Derrick_SA
Veteran
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
thanks,
Derrick
Could a software update change the color sampling?
- Thread starter Derrick_SA
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Stevet
Veteran
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!
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
Moderator
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?
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
Veteran
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?
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?
The Why dont they use 100mbps 422 long gop. that probably looks amazing.
Barry_Green
Moderator
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
Moderator
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...
tnle2
Well-known member
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.
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.
i dont think theres even a protocall for 1080p60p. What can even show that?
moviemaker999
Well-known member
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.
tnle2
Well-known member
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, 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, although it's a studio/EFP camera head only.
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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...