This is the new generation of 4K live cameras from Sony

Sony launches four new 4K/HD HDR system cameras, including the world's first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter triple CMOS sensor system and a new IP-capable camera control unit.

Sony premieres four new cameras for live production, with which he expands his gama HDC. The new generation of system cameras (HDC-P50 y HDC-3500) includes the first system with three CMOS sensors with 2/3-inch 4K global shutter and the newly developed HD HDR optical block (HDC-3100/HDC-3170). The new cameras offer content creators unprecedented flexibility and reliability, in addition to the perfect 4K/HD HDR image quality expected from Sony solutions.

The new range of system cameras includes the HDC-P50 point-of-view (POV) style system camera, the HDC-3500 handheld system camera, as well as the HDC-3100 and HDC-3170 fiber and triaxial system cameras. Additionally, Sony has introduced a new tri-axial camera control unit (CCU), the HDCU-3170, which inherits all the capabilities of the HDCU-3100 released earlier this year.

Norbert Paquet, Head of Product Management at Sony Solutions Europe, commented: "With the launch of our new range of live system cameras, we offer impressive image quality through a new optical system, high mobility with the new POV style camera and efficient operation with a wide selection of options at the same time to further support live production in HD and traditional 4K. Thanks to customer feedback, we have strengthened our HDC range for HD, 4K and HDR production with various production costs and with different options. “We also consider our broader customer base and ensure full compatibility with previous generations, while offering new capabilities, such as IP streaming technology, SMPTE ST2110, 4K and HDR, for their content creation toolsets and a more efficient structure.”

All new system cameras also offer workflow “Live SR for HDR", which allows the unique production of HDR and SDR at the same time with a single production equipment. These new fiber systems are also compatible with the current series of HDC-2000 system cameras, allowing users to easily add new models alongside current cameras and CCUs.

Of note, the same magnesium alloy used for the HDC-2500 is used in the new cameras to create a camera body that is solid and lightweight.

On the other hand, the new cameras facilitate precision focusing in any situation as they indicate both the previously registered focus points and the current focus points graphically, with three RGB colors in the viewfinder.

From the point of view of the ergonomics, the grip space has been expanded compared to existing live system cameras, making it easier to hold, carry and position.

In the case of the HDC-3500, with an HDLA-1500 series lens adapter, it is easy to attach a large, high-magnification lens in a few simple steps, without the need for complicated mechanical adjustments.

The full HDC-3000 series will be available from October 2018 and the HDC-P50 POV style camera system will be available in February 2019.

New additions to the HDC range

• HDC-P50

A compact and lightweight POV-style system camera, featuring the world's first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter triple CMOS sensor system, offering a wider dynamic range. With ultra-high precision alignment technology, it includes 4K sensors in its newly developed prism, which achieves an expanded color space with ITU-R BT.2020 broadcast standard. As a result, the HDC-P50 delivers stunning high-quality images in even the most demanding 4K HDR live productions. The new system camera outputs a clear and crisp 4K/HD HDR signal directly from the camera body, allowing live images to be distributed to various recording applications, for example in combination with a camera stabilizer, in handheld mode, during wireless recording and even while recording aerial shots from a helicopter.

• HDC-3500

The HDC-3500 portable system cameras expand the capabilities of the current HDC-2000 series with the addition of a new system with three 2/3-inch 4K global shutter CMOS sensors. The HDC-3500 offers high depth modulation for HD and 4K production, plus a wider dynamic range. The system camera supports HD, HDR and 4K, as well as IP capabilities. The HDC-3500 features an interchangeable transmission side panel. Users can choose any of Sony's three optional side panels, depending on their operational needs: triaxial, fiber or wireless transmission. All can be easily changed with Sony's unique and simple side panel interface.

• HDC-3100 y HDC-3170

Sony's new fiber (HDC-3100) and triaxial (HDC-3170) system cameras with three CMOS sensors with a 2/3-inch global shutter are ideal for productions primarily in HD, with occasional need for 4K. Both systems support HDR and SMPTE ST2110. The HDC-3170 supports third-generation triaxial technology and can connect at distances of up to 1800 m.

• HDCU-3170

The new HDCU-3170 camera control unit supports new third-generation digital triaxial system cameras, with option cards now available for HDCU-3100 (fiber). The CCU supports various interfaces, such as 3G-SDI and SMPTE ST2110, and offers HD, HDR and SDR broadcasts. The HDCU-3170 is recommended for triaxial camera users, but also supports an extra fiber interface (SMPTE or singlemode). It is a unit that will benefit production companies that perform live production in different venues that require different transmission systems.