RGB 4:4:4 S-LOG Output and 3D Link Options and new lenses are latest additions to the PMW-F3 System

PMW-F3 Microsite

Sydney – 8 July, 2011 – Sony is now announcing eagerly awaited new features for its PMW-F3 Super 35mm digital production camcorder – an option for RGB 4:4:4 and S-LOG output, a 3D-Link option, plus wide angle and high power zoom lenses.

RGB4:4:4 and S-LOG output capabilities are available through the CBK-RGB01 option, which delivers a scalable external recording solution - ideal for high-end film production. With this option installed, 10bit RGB 4:4:4 baseband signal output is available for external recording devices from Sony and other manufacturers. Dual-link HD-SDI or 3G-SDI can be selected, depending on the connected devices. This option also offers S-LOG gamma output, which enables users to capture in an extremely wide dynamic range of 800% with a S/N ratio of 57 dB.

The advantage of S-LOG is the reproduction of both shadow details and highlights, contributing to “film-look” images. A LUT (Look Up Table) function is also provided for monitoring and onboard recording purposes when S-LOG output is activated. Planning metadata functions are also included.

The 3D Link option (model CBK-3DL01) will be available later this year via a firmware upgrade and 10-pin cable connection. This communications link is designed to provide synchronous remote command between two PMW-F3 cameras using only one remote controller, with genlock, timecode and camera control. Recording start or stop can be done by remote control. The PMW-F3 will be able to be used in any 3D rig that can support the camera’s size.

Two new lenses will be available later this year for the PMW-F3:
• SCL-P11X15 PL mount wide angle 1.5x zoom with a focal length range of 11-16mm and speed of T3.0
• SCLZ18X140 FZ mount high power 14x zoom with a focal length range of 18-252mm and speed of T3.8.

The PMW-F3 camcorder, which commenced shipping earlier this year, is designed for a range of digital production applications -- from commercial, documentary, television and feature film production to markets such as education, corporate and government and more.

“Since the launch of the PMW-F3, the camera has received overwhelming acclamation from the industry for the quality and value proposition it represents. In direct response to our customers, we are further enhancing this powerful and scalable tool to broaden its range of applications and creative possibilities,” said Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager - Content Creation, Sony Australia and New Zealand.

The camera is available as a body-only model PMW-F3L, or as the PMW-F3K which combines the body with a low-cost PL lens kit that includes 35/50/85mm T2.0 fixed focal length prime lenses.

The new PMW-F3 camcorder is based on Sony’s XDCAM EX workflow and uses Sony’s SxS™ Express Card-based recording media format. Its Super 35mm CMOS imager delivers shallow depth of field, with high sensitivity and low noise levels (ISO 800, T11; and S/N ratio of 63dB in 1920x1080/59.94i mode), as well as wide dynamic range.

These new additions for the PMW-F3 will be available in Australia and New Zealand during the following periods:
• RGB 4:4:4 & S-LOG Output Option: available now
• 3D Link Option: from November 2011
• New lenses:
- SCL-P11X15 PL: from November 2011
- CL-Z18X140 FZ: from December 2011

The PMW-F3 with RGB 4:4:4 & S-LOG Output Option will be on show at SMPTE11 in conjunction with Sony’s dealer partners Videocraft and Lemac.