Sony Announced the PMW-F5 and PMW-F55

The wait is finally over and Sony revealed their latest CineAlta 4K cameras that they added to their large sensor family: the PMW-F5 and PWM-F55 which are using a new type of 4K Super 35mm image sensor with a 4096 x 2160 resolution.

The F5 and F55 are representing an important step forward for CineAlta 4K, joining the world-class PMW-F65 8K-sensor camera. They give content creators new levels of flexibility and creative options for HD, 2K and 4K production. The new camcorders are also being complemented by a full line of new accessories, including a 30-inch 4K LCD professional monitor, new PL mount lens system, new “AXSM” Access Memory System for 2K and 4K Raw recording, and new versions of its SxS Pro memory cards.

The new Sony PMW-F5

Highly modular design of both cameras

The PMW-F5 is the next generation of the popular PMW-F3, offering modular design, professional OLED viewfinder and industry standard PL mount. You’ll get superior, super-sampled pictures with noticeably higher contrast, rich colour reproduction and greater clarity. The multi codec camera from Sony is offering a high diversity of recording modes, integrating the new XAVC codec for 4K and HFR shooting as well as HD422 50Mbps HDTV standard. Irresistible features include the amazing precision of 16-bit linear RAW 2K/4K recording, and high-speed shooting at up to 120fps.

The new Sony PMW-F55

The big sister of the F5 is the PMW-F55 and will give you the possibility to shoot up to 4K without an external recorder. Its 4K image sensor incorporates a revolutionary electronic global shutter removing main CMOS motion artifacts. You get superb dynamic range, wide colour gamut, and pristine image quality.

Today Sony also launched the new XAVC recording format that will be the heart of it's new industry-leading 4K products. As well as the widespread applications for the professional HDTV market, Sony has developed the XAVC format to enable the expansion of 4K content into the consumer market. XAVC is designed to provide a future proof codec that can meet customers' rapidly developing requirements for 4K content production and HD120P high frame rate shooting.

“The new XAVC format underlines Sony’s commitment to bringing high quality content to the consumer market,” said Takao Yoshikawa, Senior General Manager of Content Creation Solutions Business Division, Professional Solutions Group, Sony Corporation. “The quality of HDTV program originated in 4K is simply stunning and will allow both broadcaster and production communities to build right now a future proof catalogue of high-end content.”

Features of the new Sony PMW-F5

• Super 35mm equivalent 4K single-chip CMOS sensor

  Sony’s 4K image sensor enables a single camera to provide gorgeous, super-sampled HD and 2K while preparing you for the 4K future. With 11.6 megapixels (total) and 8.9 megapixels (effective), the Sony 4K CMOS sensor captures a true 4K 4096 x 2160 DCI-standard cinema image.

• 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording options with bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder

  Capture RAW at your choice of resolutions: the camera’s native 4K or beautiful, derived 2K. RAW recording preserves the greatest latitude for colour correction and other post processes. Sony’s 16-bit recording captures more tonal values than the human eye can differentiate. Sony RAW retains 16 times as many Red, Green and Blue gradations as 12-bit RAW and 64 times as many tones per channel as 10-bit recording. Sony’s 16-bit linear RAW is also the ideal point of entry into the 16-bit linear Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow.

• AXS-R5 records onto ASXM™ memory cards

  The bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder records onto high-capacity AXSM™ memory cards, which are compatible with an affordable optional USB 3.0 reader, the AXS-CR1. Once on a PC, the RAW files can be screened using Sony’s free RAW Viewer software. AXSM memory provides a super fast, affordable format for sensational quality recordings.

• Choice of HD/2K internal recording formats

  The F5 CineAlta camera allows you a choice of internal recording formats in addition to 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording output onto the AXS-R5. The camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording that allows the choice of: 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422, 50Mbps; 10-bit XAVC 2K*/HD 100Mbps; and SR Codec 10-bit MPEG4 SStP 220, 440 and 880Mbps*. All formats can be recorded at a range of interlace and progressive frame rates (see camera specifications for precise details).
  
  *Expected as a future upgrade.

• High speed shooting up to 120 fps 2K internally and 120 fps 2K RAW with optional AXS-R5 recorder

  The F5 features high-data-rate on-board XAVC HD recordings up to 60 fps with a free planned upgrade to XAVC 2K/HD recording at 120 fps. It also offers 120 fps 2K RAW with the optional AXS-R5 outboard recorder and a planned upgrade, achieving the high frame rates, while retaining exceptional, 16-bit image quality.

• Next generation high-speed SxS PRO+ memory cards

  The PMW-F5 records internally onto SxS memory. High-speed shooting and the highest quality recording options require next-generation SxS recording media – Sony’s 64 GB* SxS PRO+ memory card – which can be read by the next-generation USB card reader, the SBAC-US20.
  
  * 1 GB equals one billion bytes, a portion of which is used for data management functions.

• Simultaneous RAW and onboard camera SxS recording

  Sony provides a coordinated “off-line, on-line” workflow with simultaneous recording to internal SxS cards and the optional AXS-R5 RAW recorder. For seamless conforming in post, you get matching time code, start frame, stop frame, file names and other metadata. The camera supports the following RAW + Onboard combinations: RAW 4K/2K + XAVC 2K*/HD and RAW 4K/2K + MPEG-2 HD422.
  
  * Expected as a future upgrade.

• Real world workflows

  Sony understands a fundamental truth: working cameras require practical workflows. That’s why the F5 is part of a larger production platform that includes affordable media cards, affordable card readers, free RAW Viewer software and compatibility with popular NLEs and finishing tools.

• Vast exposure latitude to 14 f-stops

  The ability to render tones from deepest shadows to brightest highlights is a crucial test of any digital camera. The F5 excels, with an impressive 14 stops of exposure latitude, extraordinary low-light sensitivity and extremely low noise in the blacks.

• Choice of viewfinders includes amazing OLED technology

  A digital interface on the PMW-F5 allows for a variety of optional viewfinders, including the DVF-EL100.This 0.7-inch* viewfinder has the incredible clarity of 1280 x 720 High Definition, plus superb OLED brightness, contrast and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch* LCD viewfinder has higher resolution (960 x 540) than previous Sony viewfinders, plus ten times the contrast. And the eyepiece flips up for direct monitoring. The DVF-L700 compact 7-inch* LCD view finder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, not to mention pixel-for-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of your HD images.
  *Viewable area, measured diagonally.

• Optional shoulder rig

  The optional Sony shoulder rig provides comfortable handheld operation, hour after hour. The rig is sturdy, lightweight and features industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-party hand grips and other accessories.

• Small lightweight design for added versatility in 3D

  The small size of the PMW-F5 is particularly welcome in stereoscopic 3D shooting. The chassis is only slightly wider than a typical PL mount prime lens, perfect for both mirror rigs and side-by-side configurations.

• Incredible flexibility with the choice of PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses

  The F5 is designed to accommodate PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses. With the PL-mount adaptor, you can take advantage of acclaimed cine optics from Angénieux®, Canon®, Carl Zeiss®, Cooke®, FUJIFILM®, Leica® and more. Slip off the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount with 18 mm flange focal distance. It’s perfect for accepting commercially available adaptors for still lenses, including Canon® EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses. There’s also Sony’s game-changing FZ-mount auto focus servo zoom: the SCL-Z18X140.

• A new generation of Sony PL-mount lenses

  The PMW-F5 works with Sony’s second generation, cost-effective PL mount prime lenses. Thanks to refined glass, all are certified for 4K capture, while minimizing geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris delivers beautiful bokehs. The focus rings rotate 240°. The series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, all have the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same size except for the 135 mm.

• Intuitive one-touch interface

  Carefully designed with significant input from cinematographers, the PMW-F5 provides an incredibly rich range of controls. And the interface is nicely intuitive. Instead of diving through menus, you get direct, one-touch access to key shooting parameters including frame rate, shutter speed, colour temperature, ISO sensitivity and gamma. Assignable buttons mean that favourite adjustments are always at your fingertips.

• Wide choice of connections

  The camera offers numerous connections to suit your workflow, including four HD-SDI jacks, HDMI®, USB, DC in connection, a removable XLR audio module and a removable time code/genlock module. The XLR inputs accept balanced analogue signals, provide 48-Volt phantom power and will accept four channels of AES/EBU digital audio with an expected firmware upgrade.

• Long-life Olivine battery and quick charger

  The F5 takes advantage of Sony’s innovative BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine – Lithium Iron Phosphate – instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony’s BC-L90 quick charger. The camera is also compatible with Sony’s BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the BC-L70 and L160 chargers.
  
  

Features of the new Sony PMW-F55

• Super 35mm equivalent 4K single-chip CMOS sensor with global shutter

  The PMW-F55’s Sony 4K image sensor incorporates a revolutionary electronic global shutter to eliminate rolling shutter distortions. With 11.6 megapixels (total) and 8.9 megapixels (effective), the Sony 4K CMOS sensor captures a true 4K 4096 x 2160 DCI-standard cinema image.

• 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording options with bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder

  Capture RAW at your choice of resolutions: the camera’s native 4K or beautiful, derived 2K. RAW recording preserves the greatest latitude for colour correction and other post processes. Sony’s 16-bit recording captures more tonal values than the human eye can differentiate. Sony RAW retains 16 times as many Red, Green and Blue gradations as 12-bit RAW and 64 times as many tones per channel as 10-bit recording. Sony 16-bit linear RAW is also the ideal point of entry into the 16-bit linear Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow.

• AXS-R5 records onto ASXM™ memory cards

  The bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder records onto sleek, high-capacity AXSM™ memory cards, which are compatible with an affordable optional USB 3.0 reader, the AXS-CR1. Once on a PC, the RAW files can be screened using Sony’s free RAW Viewer software. AXSM memory provides a super fast, affordable format for sensational quality recordings.

• Choice of HD/2K/4K internal recording formats

  The F55 CineAlta camera allows you a choice of internal recording formats in addition to 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording output onto the AXS-R5. The camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording that allows the choice of: 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422, 50Mbps; 10-bit XAVC 2K*/HD 100Mbps; SR Codec 10-bit MPEG4 SStP 220, 440 and 880Mbps*; and XAVC 4K/QFHD* 300Mbps. All formats can be recorded at a range of interlace and progressive frame rates (see camera specifications for precise details).
  *Expected as a future upgrade.

• High speed shooting up to 60 fps 4K and180 fps 2K internally and 240 fps 2KRAW with optional AXS-R5 recorder

  The F55 features high-data-rate on-board XAVC HDrecordings up to 60 fps, plus a free planned upgrade to XAVC 4K, QFHD and 2Kup to 60 fps and XAVC 2K/HD up to180 fps. It also offers 240 fps 2K RAW with the optional AXS-R5 outboard recorder and a planned upgrade, achieving the highest frame rates most productions will need, while retaining exceptional, 16-bit image quality.

• Next generation high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card

  The F55 records internally onto SxS memory. High-speed shooting and the highest quality recording options require next-generation SxS recording media – Sony’s 64 GB* SxS PRO+ memory card – which can be read by the next-generation USB card reader, the SBAC-US20.
  * 1 GB equals one billion bytes, a portion of which is used for data management functions.

• Simultaneous RAW and onboard camera SxS recording

  Sony provides a coordinated “off-line, on-line” workflow with simultaneous recording to internal SxS cards and the optional AXS-R5 RAW recorder. For seamless conforming in post, you get matching time code, start frame, stop frame, file names and other metadata. The camera supports the following RAW + Onboard combinations: RAW 4K/2K + XAVC 2K*/HD, RAW 4K/2K + MPEG-2 HD422 and RAW 2K + XAVC QFHD*/4K.
  * Expected as a future upgrade.

• Real world workflows

  Sony understands a fundamental truth: working cameras require practical workflows. That’s why the F5 is part of a larger production platform that includes affordable media cards, affordable card readers, free RAW Viewer software and compatibility with popular NLEs and finishing tools.

• Vast exposure latitude to 14 f-stops

  The ability to render tones from deepest shadows to brightest highlights is a crucial test of any digital camera. The F55 excels, with an impressive 14 stops of exposure latitude, extraordinary low-light sensitivity and extremely low noise in the blacks.

• True colour technology

  Sony believes that your camera should not limit your colour palette. That is why the F55 incorporates the same advanced colour filter array technology as used in Sony’s flagship F65, which is equipped with the industry’s only 8K sensor. You get a colour gamut that’s not only wider than other digital cameras.It is even wider than motion picture print film.

• Choice of viewfinders includes amazing OLED technology

  A digital interface on the F55 allows for a variety of optional viewfinders, including the DVF-EL100. This 0.7-inch* viewfinder has the incredible clarity of 1280 x 720 High Definition, plus superb OLED brightness, contrast and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch* LCD viewfinder has higher resolution (960 x 540) than previous Sony viewfinders, plus ten times the contrast. And the eyepiece flips up for direct monitoring. The DVF-L700 compact 7-inch* LCD viewfinder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, not to mention pixel-for-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of your HD images.
  *Viewable area, measured diagonally.

• Optional shoulder rig

  The optional Sony shoulder rig provides comfortable handheld operation, hour after hour. The rig is sturdy, lightweight and features industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-party hand grips and other accessories.

• Small lightweight design for added versatility in 3D

  The small size of the F55 is particularly welcome in stereoscopic 3D shooting. The chassis is only slightly wider than a typical PL mount prime lens, perfect for both mirror rigs and side-by-side configurations.

• Incredible flexibility with the choice of PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses

  The F55 is designed to accommodate PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses. With the PL-mount adaptor, you can take advantage of acclaimed cine optics from Angénieux®, Canon®, Carl Zeiss®, Cooke®, FUJIFILM®, Leica® and more. Slip off the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount with 18 mm flange focal distance. It’s perfect for accepting commercially available adaptors for still lenses, including Canon® EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses. There’s also Sony’s game-changing FZ-mount auto focus servo zoom: the SCL-Z18X140.

• A new generation of Sony PL-mount lenses

  The F55 works with Sony’s second generation, cost-effective PL mount prime lenses. Thanks to refined glass, all are certified for 4K capture, while minimizing geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris delivers beautiful bokehs. The focus rings rotate 240°. The series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, all have the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same size except for the 135 mm.

• Intuitive one-touch interface

  Carefully designed with significant input from cinematographers, the F55 provides an incredibly rich range of controls. And the interface is nicely intuitive. Instead of diving through menus, you get direct, one-touch access to key shooting parameters including frame rate, shutter speed, colour temperature, ISO sensitivity and gamma. Assignable buttons mean that favourite adjustments are always at your fingertips.

• Real-time 4K output and other vital connections

  The camera offers powerful connections, including real-time 4K output to a compatible monitor. It is made possible by four 3G-SDI outputs. There is also HDMI®, USB, DC in connection, a removable XLR audio module and a removable time code/genlock module. The XLR inputs accept balanced analogue signals, provide 48-Volt phantom power and will accept four channels of AES/EBU digital audio with an expected firmware upgrade.

• Long-life Olivine battery and quick charger

  The F55 takes advantage of Sony’s innovative BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine – Lithium Iron Phosphate – instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony’s BC-L90 quick charger. The camera is also compatible with Sony’s BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the BC-L70 and L160 chargers.