In the past couple of weeks, Sony took industry journalists on a junket to Japan, to get an advance peek at some new cameras (I was invited, but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts). Jon Fauer and David Williams have written up what they’ve seen.
In short:
• A 4K camera with a 35mm-sized sensor and a PL mount (competition for RED).
• An under-$7000 NXCAM with a 35mm-sized sensor (as previously discussed).
• An under-$3500, water- and dust-resistant NXCAM camcorder.
• A 3D NXCAM camcorder, also under $3500.
More details to be revealed at NAB. Photos taken on the tour are embargoed until March 23rd, according to TV Tech’s David Williams; the concept image I show is from last November.
Some of the coverage:
Jon Fauer, whose Film and Digital Times should be on every cinematographer’s bookmark list, covers the key points:
8K x 2K – about the 4K camera’s sensor (this may well be the Q67 sensor discussed at HPA last year).
It’s the Water – how to make sensors.
Game Changer – hyperbole vs. perspective.
More K – going beyond HD resolution.
SR Memory Cards – solid state storage.
Sony PMW-F3 Zooms and Updates – the F3’s upcoming zoom lenses.
More from Sony’s Atsugi Tech Center – heading to Atsugi from Tokyo.
NXCAMs for Sea, Sand and 3D – weather-resistant and 3D NXCAM camcorders.
Sony NXCAM 35 – an under-$7000 NXCAM with a 35mm-sized sensor (same as in the F3).
New Sony Camera: 4K and Beyond – competition for RED in the 4K-capture market.
David Williams discusses the NXCAM lineup in detail (well, as much detail as he was allowed) at TV Technology.
Got other links? Share ’em in the comments section.
FTC Disclaimer: No material connection exists between me and Sony, Jon Fauer, David Williams, Film and Digital Times, and/or TV Technology. No payments, material considerations, blandishments and/or outright bribes were offered me to post these links.
Images courtesy Sony.