Sony has just announced two new cameras, the PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 4K CineAlta camcorders. Both feature the ability to record at 4K, and are aimed at filling the gap between the Sony PMW-F3 and PMW-F65 cameras. Both cameras accept PL-mount lenses, including the new Zeiss CP.2 Super-Speed Compact Primes.
Camera Hire now have a Sony F5 available for hire. Please see the listing in our hire pages.
Press Release (30th October 2012):
Sony is unveiling two new CineAlta™ 4K cameras, complemented by a full line of
accessories. The new cameras – models PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 – have a modular and compact design for easy configuration, and each features a new type of 4K Super 35mm image sensor with a 4096 x 2160 resolution (11.6M total pixels).
“These two new models join a family of Sony large-sensor cameras that complement each other and deliver powerful new capabilities to cinematographers working at every level of production,” said Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager, Content Creation with Sony Australia and New Zealand. “They fill a critical gap in large-sensor acquisition between Sony’s PMW-F3 camcorder and F65 digital motion picture camera, and give content creators new levels of flexibility and creative options for shooting in HD, 2K, 4K and beyond. The total line-up, with our new accessories, further underscores Sony’s commitment to supporting every aspect of the highest-quality professional
workflows.”
The new CineAlta 4K cameras deliver unprecedented creative options for HD/2K*/QFHD*/4K (F55) and 2K*/HD (F5) production. Both offer multi-codec support: the new XAVC MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, the SR codec (MPEG4 SStP), and the well-established XDCAM 50Mbps 4:2:2 codec. In-camera recording uses Sony’s latest
SxS media, “SxS PRO+” (Plus) – on the F55 for 4K:60p:422 10-bit XAVC and HD:422 10-bit XAVC high frame rate shooting, and on the F5 for HD XAVC and HD high frame rate.
Both cameras are further distinguished by wide (14 stops) exposure latitude, high sensitivity and low noise. The F55 adds a global shutter to eliminate rolling shutter skew and flash banding, and uses the same colour filter with ultra-wide colour gamut as the F65, for highly accurate colour reproduction.
The new cameras are planned to be available in Australia and New Zealand from February 2013, with suggested list pricing to be announced.