Sony grows large sensor camera family with new 4k camera systems

With a modular and compact design for easy configuration, each camera features a new type of 4K Super 35mm image sensor with a 4096 x 2160 resolution (11.6M total pixels).

The 20 megapixel F65 remains the flagship of Sony's large sensor acquisition technology. The 8K sensor-equipped F65 continues to evolve, with new features designed to keep it at the high end of imaging. These features include a new high frame rate mode for 4K RAW recording at 120P to deliver stunning 4K images with super smooth slow motion capabilities and the SR codec updated to 12-bit. Future updates to the F65 will deliver 6Kde-mosaicing, among other features. (Click here for a full list of F65 enhancements.)

New F55 and F5 Cameras

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: Sony's 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 is to Sony's New SxS media , "SxS PRO +(Plus ) for the F55 4K :60p:422 10-bit XAVC and HD : 422 10-bit XAVC High Frame Rate; and for the F5 - for HD XAVC and HD high frame rate).

The F55 is possible to connect to the 4K 30-inch LCD monitor, PVM-X300 using four 3G-SDI interfaces for 4096x2160 up to 60p live monitoring while recording XAVC 4K and playback XAVC 4K images. 　 Similarly, it is also possible to connect directly to the 84" BRAVIA 4K LED TV for large-screen monitoring of the camera's 4K 60P images (at resized horizontal resolution of 3860 pixels).

Incorporated with New RAW recorder "AXS-R5" , high frame rate capabilities allow shooters to capture super slow-motion imagery in up to 4K RAW file on newly developed AXS memory -- up to 240fps with the F55; and up to 120 fps with the F5.

The F55 adds a global shutter to eliminate rolling shutter skew and flash band, delivering the same color filter with ultra wide color gamut as the F65 for true color reproduction. The cameras are further distinguished by wide (14 stops) exposure latitude, high sensitivity, and low noise.

The F55 and F5 cameras continue Sony's efforts to offer the most flexible lens options. PL-mount prime cine lens technology lets users choose cine optics from Angénieux, Canon, Carl Zeiss, Cooke, FUJIFILM and Leica.

Representing Sony's second generation of cost-effective PL mount prime lenses, each is certified for 4K capture, while minimizing geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris delivers beautiful bokehs and the focus rings rotate 240°. The new lens series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, each has the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same height except for the 135 mm.

Shooters can use still lenses by removing the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount. This makes it easy to accept commercially available adaptors for third-party lenses, including Canon EF, Canon FD, Nikon DX, Nikon G, Leica M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses. A third option is the use of Sony FZ-Mount lenses with auto focus servo zoom (model SCL-Z18X140.)

Using a new digital interface, F5 and F55 users can take advantage of a new series of high-quality OLED and LCD viewfinders. The DVF-EL100 measures 0.7-inches with 1280 x 720 HD resolution, superb brightness, contrast and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch LCD viewfinder offers 10 times the contrast of previous Sony LCD viewfinders, with a flip-up eyepiece for direct monitoring. A third option is the full HD DVF-L700. This compact 7-inch LCD viewfinder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, with pixel- to-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of HD images.

Sony is also unveiling the AXSM Access Memory System for 2K*/4K RAW recording, based on Sony's unique recording technology. Optimized for this new platform is the AXSM memory card (512 GB capacity, model AXS-512S24), using the generic file system exFAT. Users can record 4K RAW data up to 60 fps and 2K RAW up to 240 fps, with a 300MB/s sustained transfer speed. PC-friendly operation is enabled through use of the AXS-CR1 card reader, offering a USB 3.0 interface for high speed transfer.

Additionally, the new AXS-R5 RAW recorder directly docks onto the F5 and F55, for an extremely elegant and compact recording solution for 2K and 4K RAW recording.

The cameras support Sony's new high-speed, enhanced versions of its SxS PRO memory cards: the "SxS PRO+(PLUS)" series (in 128 and 64 GB capacities, models SBP-128B and SBP-64B). Based on the format long been used in Sony's XDCAM EX camcorders, the cards support XAVC 4K and XAVC HD high frame rate recording, and can be directly inserted into the cameras.

The F5 and F55 cameras take advantage of Sony's new BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine—Lithium Iron Phosphate—instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony's BC-L90 quick charger. The new battery supports outstanding mobility for field shooting enabling two times higher speed charge than current charger and maximum 150 minutes consecutive shooting.

The F5 and F55 cameras are also compatible with Sony's BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the BC-L70 and L160 chargers.

Delivering advances in ergonomics specifically requested by working cinematographers, the F5 and F55 feature Sony's newest shoulder rig for extra stability and comfort in shoulder-mount applications. The rig is sturdy, lightweight and uses industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-party hand grips and other accessories.

The new cameras are planned to be available in February 2013, with suggested list pricing to be announced.