Here is a list of the updates for each camera.

PMW-EX1 features:

* Useable media – SxS-1 memory card added, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX added (with the optional MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor) and also SDHC card added (with the optional MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor)

* New Menu options – Version information available on the OTHERS menu

PMW-EX3 features:

* Useable media – SxS-1 memory card added, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX added (with the optional MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor) and also SDHC card added (with the optional MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor)

* New Menu Options – Version information available on the OTHERS menu

PMW-350L & PMW-350K features:

* Useable media – SDHC card can be used (with the optional MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor)

* Clip name – A maximum 46 characters can be set for the title. Checking a long clip name on the CLIP INFO screen enabled (Long-Display mode)

* Filter position – The electrical filter position can be indicated when the function that switches the electrical CC filter is assigned to an assignable button.

PMW-EX1R features:

* Useable media – SDHC card (with the optional MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor)

* Clip name – A maximum 46 characters can be set for the title. Checking a long clip name on the CLIP INFO screen enabled (Long-Display mode)

Canon announced today that new firmware for the 5D Mark II camera will be available on March 16th. This is a highly anticipated upgrade that adds 1080 24P (actual 23.98) and 25P recording to the 5D Mark II. Previously 1080 30P was the only supported recording format, and filmmakers have been asking for 24P for sometime. The 30P record mode has also been updated to be 29.97, which will ease editing problems with true 30P footage. With this upgrade also comes the ability to adjust audio recording levels manually. On screen meters will be available to monitor levels and adjust. Additionally Canon has added a new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) have been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. This is exciting news, so we will be holding a 5D Firmware Download Party on March 16th in NYC. We will have Canon experts on hand to discuss the new features of the camera, and we will upgrade any 5D Mark II for free. Check back for more information soon, and find the firmware here when it is posted.

Panasonic’s push into 3D just took another step forward. Recently, they made several announcements about their 3D product lineup including details on their 3D camera (AG-3DA), a new 3D production monitor (BT-3DL2550) and a new 3D mixer (AG-HMX100). Panasonic is moving to bring 3D to a broad community of filmmakers and these new tools certainly show their commitment. We can’t wait to see all of these new products at NAB 2010. Learn more about these new devices after the break.

AG-3DA1

Panasonic’s integrated 3D camera is officially called the AG-3DA1, though I’m quite sure it will just be called Panasonic’s 3D cam for sometime. We first heard about this camera at last year’s NAB, but now we are finally getting more details. Here are the specs:

• Twin lens system
• Two 1920×1080 2.07 Megapixel 3-MOS sensors
• 1080 60i, 50i, 30p, 25, and 24P (native) recording
• 720 60P, 50P recording
• AVCHD recording format
• Dual SD/SDHC memory slots
• 2x 32GB cards give you 180 minutes in AVCHD PH (highest quality) mode
• Dual HD-SDI output
• HDMI (version 1.4) output
• 2 XLR audio inputs
• Built-in microphone
• Includes lens remote
• Weighs less than 6.6 pounds

The twin-lens system allows the convergence point to be adjusted by an operator. The camera also has automatic horizontal and vertical displacement built-in, which eliminates some of the headaches associated with traditional 3D video processing. We have not yet seen this system in action, but it sounds like they are trying to make the system as easy to use as possible.

The resolution of the camera sensors is excellent, though there is no mention of sensor size in the announcement. The form-factor of the camera points to 1/3″, which is a good thing in 3D because of the increased depth-of-field. The dual HD-SDI outputs on the camera is exciting news. Not only does the camera offer AVCHD recording, but with uncompressed outputs it can be combined with external recorders such as the Panasonic HPG20.

The camera will be available this Fall for a list price of $21,000, and $1,000 pre-orders are now open as well. Read the full press release here.

BT-3DL2550

To capture 3D video you really need a 3D monitor to view it on. Up to now there has only been a handful of consumer 3D LCDs available, which aren’t exactly built for field production, but thankfully Panasonic has announced a 3D production monitor as well. The BT-3DL2550 is an updated version of their 25″ production monitor with support for 3D input. It features two HD-SDI inputs, and a DVI-D input for displaying 3D images. The two HD/SD-SDI inputs can simultaneously display the Left image, Right image, and 3D signals. 3D signals can also be in line-by-line or side-by-side modes, which a variety of 3D signal processors support.

Like the BT-LH2550, the monitor features pre-installed calibration software, Cine-gamma Film-Rec compensation, Standard Markers and Blue-only, H/V delay display, monochrome and Cross Hatch overlay display, and split-screen/freeze frame (live input vs. freeze frame).

The BT-3DL2550 3D production monitor will be available this September at a suggested list price $9,900. See the full press release here.

HMX-100

Finally, Panasonic has announced a new mixer, the AG-HMX100. It offers an array of interfaces including four HD/SD-HDI inputs/outputs, two HDMI inputs, and two analog composite inputs. These inputs allow for mixing from a variety of sources, and 3D video is supported as well. This is a unique option, making it the first affordable live switcher for use in 3D production.

Additionally, it includes a DVI-I input for computer use, two DVI-D outputs, a microphone input, dual aux in and audio outputs, a headphone jack, as well as connections for genlock, GPI, RS-232C and tally output. In addition to the ability to mix embedded audio from HD/SD-SDI camcorders and other sources, the HMX100 offers eight XLR and 2 RCA connectors for line level audio inputs, as well as embedded audio output and two channels of analog audio out.

The HMX-100 will be available in June. Read more about the Panasonic HMX-100 here.

Many of you may remember the Panasonic AJ-PCS060G, the P2 reader with a built in 60 GB hard drive. It was a great device at the time, but the 60GB hard drive doesn’t do much for customers with 32GB & 64GB P2 cards. So Panasonic has come up with a new device for downloading P2 cards in the field. The AG-MSU10 or P2 Media Storage Unit. The MSU10 has two slots, one is a P2 card slot and the other accepts a hard drive enclosure from Panasonic (the AG-MBX10). The enclosure has USB and eSATA connections on it and can be filled with any 2.5″ SATA drive, including solid state drives. The P2 Media Storage Unit features a 3.2” LCD screen that displays a P2 thumbnail screen and supports master-quality 10 bit AVC-Intra (100/50) and DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV recording formats. With a single touch, AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD content can be transferred from a P2 card to the solid-state drive at four times real-time (faster at lower data rates). The MSU10 is battery-operated. We are looking forward to seeing the device, which will sell for under $2500. The hard disk is not included, but can be easily be purchased at any retail store. See the full press release here. 

• Added preview support for MXF files Convergent Design’s nanoFlash. (Previously only MOV files were supported for preview)
• 2x faster M-Copy & SYNC speeds (approx. 30MB/s) for faster USB hard drive syncing and copying
• 2x faster CF & SD/MS copy speed (approx 30MB/s)
• 5x faster full verify speed for SxS (approx. 80MB/s)
• Added Copy & Verify function. Automatic full verify after copy.
• Export the backup folder in internal HDD to CF/SD/MS.
• Added Delete for memory cards including SxS and P2.
• Added preview for external devices such as P2/SxS/CF/SD/MS and external USB hard drive
• Display file name during the ‘Clip View’ mode
• Added support for SxS-1(indication on life time expire)
• Preliminary support for AVC-Intra50
• Support for ‘avi’ file for the Sony PMW-350

This is great news for any NVS2500 owner. Make sure to update your device. The firmware update can be found here - NVS2500 1.10 Firmware

AJA has just released firmware version 1.1 for the Ki Pro, and going up .1 turns out to be a major upgrade. Here is a list of the improvements :

- ProRes 422 LT and Proxy recording has been added. These formats are supported in Final Cut Pro 7, and allow for longer recording times at minimal quality loss.

- 720P variable frame rate support has now been added as well. This is great for VariCam users that want 720p24 (23.98), 720p25 and 720p30 (29.97) native recording.

- 1080p support has also been improved by enabling the auto-detection of 1080p 23.98, 1080p 24, 1080p 25 and 1080p 29.97 signals. This, along with PsF playback, gives the Ki Pro more functionality for high end users.

These updates, as well as a couple other new features, make for one big update. See the full release notes here, including a list of updates still planned for the future. Download Ki Pro Firmware 1.1 here.

Canon has a new HDSLR camera and a new Final Cut Pro plug-in. The EOS 550D (or Rebel T2i as it is also called) is their latest HDSLR camera, with an 18 MP APS-C size sensor and the ability to record full HD video. In terms of video, the specs are very similar to that of the 7D:

• 1080 recording at 24,25, and 30
• 720 recording at 50 & 60P
• Full Manual Video mode
• HDMI output
• Stereo Mic Input

The big differences from the 7D is a lower ISO range (100-6400), and it records to SDHC or SDXC cards instead of CF cards. The sensor is not exactly the same, so some comparison will have to be made, but the price is significantly different at under $1000. Read a full review of the new 550D at DPreview.

The other big news is that Canon is developing a plug-in for Final Cut Pro. It will allow importing of ‘EOS Movie’ footage into FCP through the Log and Transfer mode. The plug-in will convert the QuickTime movies created in Canon HDSLR cameras into Apple’s ProRes 422 codec at approximately twice the speed of Apple’s standard conversion. Additionally, users will also be able to add timecode, reel names and metadata to footage quickly and easily. This is great news for anyone working with Canon HDSLR cameras. A beta of the plug-in will be available in March.