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-h...html?PID=I:35mm_NEXFS700:NEXFS700#/fs700t1_15
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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)"
=========================================
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)"
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