Sony will soon release its new interface unit enabling 2K RAW and 4K RAW recording from the NEX-FS700 camcorder.
The HXR-IFR5 interface unit will connect the NEX-FS700 with Sony’s recently introduced RAW recorder, the AXS-R5. This powerful combination will allow both 2K RAW and 4K RAW recording directly from the FS700 camcorder.
By applying an upgrade on the NEX-FS700, 4K/2K RAW will be output via the FS700’s 3G HD-SDI camera output. The new HXR-IFR5 interface unit is equipped with a 3G HD-SDI terminal that will be used to input RAW data from the camcorder and pass the data to the AXS-R5 RAW recorder, which will in turn record to Sony’s AXS Memory cards.
In 4K (4096×2160) recording mode, the frame rates available are 24p, 30p, and 60p. In 4K mode, 120fps high speed recording will be available in approximately 4 second “burst.” In 2K (2048×1080) recording mode, the camera/recording combination features the ability to continuously capture both 240fps and 120fps. The 240fps recording is performed without windowing the imager or line doubling the signal. This delivers full resolution at all times without windowing artifacts or “moiré” effect.
The workflow to process RAW data is planned to be similar to the RAW workflow used in the combination of Sony’s CineAlta 4K cameras, the PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 when using the AXS-R5. This means that the RAW workflow for the FS-700 will be in place when the interface unit is released. This also gives users the unique opportunity to combine the FS700’s unique High Speed capabilities with various camera solutions in a production while utilizing a unified 2K and 4K RAW workflow.
Cost effective 2K and 4K RAW imaging with High Frame Rate capture is a strong request. The combination of the HXR-IFR5 with the NEX-FS700 and the AXS-R5 will greatly expand professional users’ options for diverse content creation.
Highlights of the HXR-IFR5
- AXS-R5(*1) docked onto the HXR-IFR5 will become an external RAW recorder for NEX-FS700(*2)
- The connection with NEX-FS700 will use a single 3G HD-SDI cable.
- The NEXFS700 is tethered to the recording unit which affords flexibility in mounting and rig options given the compact size of the camcorder
- HXR-IFR5 Is powered by the AXS-R5, using the BP-FL75 lithium ion battery pack or an external DC12V power source using the XLR 4 pin power input.
*1: AXS-R5 will need updated firmware version which will be provided by the time of HXR-IFR5’s start shipping
*2: NEX-FS700 will need a service upgrade, details will be provided at a later date.
16 bit linear RAW recording onto the AXS memory card
The combination of the HXR-IFR5 interface unit and the AXS-R5 can record 16 bit linear RAW files onto an AXS memory card. Using 16-bit linear RAW recording, the full potential of the 4K imager on the NEX-FS700 is realized, meaning the broad latitude and the high color resolution is captured.
Using the AXS-CR1 card reader, the recorded RAW files can be easily transferred to a PC. The “RAW Viewer”(*), software provided by Sony, can be used to view, process and also do some simple color grading. Not only high quality footage, but high resolution 8.4M still pictures can also be captured.
(*) version 1.1 or later is necessary.
4K/2K high speed shooting
Other than 4K (4096×2160) recording at 24p/30p/60p, 120fps recording in 4K resolution is available for approximately 4 seconds. Also, in 2K (2048×1080) recording mode, 240fps/120fps high speed continuous recording is available for unlimited recording. These high speed recording modes are only possible with the combination of NEX-FS700, HXR-IFR5, and the AXS-R5.
*: Audio is not recorded in high speed RAW recording modes
AVCHD simultaneous recording on NEX-FS700
Even at the RAW recording mode, NEX-FS700 can simultaneously record AVCHD onto the camera’s memory card. Since the recorded AVCHD files will have the same time code as the RAW files, the AVCHD files can be used as a proxy file for off line editing.
*: AVCHD cannot be recorded in high speed RAW recording mode
HD output for monitoring
HDMI/Component/Composite video outputs on NEX-FS700 and the AUX OUT of the AXS-R5 can be used for monitoring purposes. In order to achieve accurate monitoring of the wide dynamic range offered by RAW recording, we have added S-Log2 setting into the picture profile of the camcorder.
*: The gamma setting cannot be set individually for each video out/LCD panel/AVCHD recording.