SONY'S NEW INTERFACE UNIT DELIVERS 2K AND 4K RAW RECORDING CAPABILITY FOR THE NEX-FS700 CAMCORDER

Sony has launched its HXR-IFR5 interface unit, which enables 2K RAW and 4K RAW recording for the NEX-FS700 camcorder, giving professional users a significant jump in performance, a broader choice of creative tools and unprecedented production flexibility. The HXR-IFR5 interface unit connects the NEX-FS700 to Sonys new AXS-R5 RAW recording system, creating a powerful combination that takes full advantage of the camcorders 4K imager.

The NEX-FS700 is already accepted worldwide as a high-performance production tool for any application from corporate productions to broadcast television, said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions, Sony Europe. Highly affordable recording of 2K / 4K RAW images and High Frame Rate (HFR) capture adds another dimension to the camcorders capabilities, once a firmware upgrade has been made. FS700 RAW recording preserves more of the original camera signal, producing stunning image quality and enabling maximum image manipulation flexibility in post-production.

The HXR-IFR5 interface receives the uncompressed bit-stream carrying RAW sensor data, metadata, time code and start/stop commands from the NEX-FS700E via 3G-SDI. The FS700 RAW files are recorded to the AXS memory cards in the AXS-R5 RAW recorder, where they can be screened and converted using Sonys free RAW Viewer software.

Users can simultaneously record 4K on the AXS-R5 while recording HD on the NEX-FS700, both with identical start frame, stop frame and time codes.

The unit has an LCD panel for status indication, including record mode, frame rate, time code, battery and media remaining time. Large tactile buttons control basic operations, menus and media management. When attached to the HXR-IFR5, the AXS-R5 can also act as a stand-alone playback unit for reliable monitoring and review through an on-board HD-SDI 422 output.

The introduction of the HXR-IFR5 interface unit is the first implementation of 2K RAW recording capabilities with the AXSM memory system. 2K RAW provides all the benefits of RAW, such as wide colour gamut, full sensor latitude and flexible digital image manipulation, at a cost efficient 2K resolution. 2K RAW enables the NEX-FS700 to create digital RGB files with 12-bit colour depth, and work simultaneously with the camcorders on-board 8-bit AVCHD capability. This gives producers the freedom to choose the recording file format that best matches the content theyre filming and their budget, while giving the flexibility to archive content in HD, 2K or 4K.

With the HXR-IFR5 and firmware upgrade to the NEX-FS700, users can perform continuous 120/240 fps HFR recording in 2K and 120 fps four-second burst recording in 4K. The NEX-FS700 even goes beyond 120 frames per second to 240 fps. Playing back at 240 fps yields compelling slow motion at 1/5 or 1/10 normal speed. Users can also choose 480 and 960 fps burst recording (at reduced resolution) for even more creative possibilities. HFR is also now available with S-Log2 gamma (1300% dynamic range) and 709 (800% dynamic range).

Previously, HFR capability (above 60 fps @1080p) was relegated to a rarified few custom cameras, many designed for machine vision and not high-end program production, said Bill Drummond. The combination of the NEX-FS700, HXR-IFR5 and AXS-R5 now supports an array of game changing speeds in continuous and burst shooting modes at a price point unmatched in the industry. With these new capabilities the NEX-FS700 is poised for use as a high-quality, low-cost camera with a range of creative features.

The HXR-IFR5 also allows the use of compatible media, file naming conventions, metadata and RAW workflow used by Sonys PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 CineAlta 4K cameras.

This new Sony technology is the latest recording option for the NEX-FS700 camcorder, joining the recently announced direct connectivity with Convergent Designs new Odyssey7Q.

The HXR-IFR5 2K/4K RAW interface unit will be available in June for a suggested list price of 2500 Euros.