Dec
Sony has released a major firmware update for its popular F5 and F55 cameras. Among the most notable features are the new S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine recording options, user LUTs and looks profiles or the “Center Scan” mode.
AXS-R5
This update also affects the AXS-R5 raw recorder, which adds a 2K HFR (High Frame Rate) recording format, as well as the ability to playback raw via the SDI, HDMI or VF connections of the F5 and F55.
Users will now be able to define clip names and the firmware upgrade process will be easier for stand-alone R5 units.
New functions
At the moment there is not much information about S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine, although the company has promised to release a whitepaper explaining them in detail in early January. What they have clarified is that S-Gamut3.Cine is a DCI-P3 gamut, and that S-Log3 is a logarithmic signal close to the Cineon Log curve.
Sony does not want to replace S-Log2 and S-Gamut3, but to offer new recording options to suit the needs of each project.
The “Center Scan” mode is designed for those working with Super 16mm lenses and can be used in S&Q (slow and quick) motion.
In addition to user LUTs and look profiles, it is now possible to configure a monitoring LUT completely independent of the camera’s internal settings.
Another added feature will allow us to save and load lens and scene files via the SD memory card.
These are the most important new features, but here are the rest of the added functions:
- XAVC QFHD (3840×2160) recording on the F55 at 23.98PsF, 25PsF, 29:97PsF, 50p and 59.94p.
- MPEG HD 1280x720p recording has been added, supporting 50p and 59.94p.
- “S&Q motion” in XAVC 4K and QFHD on the F55.
- Additional frame rates for “S&Q” in XAVC HD 1920 x 1080.
- “S&Q motion” in XAVC 2K 2048 x 1080.
- Additional FPS in RAW recording.
- AES/EBU digital audio input (four channels/two connectors)
- Cine-EI operation available when recording on SxS only.
- Auto Iris
- 100% Marker
- ON/OFF marker for each output
- Hi/Low Key function
- Black Gamma function
- 3G-Dual RGB output in 2K/HD 59.94/50p
- Clip metadata output over SDI
- Additional menu information for Wi-Fi remote control.
- Focus and zoom control
Upcoming updates
Sony is scheduled to release the next update in March 2014, including some features such as cache recording on both the F5 and F55. According to some preliminary indications this will allow 15 seconds of MPEG HD at 23.98PsF, 8 seconds of XAVC HD at 23.98PsF and two seconds of XAVC 4K at 23.98PsF, the latter only on the F55.
Although time-lapse recording was originally announced to come with the 3.0 update, it has been delayed and is scheduled for the next release.
HDMI 2.0 support will also be included in the F55 and will be able to carry 4K at 60p.
Downloads
For the vacation period Sony has provided links from which you can download the v3.0 update:
- F55: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r100d3wvb5voerr/dZN7t9h21u
- F5: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bnii30ago3oii2y/TuVdNwCyjd
- AXS-R5: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c8ic4infbvo44r4/usuQ0XIWmu
