Sony improves its basic range of 4K and HDR compatible camera systems

With studio workflows, educational events and live applications in mind, Sony introduces the HXC-FB80 handheld camera and HXCU-FB80 camera control unit.

Sony presents an affordable camera system for live and studio productions in 4K and HDR thanks to the combination of the latest HXC-FB80 portable camera and the HXCU-FB80 camera control unit (CCU). Based on a 3G-SDI platform with 1080/50p capability, the new system is optimized for use in live productions (studios, education, events) where production professionals need a high-quality HD solution with a migration plan to 4K and HDR.

Since its introduction in 2015, the current HXC series has been embraced globally by regional broadcast stations, production companies and educational institutions. Using insights from this customer experience, Sony has enhanced its range of system cameras to support 4K upscaling and HD HDR production to expand the range of application. The HXC-FB80 has the same variety of configurations as its predecessors: the HXC-FB80H (camera body only) and HXC-FB80K (with 2/3” HD lens, handheld viewfinder and microphone).

The HXC-FB80 expands Sony's HXC product line and shares many common features with the current HXC-FB75 model. The new camera continues to offer a signal-to-noise ratio at -60 dB with a high sensitivity of F13 at 50 Hz, ideal for working in low light conditions, as well as various editing and processing functions.

The CCU upscales HD content to 4K (3840 x 2160) and offers 12G-SDI output in addition to quad-link 3G-SDI. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) compatible HD HDR output will be available in summer 2018 via a firmware update.

Three Exmor CMOS sensors

The camera features three 2/3″ type Exmor CMOS image sensors and offers 50Hz progressive operation at 1920 x 1080 between the camera head and CCU with a 3G platform. The camera also supports 23.98PsF recording for productions seeking a cinematic look, including interviews and news programs, in addition to 25PsF recording.

In addition to the electric DC filter, the optical neutral density filter can be controlled remotely thanks to the new servo filter motor in the camera head.

In particular, the possible distance between the camera head and the CCU is extended to 600 m, while maintaining the 10 km extension using a locally powered single-mode fiber optic cable. Together with the HXC-P70 camera, the cable length can be extended up to 1000 m with the power supplied by the new HXCU-FB80 CCU. In addition to the Neutrik connector interface, there is also an SMPTE-311M LEMO connector interface for the camera head and CCU.

The HXC-FB80 system can be controlled not only by the front panel operation of the CCU, but also by the RCP remote controller, as well as the PC-RCP (HZC-RCP5) and the Master Setup Unit (MSU) system for multi-camera applications, ensuring system expandability.

The HXC-FB80 camera and HXCU-FB80 camera control unit are scheduled to be available in January 2018.