Sony came out with this very commendable 4K camcorder the PXW-Z150 10 bit 422. The Z150 is designed to provide true broadcast quality performance for both 4K and Full HD productions, recording with the advanced XAVC Long GOP 100Mbps codec for brilliant 4K QFHD imagery and flexible workflows. XAVC Long’s higher bit rate produces outstanding images with more details and less noise to create the number one 4K picture quality in its class. For even more flexibility in workflows, the Z150 is switchable between PAL and NTSC operation.
Panasonics Varicam LT was announced with a super 35mm image sensor, which is the same imager as VariCam 35, features wide dynamic range, an expansive colour gamut, and high sensitivity for 4K image acquisition. It has dual native ISO settings of 800 and 5000. The native 5000 ISO allows for clean shooting in very low light situations. Its size and design facilitate a wide array of shooting styles including comfortable ergonomic shoulder mounted operation or use on gimbals and drones.
Sonys A6300 was also available during February 2016 which has now been superseded by the A6500.
Billed as Nikon’s flagship full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D5 is for professional photographers and enthusiasts who can’t settle for anything but the best. Equipped with the latest imaging innovations, including an FX-format 20.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, new EXPEED 5 image processor and Nikon’s next-generation 153-point AF system, the D5 is set to deliver exceptional image quality and detail, thanks to its low light capabilities with sensitivity up to ISO 102,400 (exp. to 3,280,000), precise AF detection and tracking, and blazing fast 12 fps continuous shooting. And for the first time in a full-frame DSLR, filmmakers can record stunning 4K UHD video and time-lapse in-camera to dual CF memory cards.
Canon also arrive with the EOS-1DX Mk11 with a 20MP sensor running 4K 50p.
MARCH 2016
The Sony RX10 v3
A Panasonic PX-230 the smaller brother to the PX-270
April 2016
Another new camcorder from Panasonic the AG-UX180 and the lesser spec AG-UX90
The surprise of the Panasonic camcorder line up came in the guise of the HC-X1 a camera that is the same camera as the UX180 less SDI and timecode in at £1000 less.
This strange wee camera came from Canon the ME200S-SH HD camera. The ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose camera delivers the high quality video and versatility needed for a wide range of professional video production applications. The camera’s modular design allows you to connect only the components you need, depending on how you want to use the camera- making it easy to incorporate into a variety of camera systems. An HDMI terminal allows for connection to compatible third party external displays, and 3G/HD-SDI terminals allow for connection to compatible third party external displays and recording devices. The camera is compact (4.0″ W x 4.6″ H x 4.4″ D) and lightweight (2.2 lbs), helping to broaden the range of applications.
The first rumours came out about a new Lumix GH5
With an ultra-high sensitivity of ISO 409600*, the UMC-S3C captures crisp, clear 4K/29.97P/25P colour video and low-noise 12 megapixel still images in minimum illumination conditions of 0.004 lx.
The 35 mm full-frame Exmor sensor captures significantly more incident light than conventional cameras, while the image processing extremely enhances the high sensitivity with very low noise. Area-specific noise reduction selectively divides the image into areas based on patterns (such as edges, textures and evenly coloured areas like blue skies) to efficiently reduce noise and improve image quality. Detail reproduction technology helps to accurately depict details with a more natural sense of dimension.
*Standard ISO 100–102400, expandable to 50–409600
Finally Sony produce a shoulder mounted 4K camcorder the PXW-Z450. The PXW-Z450 is an advanced 4K shoulder camcorder that records 4K QFHD (3840×2160) at 50p/59.94p, as well as a variety of HD formats including XAVC Intra, XAVC Long GOP, MPEG HD 422 and MPEG HD 420. Thanks to a specially-developed 4K 2/3-type Exmor R CMOS sensor, the PXW-Z450 is ideal for a wide variety of 4K operations, allowing you to use a wide range of commercially-available B4 mount lenses without having to use an adapter. The camcorder offers the same advanced features as the PXW-X400 Full HD camcorder, with exceptional weight balance and low power consumption, alongside excellent networking features such as built-in wireless module, embedded RJ-45 Ethernet 100B-T connector and Near Field Communication (NFC) function for easy Wireless LAN setup and operation via a mobile or tablet with Sony’s Content Browser Mobile™ application.
JVC brought out the GY-HM660 camcorder. The new GY-HM660 will allow reporters in the field to communicate with the studio through IFB (interruptible foldback) while streaming live HD reports from the field. JVC has also added SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for increased stream reliability. The camera also includes support for Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), which allows a direct connection to a number of content distribution networks (CDNs) including Ustream and YouTube, together with compatibility with Streamstar’s range of streaming production tools.
JUNE 2016
Last but not least the 50MP monster from Hasselblad X1D. At less than half the weight of a conventional digital medium format camera, the mirrorless X1D is a game changer in the world of photography. Inspired by our iconic design heritage, the camera is ergonomic and compact, offering a handling experience unlike any other. Handmade in Sweden, the X1D combines Scandinavian sensibility with beautiful performance. Small enough to take anywhere, powerful enough to capture anything. Mainly a photographic tool.
Rental only…say no more.