News

Sony’s next generation of CineAlta products solves the workflow concerns faced by production professionals shooting 4K RAW: handling RAW files easily while maintaining the highest levels of image quality.

The new products include the AXS-R7 RAW recorder, higher-speed AXS memory cards and the newest firmware (version 8) for the F55 and F5. These new technologies highlight Sony’s ongoing commitment to the CineAlta platform, adding new features and capabilities directly based on user feedback.

“These new technologies answer the question - ‘why shoot in 4K 16-bit RAW?’” said Mr. Anthony Kable, Senior Product Manager, Sony Australia. “Contrary to what you might think, the Sony 4K 16-bit RAW and High Dynamic Range workflow is just as easy as high-end HD – with absolutely no sacrifice or compromise in image quality.”

New RAW Recorder

Compared to previous Sony 4K recorders, the new recorder now doubles the maximum record frame rate in 4K RAW from 60 FPS up to 120 FPS with the F55 camera. For shooting at higher frame rates, the recorder captures 2K RAW at up to 240 FPS from the F55 and F5 for playback at 10x super slow motion.

With the recorder docked to the F55 and F5, cinematographers can take advantage of RAW cache recording at 23.98P for up to approximately 30 seconds while in standby mode, an important feature in documentary or wildlife production where capturing spontaneous action is required.

The new recorder is designed for rugged field performance. A metal filter separates and seals the recorder’s ventilation shaft from the electronics, making the recorder dust- and water-resistant. The recorder’s connection to the camera is ruggedized with a top bracket that employs four widely spaced 1/4 inch screws.

AXS Memory

The additions to Sony’s CineAlta line also include new high-performance AXS memory cards. Available in 1TB and 512 GB capacities, these cards can support sustained read and write speeds of 4.8 Gbps, delivering 44 minutes at 59.94p or 22 minutes at 120 FPS (1TB version). The dual-slot recorder also accepts current A-series AXS media, but the new cards are designed to support the write speeds required for 4K RAW 120 FPS recording for those who require that level of performance.

PMW-F55/F5 Firmware Version 8

The upcoming firmware update (version 8) for the F55 and F5 (with the optional CBKZ-55FX upgrade license installed) enables support for XAVC 4K Class 480 recording at 23.98p, 24.0p, 25.0p and 29.97p. Leading third-party vendors already support XAVC 4K Class 480, for creative professionals requiring a higher data rate version of XAVC. XAVC 4K Class
480 is a higher quality codec than Class 300 (existing XAVC 4K codec).

“These latest additions and updates to our CineAlta platform are the direct result of users’ feedback,” Mr. Kable added. “It is no longer about simply delivering a product. It is about delivering the right products that can grow with our customers and fit within a workflow that is constantly evolving as production requirements change.”

The latest additions will be available in Australia and New Zealand from August 2016. Stay tuned for more details that will be announced at the 2016 NAB show happening at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, NV, USA from 16 to 21 April.