The evolution of Sony 4K
Rob Willox
Issue: September 1, 2015

The evolution of Sony 4K

As new technology platforms emerge, content distribution models change and production requirements change, Sony 4K professional technologies are also evolving to help content creators deliver new and exciting content. From capture to production to post production, from critical viewing to television viewing, Sony is leading the way in 4K, providing the science to empower users’ creativity.

Sony delivers 4K professional technologies for all budgets, productions and form factors — from the F65, the first 8K digital motion picture camera, the F55 and F5, to compact camcorders such as the PXW-FS7 and NEX-FS700 models, 4K-ready production switchers, 4K/HD servers and the new PMW-PZ1 4K/HD player and 4K OLED master monitors.



HIGHLIGHTS OF SONY’S 4K LINE-UP

The F65, F55 and F5 continue to be heavily used to shoot motion pictures, TV shows, sports and live entertainment, online content, commercials and documentaries. Ongoing upgrades and product development have enabled the addition of new codecs and recording options, all offering compatibility with most workflow platforms. These camera technologies are continually delivering better image quality and higher performance to give professionals more creative flexibility.

Sony’s new HDC-4300 camera is the world’s first camera to use three 2/3-inch native 4K image sensors. This next generation of HDC series camera technology bridges the gap between high frame rate and traditional studio camera. It combines the familiar HDC series workflow with three specially-developed 2/3 inch 4K sensors, B4 lens support, up to 8x Super Slow Motion, and 4K/HD flexibility. Several industry leaders in the sports and entertainment world have already made substantial commitment to this new camera technology.

The camera lets operators use the vast array of 2/3-inch ENG and high magnification and long zoom range box lenses currently used by HD 2/3-inch systems while maintaining the angle of view and depth of field that sports producers are accustomed to. The system allows the capture of premium 4K or HD images, as well as up to 8x high frame rate.



The new HDC-4300 comes equipped with up to 3x Super Slow Motion, with 4x, 6x and 8x progressive High Frame Rates and 4K crop and zoom capability (with optional software). The HDC-4300 offers high-quality replay and specialty program effects and 4K UHD capability. This power is complemented by Sony’s PWS-440 Server, which can record the 8x as well as 4K UHD at very high quality levels using the 10-bit XAVC codec.
 
High dynamic range leads the way to a richer level of video expression, delivering higher contrast, and higher brightness. The high-dynamic-range content shot by the F65 and F55 CineAlta cameras can now be viewed to their fullest on the BVM-X300 4K OLED Trimaster EL master monitor, featuring Sony’s high-contrast, high peak brightness organic EL panel. 

Sony OLED professional master monitoring technology represents the highest level of critical evaluation display technology. The BVM-X300 4K OLED Monitor is a 30-inch, 4K, OLED master monitor. As the flagship Trimaster EL professional monitor, the BVM-X300 is an ideal tool for a wide range of applications, such as color grading and quality control in the 4K production workflow. Its leading features include unparalleled black performance, accurate color reproduction, quick pixel response and industry-leading wide viewing angles. In addition, the BVM-X300 supports several high dynamic range modes and has a wide color gamut.

The monitor marries seamlessly with Sony’s professional cameras, rapidly offering viewing at full range without making changes or conversions while solving some of the top concerns associated with pairing monitors and High Dynamic Range (HDR) cameras. This is due to a complete redesign of the OLED panel, which lets the monitor display images at extreme brightness levels while still keeping blacks at their deepest level.   



Sony’s new compact and portable PMW-PZ1 4K memory player is equipped with four 3G-SDI outputs and one HDMI output, enabling a stable connection to a wide variety of 4K display devices. It can be easily used on-location as a confidence monitor and at events and other venues to replay 4K video.
Sony’s line of pro 4K technologies and solutions are designed to deliver the highest levels of quality and performance for 4K production, meeting professionals’ needs today, and tomorrow. 

Rob Willox is the Senior Marketing Manager, Content Creation Systems for Sony Electronics in Park Ridge, NJ (www.sony.com/professional).