For all the talk of virtualisation the one thing the industry can’t yet translate into software is the physics of light hitting a sensor. Refreshing then to hear Sony get back to basics and declare that ‘everything begins with the image’.
“The images are the focal point of the audiences attention,” said Katsunori Yamanouchi, VP, Sony Europe. Backing up its live 4K productions earlier this year of the Moto GP (with HDR) and the UEFA Champions League Final, Sony has added two further cameras to its 4K inventory.
The PXW-FS5 is claimed as the world’s first Super35mm camcorder to feature built-in electronic variable ND filters. The model is sister to the firm’s PXW-FS7 shooter – claimed as the fastest selling camera in its category.
The unit’s Exmor CMOS sensor sports 11.6 million pixels and High Frame Rate cache recording at 10bit 4:2:2 Full HD plus the ability to capture 240fps in eight second bursts. This feature makes 1/10 times Super Slow Motion possible, said the company, without sacrificing bit depth or loss of image quality.
“Last year at IBC we launched the PXW-FS7, which changed the way broadcast programmes and documentaries were made,” said Michael Harrit, MD, media solutions, Sony. “We’re building on the success of the PXW-FS7 by introducing a lighter more compact camcorder.”
The electronic variable ND filters are designed to expand the depth of field and enable “flexible exposure control” of the unit’s 14 stops.
The camera’s 0.8kg body has a 3.5-inch LCD panel; interfaces for 3G-SDI, HDMI output and SD dual card slots; and an E-mount to take SLR lenses via an adaptor, as well as Sony’s A-mount lenses.
www.sony.com, Hall 12
