Sony Set to Expand HDR Production Capabilities for PXW-FS5 & PXW-Z150

From Sony Press Release:

Basingstoke, UK: 23^rd March 2017: “As the expanding need for HDR content continues, internet video platforms and professionals producing corporate or event content are paying more attention to the added value of HDR. They need to deliver content quickly, without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content. To meet this demand, Sony now offers HDR capability on the entry level handheld XDCAM camcorders, PXW-FS5 and PXW-Z150.”

“Both feature HLG recording for easy file-based workflows, whilst achieving the image quality of HDR. This simple workflow enables the shooting, editing and viewing of HDR content in HLG, without the need for additional color grading.”

Both the Sony PXW-FS5 and PXW-Z150 will be receiving these additional HDR capabilities via an upcoming software update later this summer.

What it means for the PXW-FS5

The FS5 will now support “Hybrid Log Gamma” (HLG) in addition to S-Log3. The HLG mode can be set-up quickly through the option of the newly added picture profile. HLG mode will also be supported in the PXW-Z150.

The FS5 update will be added through an additional picture profile (PP10) and it will also add the ability to change the base ISO for S-Log2 & S-Log3 from 3200 ISO to 2000 ISO, allowing for cleaner images and easier colour grading.

Note: The ability to shoot continuously in full HD at up to 120fps will also be made available through an upcoming paid firmware update.

Benefits of shooting in HLG:

• HDR content with extended dynamic range
• Brighter more realistic highlights
• Increase in overall contrast compared to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range)
• Backwards compatible with SDR TV’s

PXW-FS5 V4.0

– Upgrade is free of charge and available in July 2017.

New Features & Improvements:

• Support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) by shooting in Hybrid Log-Gamma* (HLG) standard
• Support for continuous 120fps High Frame Rate (HFR) recording in 1080p with CBKZ-FS5HFR Key (sold separately)
• Option to change the minimum ISO sensitivity number to ISO 2000 from ISO 3200 when recording S-Log2/S-Log3

*4K: XAVC-Long 4:2:0 8-bit, HD: XAVC 4:2:2 10-bit.

PXW-Z150 V2.0

– Upgrade is free of charge and available in July 2017.

New Features & Improvements:

• Support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) by shooting in Hybrid Log-Gamma* (HLG) standard
• Support for high-quality streaming using QoS by network client mode
• Support for the system link (tally display and synchronized recording) with RM-30BP Remote Commander (sold separately) and MCX-500 Multi-Camera Live Producer (sold separately)
• Support for the enhanced zebra marker function and two types of setting are available. Also the level settings can now be adjusted in 1% increments

*4K: XAVC-Long 4:2:0 8-bit, HD: XAVC 4:2:2 10-bit.