Sony has released the much anticipated Software Update Version 2.00 for the PXW-FS5 and PXW-FS5K Camcorders. Along with some welcome features, the most interesting aspect of the update is the ability to externally shoot and record in RAW mode. This feature requires Sony’s $600 CBKZ-FS5RIF RAW upgrade (sold separately) to become functional, allowing the user to record 4K (4096×2160) 60p/50p and continuous 2K (2048×1080) 240fps/200fps on an external recorder (i.e. Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q+ and Sony’s AXS-R5 with the HXR-IFR5 interface unit).
Other features of the Version 2.00 Software Update for the FS5 include:
Automatic adjustment of the ND filter density.
Enhanced zebra function that enables the selection of 2 types of settings. The level settings can now be adjusted in 1% increments.
The ability to select which audio is outputted through the headphones.
The ability to acquire and record position information when shooting using the GPS function.
Ver.1.11 or earlier is required to perform the update to Version 2.00. Visit Sony’s website here to download the update (Mac & PC versions available).
The new ZEISS Lens Gear Rings instantly turn the ZEISS Otus, ZEISS Milvus and ZEISS Loxia lenses into “cinema” lenses by adding follow focus support. Made from premium aluminum with a hardened surface coating, the lens gears come in 4 sizes (mini, small, medium and large), allowing for maximum versatility. No tools are necessary as the gears are easily slid onto the lens and attached to the focus ring simply by turning the two counteracting rings.
Each lens gear is supplied with a rubber covered band, the GumGum, which features an adhesive surface. This means the inner diameter can be reduced according to the lens diameter, thus supporting multiple lenses. The GumGum also protects against scratches and other damage to the focus ring of the lens.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
Quick mounting – no tools needed
Made of lightweight aluminum
Hardened surface coating
Features a 0.8 pitched gear
Follow focus runs smoother than ever before
No more screwdrivers, worn-out belts or protruding straps
The ZEISS Lens Gear Rings will be available April 21, 2016. Click here for more information.
ZEISS has also announced bundles for the Loxia, Milvus, and Otus lens ranges.
Loxia Lens Bundles are available in 2 or 3 Lens Sets and include a custom Transport Case with removable soft side bag, ZEISS ND Lens Gears and De-Click Keys.
Milvus Lens Bundles are available in ZE or ZF.2 versions and include a choice of 3-6 lenses, with ZEISS ND Lens gears.
Otus Lens Bundles are available in ZE or ZF.2 versions in 2 or 3 Lens Sets and include a custom Transport Case and ZEISS ND Lens Gears.
Sony has released the CBKZ-FS5RIF $600 Update for the PXW-FS5 and PXW-FS5K that enables 2K and 4K RAW recording via the 3G SDI port out to a compatible recorder such as the Odyssey7Q+ or Atomos Shogun.
4K RAW output
The CBKZ-FS5RIF upgrade licence allows the PXW-FS5 to output 4K (4096×2160) RAW at 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p and 59.94p, recording to the AXS-R5 external recorder attached with the HXR-IFR5 interface unit (sold separately), or with a compatible recorder such as the Odyssey7Q+.
Simultaneous XAVC HD internal recording
While outputting 4K/2K RAW to the AXS-R5, it is possible to simultaneously record XAVC HD on SD memory cards in the camcorder’s internal dual media slots.
4K cached RAW output
Approximately 4 seconds of cached 4K RAW can be output at 100 or 120 fps as 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p or 59.94p.
Continuous high speed 2K RAW output
You can output continuous 2K RAW at 100, 120, 200 or 240 fps as 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p or 59.94p.
The CBKZ-FS5RIF RAW Update for the PXW-FS5 and PXW-FS5Krequires Version 2.0 Firmware which is now available for download here. This update includes an auto ND function that changes the strength of the electronic ND filter so that exposure can be adjusted without effecting aperture of shutter speed values. There is also expanded zebra function and GPS capability. Firmware Version 2.0 is a free update.
Get the most out of your Sony PXW-FS5 with the VariZoom VZ-Rock! VariZoom’s most popular LANC unit offers the finest degree of control and a complete feature set! With its wide-sweep zoom rocker, the VZ-Rock combines the attributes of broadcast controls with a compact, affordable design. Also included are record, focus control, Auto/Manual focus switch, onscreen data toggle, rec search, standby control, and LED indicator.
The VZ-Rock LANC camera lens zoom control utilizes a pressure-sensitive, side-to-side rocker switch, much like one would find in broadcast lens controls. This rocker has a greater range of motion for a finer degree of zoom control. Greater control means smoother zooms at more accurate speeds. Maintaining a constant speed is a breeze on the VZ-Rock, producing a more professional-looking result than the standard zoom controls on the FS5!
Paring the VZ-Rock with the Sony PXW-FS5 makes the perfect set-up for any type of production. Attach the VZ-Rock to the arm of a tripod, and use it to quickly and easily access many of the major camera functions without having to touch the camera. Zoom in and out, quickly focus your shot, and then press record/pause all from one convenient device!
Canon has released Firmware Version 2.0.6.1.00 for the EOS C100 Cinema Camera (with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied). The new update fixes a phenomenon in which, when specific lenses (EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM / EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM) are attached to EOS C100 (Dual Pixel CMOS AF) cameras running Firmware Version 2.0.5.1.00, the image stabilization mechanism does not operate even when the lens’ IS switch is in the ON position.
Please Note: Firmware Version 2.0.6.1.00 is ONLY for EOS C100 cameras which have Firmware Version 2.0.3.1.00 – 2.0.5.1.00 with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied.
You can download Firmware 2.0.6.1.00 from the Canon website, here.
After the Firmware update has been performed, the camera’s menu settings and Custom Picture settings will be reset. Canon recommends that users save their menu and Custom Picture settings as settings data to an SD card, separate from the one that will be used to carry out the update, before starting update operations. This saved data can be loaded into the camera and the settings can be changed after the update has been completed.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
– Save and unzip the downloadable archive.
– Insert the SD card into the camera’s SD card slot, and close the card cover.
– Slide the Power switch to [CAMERA].
– After pressing the [MENU] button, navigate to the [OTHER FUNCTIONS] Menu and open the [INITIALIZE MEDIA] submenu.
– Select [SD CARD], and then select the slot you inserted the card in to (A or B).
– Select [COMPLETE] and then press [OK] to complete the initialization of the SD card.
– When the confirmation message appears, press [OK].
– Exit the Menu and slide the Power switch to OFF. Remove the SD card from the camera.
– Copy the firmware update data to the SD card.
– Insert the prepared SD card into the camera’s SD card slot.
– Slide the Power switch to CAMERA.
– After pressing the [MENU] button, open the camera firmware submenu by selecting [OTHER FUNCTIONS] [FIRMWARE] [CAMERA].
– The firmware update confirmation screen will be displayed.
– When you select [OK], the firmware update will start.
– After the update ends, the camera will restart automatically, and a firmware update completion screen will be displayed.
– When you select [OK], all settings will be reset and the [DATE/TIME] screen will appear. Set the date/time.
– Check that the firmware version has changed to current one.
– Exit the Menu, and slide the Power switch to OFF, and then remove the SD card from the camera.
The Metabones EF Lens to Sony-E Smart Adapter (Mark IV) allows you to mount EF-type lenses to the flexible E-mount system on the Sony FS5. It has active electronic circuitry to communicate between the 3rd party lens and the Sony camera. No glass is present in the adapter so no light loss occurs.
So you just picked up a Canon C100 Mark II. What a fantastic camera: 12 stops of dynamic range, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, built-in ND filters, 320 to 102,400 ISO range, and much, much more! In order to get the most out of your new purchase, it is important to configure everything correctly.
Auto Black Balance: Canon recommends that you perform an Auto Black Balance any time you change the ISO. Making sure your lens cap is on, go to the Camera Setup Menu and select ABB. Click OK to perform the function. You may notice some irregularities display on the screen, but this is normal and not a malfunction. Continue reading “Canon C100 Mark II Configuration Guide”→
Canon has issued a firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark II and Mark II PL cameras which adds support for EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lenses (due for release in late March, 2016). The new lenses will not work on previous firmware versions for the EOS C300 Mark II, but they will function properly on Canon’s EOS C500, C300, C100 Mark II, and C100 devices without any update.
CFast 2.0 cards cannot be used to perform the update; a SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card with 64MB is required. Please note: Once the firmware update is performed, the menu and custom picture settings will be reset. Menus and custom picture settings can be saved onto a separate SD card prior to performing the update, and then loaded onto the camera after the update has finished.
Click here to download the firmware update file onto your computer (PC and Mac OSX versions available). The downloaded folder will contain a PDF file with instructions on how to perform the update.
The Atomos Flame Series delivers the world’s most advanced 7” field monitor, delivering the luminance detail of Log with HDR Post Production color accuracy for the first time in a field monitor. The AtomHDR engine not only resolves HDR brightness detail, with 10-bit monitor processing it also resolves 64 times more color information than traditional 8-bit panels. For Rec709 standard dynamic range scenes the 1500nits brightness aids with outdoor shooting as does the upgraded power management system that will keep you shooting longer in the field. Of course you also get the professional 4K/HD ProRes/DNxHR Recording, Playback and Editing that has made Atomos famous.
Panasonic has today announced the new firmware update Version 2.5 for the GH4 to further enhance its performance at no charge. The new firmware Version 2.5 includes following functional updates: Continue reading “Panasonic GH4 Firmware Update Ver. 2.5”→