Sony VENICE High Frame Rate will come up to 4K 120fps

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 9, 2019


Sony VENICE High Frame Rate will come up to 4K 120fps

Firmware Version 4.0 Introduces New Optional HFR License Speeds up to 120fps at 4K 2.39:1, and 60fps at 6K 3:2, Advanced Remote-control Functionalities, and Cooke/i3 and Zeiss Extended Metadata Support

January 31, 2019: Sony will be upgrading the capabilities of its next-generation motion picture camera system, VENICE, by introducing High Frame Rate (HFR) shooting, advanced remote-control functionalities and Cooke/i3 and Zeiss extended metadata support, as part of its latest firmware update. Following the recent release of VENICE’s firmware Version 3.0 and the upcoming launch of its Extension System (CBK-3610XS), which was developed in collaboration with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and is currently being used to shoot the AVATAR sequels, the latest upgrade will offer filmmakers even greater creative freedom, flexibility and choice.

The new optional High Frame Rate license allows VENICE to shoot at speeds of up to 120fps at 4K 2.39:1, and 60fps at 6K 3:2 as well as up to 110fps at 4K 17:9 and 75fps at 4K 4:3 with anamorphic lenses. The new additional frame rates are particularly well-suited for drama, movie and commercial productions in 4K and 6K, as well as productions at 50/60p in 6K and VR productions using large viewing angle of 6K 3:2 in 60p.

All High Frame Rates support X-OCN recording including X-OCN XT* implemented from Ver.3.0 and High Frame Rate up to 60fps support XAVC 4K and ProRes recording.

“At Sony, we pride ourselves on working closely with our customers and partners to create solutions that enable modern filmmakers to bring their vision to reality just the way they intend to. In fact, High Frame Rate shooting was a feature that was frequently requested by our customers. We listened to their feedback and are excited to now offer this feature to all new and existing VENICE users,” explained Theresa Alesso, Vice President and Head of CineAlta for Sony Electronics. “Last year at Cine Gear Expo, we announced that Version 4.0 will include 120fps in 2K. However, we are excited to announce today that, as a result of the hard work of our engineering team, Version 4.0 will now include 120fps in 4K. With firmware Version 4.0, our state-of-the-art VENICE will become even more powerful, fortifying its position as the go-to solution for cinematographers who want to create stunning imagery and capture emotion in every frame.”Additionally, Version 4.0 of the VENICE firmware will introduce:

  • 700 Protocol – A control protocol developed by Sony to connect VENICE to a remote-control unit (RM-B750 or RM-B170) and an RCP-1500 series remote control panel, giving filmmakers greater flexibility in bringing their visions to life. Further expanding on the camera’s existing remote-control capabilities, the VENICE now offers paint control, iris control, recording start/stop, clip control, and more. The upgraded remote-control function also adds new workflows to extend VENICE’s use in multi-camera and live production settings, such as live concerts and fashion shows.
  • Support for Cooke’s /i third generation metadata Technology, /i3 and ZEISS eXtended Data technology (based on Cooke /i Technology) – Extended lens metadata can now be embedded straight into a RAW/X-OCN/XAVC file and HD-SDI output without the need for additional metadata equipment. The new function allows distortion and shading caused by supported lenses to be easily rectified, significantly reducing post-production costs.

Further features include an extended Mask+Line setting in the Frame line set-up, selectable functions for the assignable buttons of the DVF-EL200 viewfinder and pure Progressive HD-SDI output in 25p and 29p.

Both the free upgrade to firmware Version 4.0 and the optional HFR license will be available in June 2019.

To learn more about VENICE, please join Sony at BSC Expo 2019 in Battersea Evolution, Battersea, London at stand 545 or visit pro.sony/products/digital-cinema-cameras/venice.

*Excluding 6K 3:2 50p/60p

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Sony a7III Printable Cooler

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 8, 2019

If you need a body cooler for your Sony a7III for extended use than this printable project is probably your best option. The directions are for a Monoprice Maker Select Plus printer, which you can find on Amazon. The project has ups and downs which you can read about below or you can just download the printable project from here.

What:

  • Body cooling fans for your Sony a7iii!
  • Fan assembly replaces the stock eyepiece and is powered by USB.

Why?

  • The area behind the LCD screen gets quite warm during video recording. The goal is to force air across this area to keep the camera body cooler.
  • On my very first 4K shoot with the camera it overheated. While I have not had a problem since then (see “conventional methods” below) I can imagine a time where I will need to use the camera in more extreme conditions and will appreciate some additional peace of mind.

Are there better ways to avoid overheating?

  • Conventional methods such as keeping equipment out of direct sun, keeping the battery and SD card doors open, keeping LCD screen fully tilted and pulled out, using a LCD hood to keep screen brightness down, using a dummy battery, avoiding running on USB power so the battery doesn’t charge between takes, rotating batteries between takes/at breaks, turning the overheat shutdown setting to high, etc. will likely have more impact than these fans!
  • Operating your camera in extreme conditions, ignoring overheat warnings, etc, may lead to equipment failure/damage, even when using these fans and all conventional methods listed above! Use at your own risk.

Does it vibrate the camera?

  • Not that I have noticed.
  • Use between takes if this is a concern.

How loud is it?

  • Not very loud but you will definitely hear the fans while using the in-camera microphone.
  • Use an external/wireless microphone or between takes if this is a concern.

The good:

  • Fun project.
  • Blows air across hot part of the camera body.

The bad:

  • The design could use polishing/tweaking for sure. The final tinkercad project is located here but I was plagued by phantom shapes throughout the process so it may not be that useful or easy to tweak. For a glimpse into madness tinkercad projects 1, 2, and 3.
  • Tight fit and nuts/bolts may cause scratches.
  • LCD screen must be fully open for the fans to fit.
  • Does not draw enough power to run directly off my USB phone battery pack for more than 15 seconds at a time. I may have to experiment with adding some resistors or additional fans to draw more current.

Materials list:

  • 1x USB cable – I used an old one from the junk drawer and cut the micro-USB end off
  • 1x USB power source – I used a phone power/battery pack but this shuts off after about 15 seconds due to the low current draw. When plugged into a wall charger the devices runs constantly.
  • 2x 5V 30MM Raspberry Pi fans wired in parallel – comes with 16mm hardware kit that is too long
  • 8x black M3 12MM screws & nuts – flat or button heads would be ideal, but the socket heads in this kit work, it’s what I had

Be sure to follow SonyAddict on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our group’s bellow.
Sony a7 Owners Group

Sony a7III: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Read more: http://sonyaddict.com/#ixzz5exMCRU34

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Yongnuo and Samyang FE Lenses Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 8, 2019

Photorumors is reporting that Yongnuo and Samyang (Rokinon) will release new FE lenses that will most likely be autofocus in the near future. Samyang already makes many lenses for Sony under the Rokinon name and some autofocus. This will be Yongnuo’s first FE lens.

via Photorumors 1, 2

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Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens SEL135F18GM Confirmed and Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 7, 2019


Nokishita found the SEL135F18GM on a product list that confirms a Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM exists. They announced it via twitter very early this morning.

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Apotelyt Sony a7III vs Canon RP Comparison: Impressively Small

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 6, 2019


Apotelyt added the Canon RP to their comparison tool and it is very compact. Canon is offering an amazing value with the Canon RP and it might just convince some to switch if Sony doesn’t low the price of their Sony a7III. Canon is aggressively coming after Sony with the RP and they won’t remain behind Sony for long. You can see the comparison at Apotelyt and the advantages from Apotelyt are below.

Advantages of the Canon EOS RP:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (26.2 vs 24MP) with a 5% higher linear resolution.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 165g or 25 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (20 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 11 months after the A7 III).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7 III:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor’s full resolution potential.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2018).

Be sure to follow SonyAddict on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our group’s bellow.
Sony a7 Owners Group

Sony a7III: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Sony Australia Sony Scene Soft Launch

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 6, 2019


Sony launched a new photography site that is currently in soft launch which you can visit here. It looks like the site will host tutorials and guides for sony photographers created by Austrian and New Zealand photographers. You can read more about this site below.

Sony Scene is currently in soft launch mode. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be adding more hosts, events, and articles as we build out the site to create the best experience for our visitors. Register today to be kept up to date.

Photography is a big world, and Sony Scene is here to help you explore it.  Get started and talk with like-minded photographers on local photo walks.  Upgrade your skills with an advanced workshop.  Broaden your horizons with a photography trip.  Whatever your interest, our Sony Digital Imaging Advocates are here to help you take the next step.

The Sony Digital Imaging Advocates and Ambassadors are passionate, talented photographers.  Not only accomplished photographers, they are also teachers and mentors, and Sony Scene was created to give them a platform to share their skills and knowledge with the rest of the community.

The Search
Starting in 2018, we scoured the world of Alpha photographers across Australia and New Zealand to find Advocates that are ready to help other photographers take the next steps in their own photographic journeys.  Every year we will take new submissions to discover the next generation of Advocates.  If you have a passion for photography and you would like to share it with a wider audience, consider applying in the coming year.

The Scene
For those just starting, those looking to connect, or anyone who wants to expand their photographic horizons, Sony Scene is the perfect jumping-off point.  Find workshops, photo walks and lectures hosted by talented up-and-coming photographers.  Discover videos and articles by seasoned professionals and inspired amateurs.  Participate in competitions to share your work and discover others’, and get in the running to win amazing prizes.

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