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.

OConnor has expanded their range of camera accessories with two moderately-priced devices.  The OConnor OFocus Mini is a two-sided follow focus with a low gear ratio optimized for use with non-cine lenses. This versatile unit includes many features of its big brother the OConnor CFF-1, as well as offering some unique functionality.  The OConnor Universal Baseplate Set is a rod mounting system for any small camera. Its wide range of adjustability means that it is not camera-specific, allowing one to confidently make a long term accessory purchase.

Watch the video above to see more detail on the new OConnor OFocus Mini and Universal Baseplate Set.

We’ve been looking forward to some of the camera accessories from Canadian company Shape WLB ever since NAB, and we were not disappointed when we received our first samples. Shape has been developing handheld rigs for years based on feed back from users, and this attention to detail shows in every product.

Today, I’ll take a look at the Composite F3 Kit for the Sony PMW-F3 and the Double Quick Handle Rosette system. The Composite F3 system includes the popular Quick Handle, which is attached to standard 15mm rods via the Rod Block. By simply depressing the big red button, you can quickly unlock the handles to reposition them to fit your needs. With a comfortable shoulder pad and options for a battery plate or counterweights, the Shape Composite F3 system is a great run-and-gun solution for the F3.

The Double Quick Handle Rosette system attaches to an Arri rosette, which offers adjustment on two axes. Both the quick handles and the arm extensions can be repositioned using the red release knob. They are ideal for attaching directly to the ALEXA or to the PMW-F3 when paired with the Element Technica Riser. In either case, the adjustment takes just seconds.

Watch my video above as I detail some of the features of the Shape Composite F3 and the Double Quick Handle Rosette system.

It may seem like a simple topic, but a properly balanced fluid head is a necessity for getting that perfect shot. The process of balancing a camera on a fluid head can be quite simple, or rather time consuming, depending on your camera setup. Using a Libec RS-250M tripod and a Sony EX1R, I put together a quick example of how to balance with just the camera, and then again with more accessories added. Watch the video above to see the process.

ARRI’s latest lighting innovation is the L7 series of LED-based Fresnels. The line is made up of three fixtures: the L7-T (3200K tungsten-balanced), the L7-D (5400K daylight-balanced), and the L7-C (color-controllable). The L7-C can be adjusted from 2700K-10000K, with an additional green/magenta control. It also features a “Hue Mode” for theatrical color effects.

These fixtures have a wide range of beam control, produce single, sharp shadows like conventional Fresnel fixtures, are fully dimmable from 0-100% with no color shift, and have an even field of illumination. Most importantly, at just 220w, the L7 LED lights use less than a quarter of the power of a 1000w tungsten Fresnel fixture with equivalent light output. Watch my video above to learn more about these versatile new lights.

Sony is constantly updating their F3 camera with new accessories, and we were able to get our hands on their new lens and recorder. The Sony 14-252mm lens (SCL-Z18X140) is designed specifically for the F3, and if you’ve been following our blog you probably already know a lot about it. This is the first powered zoom for a Super-35 camera and has a very interesting design. The lens attaches directly to the F3′s native mount, allowing for power and communication. The zoom lens offers auto focus (and push auto focus), auto iris and optical stabilization. The zoom motor is controlled by the F3 rocker, which I found to be very smooth. You’ll find controls for all of these features on the lens itself, in addition to a Flange Focal depth adjustment option, which can be activated by holding down a special button combination.

On the back of the camera, I connected the SR-R1 portable recorder. This is the first of Sony’s SR Memory recording options, which utilizes the high-quality SR Codecs found previously on HDCAM SR tape. This devices is perfect for anyone working in the SR world, and is basically a much less expensive and more portable version of the SRW1 deck. It records in 220Mbps, 440 Mpbs and 880 Mbps (coming in a future firmware) in either 422, 444 RGB or 3D (future firmware also). The compression format is what Sony calls Simple Studio Profile (SStP), which already has support in FCP and AVID. Learn more about SR-R1 with the F3 on Sony’s site here. An optional DPX Uncompressed recording option will come in the future. Downloading of the cards can be accomplished with the SR-PC4 or SR-PC5 data transfer units, which will be available early next year.

Watch my video above to learn more about both of these new products.

The new PRG TruColor Foton light uses a unique technology called “remote phosphor.” An internal light source strikes a crystal impregnated with rare earth elements that then glows brightly. The large surface of the emitter allows for a precise mix of the phosphorescent material for accurate colors across the visible spectrum. By physically separating the phosphor plate from the light source within the unit, heat management keeps the material from baking and changing color over time. The Foton delivers accurate colors and does so for the life of the product and it is also flicker-free.

The AbelCine Foton kit includes a set of three interchangeable reflectors (wide, medium, flood), barndoors, and an AC power supply with a gland-seal waterproof connector. The light fixture itself is sealed and water resistant. The Foton consumes only 30w but is equivalent in output to a 150w tungsten light. It is fully dimmable with no color change and no flicker.

Watch my video for more on the Foton and remote phosphor lighting technology.