My GH5 is now displaying the micro jitter problem again as I reported back in March 2017. My GH5 has ver 1.1 firmware and my lens has the updated ver 1.1 firmware.

I only noticed this today after filming my friends son outside my house using my GH5 handheld in 4K 50p mode. I will run more tests in the morning.

Having had a look at V2 FW info this issue has not been addressed but once again I will enquire about this tomorrow.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

My thanks to Simon Beer for sending these pictures live from the show floor.

Man gets attacked by an 8K seagull

The Sony PXW-Z90 receiving a lot of attention.

Meanwhile back at the JVC stand the game has just started.

IDX have brought out these cute V lock batteries almost half the size of other makes of V lock batteries. The IPL-98 packs are 93Wh capacity into a slim form factor weighing just 1.3 lbs.

Canon had the C200 on show.

Panasonic were very busy showing off the EVA-1 camcorder.

 

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Cracking new LED panel the Gemini from Litepanels. The Litepanels Gemini provides a beautiful wide soft source of color accurate illumination. Staying true to the Litepanels legacy, the Gemini has accurate full spectrum daylight and tungsten lighting.

Gemini allows quick and easy adjustment with three full featured lighting modes to adapt to any lighting situation today’s cinematographers and lighting professionals will find themselves in.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Sony announce 3 new 4K camcorders…plus a new 3rd generation radio mic system.

The XDCAM PXW-Z90, NXCAM HXR-NX80 and the Handicam FDR-AX700

Sony PXW-Z90… Capture broadcast quality 4K footage in XAVC QFHD at 100Mbps, with responsive Fast Hybrid AF that tracks fast-moving subjects with ease. Shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading. Professional connections integrate seamlessly with your SDI production infrastructure.

The PXW-Z90 camcorder supports an instant HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow, enabling users to produce breath-taking HDR content with minimum post-production to suit a range of content creation scenarios and applications.

The Fast Hybrid AF system ensures highly accurate focusing and tracking during shooting, delivered by 273 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 84% of the shooting area, high-density placement of autofocus points and a newly developed AF algorithm. This reduces the burden of focusing, especially when accurate focusing is required for shooting 4K2 films. In movie recording mode, the appearance of phase-detection AF frames indicates the focused area and easily allows users to monitor a subject that is in focus. The new camcorder features a high-resolution OLED viewfinder (0.39-type OLED, 2,359k dots) and advanced touch screen operation, on the 3.5-type large LCD screen (1,555k dots), to allow users to quickly switch focus from one subject to another, while the AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range and Subject Switching Sensitivity can all be configured as required for different subjects and content styles.

The PXW-Z90 supports 4K HDR recording with HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), offering an instant HDR workflow. This enables users to reduce the post-production work and produce high-quality HDR content without grading, which usually requires a highly skilled technique and specialist knowledge.

The camcorder also has the following key technology features to support versatile shooting, including;

 

• 4K full-pixel readout without pixel binning, using an enhanced BIONZ X image processing engine
• Super Slow Motion recording up to 960fps, which is industry leading among palm categories and Slow & Quick Motion Full HD recording up to 120fps
• S-Log3/S-Gamut capabilities for users to create and work with images as they desire.
• 29mm7 (35EQ) wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and 18x Clear Image Zoom
• Less image distortion (rolling shutter phenomenon), in comparison to conventional models when shooting subjects in motion

 

 

The HXR-NX80 offers professional quality 4K with advanced features such as high-speed Auto Focus, Instant HDR Workflow, up to 960fps* Super slow motion and streaming at 2.4GHz.

* 960 fps (NTSC). 1000 fps (PAL).

Amazingly fast precision auto focus

The HXR-NX80 incorporates an advanced Fast Hybrid AF system, alongside face detection and lock-on auto focus technology, making it easy to focus and track a subject while filming.

First NXCAM professional palm camcorder with 4K HDR

The HXR-NX80 is the first professional palm-sized camcorder to deliver stunning 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) file-based workflows. S-Log3 is also supported, enabling you to create beautiful imagery with a wide colour gamut and colour range.

Super slow motion up to 960fps* and S&Q motion up to 120fps**

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the HXR-NX80 delivers a stunning 120 frames per second (fps) in Full HD XAVC S 10bit 4:2:0, giving you continuous 5 times slow motion expression. Higher frame rates up to 960fps using S&Q motion cache recording are also possible for even greater creative flexibility.

* 960 fps (NTSC). 1000 fps (PAL).

** 120fps (NTSC)/ 100fps (PAL).

Versatile connections for professional workflows

The camcorder features a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, HDMI and Remote interface to connect with and control remotely a wide variety of compatible Sony accessories, including creating a simple live solution when connected to the optional MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer and RM-30BP Remote Commander.

 

 

 

The Sony DWT-B03R Transmitter is an ideal choice for live sound applications including theatre and concerts, as well as studio based TV production and ENG/EFP.

Light and compact (27% smaller than its DWT-B01N predecessor), the DWT-B03R features a tough magnesium body that’s resistant to rain, spray and sweat.

Sony’s advanced digital audio processing, encryption and RF transmission technologies assure secure, stable transmission and reception of very high-quality audio with low latency.

The DWT-B03R is ideal for use in large-scale multichannel productions, supporting up to 21 simultaneous channels per 8MHz TV band.

The DWT-B03R is compatible with Sony Wireless Studio control software for PC (Ver 5.0 or later), allowing flexible remote operation. Remote control of up to 82 transmitters is possible using the Cross Remote™ function combined with the RMU-01 remote control unit (available separately).

The small, lightweight and sweat-proof bodypack transmitter is ideal for theatre, drama and movie production. It offers a remarkably low audio latency of 1.2ms1, with 148MHz wideband operation. It utilises a rechargeable Li-ion battery that equips users with many hours of battery operation time.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Today, the first professional production footage shot on our brand-new cinema production camera AU-EVA1 was revealed on the show.

Shot and directed by Italian DOP Filippo Chiesa on location in Iceland, the sizzle reel showcases the newly-designed Super-35 sensor with 5.7K resolution, as well as the dual native ISOs of 800 and 2,500.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

The PXW-Z90 offers broadcast quality 4K with advanced features such as high-speed Auto Focus, Instant HDR Workflow, up to 960fps* Super slow motion and streaming at 2.4GHz or 5GHz** with QoS.

* 960 fps (NTSC). 1000 fps (PAL).

** 5GHz support dependent on support from country / regional regulation.

Amazingly fast precision auto focus

The PXW-Z90 incorporates an advanced Fast Hybrid AF system, alongside face detection and lock-on auto focus technology, making it easy to focus and track a subject while filming.

First professional palm camcorder with 4K HDR

The PXW-Z90 is the first professional palm-sized camcorder to deliver stunning 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) file-based workflows. S-Log3 is also supported, enabling you to create beautiful imagery with a wide colour gamut and colour range.

Super slow motion up to 960fps* and S&Q motion up to 120fps**

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the PXW-Z90 delivers a stunning 120 frames per second (fps) in Full HD XAVC 10bit 4:2:2, giving you continuous 5 times slow motion expression. Higher frame rates up to 960fps using S&Q motion cache recording are also possible for even greater creative flexibility.

* 960 fps (NTSC). 1000 fps (PAL).

** 120fps (NTSC)/ 100fps (PAL)

Versatile connections for broadcast workflows

The camcorder features a broadcast standard 3G-SDI output (supporting 1080 60p/50p), a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, HDMI and Remote interface to connect with and control remotely a wide variety of compatible Sony accessories, including creating a simple live solution when connected to the optional MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer and RM-30BP Remote Commander.

Revolutionary imaging performance with Exmor RS

To deliver imaging performance previously impossible for a compact camcorder. A large 14.2-megapixel (effective) 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor delivers beautiful background bokeh defocus effects and superior sensitivity for capturing high-quality images with less noise, even under dark or bright conditions. This sensor integrates up to 273 phase-detection AF points that densely cover approx. 84% of the image area, for precise tracking of subjects throughout the shooting frame.

The sensor also gives you low noise and less blur because more light reaches the sensor, offering clear and steady pictures even in a dark scene with minimum illumination 1.7 lux*.

* LOW LUX mode

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus captures action

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus (AF) is comprised of a number of features: Phase-detection AF with up to 273 reference points covering approximately 84% of the image area,  face detection and lock-on auto focus technology to estimate subject movement. They all work together seamlessly to capture fast-moving subjects with amazing sharpness.

Instant HDR workflows

Shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading.

As the expanding need for HDR content continues, internet video platforms and professionals producing corporate or event content are paying more attention to the added value of HDR. They need to deliver content quickly, without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content. To meet this demand, the PXW-Z90 offers Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording, in addition to S-Log3, for easy file-based workflows, whilst achieving the image quality of HDR. This simple workflow enables the shooting, editing and viewing of HDR content in HLG, without devoting a lot of time to post-production work and additional color grading.

Stunning  slow motion in Full HD

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the PXW-Z90 delivers up to 120 frames* per second (fps) in Full HD, giving you a maximum of 5 times slow motion expression. There’s no sacrifice in bit depth and no “windowing” of the sensor. So there’s no crop factor, no loss in angle of view.

Higher frame rates of 240, 480 and 960 fps are also possible at specific resolutions.

*  120fps (NTSC)/ 100fps (PAL)

Broadcast quality 4K (QFHD) and HD

The PXW-Z90 allows you to record a wide range of 4K (QFHD) and HD formats for maximum flexibility from this stunning palm-sized camcorder. The Z90 supports XAVC QFHD 100Mbps recordings at 30p/25p/24p, XAVC HD Long GOP 422 50Mbps, MPEGHD422 50Mbps*, MPEGHD420 35Mbps and AVCHD.

* MPEG HD recording requires optional licence (CBKZ-SLMP) upgrade.

[6] – 5GHz / 2.4GHz should be prominently featured with WiFi logo in design

Networked for high mobility

The PXW-Z90 comes with 5GHz* and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as standard – simply turn on and log onto your preferred network to enable a host of advanced wireless production features:

* 5GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation.

Ustream® Direct Streaming allows you to share scenes as they happen with high quality picture and sound without a switcher.

QoS Streaming to XDCAM air allows images to be streamed live from the camcorder for viewing at a remote location.

FTP Transfer allows content files recorded with MPEG HD 422/420 proxy feature (CBKZ-SLMP required) and other content files shot in XAVC (QFHD/FHD) and AVCHD formats to be sent over the internet for remote storage on an FTP server.

XDCAM air can upload proxy footage to the cloud from multiple camera operators in the field, so editing can start immediately. Uploaded content can be accessed securely from any location. News teams can even start logging clips while shooting’s still going on, saving even more valuable time when a story’s breaking.

Wi-Fi/NFC (Near Field Communication) with Content Browser Mobile™ allows the PXW-Z90 to be remotely controlled from a smartphone or tablet computer (iOS 9.0 – 10.3 or Android 4.4 through 7.1) via a Wi-Fi connection. One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity

* The Content Browser Mobile™ application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store. Wi-Fi operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet computers.

Wired LAN connection allows the PXW-Z90 to be connected to the internet over a wired connection via the separately available VMC-UAM2 USB adapter cable and network adaptor kit (CBK-NA1), allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP.

Remote operation

The PXW-Z90 has a featured remote interface (2.5 mm stereo mini-mini jack) wired interface. Using a wired remote controller such as the RM-1BP or RM-30BP the focus, zoom, rec start/stop and rec review can be controlled remotely. The camcorder can connect to the optional RM-30BP and MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer to form a simple live solution

Wide choice of connections

The PXW-Z90 offers numerous connections to suit the broadcast workflow, including 3G HD-SDI, HDMI®, Multi/Micro USB jack and composite output. The Rec Trigger signal can be sent through SDI and HDMI to link an external recording device. HDMI/SDI/composite output is possible during QFHD recording*.

* HDMI supports up QFHD resolution, 3G-SDI supports up to HD resolution. Composite is SD-only.

Simple live solution

The PXW-Z90 is designed to work seamlessly with Sony’s MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer, a robust and cost-effective switcher that makes it easy for one person to run a multi-camera live event shoot. When used with the MCX-500 and Remote Commander RM-30BP, a Tally indicator will automatically appear on each PXW-Z90’s LCD panel and viewfinder – a red icon indicates when the shot is live (PGM) while Green indicates preview mode (PVW). The MCX-500 supports up to 9 video inputs, 5 channel stereo inputs including XLR with both internal recording and live streaming via Ustream™, Facebook Live, and Youtube Live*.

*Facebook live and YouTube live available with V2.0 firmware

Wide-angle zoom lens with great control

The PXW-Z90 is supplied with a fixed 29mm wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens, ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes. The 12x optical zoom can be increased to 18x with Clear Image Zoom, maintaining QFHD resolution using Super Resolution Technology or 24x in HD. In addition, the Digital Extender can double this range again, up to 48x zoom.

The camcorder’s lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focusing or zooming, depending on which mode is selected; while the manual dial and buttons on the side of the body allow swift and easy adjustment of IRIS (aperture), ISO/GAIN and shutter speed.

Superb quality monitoring with enhanced OLED viewfinder

You have superb monitoring options with the Z90: an enhanced 0.39-type 2359K dot OLED viewfinder and 3.5-type 1550K dot LCD. The super high resolution OLED viewfinder offers excellent quality brightness, contrast and response, giving you better precision of manual focus operations and eliminating any colour-breaking phenomenon. The LCD gives you further flexible composition options.

Dual XLR inputs

The Z90 has two XLR connecters – so even if you remove the handle with its standard, easy-access XLR connector then a second on the body is still available, making it ideal for applications such as shooting in a confined space, such as a car interior, or when mounting on a gimbal.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The PXW-Z90 takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems (sold separately).

Dual media slots

To extend recording time and workflow flexibility, the PXW-Z90 is equipped with two memory card slots and is compatible with SDXC and SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo*.

Relay mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full; Simul mode allows simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version). The PXW-Z90’s two Start/Stop buttons on the handle grip and camcorder body can independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Will this be the new cover of IBC 2017, seven years to the day I visited IBC for the first time and this was the news of the day. Panasonic’s AF101 was to be the DSLR killer yet seven years later we now have a mirrorless camera thats sweeping the country with its 4K 10bit 422 internal recording, the Panasonic GH5.

The talk back in 2010 was the Panasonic AF101 with its micro4/3 sensor.

Now in 2017 the talk of the steamie is the Panasonic EVA-1 with all the footage to watch and hopefully be uploaded during IBC.

This is Panasonic’s year of the 10bit 422 large sensor video cameras with the GH5 already a class leader in both performance and price followed by the Super 35mm Canon fit EVA-1.

I don’t think we are in for any further surprises during IBC but if we get any I will report it here. I did think there may have been a chance of the v2 firmware for the GH5 being released this week leading up to IBC.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

WEX got their hands on a GH5 with FW v2 loaded and had a look at some of the new features. I have to be honest here in stating I don’t see a lot of difference between LGOP and All Intra, or not enough to convince me to use faster, dearer cards.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Canon are sticking to their guns by revamping the XF and XA camcorders

XF405 and XF400 – versatile, compact 4K quality

The XF405 and XF400 are equipped with a newly developed 15x optical zoom lens (35 mm film equivalent: 25.5 mm–382.5 mm), a 1.0-Type CMOS sensor and a Dual DIGIC DV 6 image-processing platform to achieve high-quality 4K/50p images across the entire zoom range. They also offer continuous 100fps recording in Full HD in order to deliver slow motion footage. These advanced features are all integrated in a compact and lightweight body. Thanks to built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters, the XF405 and XF400 can capture stunning images with a shallow depth of field – even in adverse lighting conditions. Relay and simultaneous recording are provided via Dual SD card slots, which helps to expand recording times and to create an immediate backup. A range of interface options are featured in the XF405 and XF400, including HDMI, an XLR Professional audio terminal, LAN and Remote. The XF405 also features a 3G-SDI terminal. Built-in WiFi capability enables FTP file transfer and allows the camcorders to be controlled with a mobile device via Browser Remote.

4K UHD/50P high frame rate recording to SD cards

The XF405 and XF400 support UHD/50P MP4 and XF-AVC* format (150Mbps) recording and 100fps continuous slow motion shooting. Low noise and high sensitivity are managed by the combination of a 1.0-Type CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC DV 6 image processors, which deliver high-quality footage with great clarity and detail. Additionally, Wide Dynamic Range (DR) mode enables the user to shoot with 800% wide dynamic range, providing greater detail in the mid to high tones.

High-quality 4K 15x zoom lens

A newly developed 4K lens, 1.0-Type CMOS sensor and Super UD elements combine in the XF405 and XF400 to minimise chromatic aberration and to provide stunning image clarity. Both camcorders comprise an ultra-wide 25.5mm, high magnification, 15x optical zoom in 4K. Moreover, 30x Advanced Zoom capability is offered in Full HD mode, without any image deterioration. An advanced 5-Axis Image Stabilizer (IS) ensures stable images are captured in any scenario which involves camera movement. A 0.8x Wide angle and 1.5x tele-converter deliver additional flexibility and coverage in 4K and Full HD.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF for high-speed, precise autofocus

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is featured in both the XF405 and XF400 for fast and accurate autofocusing in approximately 80% of the image. A touch screen allows further focus control and intuitive camera operation. Various AF options are offered including Face Priority AF and Face Only AF, alongside the innovative Dual Pixel Focus Guide. This feature supports manual focus shooting by visually indicating the focus position.

XF405/0 key features:

• 4K UHD/50P recording on SD cards with high frame rates
• High-quality 4K lens with 15x zoom
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF for high-speed, precise autofocus
• Network capability with FTP transfer and remote control
• Compact and lightweight body, professional operability

XA15 and XA11 – professional performance and functionality

The XA15 and XA11 are Full HD camcorders which feature stunning 20x 26.8mm-576mm optical zoom lenses to flexibly capture a variety of scenes with superb image quality. A Hi-UD lens supports the reduction of chromatic aberration and drives vivid imaging. Canon’s HD CMOS Sensor and the powerful DIGIC DV4 image processing platform deliver great performance in low light and the ability to capture superb Full HD images in 50P at 35Mbps. Wide DR mode supports the smooth compression of high luminance areas to achieve 600% DR. This makes it possible to shoot with smooth colour gradation and suppressed overexposure. This is applicable to any shooting environment where the difference between light and dark areas is prone to causing overexposure. Flexible image expression is supported by a Slow/Fast Segment function that enables users to select shooting speeds from 0.4x to a maximum of 1,200x.

Both camcorders are capable of recording in both AVCHD and MP4 formats, at multiple bit rates, simultaneously, to Dual SD card slots. The XA15 and XA11 offer a range of various interfaces including HDMI, XLR professional audio terminals, headphone jack and optional GPS support. The XA15 also features an SDI output. Comprising compact and lightweight bodies, the XA11 and X15 are ideal for high-action shoots when both speed and mobility are essential. Dynamic Mode provides 5-Axis image stabilization – roll axis, horizontal roll, vertical roll, up-down and left-right – to ensure smooth image capture in various styles of fast-paced shoots.

*XF-AVC will be supported in a future firmware update in 1H 2018

XA15/11 key features:

• High optical performance
• Stunning Full HD image quality
• Professional recording options
• Professional interfaces
• Easy operability and compact design

 

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Two years ago almost to the day Panasonic invited us to London’s Groucho club to meet their new baby the DVX-200 and have a hands on afternoon with the new gear. Strangely while looking back on those JPEGs I discover the very same Director of Photography involved in the new EVA-1, Filippo Chiesa.

Bio…I’m a professional filmmaker. It’s difficult to summarise my expertise in just a few lines. I’m a traveller for choice.

As always when I visit another country, I immediately try to enter the local reality and to “steal” with a glance everything that’s around me.

My profession role tries to cover both the artistic aspects and the highly technical aspects.
I diligently probe the market and I’m a tireless researcher.

I don’t necessarily love technology for its own sake, but I think it is quite important to know as much as possible what the market offers in order to communicate my personal view of things in the best way possible and to be able to give first-rate advice to my clients.

I own 4K cameras for all needs, PrimeCircle Zeiss cinema lenses and equipment to fully cover the majority of the work that I am asked to carry out.

I offer my passion and my wide-ranging experience.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions