Could a software update change the color sampling?

[Derrick_SA]

Is it possible for them to have a firmware update that takes it from 4:2:0 35mbps to 4:2:2 50mbps on the EX ?


thanks,
Derrick

[Stevet]

IMO, I'd say no.
Even if it was possible, Sony would not offer the upgrade.
This process would loose the possibility of future camera profits.

I believe things are heading that way. With Cineform announcing plans for portable 4:2:2 recorders, it's going to get REAL interesting over the next couple years!

[Barry_Green]

Is it possible with a software update? Only Sony knows. Apparently the Convergent Designs XDR flash recorder uses a Sony MPEG encoding chip that allows up to 100mbps 4:2:2 long-GOP, and 160mbps I-frame 4:2:2 encoding as well as 25mbps and 35mbps. But does the EX1 use such a flexible chip? If it uses that same chip, maybe it'd be possible.

As a practical matter, I'd say it's none too likely. Firmware updates that unlock new features in cameras in this price range are pretty much unheard of. On $25,000+ products, yes -- Panasonic's added 24p capability to the SPX800, they added 24pN to the HPX2000, and Sony added cache recording to the PDW350, to name a few things. But I can't think of a single case of JVC or Sony or Canon or Panasonic ever having introduced a firmware update to allow any new features of any significance on an under-$10,000 camcorder, have they?

[Stevet]

Wow,
I forgot about the Convergent Designs and their Sony chip.

I agree, I can not remember any sub 10K camera ever offering a substantial upgrade. Like you said, i't usually the big gun cameras. I believe RED is going to be able to offer a lot.

Having said that, if the EX1 was capable to offer the 4:2:2 options you listed, I'd be willing to drop some more cash for these upgrades!

Barry, speaking of RED, did you ever get yours?

[TimurCivan]

The Why dont they use 100mbps 422 long gop. that probably looks amazing.

[Barry_Green]

Barry, speaking of RED, did you ever get yours?
Shipping delays have pushed it into January sometime; they had a delay for upgrading the noise performance and then recently a one-week delay while greatly improving the cold-weather performance. There's 200 about to ship, I'm not in that batch but I'm in the next batch so it should arrive in January.

[Barry_Green]

The Why dont they use 100mbps 422 long gop. that probably looks amazing.
I cannot answer that question for you. I ask that question myself. What's the point of having an 800mbps media to write to, and (potentially) the ability to generate 100mbps long-GOP 4:2:2 or 160-mbps intraframe 4:2:2, and not use it? Of course, we're not saying the EX1 has that chip or has this capability, but I don't understand why they wouldn't build that capability in...

[Tim Le]

WARNING: This post is full of speculation and is not based on any part of reality.

There is some speculation floating around that Sony *might* add pre-record (2-3 seconds) during the next firmware update to support 32 GB SxS cards. I doubt 4:2:2 would be added because it's unlikely the current MPEG encoder hardware supports it. If they were to add 4:2:2, I think it's more likely to happen at NAB as a new camera because they have said the EX is a "series" of cameras. Makes sense to me since a small form factor EX type camera with 50 mbps 4:2:2 would compliment the 2/3" full size models that does the same thing coming out next year. Now imagine if that small form factor EX camera was also 2/3"? Now that would be something! I doubt that will happen, though.

I agree they should just give us additional bitrate options if the SxS cards are capable of handling it. And while they're at it, 1080/60P! But, they don't have any incentive to do this until Panasonic, Canon or JVC strikes back.

[TimurCivan]

i dont think theres even a protocall for 1080p60p. What can even show that?

[moviemaker999]

I would be willing to pay a couple thousand dollars for a firmware update that gives 4:2:2 50mbps. I think camera companies should make base cameras for a certain price , then allow you to purchase firmware upgrades based on your needs.

[Tim Le]

i dont think theres even a protocall for 1080p60p. What can even show that?

I'm not all that current on HDTV sets, but I think most modern native 1080p sets should be able to display it (could be wrong, though). According to this article (http://www.digitaltvdesignline.com/showArticle.jhtml?printableArticle=true&articleId=199902115), the Sony W3000 series' HDMI input is compatible with 1080/60p. I think the PS3 outputs 1080/60p, no?

But you're right, currently there is no standard for broadcasting or delivering 1080/60p material. The ATSC broadcast standard may not even be able to accommodate the bandwidth for it, even if they amended the standard. But I was thinking of having 1080/60p recording in a camera more for slow motion work. 120p would be be even better. I saw a Warren Miller ski movie the other week and a lot of it was shot on 120 fps 16mm. Nice stuff.

1080/60p cameras also already exist. One such camera is the Sony HDC-1500 (http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/hdc1500l.shtml), although it's a studio/EFP camera head only.

[TimurCivan]

if i had a camera that shot 250FPS i would be totalllllly happy..... 120 is slow but nothign is a beautiful or dramatic as 250fps.... water splashing, rain drops moving by real slow..... etc.. so cool...