Sony F5 and F55 Cameras Get True 4K Recording Sony has released another firmware update to the F5 and F55 cameras finally bringing 444RGB 4K support to their frontline cameras. The update is part of their regular upgrade schedule, which was supposed to be rolled out last July. With it, Sony should be catching up with their upgrade path as it works its way towards true 4K support on all platforms. We are very pleased to announce v1.2 firmware for the F5, F55, and AXS-R5 recorder. This is a major update and includes powerful functionality not previously available. Major features are listed below. It is very important you read the release notes, and follow the instructions carefully. To download the updates go to the following links: community.sony/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/1/PMW-F55_V12_1.20_81_2013-07-25_00-35-54_firmware.zip community.sony/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/2/PMW-F5_V12_1.20_69_2013-07-25_00-45-47_firmware.zip community.sony/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/3/v1.2%20Documentation.zip community.sony/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/4/AXS-R5_1.21_1471-AXS.zip community.sony/sony/attachments/sony/large-sensor-camera-F5-F55/4206/5/AXS-R5_VersionUp_Guide.zip Major Features in this update: *SR File format, 4:2:2 and RGB variants *Camera ID + Reel # naming mode. SxS and RAW files *USB Wireless LAN mode – Attaching the supplied USB wireless module, IFU-WLM3 to the camera. Smartphone, tablets connectivity via Wi Fi *x1.3 Anamorphic support – Display image without distortion in the VF, and output image without distortion “4K/2K to HD Conv” in the “Output Setting” of the Video Menu to “Anamo x1.3′ or “Anamo x2″ *Various improvements and enhancements The feature I happen to dig on the most is the WiFi remote capability. This will allow shooters to use their smartphone via the Sony app to control start/stop and other camera settings. Unfortunately, there is no live view, but at this stage, it’s definitely a nice feature that unchains the cameraman from the platform. The update also provide for anamorphic support that eliminates distortion is also great for those looking to get that big budget widescreen look without having to deal with desqueezing in post. To install the update, users must download the firmware, save your menu settings and then do an ALL RESET after installation. Be sure to follow the firmware directions to the letter so you don’t end up with a five-figure paperweight. In addition, users of the Sony R5 recorder must install the new v1.21 firmware and update it as well. Sony is very adamant that attempting to use the R5 recorder without the firmware update will cause major issues. So if you’re planning to update your cameras, get the firmware update as well. Information about that procedure can be found here. News on the lawsuit front has been fairly quiet since news broke that RED was suing Sony seeking to prevent Sony from releasing the camera platform and going even further by demanding all cameras be rounded up and destroyed. That won’t last forever, and Sony isn’t waiting to find out what the end result will be. They’ve already moved to make prices extremely competitive, and their firmware upgrade schedule is continuing forward. I know that demanding the cameras be destroyed is mostly litigious theater. Since the main issue is RED’s belief that REDCODE RAW, Red’s proprietary Raw Codec, has been co-opted without license, if Sony remains true to their own proprietary proclivities, RED may have little way to go. We won’t really know until both parties either get together to hash out a settlement, or the case goes to trial and all the dirty laundry gets aired. -James DeRuvo
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:14:04 +0000
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