Sony enhances 3D + PMW- F3

Sony has announced new enhancements for its PMW-F3 Super 35mm camcorder, including 3D-Link capability, options for RGB 4:4:4 and S-LOG output and a wide angle, high power zoom lens.

The 3D-Link option (CBK-3DL01) will be available later this year via a firmware upgrade and 10-pin cable connection. This link is designed to provide synchronous remote command between two F3s using only one remote controller, with Genlock, timecode and camera control. Recording can be started and stopped by remote control. The PMW-F3 will be able to be used in any 3D rig that can support the camera’s size.

RGB4:4:4 and S-LOG output capabilities are available through the CBK-RGB01, which also enables Dual-Link/3G-SDI switchable functionality. It comes pre-loaded with four LUTs and five user LUTs for monitoring in S-LOG mode, and also has a planning meta function.

Two new lenses will be available for the PMW-F3: the SCL-P11X15 PL mount wide angle 1.5x zoom with a focal length range of 11-16mm and a speed of T3.0; and the SCL-Z18X140 FZ mount high power 14x zoom, with a focal length range of 18-252mm and a speed of T3.8.

The F3 is XDCAM EX-based, recording to SxS cards. Its Super 35mm CMOS imager delivers shallow depth of field, with high sensitivity and low noise levels (ISO 800, T11; and S/N ratio of 63dB in 1920x1080/59.94i mode), as well as wide dynamic range.

3D enhancements

Other additions to Sony’s 3D range include new application software for the MPE-200 3D processor box, which allows real time analysis and correction of stereoscopic 3D signals. The new MVS-7000X multi-format production switcher is capable of 3Gbps single-link operation suitable for live 3D production requirements. Sony's newly introduced SRMemory offers high-speed, high capacity recording media useful for 3D file-based production.

The MPES-3D01 3D software suite for the MPE-200 allows automatic and manual correction of images, which can "dramatically save on configuration time". There is also MPES-2D3D1 software for converting 2D into stereoscopic 3D, using Sony’s unique algorithm. Also, new 3D quality control software can perform real-time analysis of binocular disparity between left and right images, helping to overcome distortion issues that can make 3D viewing uncomfortable.

When shooting on location, production switchers are an essential component of creating high-quality, compelling 3D content. Following on from the high-end, Sony has developed the MVS-7000X, which has 80 inputs and 48 output, ideal for medium-scale 3D productions. Both products are compatible with a 3G single-link operation which together with optional 3D utility software can help to simplify the set-up of 3D Productions. The new MCS-8M and DFS-900M switchers can also be used for smaller 3D events through a software upgrade.

The MVS-7000X switcher has 80 inputs and 48 outputs, making it suitable for medium-scale 3D productions. Both it and the existing 200-input/100-output MVS-8000X are compatible with a 3G single-link operation which, together with optional 3D utility software, can help to simplify the set-up of 3D productions. The new MCS-8M and DFS-900M switchers can also be used for smaller 3D events through a software upgrade.

At NAB, Sony also introduced the SR-R1000 storage unit, the first memory-based studio deck from the SRMaster product family. The SR-R1000 has four slots for SRMemory cards, which can record at sustained data rates up to 5Gbps. It can be configured with up to four input/output ports, each of which can handle a 3D feed. Simultaneous recording and playback of multiple-streams from a single SR-R1000 makes it useful for studio, live and post production applications. Sony also launched the SR-R1 SRMaster portable recorder, which is useful for small-scale 3D productions.

Related post: Sony TD300 XDCAM 3D camcorder, SR Memory lets Sony go beyond HD and Sony PMW-F3: Budget filmmaking?

By David Fox