Sony Press

On 9 April, Sony announced the UMC-S3C, a video camera that features high sensitivity with 4K video recording simultaneously, allowing users to capture details even in challenging low-light conditions. The camera also features increased flexibility and long duration video recording alongside 12 megapixel colour still image capture.

The UMC-S3C realises the highest sensitivity in its class with illuminance as under 0.004lx, ISO 409600. This is possible by incorporating Sony’s technologies from both its consumer and professional space – the full-frame 35mm Exmor sensor and image processing engine.

Sony’s UMC-S3C uses a 35mm full-frame sensor which realises high sensitivity with high light condensing efficiency and an image processing engine which enhances noise reduction. With the inclusion of compatible E-mount lenses that are optimised to maximise the performance of the 35mm full-frame sensor, resolution is kept high across the entire image area from the centre to the lens periphery.

Weighing approximately 400g, the lightweight UMC-S3C is currently the most compact camera among Sony’s line-up in the full-frame camera market. With mounting points on the camera body to enhance mobility, the stand-alone camera allows users to embed it onto moving objects including vehicles and robot with ease. In addition, users can control the camera via multi terminal, remote controller or compatible software.

The UMC-S3C is suitable for a variety of applications including disaster responses; wildlife monitoring; mapping or surveying of landscape; surveillance, inspections and investigations; live camera; dashboard/professional point-of-view cameras, among others.

Long duration video recording is also possible as the stand-alone camera is equipped with a memory card slot on the camera body instead of network cabling feature. With a 64GB memory card, users can record up to 125 minutes of 4K footage with standard quality (30 fps/60 Mbps). Further, with 4K resolution, where images are four times better than full HD, users can cover larger areas with outstanding image quality with the camera that also accommodates XAVC S format which enables high quality recording with 100Mbps high bit rate.

Sony’s UMC-S3C will be available from August 2016 onward.

The latest addition to Sony’s shoulder mount XDCAM range offers stronger network
and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC 60p recording and pool
feed functions to give ENG and field production professionals a versatile and high-
performance tool. Among its features are:

• An Ethernet interface that enables direct connection to a network when wireless
LAN is unstable or unavailable, for file transfer, live streaming and control from a
web browser
• A near-field communications (NFC) feature providing a one-touch link between the
camera and a mobile device.
• A Content Browser Mobile application enabling users to preview or remotely
control camcorder settings of various menu functions.
• Pool feed function (HD/SD SDI) enabling 1.5G HD-SDI external signal recording on
SxS card.
• “ONLINE’ button, which lets users bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu
for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from a
PXW-X400 to assigned destinations; auto-uploading of proxy files to cloud services
and FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 network server while
in shooting.
• 2/3′ 3-chip CMOS image sensor
• Supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC
• Lens options include a 20x Manual Focus Lens (PXW-X400KC model) and a 16x
Auto Focus Lens (PXW-X400KF model).

The Sony PXW-FS5 is available on a 24 hour trial for videographers who would like to
have a first-hand experience of shooting with Sony’s latest camera.

The compact new PXW-FS5 provides on-the-go shooting with 4K image quality. The
camera weighs 0.8kg, with an ergonomic weight balance to ensure comfortable and
reliable handheld shooting.

The PXW-FS5 features an adaptable design that allows multiple shooting angles,
modification, and mounting on a drone.

The PXW-FS5 can be obtained for trial by registering* here. The test drive for the camera will conclude in
March 2016.

*Unfortunately, the campaign is only valid in the UAE.

In February 2016, Sony will launch its latest addition to the PXW series of XDCAM shoulder-mount camcorders. The PXW-X400, delivers stronger network and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC 60p recording and pool feed functions to give ENG and field production professionals a versatile and high-performance tool.

“This new camcorder combines all the capabilities pro shooters need – connectivity, ergonomics and high performance – into a true production workhorse,’ said Vivian Saldanha, business head, Content Creation Sales and Market development, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “The various additions of features like XAVC 60p recording and pool feed make the PXW-X400 a perfect fit for today’s demanding field content creation requirements.’

The new camcorder’s Ethernet interface (RJ45 connector) enables direct connection to a network, when wireless LAN is unstable or unavailable for file transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. A near-field communications (NFC) feature gives users a one-touch link between the camera and a mobile device. The Content Browser Mobile Application enables users to preview or remotely control camcorder settings of various menu functions.

The pool feed function (HD/SD SDI) enables users to record 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on a SxS card, a useful function to record a distributed signal from another camera on-site without a portable deck.

By redesigning the inner structure of the camcorder body, Sony has improved the weight balance and handling capabilities compared to predecessor models. The combination of a newly introduced manual lens and the well-balanced body resolves any front-heavy issues and reduces the load on the right-hand.

The camcorder’s “online button’ lets users bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from a PXW-X400 to assigned destinations; auto-uploading of proxy files to cloud services and FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 network server while in shooting.

The low-power (22W) camcorder PXW-X400 uses a 2/3′ 3-chip CMOS image sensor and supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC. Lens options include a 20x Manual Focus Lens (PXW-X400KC model) and a 16x Auto Focus Lens (PXW-X400KF model). The PXW-X400 model is body-only with no lens or viewfinder. The new camcorder also supports Sony’s new HDVF-series Full HD OLED Viewfinder (model HDVF-EL20/EL30).

Sony is holding an exclusive competition to celebrate the spirit of content creators everywhere, with one winner set to claim a new PXW-FS5 camera for their work.

Unveiled at IBC 2015, the compact PXW-FS5 provides unsurpassed on-the-go shooting with excellent 4K image quality, in even the most demanding of conditions. The camera weighs only 0.8kg, with an ergonomic weight balance to ensure comfortable and reliable handheld shooting. The PXW-FS5 features an adaptable design that allows multiple shooting angles, modification, and even mounting on a drone. Sony has built the PXW-FS5 with creative flexibility at the top of the agenda– eradicating limits to shoot any style, any angle, anywhere.

Sony is now giving filmmakers of all abilities the opportunity to win the PXW-FS5 for themselves. In a global competition, entrants are invited to submit a two-minute film under the theme “No More Limits’, which will be scored on creativity and uniqueness as well as the difficulty level of the shots captured.

Eligible submissions should be uploaded to YouTube and entered on the Sony Professional website by 31 October. The videos which receive the most YouTube “likes’ from 1 to 15 November will form regional shortlists, with Sony Independent Certified Experts selecting their favourites as part of an exclusive webinar in early December. Finalists from the Middle East and Africa region will win a Sony α7S II and will be entered into the global final to win the PXW-FS5. The grand winner will also be announced during the webinar.

For more information and to register for the competition, along with full terms and
conditions, click here.

Sony is demonstrating how it is enabling its customers and partners to mould and reshape the field of media solutions, introducing a number of new ideas, approaches and solutions at IBC 2015. Running until 15 September, at the RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, IBC is an opportunity for Sony to showcase how its “Beyond Definition’ vision serves as the foundation for exciting new consumer experiences and a breadth of business opportunities for media organisations. Sony’s announcements at IBC centre around the three key areas that it believes are driving industry-wide innovation: Image, IP and workflow.

Working in partnership to go “Beyond Definition’

“The image, IP and workflow innovations we’re demonstrating at IBC show how we’re continuously reshaping our technology and services to exceed the demands of the rapidly-changing media industry. As our customers’ goals shift and evolve they look to us as a true partner who can deliver great technological innovation and provide them with pragmatic and scalable solutions,’ said Katsunori Yamanouchi, vice president of Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “While innovation remains core to our company DNA, the ideas, approaches and skills of our people play a pivotal role in translating these technical developments into business success for our customers. This commitment to exceeding expectations is what we think of as ‘Beyond Definition’ and is evident in force at IBC.”

Improving every aspect of what the eye can see

While the changing nature of content delivery platforms and receiving devices is set to be a key topic for exhibitors and delegates throughout IBC, Sony maintains a driving focus on evolving and improving the images that underpin every audience experience. At the show, Sony showcased a variety of imaging solutions including HDC-4300, PXW-FS5, and the full HD OLED viewfinder HDVF-EL20.

The operational benefits of IP-connected infrastructure for every
production environment including 4K and beyond

As requirements around ever-bigger image files, speed-to-air and IT-based workflows continue to influence broadcasters’ strategic development, Sony is reiterating its intention to connect all elements of production infrastructure via IP. Even in the most challenging of live production environments, Sony is working with a number of manufacturers to support an industry-wide shift to IP which will allow all parties to benefit from reduced infrastructure and cabling costs, broader use of standard IT networks and greater efficiencies in production resource planning. Some of the solutions include IP Live Production System, the XVS-8000 – a 4K/IP Live Switcher; the BPU-4500 – a baseband processor unit for 4K and high frame rate system cameras; and the PWS-4500 – a multi-port live production server system.

A collaborative approach to transforming production and distribution workflows Sony is again stating its commitment to working with media organisations as a business partner, evolving their media production and distribution workflows to help them achieve major, strategic transformations across their production platforms. At the event various solutions including Sony’s Workflow Innovation Solutions, Media Lifecycle Services, Ci Media Cloud Services and Catalyst Edit software was showcased.

Sony is expanding its Home Cinema line-up by announcing three new projectors. From native 4K to Full HD 3D resolution, the new Sony Home Cinema projectors are packed with the latest innovative technologies.

New native 4K models

The new projectors include the VPL-VW520ES and VPL-VW320ES, which deliver native 4K resolution for a truly immersive viewing experience. These projectors are the successors to Sony’s hugely popular VPL-VW500ES and VPL-VW300ES projectors, and a new long-lasting lamp gives both up to 6000 hours of performance, with high brightness and high contrast for even more vibrant images.

For the first time ever in home cinema projection, the VPL-VW520ES is compatible with HDMI input of HDR (High Dynamic Range) content with a 300 000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. HDR imagery comes closest to the reality our eyes see every day, with higher contrast, deeper blacks, and exceptional dynamic range. Sony is developing HDR support across its portfolio, and the VPL-VW520ES gives home cinema enthusiasts the opportunity to experience total immersion in whatever they are watching.

The new VPL-VW520ES and VPL-VW320ES use advanced SXRDTM panels for a native 4K picture, with no artificial manipulation of pixels. Rich and accurate colour reproduction is ensured by Sony’s proprietary TRILUMINOSTM engine design, and Motionflow picture technology also serves to deliver clearer, less blurry images when watching fast-paced, cinematic action.

Both new models allow users to enjoy up-to-date 4K content services through the latest connectivity options in the latest HDMI standard and HDCP 2.2. A built-in RF 3D transmitter makes it easy to provide further adaptability with a strong wireless signal for wider coverage and 3D synchronisation stability.

Users may also adjust the picture to perfectly suit their tastes through the professional calibration function. This colour correction tool allows users to adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of each colour and the colour space for red, green, blue respectively, to their desired level.

“These new 4K projectors from Sony demonstrate our commitment to the native 4K resolution and HDR imagery, which guarantees the most immersive cinematic experience. Our projectors further support this through SXRD technology to achieve high-resolution images without the need to compromise between deep contrast and motion capabilities. We want our customers to enjoy true 4K,’ said Aydin Tolan, business head Visual Presentation Solutions, Sony Professional Solutions MEA.

New VPL-HW65ES

The new VPL-HW65ES uses SXRD panel technology and 2nd generation Reality Creation for a Full HD home cinema experience at a lower price point. The VPL- HW65ES also benefits from Sony’s 6000 hour long-lasting lamp, a built in RF 3D transmitter and a USB update function to keep the device’s firmware up-to-date with the latest software releases. IP control gives the projector versatile home automation compatibility, which combines with its compact size and front exhaust for a range of flexible installation solutions.

The new projectors will be available in October 2015.