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.

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.

Sony PMW-F3

Due out before Thanksgiving, version 1.20 of the F3 firmware will unlock S-LOG EI (Exposure Index) mode. While this will require users to have purchased the CBK-RGB01 4:4:4 and S-Log upgrade, EI Mode essentially allows you to shift your entire dynamic range up, allowing you to retain more highlight information compared to the standard S-Log. You can shift your exposure index points up in 1/3 stop increments, all the way to 3200EI. Similar to pushing film, the EI mode will require you to gain up in post production, which may introduce noise to your shadow detail. Since the F3 is already an incredibly clean camera, it will be interesting to see how this responds in the real world when it is available.

EDIT: You can now download firmware version 1.20 directly from Sony.

Sony PVM-1741 & PVM-2541 OLED monitors

We’ve discussed some of the flickering fixes when monitoring in 24p on the OLED monitors and, while our workaround with the Decimator MD-DUCC is still a viable option, Sony will be releasing a firmware update for the PVM-1741 and PVM-2541 before the new year that promises to eliminate the flickering. When installed, this free update can be enabled via menu settings as an option.

Sound Devices PIX220 & PIX240

In addition to various bug fixes, the new 1.03 firmware for the PIX220 and PIX240 adds several key features to these powerful external recorders. Recording on the PIX240 can now be triggered via SDI start/stop flags for Canon (XF105, XF305), Sony (PMW-F3), and the Arri ALEXA. The PIX240 is also now capable of reading the HDMI timecode from the Sony NEX-FS100 and other Sony NX cameras. You can find a full list of updates and download the new firmware directly from Sound Devices.

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.

Viewing

ARRI Look Files applied to playback

If an image is recorded in ProRes in Log-C while the monitoring has an ARRI Look applied, then that ARRI Look can again be applied when playing back the Log-C file in camera.

Reel & Clip Number on MON OUT

For logging purposes, the Reel & Clip numbers can be superimposed on the MON OUT image.

False Color index display

Available as a selection in the MONITORING menu, this is a chart that shows the color and brightness scales represented in the False Color mode. The Index appears on the camera’s side panel.

Active ARRI Look indicator

When an ARRI Look File is applied to the SxS/REC OUT image path, the “SxS” and “REC” text above the COLOR button in the HOME screen will have a blue background.

New default frameline names

The frameline presets have been renamed to match those of the groundglasses in other ARRI cameras.

Secure camera display dimming

When on the HOME screen, the rotary selector controls the display’s brightness. There is now a lock option to this control.

Recording

Horizontal Image monitoring

This function flips the image right/left both in monitoring and recording. This is useful in certain 3D rigging applications.

Dual Recording error handling

Dual Recording mode allows two SxS cards to record identical files simultaneously. Should an error occur on one of the cards that causes it to stop recording, the other SxS card will continue to capture the files.

Third-Party Support

Open Camera Access (OCA) initiative

ARRI is releasing information to allow third-party manufacturers to develop hardware and software to interface directly with the ALEXA cameras.

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

Support for ARRI Lens Data Display for Focus Pullers (LDD-FP)

The LDD-FP is a Camera Assistant display developed for other ARRI cameras. This unit is now supported by the ALEXA Plus.

To download SUP 5.0, 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 v5.0, and a data sheet on the new High Speed License.

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.

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

For ALEXA Plus:

- 3D lens synchronization

- Master/Slave lens motor control

- Lens Data System (LDS) info available in EVF-1 and on MON OUT

- Lens Data Archive (LDA)

- Electronic level in EVF and MON OUT

In addition to these free upgrades, ARRI will soon release special functionality for the cameras via a paid software licensing process. The first feature to be licensed will be the new Anamorphic de-squeeze in the EVF-1 and MON OUT. Following the formal release of SUP 4.0, license keys will be available to purchase – please email service@arri.com for further information.

If you are an ALEXA owner, it is important that you register on the ARRI website. This is required in order to download firmware updates. ARRI will email all registered ALEXA owners as future updates become available.

As with most of today’s cameras, it is important to check that your Panasonic AG-AF100 is up-to-date with the latest firmware, lens files and scene files. We do our best to keep everyone informed on the latest firmware release here, but the process of applying the new firmware can often be a bit confusing. In this blog, I will explain how to locate and load these different files for the AF100.

Firmware updates are available from Panasonic’s website. As of this posting, the current firmware version is V1.15.

To verify the current firmware version in your camera, follow these steps:

• Power the AG-AF100
• Open the Camera Menu
• Scroll down to Others Menu
• Select System Info
• Select Yes
• The firmware version number will be displayed

To update the firmware version using a Mac:

• Use an SDHC card class 6 or higher. Make sure there is nothing stored on the card; formatting will erase any data.
• Insert the SDHC card in Slot 1 of AG-AF100
• Open Menu and scroll to Card Functions
• Select Card Format
• Select Slot 1
• Select YES to begin card format process. (REMEMBER: contents of card will be erased.)
• Select Exit once format is finished
• Remove card from camera and insert in your Mac
• Download firmware using the URL address from above. The download folder will be called VSI5257.ZIP.
• Put the ZIP folder on your desktop & double click
• Drag the private folder to the top level of the SD card
• You will be prompted if you wish to replace the existing private folder. Select YES.
• Download Patch for Mac. This is located under the window for downloading the firmware.
• A download call PATCH will open in your download window
• Drag the PATCH icon to the desktop
• Drag PATCH icon to the top level of the SD card & double click
• A window will open asking permission to open application. Select YES.
• The patch program will now run. Keep in mind there is no progress bar.
• After a moment, a window will open telling you that the patch program has run
• Eject the SD card from the desktop
• Open the door to the SD card slots on the AG-AF100 and insert SD card in Slot 1
• Open menu on camera and scroll to Other Function Menu
• Select UPDATE MENU. Then select YES.
• Once update is in progress, the LCD will go black. The only indication you will have that the  update is in progress is the blinking of the power diode located to the right of the main power switch. (The update will take about 10 minutes.)
• When camera returns to normal viewing operation, update is complete
• Verification of update can be found in Other Functions Menu. Select SYSTEM INFO, then Yes.

To update the firmware using a PC:

• Use an SDHC card class 6 or higher. Make sure there is nothing stored on the card; formatting will erase any data.
• Insert the SDHC card in Slot 1 of AG-AF100
• Open Menu and scroll to Card Functions
• Select Card Format
• Select Slot 1
• Select YES to begin card format process. (REMEMBER: contents of card will be erased.)
• Select Exit once format is finished
• Remove card from camera and insert in your PC
• Download firmware using the URL address from above. The download folder will be called VSI5257.ZIP.
• Put the ZIP folder on your desktop & double click
• Drag the private folder to the top level of the SD card
• You will be prompted if you wish to replace the existing private folder. Select YES.
• Eject the SD card from the desktop
• Open the door to the SD card slots on the AG-AF100 and insert SD card in Slot 1
• Open menu on camera and scroll to Other Function Menu
• Select UPDATE MENU. Then select YES.
• Once update is in progress, the LCD will go black. The only indication you will have that the update is in progress is the blinking of the power diode located to the right of the main power switch. (The update will take about 10 minutes.)
• When camera returns to normal viewing operation, update is complete
• Verification of update can be found in Other Functions Menu. Select SYSTEM INFO, then Yes.

Lens Files

• Format SD card in camera
• Download firmware for your lens from URL listed above
• Open .ZIP file onto desktop
• Double click on .ZIP file, a .BIN file will appear on desktop
• Insert SD card into your Mac or PC
• Open SD card Menu and drag .BIN file onto top layer of SD card
• Eject SD card from desktop
• Power up AG-AF100 and insert SD card
• Open camera menu / Other Functions
• Select Lens Update / YES
• Verify update by going to: Other Functions Menu / Lens Info
• Current Firmware number will be displayed

Scene Files

Before starting this process, it is important to know that Scene Files are imported to the AG-AF100 via SD card. Importing Scene Files will delete any that were stored on the camera previously. If you wish to preserve your previous Scene Files, either write down the settings or write them to a separate camera-formatted card.

Andy Shipsides recently posted a series of Scene Files for the AG-AF100. To load these looks into your camera, follow these instructions:

• Format an SD card in the AG-AF100
• Put formatted card in Slot 1
• Open Scene File menu
• Select Write to Card
• Select Slot 1
• The Title menu will open with four Title boxes. Select Title One. You may either choose to rename Title 1 or leave it named Title 1.
• Select Title 1 by pushing in on the menu selection knob
• Menu will ask Scene File Write? / Select YES
• Scene File Write Completed will appear on LCD
• Push in on Menu selection knob
• Download looks from our blog website; file will be called : AF100LOOKS.ZIP
• Unzip the file and drag the PRIVATE folder to top layer of SD card
• Prompt will ask if you wish to replace file, select YES
• Once file has transferred, eject SD card from desktop
• Load SD card into slot one of AG-AF100
• Open menu and select Scene File menu
• Scroll down to Card Read and select Slot 1 / Yes
• Select Title 1
• Scene File Read? / Yes
• Scene File Card Read Completed will display when done

Scene Files will now be available in the camera. To verify accuracy, look at the values Andy has listed on our blog and compare them to the settings in each Scene File. Be aware that when the card was read, ALL 6 Scene Files were moved over to the camera. Import of individual files is not possible on this camera. If you have looks previously stored on the camera, save them to another SD card BEFORE installing the Abel looks.

Simultaneous Live HD-SDI and HDMI Ouptut – This is very important for anyone wanting to use an external viewfinder like a Zacuto ZEVF or Cineroid. It works in all video formats, as well as in 23.98 when 2-3 pull down (59.94i) is enabled in the menus. If you’re worried about getting a clean 23.98 PsF output, then read the next section.

Live Dual Link Output in 444 & 422 – The A & B connectors have been enabled, so you can use them when working in Dual Link (with the RGB upgrade) or in regular 422. This means you have two additional clean outputs all the time, perfect for connecting an external recorder. When shooting in 23.98, these outputs will give you 23.98 PsF even if you have pull-down enabled on the other HD-SDI output. (Note: When Dual Link output is enabled, the HDMI output is turned off.)

Planning Metadata – Planning Metadata allows you to design a naming convention for the camera before you start shooting. We created a Planning MetaData file generator several years ago for the PDW700 & F800 cameras, which also works with the F3. The idea is that you generate several of these Metadata files ahead of time, load them into the camera through the SxS card, and then choose the appropriate naming convention when needed. I’ll release a more in-depth blog on this in the future.

After loading a Planning Metadata file, you can then choose the naming type in the Clip menu:

S&Q Wheel as a Menu Dial – You can now use the S&Q wheel on the side of the camera to move around the menu. This is a great option when the scroll wheel on the back of the camera is hard to reach. Hold the ‘cancel’ button while pushing in the S&Q wheel to change into this mode.

The CBK-RGB01 option key, which you can now order here, opens up several functions as well. When you purchase the key you are actually buying an SxS card with a special encoded key on it. This will allow you to enable RGB & S-Log on one camera. Once the functions are active you can remove the SxS card from the camera for safety or continue to use it as a standard SxS card. It is possible to move the RGB / S-LOG functions from one camera to another by uninstalling the key from one and re-installing it on another. They are using some serious encryption on the card to prevent multiple installations.

Dual Link or 3G SDI 4:4:4 S-Log output – This is the big feature we tested at NAB that everyone is excited about – it enables S-Log gamma mode output. Giving the camera extra dynamic range, S-Log is perfect for anyone wanting to make the most out of the camera.

Monitor & SxS LUTs – When shooting in S-Log, you can choose to enable a LUT that will record to the SxS cards and also be used for monitoring out of the standard HD-SDI and HDMI outputs. The camera comes loaded with four different LUTs to choose from with different levels of range, or a Custom LUT can be created in the CVP File Editor from Sony. I’m working on a blog that will show how to create and load these LUTs.

WiFi Connectivity - If you get the CBK-RGB01 key and Sony’s CBK-WA01 WiFi Adaptor for the camera, you can load the Planning Metadata files over WiFi. Or you can use the same feature to change clip names on the fly.

Read a full list of the additions on Sony’s production blog. The free firmware is available to download from Sony, and the S-Log upgrade can be purchased from AbelCine.

Edit: The Sony Service website is currently undergoing maintenance. The expect to be up again by September 6th. Until then, you can download the firmware from AbelCine here.