Sony FS700 4K RAW upgrade: color bit depth question answered

[PrimeHD]

Update: Sony now posted more detailed info online, explaining how to order an upgrade to 4K, and what will that upgrade do to the camera - see here: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/show-hi...00#/fs700t1_15

=========================================

Until recently, it was not clear whether the 4K firmware 3.0 upgrade would help color bit depth of the camera output or not. Before the update, output was 8 bit.

I just had my FS700 updated at Sony service center Teaneck NJ, and they provided a printout with it that seems to answer that question.

FS700 is now outputting RAW in 12 bit.

Here's what Sony printout said (I scanned it):

"Sony is offering a 12-bit 2K RAW & 4K RAW output upgrade to owners of NEX-FS700U & NEX-FS700UK camcorders.
Adding RAW output capability from the NEX-FS700 cameras requires a wide-ranging,
internal hardware reprogramming. This must be performed at a Sony Professional Service Depot. The
cost to perform the upgrade is $400.00 per camcorder, which is the labor cost of reprogramming.
The upgrade adds "high production value" capability to NEX-FS700 camcorders.
• 12-bit 2K-RAW & 4K-RAW recording to the optional HXR-IFR5/AXS-R5 AXSM RAW recording
system.
• 4K-RAW recording up to 60fps. 2K-RAW up to 240fps recordings
• Recording is as long as media capacity allows; there’s no limit to clip size!
• 4K-RAW up to 60fps and 2K-RAW up to 240fps recordings write directly to the AXS-512/S24
memory card (when using the ASXM RAW system), without buffering - cutting the wait time for
the data to spool from the buffer to the recording media.
• 120fps 4K-RAW recording-to-buffer (Approximately 3.75 seconds record time per burst, 17
seconds 4K playback at 24fps). ‘
• Simultaneous AVCHD recording to internal SD card or external FMU memory unit while
recording RAW to the AXS-R5 recorder (proxy is not available while recording HFR - High Frame Rate).
• Two new gamma curves: S-Log2 and 800% ITU70 are added to the camera.
• Record trigger command are now embedded in the HDMI and SDI uncompressed digital outputs
(for outboard recorders).
• The SELP18200 Power zoom lens is supported for use with the zoom lever on the grip of the
camcorder
• Additionally, upgraded NEX-FS700 camcorders may also interface with an appropriately
configured Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q recorder /monitor . Please contact Convergent Design
or visit their website at convergent-design.com for important interface details. The
Odyssey 7Q utilizes Cinema DNG RAW recording up to 2K 240fps. For 4K recording, the Odyssey
7Q creates DPX files. (corrections coming from Convergent)"

[PrimeHD]

Here's a scan of the newest Sony brochure for FS700, showing changes in settings after the 4K firmware upgrades are done - see PDF attached.

[zeke]

Are they going to start coming from the factory with the upgrade installed?

[vincent thomas]

I contacted SONY to ask about this and the option for a 4k ready package with the recorder but so far, they didn't even dare to answer. Really poor customer and relation service, disapointing...

vince*


__________________________________________________ ______________
Vincent Thomas
Author / Creative Art Director & VFX supervisor / MattePainter & Concept Designer
http://fr.linkedin.com/in/vincentthomas
http://www.stranger-than-paradise.book.fr/

[PrimeHD]

Are they going to start coming from the factory with the upgrade installed?

Unfortunately, this is not clear yet. I'd like to know this also.

Perhaps Convergent Design has an answer, since they are the ones developing a Sony FS700-compatible recorder.

My guess would be, IF Sony in fact has 4K version already built-in, there will be both 4K and pre-4K versions floating around for a while, until pre-4K inventory is sold out.

On the bright side, the cam's price dropped $500, and on top of it it comes bundled with the Metabones adapter - which saves another $500 !