angeles. Additionally, Sony Imaging PRO Support has launched a full in-the-field technical team to support professionals across all of North America. The team is providing in-the-field service and on-site depot support at major sporting events such as the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, media events and shows across North America, offering camera cleanings, evaluation loaners, education and seminars.

Also announced today is the launch of Sony Imaging PRO Support Canada, offering all of the benefits of the program to pros throughout the Canadian market.

Membership to Sony’s Imaging PRO Support organization has grown over 40% year over year in North America, while consistently striving to minimize customer costs and maximize efficiency and turnaround time for all repairs and services.

“Our team is fully committed to building an ecosystem that supports the needs of digital imaging professionals today and tomorrow,” says Sony VP Neal Manowitz. “We are focused on reducing downtime, removing costs and improving overall satisfaction. New walk-in locations, a 24/7 domestic hotline and a field team supporting event depots are just a few of the many steps we are taking to provide the best-in-class solutions for professionals.”

These updates come on the heels of the introduction of Sony’s new flagship α9 camera earlier this year. Featuring the world’s first1 full-frame stacked CMOS sensor with 24.2MP2 of resolution, blackout free, completely silent shooting3 at up to 20 fps4 with full autofocus, a 693 point focal plane phase detection AF system and more, the α9 is revolutionizing the professional imaging market.

Existing benefits of the Pro Support program including dedicated email and call support, expedited three-day repair turnaround time, evaluation loaners, up to three free camera and lens maintenance services per year, complimentary shipping fees for repairs and access to a variety of exclusive members only events held throughout the year.

Those interested in joining Sony’s premium care program can visit www.alphauniverse.com/prosupport to apply. After the online membership form is submitted and approved, a member of the Sony Imaging PRO Support team will contact applicants directly to discuss the program’s benefits in detail.

Those interested in visiting a walk-in Sony Imaging PRO Support center can visit the Los Angeles location at 2706 Media Center Drive, Ste. 130, Los Angeles, CA 90065, phone (323) 352-5007, or the New York location at Photo Tech, 360 W 36th Street, New York, NY 10018, phone (212) 673-8400.

Notes:
1, As of September 2017
2, Approx. effective
3, Electronic shutter mode. At apertures smaller than F11 (F-numbers higher than F11), focus will not track the subject and focus points will be fixed on the first frame. Display updating will be slower at slow shutter speeds.
4, “Hi” continuous shooting mode. The maximum frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information.

 

Thanks “Donotunplug”…I will not yet :)

Phase One introduces the first Trichromatic sensor made in collaboration with Sony!

Phase One worked with Sony to create this custom-made new Trichromatic 100MP digital back. Phase One says it is “designed to capture color as perceived by the human eye“. What’s also cool is that it has an impressive Low ISO of 35!

Our reader Conurus explained what’s so special with this:

This is Bayer with better color filtration. The red channel is only red with little green mixed in, ditto for the green, blue channels.
Anyone with experience with color filter in the good old days of black and white film photography knows that you can make the color filter be “purer” and does a better job of rejecting unwanted colors, but this will result in greater light loss. Applied to digital sensors this means you can always sacrifice high-ISO performance in return for better color fidelity. For the clientèle of a medium format system like this, this trade-off makes perfect sense.

Press text:

Introducing the Phase One IQ3 100MP

Trichromatic Digital Back
The art of expression. The science of color.

COPENHAGEN, September 13, 2017 – Phase One today announced the Phase One IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back, based on a new CMOS sensor designed to capture color as perceived by the human eye. The new sensor technology in the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is the brainchild of a longstanding collaboration between Sony and Phase One. The result is astonishing color definition – with which champions of photography are able to create and express their artistic visions more accurately than ever before.

In this way, Phase One’s latest product brings unsurpassed color quality to the hands of the finest photographers across the globe.

The 100MP CMOS sensor in the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back incorporates new Bayer Filter color technology, the result of Phase One’s close working relationship with Sony. Available exclusively through Phase One, this new technology transforms digital color capabilities to render color more authentically than ever – giving the world’s foremost photographers 101-megapixels of unprecedented creativity.

Click on the following link to learn more about the Phase One IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back: www.phaseone.com/trichromatic

“As a photographer, one of the things that excites me the most is having the opportunity to use color to evoke emotion. The Trichromatic Camera System itself becomes a true extension of my vision, and what my eye sees and what my eye wants to express – the camera delivers.” – Tony Hewitt, Fine Art Photographer

This pioneering sensor design has also established the lowest and therefore cleanest base ISO of any medium format CMOS sensor. At an impressive ISO 35, the results of the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic are crisp and clean, providing the absolute lowest digital noise for any CMOS system of its size.

“The ability to capture an image that reflects exactly what you see the moment you press the shutter button, with little interpretation or conjecture, is a fantastic leap for photography and more importantly, for the integrity of image quality,” said Niels Knudsen, Phase One Image Quality Professor.

Availability and Pricing:

The IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is available now through Phase One Partners: www.phaseone.com/partners. Contact your local Phase One Partner to arrange a demo.
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is $44,990 USD.
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XF IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Camera System, including XF Camera Body, free Prime Lens choice and a 5-year warranty is $49,990 USD.
All Phase One XF IQ3 Camera Systems are supplied with a free lens of choice from the Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring Prime Lens range, valued up to $6,990 USD.
Phase One also announced their Feature Update #4 today, which is available immediately for downloaded free of charge for all XF Camera System owners at www.phaseone.com/Feature-Update-4
For more details, please go to: http://www.phaseone.com or book a demo on: www.phaseone.com/DemoSignup