Sony has unveiled a roadmap of firmware update for its Venice camera, FX9 full-frame camcorder and PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280 handheld compact camcorders for live and news production.
   

Sony VENICE

Version 6.0 of VENICE firmware allows importing of Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) files that improve monitoring picture quality and viewing options on-set. These .art files can be generated by Sony's RAW Viewer software, from users' own 3D LUT files.

Version 6.0 will enable cinematographers to more easily composed for multiple horizontal and vertical aspect ratios simultaneously taking advantage of the VENICE’s large sensor size. New presets 9 by 16 and one by one frame-lines, and users will be able to add up to two additional custom frame-lines. That feature is expected to be utilized for users shooting content intended for smartphone viewing.

The firmware update v.6.0 for Venice will be released in November.

Sony FX9

Version 2.0 firmware for full-frame "run-and-gun," documentary, and independent production camcorder Sony FX9 is will be available in October. Update expands shooting capabilities and user operation with the addition of support for 4K 60p/50p recording via oversampling from a 5K cropped area of a 6K full-frame sensor. Version 2.0 also enables output of a 4K 16-bit RAW signal to an external recorder with the optional XDCA-FX9 accessory. This additional bit depth beyond the camera's internal 10-bit recording is ideal for projects requiring more intensive post-production.

Additionally, FX9 Version 2.0 firmware will expand the camera's operability with Eye AF technology and touch screen operation for focus control and menu setting on the viewfinder.

FX9 Version 2.0 features also comprise:

180 fps full-frame HD recording;

4K (4096×2160) DCI recording;

Ability to load user 3D LUTs;

HDR shooting function recorded in Hybrid Log Gamma.

Sony PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280

The PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280 4K handheld compact camcorders will be offered with RTMP/RTMPS FHD streaming capabilities supporting live streaming and content upload to video sharing sites and social media platforms in early 2021.

According to Norbert Paquet, head of product management at Sony Professional Solutions Europe, the PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280 can be used with either 4G, 5G or WiFi, making them ideal for news and live production.

“The encoding is directly built into the camera,” tells Norbert Paquet. “What we have is an interface where you can plug a USB 4G/5G or WiFi dongle directly to RJ 45 cable. That’s what we’ve been working on for future releases, to have the right protocols so that users can stream directly to Facebook or YouTube.

“Particularly if you’re a journalist, usually you might have to go back to a building with a WiFi connection to send back what you’ve filmed, but as this camera has 4G connectivity you can directly send your content back to the broadcast centre or anywhere that’s connected to the way to send your footage.

“It also allows editors to review the content immediately, so they could even be asking the cameraperson on location to film certain shots for B-roll while they’re out in the field. It’s enabling a better communication between the studio and the journalist who is on the ground filming the breaking news.”