At IBC 2022, we had the chance to speak to Nobutatsu Takahashi-san, a Common Supervisor at Sony’s Imaging Merchandise & Options Enterprise Group and answerable for the Sony Cinema Line of cameras. On this interview, we be taught in regards to the underlying philosophy of Sony’s Cinema Line and the method the corporate is taking to additional empower filmmakers around the globe.
Very curiously, we be taught proper initially that Sony’s semi-pro {and professional} digital camera traces, the Alpha and the Cinema Line, are each run by one and the identical workforce of engineers.
It’s not a closed workforce engaged on the Alpha a7S III, for instance, one other one engaged on the Sony FX9, and yet one more answerable for the top-tier CIne Alta Line (VENICE & VENICE 2), however one massive collaborative workforce. That’s why we’re seeing increasingly synergies between the 2 product traces.
One other new product, the FR7 PTZ digital camera, additional enhances this product vary as it’s also appropriate for broadcast functions resembling sports activities, reside music, and the like.
Sony Cinema Line – FX3 vs. a7S III
When the Sony FX3, a Cinema Line product, was first launched, it had so much in widespread with the Alpha a7S III, however lacked the prolonged nonetheless picture performance. In return, it provides a extra streamlined cine expertise to filmmakers who aren’t as concerned about nonetheless pictures.
Not too long ago, the FX3 acquired an intensive firmware replace that permits many options that had been beforehand solely obtainable within the higher-end Cinema Line cameras. This naturally begs the query of whether or not the a7S III can even obtain such a function replace. The reply: perhaps!
Variable ND Filter
Should you’ve ever labored with the Sony FX 9 (or FS7 II or FX6), you’ll have come to like the digital variable ND filters, I’m sure… I definitely have! The query is whether or not this know-how could be utilized to smaller (mirrorless) digital camera our bodies sooner or later. Presently, it’s thought-about inconceivable to suit each an IBIS system and ND filters of any variety in such a small physique, however as Nobutatsu Takahashi-san places it:
Sooner or later, nothing is inconceivable.
With that in thoughts, there’s at the very least hope that we are able to profit from each, IBIS, AF and e-ND sooner or later!
Computational cinematography
Though Nobutatsu Takahashi-san is considerably obscure on the topic, he hits the nail on the pinnacle when stating that computational cinematography is a development that shall be inconceivable for anybody to disregard. The power to seize extra knowledge and course of that knowledge in numerous methods will take acquisition and post-processing to a brand new degree. In fact, optical programs (lenses, sensors, and so forth.) nonetheless have their place, however algorithms that make the most of computational enhancements are undoubtedly one thing to control.
One other benefit is the power to switch the footage on to the cloud or to a pill (aka offloading) for additional enhancing immediately on location. Extra highly effective cameras when it comes to computational assets, in fact, assist with that.
FR7 auto-tracking
Since a lot of you’ve gotten requested this query, we now have forwarded it: Is it potential to mix the PTZ performance of the FR7 with its AF system? In different phrases, might the digital camera be set as much as not solely monitor concentrate on a particular topic, but additionally have the PTZ head comply with that topic throughout the panning/tilting vary of the FR7?
The reply, for now, is: No. However technically, it must be potential. So let’s hope for a software program replace that permits this function, which could possibly be very useful for a digital camera just like the Sony FR7.
Are extra cameras coming?
Presently, the Sony Cinema Line appears like this: FX3, FX6, FX9, then nothing, after which VENICE (VENICE 2). We used to have the F5/F55 as an intermediate. As it’s, Sony nonetheless sees the likelihood for such intermediate cameras, in between workhorses just like the FX9 and the very high-end VENICE cameras.
In conclusion, Nobu-san notes that the Sony Cinema Line will not be solely a technology-driven line of {hardware} merchandise, but additionally a dedication. The corporate will at all times take heed to its clients to proceed to enhance and innovate. Consequently, we’ll all see higher cameras that assist create even higher photos and initiatives.
Hyperlink: Sony Cinema Line web site
What cameras and options would you wish to see from Sony? Share your experiences within the feedback beneath!
