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.

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.

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

ARRI has released the latest Software Update Packet (SUP), v5.0 for the ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras. All new cameras will ship with SUP v5.0 installed, and it is available as a free download from the ARRI website for all current ALEXA owners. SUP 5.0 is a major upgrade for the ALEXA cameras, with several important new features and useful improvements.

New features of SUP v5.0 include (for both ALEXA & ALEXA Plus):

High Frame Rates

Access to the new High Speed License

With SUP v5.0, you can now purchase a license through the ARRI website which allows the camera to shoot from 60fps – 120fps and record to ProRes 422HQ on the new Sony 64G SxS Pro cards.

ProRes 4444 recording up to 60fps

The new Sony 64G SxS Pro cards have much higher sustained data read/write capabilities than the 32G SxS Pro cards. This allows the ALEXA to feed up to 60fps of ProRes 4444 to the cards with no dropped frames or file corruption. In previous firmware releases, ProRes 4444 was limited to 40fps and you needed to capture in ProRes 422 HQ or below to record 60fps.

ARRIRAW and HD-SDI 4:4:4 recording up to 60fps

ARRI has developed a unique dual-link 3G signal path so that ARRI Partner recorders can capture up to 60fps of full uncompressed ARRIRAW or 10-bit HD-SDI 4:4:4 in full resolution progressive signals. Codex has released software to enable their Onboard recorder to capture ARRIRAW and HD-SDI 4:4:4 over this protocol.

…continue reading ARRI Releases New ALEXA Firmware 5.0

Sony recently announced firmware version 1.20 for the PMW-F3. The new firmware, which will be released in November, will enable the use of the zoom rocker found on the F3, as well as some other very cool features. The first is the ability to turn on the 3D Link function in the camera with a new add-on key called CBK-3DLO1. On the back of the camera you’ll find the 3D link port, which will enable two F3s to be linked together for 3D. When combined with a Sony paintbox, both cameras can be controlled at the same time. Additionally, if Sony’s upcoming 14x lens is used on both cameras, a matching zoom, focus and iris can be achieved at the same time. (Read more about this new lens on our blog tomorrow.) This makes the F3 very straightforward to set up for 3D use. The CBK-3DL01 option key has a list price of $5,500 and includes the cable needed to connect both cameras.

Perhaps the most significant addition of all is Exposure Index S-Log mode. You will still need the S-Log option installed to make this work, but if you already have the S-Log option on, this will be enabled right away. The Exposure Index mode works differently than the standard S-Log mode – it sets the camera at an optimal ISO (800) and maximizes the sensor output, giving a full extra stop of exposure. Then when the gain switch is adjusted, instead of adding gain it adjusts the exposure index. A practical explanation of this is that when gain is increased the camera will push up the exposure values, and when it is decreased it will pull down those values. Because the ISO is set to get the most out of the sensor, the exposure index change works more like an adjustment in post. The extra stop in exposure is big news though, and I can’t wait to try it out.

We also learned about another firmware update coming out at the end of the year. Version 1.30 of the F3 firmware will be available around the end of December or January 2012, and will coincide with the release of Sony’s wide angle 11-16mm PL mount lens. The firmware will add one really important feature, which is the ability to output S-Log in 422. When S-Log is enabled (with the optional key), you will be able to send a 422 signal out of the Dual-Link ‘A’ output. Right now S-Log can only be sent out via the regular SDI output, by turning off the output LUT. With the new firmware, we will be able to send out S-Log over the ‘A’ output, while sending out another signal with the LUT applied over the regular SDI. This is a great feature for anyone using a Ki Pro Mini, PIX240 or other external recorder.

ARRI has released the latest Software Update Packet (SUP), v4.0, for the ALEXA and the new ALEXA Plus cameras. All new cameras will ship with SUP v4.0 installed, and it is available as a free download from the ARRI website for all current ALEXA owners. SUP v4.0 is a substantial upgrade for the ALEXA, with several major new features and a host of useful improvements.

Key new features of SUP v4.0 include (for both ALEXA & ALEXA Plus):

Image

• ARRI Look Files to create custom looks for monitoring or recording
• Auto white balance

Operating

• Peaking function for focus check in EVF-1 and MON OUT
• EVF ZOOM adjustable target position
• False color exposure check for Log C images
• EVF ZOOM and EXP buttons are now toggle on/off
• Compare stored image from SD card with live image
• RETURN IN video

Function

• Audio playback from SxS PRO cards enabled
• SxS recording can be turned off
• More silent operation at higher ambient temperatures
• ‘Rec Low’ fan mode for silent operation in extremely hot environments

Key new features of SUP v4.0 for ALEXA Plus include:

• Master/Slave lens motor control
• 3D lens sync
• Lens Data System (LDS) info display in EVF-1 and on MON OUT
• Lens Data Archive (LDA)
• Electronic level in EVF and MON OUT

In addition to SUP v4.0, ARRI is now offering its first Paid License Feature, which is Anamorphic de-squeeze in the EVF-1 and on the MON OUT. Please contact us for information on purchasing this feature.

To download SUP v4.0, ALEXA owners must login after completing a one-time registration on the ARRI website. The file can then be downloaded to an SD card for uploading into the camera. Also available for download are an updated user manual, release notes for SUP v4.0, a White Paper on ARRI Look Files, and a White Paper on ALEXA Anamorphic De-squeeze.

ARRI has just completed extensive testing on the new ALEXA Firmware 4.0, due to be released in early July. It includes so many new features that ARRI has decided to release a Beta version to all ALEXA owners a few weeks in advance of the official release date. This will allow ARRI to receive valuable feedback on the performance of the 4.0 upgrade from its growing ALEXA install base prior to the firmware’s official release.

Here are the key features of the ALEXA 4.0 Beta firmware.

For ALEXA and ALEXA Plus:

- Custom looks through ARRI Look Files

- Audio playback from SxS PRO cards

- SxS recording can be turned off

- Auto white balance

- Peaking focus check in EVF-1 and MON OUT

- False color exposure check for Log C images

- EVF ZOOM position centered or in top part of image

- EVF ZOOM and EXP buttons are now toggles

- HD-SDI Rec start/stop flag recording (without requiring SxS card to be inserted)

- Quieter “Rec Low” fan operation at higher ambient temperatures

- RETURN IN video enabled

- Compare stored image from SD card with live image

…continue reading ARRI ALEXA Firmware 4.0 Beta Release