Some of the more commonly asked questions we get about the Sony NEX-FS100 revolve around the HDMI output. Obviously this is a topic many of you are curious about, because just this week we received a message from Juan Martinez, senior product manager at Sony. He wrote a brief (but informative) explanation on the topic that I thought I’d share with everyone. Below is an excerpt from his e-mail:

Signal output: RGB or 4:2:2?

The HDMI 1.4 port used on the FS100 outputs uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 or 8-bit RGB signals. Auto negotiation (EDID) takes place when an external recorder and FS100 are initially connected via HDMI and cable. During the EDID exchange, the FS100 and external recorder negotiate the highest quality signal common to the FS100 and recorder. From then on, the FS100 will output the negotiated signal. There is no menu in the camera to force a particular mode.

24P via HDMI

Hereto date; no HDMI hardware supports native 24p signals. The HDMI specification does not currently support native 24p. Instead, the HDMI specification instructs that pull-down¹ must be added to 24p signals. Even though the FS100 internally records native 24p, it simultaneously outputs a 60i signal with pull-down via HDMI. As a solution, Sony developed an original method to insert timecode and pull-down markers on the HDMI signal. Timecode allows external recorders to start/ stop and record camera generated time-code. The pull-down marker facilitates externally recording native 24p signals by removing pull-down during transcode.

Early on, Sony approached all major recorder manufactures to implement time-code and pull-down removal. Some recorders already record native 24p from the FS100’s HDMI.

Note¹: The pull-down process adds (repeats) fields in order to increase the frame rate from the 24fps to 30fps (60i).  The original 24p payload remains unchanged.

None of the recorders we’ve tested have implemented timecode via HDMI as of this writing, but we’re confident that firmware updates will add this feature shortly. The Convergent Design nanoFlash remains one of the few recorders available now that is capable of removing the 3:2 pulldown “on the fly,” so you will not need to do so in post. If you’re using a recorder that does not remove pull down as you record, Andy’s helpful article illustrates how simple the process can be.

Convergent Design, makers of the popular NanoFlash, have created a new 10-bit uncompressed video recorder with a list price of only $5,995. The Gemini 4:4:4 combines a small (5″) touch screen monitor with an uncompressed HD recorder. The recorder supports HD-SDI, Dual Link and 3G-SDI inputs. It records to one or two 1.8″ solid state hard drives. Just about every HD format is supported up to 2k in resolution in both the 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 color space. Additionally, it is an incredibly light and small device, weighing in at around half a pound, and just about 5″ wide by 1″ thick (5.4 x 4.5 x 1.1”). The built-in touch screen controls the unit and also acts as an on-board monitor. The power draw is a very low 8 to 15 watts, which varies because of the monitor brightness and shooting mode. Convergent Design has pulled out all the stops on this recorder. Keep reading below to learn more.

…continue reading Convergent Design’s Gemini 4:4:4 Recorder

The nanoFlash recorder can record video at up to 280 Mb/s, which requires a card with a lot of speed, but it can also record very high quality footage at lower bit rates. Some jobs may require the highest speed cards, which are also the most expensive, while others may not. This can lead to a lot of confusion about which card to get, so Convergent Design put together a chart that lists the many different cards and what write speeds they can handle on the nanoFlash. On the highest level, the Delkin 625x and SanDisk Extreme made the list. For those who require less speed (<120 Mb/s), the Transcend 400x and Delkin 300x could make for some major cost savings. You can check out the original version of this chart on Convergent Design’s site. Click the image above for a larger version.

This week there have been three important firmware updates for XDCAM EX cameras, the Convergent Design NanoFlash and the Zoom H4n. Read on for the details.

Sony XDCAM EX Firmware Update

If you are interested in using the new 64GB or 32GB SxS-1A cards, your XDCAM EX camera will need a firmware upgrade. The SxS-1 32GB cards have been out for sometime now, but the new SxS-1A cards have just recently starting shipping. These cards have faster transfer speeds, up to 1.2Gbps, which really makes a difference when downloading your footage through the ExpressCard interface. The following cameras require the firmware upgrade to work with these cards: PMW-EX1, PMW-EX1R, PMW-EX3 and the PMW-350. The new PMW-320 and PMW-500 cameras should work with no upgrade necessary. The firmware can be downloaded from the Sony website, which also includes instructions for installation.

Convergent Design NanoFlash

Convergent Design has updated the NanoFlash to version 1.6.226 (beta). This update adds many features including the ability to hot-swap cards and switch between cards on the fly. They have also added support for playback of Canon XF305 files, which makes the NanoFlash the only deck that can playback the Canon XF305/300 video. There are several other updates and bug fixes that every NanoFlash user will appreciate. This firmware is currently in beta, but worth checking out. Click here to download the firmware and learn more (bottom of the page).

Zoom H4n

The popular Zoom H4n has just been updated to version 1.70, which allows independent level controls on the unit’s two XLR inputs. This is very important for anyone using the H4n as a recording device for video work. Download the latest firmware here.

Convergent Design is constantly adding new features to their nanoFlash HDSDI recorder. On their last update they added  overcrank / undercrank recording. Many of our clients have the Panasonic VariCam or the HDX900, and are looking for a tapeless recording option. With high quality-recording and the new variable frame rate recording option, the nanoFlash can really extend the life of these cameras. Check out this quick guide to get your HDX900 or VariCam working with 720 24p recording, 720 30p recording, and overcrank / undercrank mode using the nanoFlash.

…continue reading HDX900 & VariCam with the nanoFlash

At this year’s NAB Show there were countless 3D rigs, monitors, and image processors. 3D capture technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and in many different directions. Mitch and I got to check out some of the smaller, more affordable 3D devices that could make a big splash in 3D production.

First up is the Panasonic 3D camera, the AG-3DA1. This little guy was first revealed at NAB 2009, and is now only a few months away from being released. Watch the video to see the camera up close in the Panasonic booth:

Keep reading to learn about some new 3D recording options.

…continue reading 3D in the Palm of Your Hand

Right on the heels of the Ki Pro update, Nexto has also released their own 1.10 firmware for the Video Storage Pro (NVS2500). This update is has several improvements including:

• 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