In my last F3 blog, I wrote about the new F3 firmware v 1.31. This is a key update for anyone using S-Log, because it enables S-Log output in 422 via the ‘A’ connector. At the same time, LUTs can be applied to the standard HD-SDI or HDMI outputs. It also enables the use of Sony’s new 11-16mm zoom lens (SCL-P11X15), which is shipping soon, and simultaneous control of two SCL-Z18X140 power zoom lenses via 3D-LINK cable (with the CBK-3DL01 option installed). You can download this latest firmware from the Sony USA site.

Another important note for all F3 users – after firmware version 1.2 is installed, the old XDCAM Clip Browser will no longer work. Sony has stopped working on that software, and has instead focused on the newer XDCAM Browser. XDCAM Browser was designed to replace all the different apps used for XDCAM products, including XDCAM Clip Browser, XDCAM Transfer and all the PC apps as well. The newest XDCAM Browser will only work with clips from an F3 with firmware 1.2 or higher, so make sure to download the latest version today.

In the third part of my S-Log series, I took the Sony F3 outside on a nice bright day to show what S-Log can do. Jeff Lee and I headed up to the roof of AbelCine and found some shade to stand in; this allowed us to show the most contrast possible. I shot the blog in S-Log, as well as in the standard video modes with the AbelRange profile that I created earlier this year. This way I could show just what S-Log enables in the camera. All the clips in the video, except the last one, were recorded to the Gemini 4:4:4 recorder, which records in uncompressed DPX stacks so nothing was lost along the way. The last shot was S-Log out to a PIX240 recorder in ProRes422 HQ, which was enabled with the new F3 1.31 firmware from Sony.

I graded all of the shots in DaVinci Resolve Lite. The difference between S-Log and my range profile can be slight at times, but pay close attention to highlight areas, especially the skin highlights. Thanks to Isaac Kiener from Sales for helping out. Stay tuned for the last part of the series on look up tables in the camera.

To learn more about the F3, S-Log and LUTs make sure to check out our F3 Training Class in NY and LA.

We carry a huge variety of equipment here at AbelCine, and it is a constant challenge to stay on top of what is changing. For our clients this can be even more of a struggle, so we put together these firmware blogs to let you know what’s out and what’s coming soon for your gear. On our last Firmware Friday blog we mentioned new firmware for the Sony PVM series OLED displays and we have a new update for that. In addition, the Panasonic AF100 and Atomos Samuri have new firmware out, and we have some more details on the Sony F3 1.31 firmware on the way.

…continue reading Keeping Up with the Firmware: Friday Edition

It’s been another exciting year in our industry, with lots of evolutionary and revolutionary changes. Many of the trends we’ve seen coming for the past several years came to fruition in 2011, leaving some to wonder what comes next. Let’s take a look back and see if it can help inform us a bit on what’s to come in 2012.

So…is film dead now?

Pundits have been predicting the end to film as a production medium for decades, but now it seems that the writing is on the wall. Digital Cinema camera technology has advanced to the point that nearly all production for television has moved to electronic acquisition. Currently the majority of high-end features are still produced on 35mm film, but it appears only a matter of time before this completely transitions as well. Most lower- to medium-budget productions are already being shot digitally, and numerous notable high-end productions are as well. In particular, shooting digitally for 3D productions is significantly more advantageous compared to film. This has also spurred the rollout of digital projection, as this is again far easier to accomplish for 3D presentation. The final nail may be the financial advantage to studios distributing movies digitally rather than with film prints. Fox has already notified theater chains that it plans to eliminate film prints sometime next year. Without the steady income stream of film prints, plus TV and commercial production, the economic model supporting film stock producers and processing labs will eventually no longer function. We may look back on 2011 as the last year film had a significant, dominant position in the industry, before becoming relegated to “niche” productions.

…continue reading A Look Back From Behind The Lens

Some months ago, I posted Part 1 of my PMW-F3 S-Log video series, and now, after waiting for the new 1.2 firmware to be released, Part 2 is here. In this video, I explain the new Exposure Index mode in the F3 and what it does for the camera. Watch my video above to learn more, and look for future segments coming soon.

We have had a number of different events over the last few months featuring Sony’s F65 camera. The F65 offers unparallelled 8k resolution and produces stunning 4k imagery. We’ve done a lot of testing with it, and found both the resolution and dynamic range to be off the charts. For all of you that were not able to attend our events, I put together this short video covering some of the big features of the camera; stay tuned for future videos on workflow and data management. The F65 has a special package price offer through Dec 26th, so make sure to speak with our sales team if you are interested.

There’s a lot to be thankful for this Friday, as there have been several important firmware update announcements across the board. In addition to the ARRI ALEXA update released on Wednesday, BlackMagic Design, Sony, and Sound Devices all have announcements to get your weekend off to a great start.

BlackMagic Design HyperDeck Studio:

The uncompressed HyperDeck Studio recorder will gain compressed recording capability with a free update slated for “the end of this month.” DNxHD recording and playback of MXF files will be added, promising an expedited workflow for those working with Avid Media Composer, as well as a big advantage for those that do not require uncompressed files.

Sony NEX-FS100

Sony will be releasing an major update to the popular AVCHD Super35 NEX-FS100 by early 2012. One of the most requested features is the ability to switch between NTSC and PAL recording, which Sony has added to this free update. In addition, you will be able to:

• Save and load camera profiles to and from a memory card
• Additional 4x and 8x Expanded Focus magnification
• Selectable ISO or Gain sensitivity display
• Selectable focus indication in feet or meters (E-Mount lenses only)
• Selectable shutter indication as exposure time or shutter angle
• Added the following Aspect-Ratio markers: 2.35:1, 1.85:1 and 1.66:1
• Display ON/OFF button enables Zebra and/or Histogram overlay onto video output

The new firmware will also allow you to use the new Sony LA-EA2 Alpha to E-mount adaptor with full support for continuous phase-detect autofocus, auto iris, and lens metadata on most Alpha mount lenses.

…continue reading Keeping Up with the Firmware: Friday Edition