SONY HXR-NX5 V4.00 Firware release

Attention All Sony HXR-NX5 Owners

Sony is offering a firmware update for NXCAM Camcorder “HXR-NX5”.

[Applicable model]
NXCAM Camcorder “HXR-NX5”

[Applicable firmware version]
The applicable products are those with firmware version “Ver3” or earlier.

[Contents of update]
“720/60p HQ” for NTSC version or “720/50p HQ” for PAL version selectable at the REC FORMAT on the MENU.


Go to the NXCAM folder, select NXCAM software, select V4.00 and there are 2 files, NX5_Update_E_V4 121015.pdf is a document outlining how to perform the firmware update, the .exe file is the other file to implement the upgrade. It is recommended to make sure you have plenty of charge on the camera battery or run the camera from mains power so the update isn’t interrupted by loss of power to the camera while updating.

http://www.saus.com.au/index.php?d=NXCAM/NXCAM Software/HXR-NX5/V4,00

GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition captures 4K video

GoPro pulled the wraps off of a new generation of its line of Hero sports camera packages built around the smallest, most powerful camera that it has ever offered: the GoPro Hero3.

The GoPro Hero3 Black Edition is the flagship model that will retail for AU$489. This new model features a chassis that is 30 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the outgoing Hero2 model and is only 20mm thick when removed from its plastic shell. The plastic shell itself is also smaller (obviously) and features a new flat lens. The case also features a double lock that ensures that the rear plastic door isn't going anywhere once it's sealed, unless you want it to -- even then, it's sort of tricky to deal with.

Where the rubber meets the metaphorical road, you'll find a new lens that captures images that are 2x sharper than the Hero2's, offers 2x better low-light performance, and reduces distortion. (GoPro tells us that a bit of the trademark ultrawide angle distortion has been left in the Hero3 to maintain the "signature GoPro look.")



Behind that lens, you'll find a new video processor that is twice as fast as the Hero2's, which gives it the capability to capture some serious resolution. The Hero3 is able to capture up to 4K video at up to 15 frames per second, a new 2.7K video resolution at up to 30fps, and an oddball 4:3 aspect ratio 1440p video at up to 48fps. Of course the standard HD resolutions also make return appearances. The Hero3 Black Edition fleshes out its list of formats with 1080p full HD at 60fps, 960p tall HD at 100fps, 720p HD at up to 120fps, and WVGA 480p at up to 240fps. You may think that 4K video is overkill, particularly at the low 15fps frame rate, but being able to capture more-conventional HD video resolutions at ridiculously high frame rates can make for some sweet slow-motion video.
Still photos can be captured at 12 megapixels at up to a 30fps burst and in time-lapse intervals ranging from 0.5 to 60 seconds.

The Hero3 uses the improved LCD that debuted on the Hero2 and the same two-button interface for power/mode and shutter release of every GoPro model that's come before it, but there's a new Wi-Fi button on one side that betrays the fact that every new GoPro Hero3 features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Out of the box, you get compatibility with the GoPro app for smartphones and the GoPro Wi-Fi remote. In fact, the Black Edition even comes with that Wi-Fi remote in the box.

GoPro Hero3: Black Edition

The bank of connections and ports has been simplified. You only get Micro-HDMI for video output, Mini-USB for charge and sync (it also works for USB audio out and analog video out with optional adapters), a microSD card slot (as opposed to the full-size SD cards of the previous generations), and the proprietary BacPac connection for adding additional hardware such as extended batteries and the new LCD Touch BacPac. Alongside the new Hero3, GoPro is launching a new Battery BacPac and an LCD Touch BacPac that offers brighter video, clearer sound, and touch sensitivity over the previous generation LCD BacPac.

In addition to the Black Edition, GoPro will also offer the GoPro Hero3 Silver edition for AU$379, which offers the same small form factor as the Black Edition, but loses the capability to capture 4K, 2.7K, or 1440p video. The Silver also has lower frame rate caps on the 1080p, 960p, 720p, and 480p video capture modes and a lower maximum still photo resolution of 11 megapixels. Finally, there's the entry-level GoPro Hero3 White Edition for AU$269, which has even lower frame rate caps on the video modes and a maximum of 5 megapixels for its still photos.

All Hero3 models feature a new smaller waterproof housing to accommodate the smaller Hero3 chassis; the flat lens cover offers better underwater image quality with lower levels of distortion. The Silver Edition, and White Edition, along with a new range of accessories and BacPacs, go on sale October 22., while the Black Edition goes on sale end of November 2012.

Canon's EOS M The First Mirrorless Camera

The new Canon EOS M is first mirrorless EOS camera. Combining the imaging quality of a DSLR with the convenience of a point and shoot, it features an 18 MP APS-C sensor, a DIGIC 5 image processor, and a 3.0" 1,040k-dot touch-screen LCD.

 The EOS M is quite the interesting beast, and sets itself apart from most of the other cameras of this type on the market. Developed concurrently with the EOS 650D, like best friends, the two cameras share almost everything. The 18-megapixel APS-C sensor is the same, so too is the Digic 5 image processor and the hybrid AF system. The 3-inch touchscreen is also identical.

The big difference is the exterior body design. It comes in three colour options (black, red or white), and is compact enough for comfortable one-handed shooting. The look-and-feel is pretty refined as well, with a smooth plastic exterior and the same sturdy buttons and dials as found on a range of Canon compacts. This camera is just 298 grams with a battery and memory card, and if you add on the 18-55mm lens, the total package is 508 grams.


Canon is targeting the EOS M towards photographers who want to be able to take high-quality images, but without the bulk and weight of an SLR. From the design of the EOS M, point and shooters will enjoy using the simple menu options. At the top of the camera is a mode switch to change between full automatic, a number of more manual modes and movie mode. The touchscreen LCD makes it easy to adjust exposure on the fly, as well.

All the additional shooting modes available in the 650D make their way over to the EOS M, including the handheld night scene mode and HDR backlight control. The EOS M can shoot at 4.3fps in continuous mode, or at 1.7fps with tracking focus using the 18-55mm lens, and 1.2fps with tracking focus and the 22mm lens.

It offers yet another lens mount (EF-M) to confuse the masses — no standardisation here — though there is an optional adapter available, which lets users mount existing EOS lenses on the camera. On the topic of lenses, the EOS M launches with two new models on its mount, the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 22mm f/2 STM pancake. Full HD video recording at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second (fps) is available, along with a built-in stereo microphone and 3.5mm jack. The EOS M is compatible with all regular EOS accessories, including Speedlites. There is a dedicated new flash unit for this camera to make the most of its small size, the 90 EX. Unfortunately, there's no way to attach an electronic viewfinder to the EOS M.

The EOS M will be available from October 2012.

Sony Brings HD 4:2:2 Workflow to XDCAM Camcorder Line

Sony is unveiling the newest addition to its industryleading XDCAM HD4:2:2 line – the PMW-200 camcorder. This new model is the only professional handheld camcorder in its class with three 1/2 -inch Exmor™ CMOS sensors and full HD 4:2:2 50 Mbps recording. The versatile new camcorder is designed for any type of professional shooting, from broadcast and newsgathering to education and corporate production. It inherits the performance, ease of use and accessories of Sony’s PMW-EX1R camcorder, which has become a de facto standard for professional video production.

“The new PMW-200 is one of the most versatile handheld camcorders we’ve ever developed,” said Tatsuro Kurachi, Director, Marketing and Product Management, at Sony Electronics. “Incredible flexibility and high-end recording capabilities like HD4:2:2 are becoming more important to pro shooters at every level of production in terms of workflow and picture quality. The PMW-200 camcorder demonstrates our commitment to developing the right tools that meet and exceed the needs of professionals.”

The new camcorder is the latest example of Sony’s continually expanding XDCAM HD 4:2:2 line-up both for optical disc and SxS memory card systems. Designed using Sony’s advanced sensor technology and building on decades of experience, the PMW-200 camcorder answers the industry’s desire for a 4:2:2 50Mbps camcorder that uses three 1/2 inch type sensors. With other handheld 50Mbps camcorders on the market featuring 1/3 inch sensors, the PMW-200 camcorder’s 1/2-inch sensors mean it’s designed to perform exceptionally well with excellent sensitivity and great detail even in challenging lighting conditions.

A variety of recording formats such as 50Mbps/35Mbps MXF, 35Mbps/25Mbps MP4 and DVCAM are available for a wide range of applications and workflows. The PMW-200 camcorder offers a powerful Slow & Quick motion function to capture footage at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode, and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, giving users enhanced creative flexibility. An immediate playback function lets operators view their shots rapidly and easily, without the need for external converters or processing on nonlinear editing systems.

The PMW-200 camcorder is armed with a 14x zoom lens with auto focus and image stabilizing capabilities. The lens is also equipped with three independent rings for zoom, focus and iris adjustment, plus greater precision through indications of ring positions on the LCD screen to give users a high level of operational comfort and control. Focusing on subjects and reviewing recorded footage is made easy with the full-color 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD panel.

The PMW-200 camcorder also comes with an invaluable 15-second cache recording feature, a function unique among handheld camcorders. Its internal memory can capture images even before the recording button is pressed (maximum of 15 seconds), allowing users to record important moments that would have otherwise been missed. Genlock and timecode interfaces on the PMW-200 camcorder make it a breeze for use in multi-camera operations and entry-level HD studio applications. The camcorder also gives users greater flexibility in choosing recording media, operating with Sony’s professional SxS Pro™ and SxS-1 technology (two slots) as well as SD cards, Memory Stick media and XQD cards (adaptor required). A Wi-Fi remote control (adaptor required) for the PMW-200 camcorder enhances flexibility for studio or on-location use. This remote control function is scheduled to be available by December 2012 through a free firmware upgrade.

The PMW-200 camcorder is planned to be available in September 2012.
No Australian RRP has been set as yet.

See web link for more details:  http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/27714/sony-pwm-200-three-1-2-inch-exmor-cmos-hd-4-2-2-50-mbps-xdcam-camcorder-pmw-200.html

Rotolight Anova 2 LED (Bi-Colour) LED Flood Light

The World's Most Advanced LED Floodlight

Rotolight proudly introduces the next generation of studio lighting systems with the launch of the Anova^TM 2 LED EcoFlood: the world's most advanced LED studio floodlight.

Anova 2 is a revolutionary bi-colour LED floodlight with a super-wide 110-degree beam angle which provides a gorgeous soft light output that eliminates hard shadows and hotspots. The Rotolight Anova 2 delivers 1000-watt equivalent output whilst using 93% less energy than a standard tungsten bulb with virtually no heat, and also includes a V-lock plate for battery operation on location as standard.

Anova 2's bi-colour LED system is capable of accurately reproducing white light from candlelight through to full daylight in 10-degree Kelvin steps, with a real time colour temperature display. The Rotolight Anova 2 also features full wired DMX control and built-in WiFi as standard, allowing wireless remote control of brightness, colour temperature, and system settings via an iPhone or iPad, using the Rotolight Magic Eye^TM App (available separately from the iTunes Store).

Rotolight’s new Magic Eye^TM App allows users to accurately ‘sample’ both the colour and intensity of ambient light using any iPhone or iPad; The Anova 2 will then accurately reproduce it. This revolutionary technology will also enable users to remotely sample colour temperature and transmit that across the world to the studio, enabling synchronization of colour both on location and in the studio. In the fader page, users will be able to control multiple lights, and store/recall scenes, with transitions, wirelessly.

Ideal for Chroma Key Work

Key Features

• Bi-Colour - Accurately reproduces any colour of white light from candlelight through to full daylight in 10-degree Kelvin steps.
• 110 Degree Beam Angle - Unique super-wide spread eliminates hard shadows and hotspots with gorgeous soft light output and signature Ringlight effect.
• Revolutionary Magic Eye App Technology - Uses iPhone/iPad App to accurately sample both colour temperature and intensity, and wirelessly transmit and recall settings across the world to Anova 2, enabling replication of lighting conditions from location to studio. (Magic Eye is available for purchase from the iTunes store.)
• EcoFlood Technology - Anova 2's 1000W-equivalent output uses 93% less energy than a standard tungsten bulb with virtually no heat, and includes a V-lock plate for battery operation as standard.
• WiFi & DMX - Includes built-in WiFi and wired DMX allowing wireless remote control of brightness, colour temperature, and system settings via an iPhone or iPad.
• Tessellating Design - Anova 2's unique shape allows users to create a huge honeycomb array of Anovas for larger projects (using T-Plate connectors and custom yokes).

Rotolight Anova 2 is now Available at Videoguys Australia.

see web link:  http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/25587/rotolight-anova-2-led-bi-colour-led-flood-light-pro-kit-rl-an2.html

MicW i-Series iOS Microphones for iPhone, iPod Touch, & iPad

Known for its perfectly clean sound, quality craftsmanship, and lightness of styling, MicW prides itself in designing and manufacturing high quality, high performance microphones for a wide range of audio measurement and recording applications. MicW microphones and accessories are the right choice when you demand the best in your measurements and recordings for voice, instrument, broadcast, film and video productions.

We are proud to release the new i-series range  of microphones for  Apple iOS devices, including iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad and some other portable devices.

The i-Series line offers outstanding performance for audio measurement, recording, and broadcast use. MicW is leading the industry in developing, manufacturing, and marketing professional mini microphones at this level of performance.

Main Features

• Professional: Uniquely designed recording and measurement microphones in sturdy metal housings.

• Plug and Play: No need for additional power, just plug a mic in the earphone socket and it’s ready to perform.

• Available as a Class 2 measurement mic: Convert your mobile device into an audio measurement tool.

• Superior EMI protection: Special designed to reduce Electro-Magnetic Interface (EMI) from mobilephones. 

Example Applications
Real time analyzer for SPL and FFT used for concerts, events, home, and industry measurement and recording.
General recording for voice and instrument, interviews, conference meetings, and rehearsals.
High sensitivity recording for ENG, voice and instruments, broadcasting, and other dedicated sound recording.




i-Series in Now available at Videoguys Australia!

see web link: http://www.videoguys.com.au/scripts/prodSearchResults.asp?strBrand=336

MANFROTTO ANNOUNCES GAME CHANGER SYMPLA HDSLR MODULAR VIDEO RIG SYSTEM

SYMPLA is a professional modular video rig system that extends and complements new cameras, allows for stable support and framing, supports essential accessories features, offering versatility and high performance as well as comfort, safety and much simpler and faster set up than existing rigs.

SYMPLA is built for flexibility and speed, so you can change anything and everything easily and quickly: hand grip positions, counterbalance, camera body, lens, accessories, filters, light-shielding angle; shoulder-supported, hand-held, or tripod/monopod-mounted… whatever you need to get the shot, the second you need it.

SYMPLA is quick to fine-tune, so even when you need to make changes to your rig on-location and mid-shoot, SYMPLA’s minimal locks and tool-free adjusters will let you get back to shooting quickly.

Thanks to our revolutionary camera remotes which fit the rig handgrips, SYMPLA allows precise fingertip control of framing and camera functions without losing the grip position and keeping your eyes on the frame, helping you capture stable, usable, creative footage. And SYMPLA can quickly be extended: whether you start from one of our kits, or from single components, you can build the exact rig you need for the shot, as soon as you need it.

Manfrotto Sympla is available from Videoguys Australia.

See web link:  http://www.videoguys.com.au/scripts/prodSearchResults.asp?strSearchType=OR&strSearch=Sympla&srchID=&SubSearch.x=0&SubSearch.y=0

Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Cinema Camera

 

NAB 2012, Las Vegas, USA - April 16, 2012 - Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Cinema Camera, a revolutionary digital cinema camera design that includes powerful features such as super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, high resolution 2.5K sensor, built in high bandwidth SSD recorder, open file format support, color correction with full version of DaVinci Resolve and a built in LCD with metadata entry, all in an attractive compact design for only US$2,995.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2012 booth at #SL220.
Many current generation video cameras suffer from a "video look" due to a limited contrast range, a maximum HD resolution sensor, poor quality optics and lenses, the use of heavy video compression for file recording and poor integration with NLE software metadata management. With these limitations, they cannot be used for high end work or feature films.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera has been designed to eliminate these problems so customers get a true feature film look, and at an affordable cost can shoot high end television commercials, episodic television programming and feature films.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, large 2.5K sensor, a built in SSD recorder that has the bandwidth to capture open standard CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes and DNxHD files, a built in capacitive touch screen LCD for direct metadata entry, standard jack audio connections, built in high-speed Thunderbolt connection, 3 Gb/s SDI output, a refrigerated sensor for low noise, and is fully compatible with extremely high quality Canon EF and Zeiss ZF mount lenses.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera also includes a full copy of DaVinci Resolve for color correction and Blackmagic UltraScope software for waveform monitoring. UltraScope can be run on a laptop connected to the camera via a Thunderbolt connection.
One of the most important features of the camera is its super wide dynamic range of 13 stops, allowing feature film quality images. Commonly people focus on more pixels, however often this just creates a higher resolution, but still "video" looking images that suffer from highlight and black clipping that limits details. Blackmagic Cinema Camera's wide dynamic range eliminates this problem and provides film quality with dramatically more detail retained in black and whites in the image. Once the shoot is complete, the included DaVinci Resolve color correction software can be used to adjust images and take advantage of this extra range in the images. The high quality EF and ZF lens compatibility also helps create sharp and cinematic images that look incredible.
To eliminate the damage that low bit depth and high compression video storage creates, Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a fast SSD recorder. The built in SSD recorder can record on fast solid state disks the full sensor detail in 12 bit Log RAW files in the open standard CinemaDNG format. These files can be read by all high end video software. The full 2.5K sensor data is stored in the files completely uncompressed because the SSD has the speed to store video data at the required rate. Then this high quality file can be color corrected on DaVinci Resolve for the same high quality result currently only possible on cameras costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera has been designed as the perfect companion to Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer NLE software. Unlike other cameras, which require the use of custom video file formats that are not compatible with popular NLE software, often making the post production process a nightmare, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes absolutely no custom video file formats, and every file type included is open standard. It records into CinemaDNG format for RAW files, ProRes and DNxHD for HD resolution files compatible with Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer.
The built in large LCD display makes focus easy, and allows playback of captured files. Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a built in microphone, as well as external jack based mic/line level balanced audio connections. When playing back recorded clips, a speaker is built in, and there is an included headphone socket, as well as embedded audio on the SDI output and Thunderbolt connection. The SDI output includes all camera data such as timecode, transport control, shutter angle, color temperature setting and ASA information overlaid in attractive anti aliased fonts.
For easy metadata entry, the built in LCD features fast and responsive capacitive touch screen technology. When the user taps the display with a finger, a data entry window called the "slate" appears. This lets the user enter shot information just like typing on a smart phone. This data is then stored in the files so can be accessed by NLE software when editing content later. Metadata is compatible with popular software such as Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve. All camera settings can be changed on this touch LCD, such as frame rate, shutter angle, color temperature, dynamic range, focus assist settings and more.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes an innovative industrial design built from solid machined aluminum metal which results in an attractive but rugged design. All of the camera, recorder and display have been shrunk down into a lightweight design thats very portable.
"This is one of the most exciting products we have ever created and its been a work in progress for a very long time," said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "Ever since I was a telecine engineer back in the 1990's I have wished that video cameras would include features that allowed them to perform creatively similar to film. However current digital cameras are too heavy, way too expensive and need costly accessories to work. We felt there was a need for a camera that delivered these features in a design that's optimized for professional video shoots, as well as being a compact, elegant design that's easily affordable. We think we have achieved that!"

Blackmagic Cinema Camera Key Features

• High resolution 2.5K sensor allows improved anti aliasing and reframing shots.
• Super wide 13 stops of dynamic range allows capture of increased details for feature film look.
• Built in SSD allows high bandwidth recording of RAW video and long duration compressed video.
• Open file formats compatible with popular NLE software such as CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW, Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD. No custom file formats.
• Includes no custom connections. Standard jack mic/line audio in, BNC 3 Gb/s SDI out, headphone, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, LANC remote control and standard DC 12-30V power connection.
• Capacitive touch screen LCD for camera settings and slate metadata entry.
• Compatible with extremely high quality Canon EF and Zeiss ZF lenses.
• Supports 2.5K and 1080HD resolution capture in 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps.
• Thunderbolt connection allows direct camera capture via included Media Express software and supports live waveform monitoring via the included Blackmagic UltraScope software.
• Includes a full copy of DaVinci Resolve 9.0 color grading software.

Availability and Price

Blackmagic Cinema Camera will be available July 2012 for A$3195 inc GST from Videoguys Australia.

See web link:  http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/25633/blackmagic-design-cinema-camera-cinecam26kef.html