Sony unveils HDC-4300 camera, first with three true 4K image sensors

The HDC-4300 can operate in 4K/HD, with 2x, 3x Super Slow Motion, and at higher speeds up to 8x, to produce high-quality replays and program special effects.

Sony has debuted its presence at this NAB by unveiling the new HDC-4300 camera, the first with three true 4K image sensors. Features the same lens mount and control as the HDC-2000 series. The existing HDLA-1500 series control and shading systems, viewfinder and main adjustment units are all interchangeable between HD and 4K systems. Directors and operators can maintain proximity at live events (including camera angles, focus and zoom settings) while using a camera with familiar technology.

This camera offers 4K possibilities and a workflow with which content producers will feel more comfortable, the Japanese brand assures. However, it offers the possibility of working in multiformat for everyday use in HD, for sports with 400fps or in 4K.

The HDC-4300 can operate in 4K/HD, with 2x, 3x Super Slow Motion, and at higher speeds up to 8x, to produce high-quality replays and program special effects.

This camera uses ultra-high precision adjustment technology with its three 4K sensors, which offer a new prism. This allows support for the new ITU-R BT.2020 generation that expands production and post-production possibilities.

Sony's next generation of HDC cameras will offer the ability to use a wide range of zoom lenses currently employed by 2/3-inch HD systems while maintaining adequate depth of field to accurately show the action occurring in the captured event.

High dynamic range

Sony is also demonstrating high dynamic range (HDR) technologies and workflows at NAB 2015. High dynamic range opens up possibilities for creative expression and new viewing experiences. Sony has compared high dynamic range and standard dynamic range (SDR) in different fields such as color grading or home viewing.

Sony's High Dynamic Range mastering process consists of a combination of high brightness, high contrast, a wide color gamut and high resolution, which requires video recorded with a high-quality camera, along with a monitor that can faithfully reproduce high dynamic range images.

The Sony F65 and PMW-F55 CineAlta cameras provide a wider color gamut than printed film, and a wide dynamic range (14 stops) that faithfully captures light and dark areas. In addition, now for the first time Sony has a monitor at the height of these cameras. The new Sony BVM-X300 4K, which were launched in February of this year, use an OLED panel and an original color treatment system to provide high brightness, contrast and a wide color gamut, all at 4k resolution (4096 × 2160).

IP Live

Sony's IP Live Production System is also on display in Las Vegas, supported by around thirty companies. The new AV over IP interface has low latency and low noise.

It allows editing in HD and 4k video, audio and metadata, as part of an IP network. The IP Live production system packages video, audio, and metadata, while allowing real-time transmission of productions over standard network infrastructures. This technology increases efficiency and reduces costs for live production both in the studio and at sporting venues.
Sony plans to start a licensing program to provide technical specifications.

Several tools will also be available to users: an LSI module that will be available at the end of the year, Xilinx will provide FPGA IP cores in support of the IP Live Production system, and Altera is working, in alliance with Sony, on the maintenance and development of this IP.

Sony has brought an advanced IP solution for live production and shown it at NAB 2015. This solution focuses on the first 4k IP switcher. Prototypes of 4K/HD processors and 4K/HD video servers currently in development have been showcased to achieve a complete milestone in live production solutions.

Since 4K production is now a reality, the production industry has faced the challenge of building the necessary infrastructure for 4K productions. Implementing conventional SDI (Serial Digital Interface) can be excessively expensive, as can cabling and hardware acquisition, making upgrades more expensive and equipment taking up more space. Sony has provided a solution to this problem by developing Networked Media Interface, which allows all devices to be connected and transmit all types of signals via Ethernet cable from SD to 4K and beyond.

To ensure operability and compatibility, Sony licenses technical information and provides development support to companies supporting the Networked Media Interface.

Of note, the new IP-based 4K matrix, still in development, will allow users to select the type of terminal (IP or SDI) to place in each unit. This flexibility will allow customers to configure their equipment for IP, SDI or a hybrid of IP and SDI. It will also make it easier for customers to continue using their SDI equipment while gradually migrating to IP.

Low-cost live streaming

Sony continues to develop wireless equipment to respond quickly to production requirements. Sony's offering includes Wi-Fi-capable camcorders, and wireless adapters that can stream video and audio directly from locations via 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi networks.

Precisely, the Sony PWS-100RX1 Network RX station provides, as was evident in the fair's kick-off event, a core of solutions to be able to offer streaming effectively, with high quality and low cost. PWS-100RX1 is compatible with XDCAM camcorders. To facilitate operational flexibility, the PWS-100RX1 is equipped with SDI outputs for simultaneous streaming.