F55: V5 coming this Friday - new features, ProRes details too

Here are the details for v5...


Major features supported in this release:


•Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® with the optional CBK-55PD
•Interval Recording
•Support for the optional ENG and Documentary shoulder mount dock CBK-55BK
•4K upgrade for the F5 via the optional (for purchase) CBKW-55FX
•Noise suppression in Cine EI mode

<<More features are detailed below>>



Details:


1. Supporting additional codecs, Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® with CBK-55PD

PMW-F55/F5 can record and playback in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 on 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 50i, 59.94i and DNxHD220x, and DNxHD145 on 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50i, 59.94i by installing the optional CBK-55PD (sold separately). NOTE: PMW-F55/F5 with CBK-55PD installed is not supported with the CA-4000 and BPU-4000, 4K Live Productions system.




2. Supporting the optional ENG and Documentary shoulder mount dock CBK-55BK

The PMW-F55/F5 is compatible with the optional CBK-55BK (sold separately). CBK-55BK is a specialized accessory docking unit with shoulder Pad and Interface for the PMW-F55/F5. This accessory can be attached easily and allows users to access key functions such as Shutter, Gain, White Balance, Rec Button and Assignable Buttons. In addition the CBK-55BK supports Wireless slot-in audio receiver and Audio control like standard Broadcast shoulder camcorders.



cbk55bk_3q_20141105_01-1200.jpg



cbk55bk_rear_20141105_06-1200.jpg




3. Supporting the optional 4K Upgrade for PMW-F5 with CBKW-55FX

By installing the dedicated option CBKZ-55FX (sold separately), recording and playback of XAVC 4K and XAVC QFHD is available for the PMW-F5. In addition, simultaneous recording function with MPEG Proxy is available.




4. Interval Rec function with XAVC and RAW

Interval Rec function allows you to record frames specified at regular intervals. Interval Rec function is available with XAVC format and RAW recording with the AXS-R5.




5. HDCAM SR File, (SStP) SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i (PMW-F55 only)

PMW-F55 supports SStP SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i. Also simultaneous recording function with MPEG Proxy is available.




6. Memory A/B white balance in Custom mode

White balance Memory is expanded to Memory A and Memory B in Custom mode. The color temperature can be set independently.




7. Noise suppression is available in Cine EI mode

“Noise Suppression” setting in the Camera menu is available even in Cine EI mode. The default setting is OFF.




8. Added selectable functions for Assignable Button

“Color Bars,” “VF Focus Magnifier,” and “White Memory” (switching between Memory A/B) are added to “Assignable Button”




9.Direct Changing FPS (STEP) using Menu dial

During S&Q Motion, FPS can be changed by pushing and rotating the Menu dial. You can set 6 steps of Frame Rate in “Menu Dial Assign” in “Assignable Button” menu.





Bug fixes



When using assignable button of marker, incorrect message was displayed. This has been fixed.



After APR in HFR mode, in some cases Frame Rate was changed to 60FPS automatically. This has been fixed.



In some cases false color function with DVF-EL100 and DVF-L700 worked in S-Log3 incorrectly. This has been fixed. False color function is available only when S-Log2 is selected.



While simultaneous recording with RAW and MPEG50 in 50 and 59.94, recording start frame of MPEG50 was delayed. This has been fixed.



Double Speed VF setting was automatically turned off when HFR mode turns off. This has been fixed. Double Speed VF setting remains when changing HFR mode on/off.





Please not the following:


1. iOS setting for Wi-Fi Remote

While using Wi-Fi Remote with iOS devices and Safari, please turn off Private browse function.


2. All file Support

All files which are created with Firmware v5.0 are not compatible with an earlier firmware version.


3. Auto Reboot after ABB and APR on ProRes and DNxHD®

When ABB or APR is executed in ProRes and DNxHD mode, PMW-F55/F5 automatically reboots after displaying “Auto Black Balance OK” or “RPN Auto Detection OK ” and “Rebooting…..”. This sequence is normal. ABB or APR is correctly executed.


4. Assignable buttons setting does not remain

When you update to v5.0 from an earlier version of firmware, or load ALL File generated in an earlier version of firmware, the Assignable buttons setting does not remain. Please set each assignable buttons manually.

Can be downloaded here: https://community.sony.com/t5/F5-F55/NEW-Firmware-Version-5-0/m-p/474373#U474373
 
Is the CBKW-55FX license available for purchase now that version 5.0 is released? Can't seem to find anything about it so far.



Sony FS-7, F5, PMW-500 XDCAM, Canon C300 and Panasonic HD
 
My guess, Since Sony has not announced the board is that you can not buy it soon, but as soon as its available from vendors I trust we will hear about it quickly. BHphotovideo also tends to list stuff that is coming in the pipelines, their site might have some info about ETA.
 
Yes, I have the board pre-paid with my Sony dealer, but the license is just the 1,000.00 user installed upgrade (un-lock code) I was referring to that was supposed to be available for purchase when version 5.0 was released. Sony FS-7, F5, PMW-500 XDCAM, Canon C300 and Panasonic HD
 
oh sorry I thought you were referring to the prores board. The 4K XAVC upgrade for $1000 I haven't heard anything about, nor can really tell from Sony's post. Not sure why they can't just announce some dates.

That aside,

@Grug / Mark - did you see this?

HDCAM SR File, (SStP) SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i

sure it's interlaced, but get out your old best de-interlacing software and you can now get 60p in SR. That's actually quite decent.
 
Yes. Agreed. For me V5 really is only the needed step to purchase the 4k internal license, but all the other little fixes will help no doubt. Sony FS-7, F5, PMW-500 XDCAM, Canon C300 and Panasonic HD
 
boy I really ought to read things better.

Also its only for 422 not 444. Still kind of interesting, SR is quite cleaner than XAVC, so I would actually be tempted to shoot 59i SR and de-interlace it later for progressive frame. I did this a lot in early 2000's before 24p was available on prosumer cameras.. works quite well with specific algorithms and/or settings.

I think I will have to test this over the holidays ; XAVC 60p vs SR 60p (with de-interlace) – it will give me something to write about for my January entry on my blog :cool:
 
Is SR easy for Avid to work with? I always assumed DnX-HD and XAVC were, but another shooter/editor on dvxuser had said Avid works even better with ProRes. I learn something new every day. Sony FS-7, F5, PMW-500 XDCAM, Canon C300 and Panasonic HD
 
I won't lie, I'm a bit of a 4K snob either shooting 4K XAVC or 4K RAW via R5 on my F55 - I also never really gave SR a good evaluation because I jumped on the 4K bandwagon when I got the camera 21 months ago. But now that the dust has settled with my 4K obsessions, I am willing to give SR another look, also because Mark has shot a lot with it and swears by it.

As for ingesting it, I know Sony Vegas supports it, but otherwise you can re-wrap it using SR viewer and that will let you inject it to FCP X and Premiere. See more: http://blog.abelcine.com/2013/07/30/working-with-sr-codec-on-the-f5-f55/#sthash.ghi9eUSC.dpuf
 
If Sony gave us all 50-60p in 444 12bit SR, and the ability to S&Q it to 23.98p, I would be very happy.

I have no time for interlaced, but in version 6 you might get the 59.94p version, which is the highest frame rate SR goes to I believe.

To be fair, with RAW you have it all Dennis, I would just stick with that and convert it to what format you need in post. You just like tinkering :smile:
 
starcentral said:
I won't lie, I'm a bit of a 4K snob either shooting 4K XAVC or 4K RAW via R5 on my F55 - I also never really gave SR a good evaluation because I jumped on the 4K bandwagon when I got the camera 21 months ago. But now that the dust has settled with my 4K obsessions, I am willing to give SR another look, also because Mark has shot a lot with it and swears by it.

As for ingesting it, I know Sony Vegas supports it, but otherwise you can re-wrap it using SR viewer and that will let you inject it to FCP X and Premiere. See more: http://blog.abelcine.com/2013/07/30/working-with-sr-codec-on-the-f5-f55/#sthash.ghi9eUSC.dpuf
Click to expand...


I drank the SR Koolaid when I got my F55. I've shot more SR footage than anything else. It really is nice. I use Vegas Pro so it's a perfect fit. I even render out to SR when using Raw Viewer and Resolve. I'll also mention that SR Viewer is a nice piece of FREE software you can give to the client so they can go through footage on their own time.
 
Posted 43 minutes ago: https://community.sony.com/t5/F5-F5...ption-and-CBK-55PD-encoder/m-p/474650#U474650

Below is a brief FAQ on how we will roll out the optional 4K upgrade for the F5, and the CBK-55PD encoder board



FAQs



CBKZ-55FX


1.What is the CBKZ-55FX?

a. CBKZ-55FX is an optional license key that activates XAVC 4K/QFHD recording and playback, 4K SDI and 4K HDMI Output as well as simultaneous recording of XAVC 4K/QFHD, and MPEG HD in the PMW-F5.



2. When will the CBKZ-55FX be available?



a. The CBKZ-55FX will begin shipping in mid-Jan.



3. Is firmware version 5.0 required in order to install the CBKZ-55FX?



a. Yes, v5.0 firmware is required on the PMW-F5 prior to installing the license key.



4. Is the CBKZ-55FX installed by the end user or Sony Service?



a. The CBKZ-55FZ is installed by the end user. See FAQ #5.



5. What is the purchase/installation process of the CBKZ-55FX? The purchase process is similar to any other product.



a. The end user places an order for CBKZ-55FX with their Sony Authorized Reseller or directly with Sony.

b. Sony will ship an envelope containing a purchase key and instructions for downloading and installing the license to the Reseller (reseller order) or End user Customer (direct order).

c. Reseller will ship the envelope to their end user customer.

d. The end user must follow the instructions provided in the envelope to download/install the license key.



6. What is the difference between the CBKZ-55FX upgrade option vs the F52F55UPGKIT?



a. The F52F55UPGKIT is a hardware upgrade option that offers the same image sensor and Color Filter Array as the F55, in addition to the internal 4K and output capabilities as the CBKZ-55FX, explained above.

b. One other difference is the F52F55UPGKIT permits live 4K signal output via the CA-4000 fiber adapter, which the CBKZ-55FX does not





CBK-55PD

Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® encoder board for F5/F55


1.When will the CBK-55PD Codec Board be available?

a. The board will begin to ship in early Jan.



2. What is the purchase/installation process for the CBK-55PD Codec Board?



a. The end user places an order for CBK-55PD with their Sony Authorized Reseller or directly with Sony.

b. The Reseller or Sony will ship the Codec Board to the customer.

c. The CBK-55PD Codec Board must be installed at a Sony Service Center. End users must schedule an appointment with the Sony Service Center for the installation. This is a one way upgrade; the encoder board cannot be uninstalled.






Sony Service Center

123 Tryon Avenue

Teaneck New Jersey, 07666

Email: TeaneckService@am.sony.com

Phone: 201-833-5300

Sony Service Center

2706 Media Center Drive; Suite 130

Los Angeles, California 90065

Email: LAService@am.sony.com

Phone: 323-352-5000
 
starcentral said:
@Grug / Mark - did you see this?

HDCAM SR File, (SStP) SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i

sure it's interlaced, but get out your old best de-interlacing software and you can now get 60p in SR. That's actually quite decent.
Click to expand...

Saw that, though it's only for the F55.

How do you get 60p out of a 59.94 signal? I thought it was just a progressive 29.97 stream divided into interlaced frames? (I'm not very familiar with interlaced footage).
 
interlaced reads every other row from the full sensor at 59.94i - so you get that cheap soap opera effect rather than what a 60p progressive image would look like.

In the older days I was using post software to analyze the interlaced footage and create a new progressive frame based on both interlaced fields. Sometimes you get a bit of artifacting but it depends on trying different algorithms and/or settings. It's definitely not "perfect".
 
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