Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Overall, downsampling averages and throws away detail, be it desired (image data) or undesired (noise), for which the target image size doesn't have the resolution to represent.

It's impossible to do a perfect downsampling without any spacial artifacts. The sharpness advantage of 4K-downsampled-to-HD over native HD you may see is largely due to the optical anti-aliasing filter fixed to deal with the highest spatial sampling of 4K.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I did this cropping when I first got my FX1 HDV to SD. It worked very well and expect to do the same with hopefully the FDR-AX1 when I get one !! The noise will stay the same size relative to the pixels. If you just crop a HD sized image from the 4k image you will be taking roughly a 2k image( image and noise ) from the 8k source. In viewing terms the pixels will look 4 times bigger and so will the noise compared to the 4K image on a 4K TV. On a HD TV I don't think you will see the difference. The more you zoom in of course the more significant the effects noise may become as you will now be using a scaling function and how you do this will govern the output. When I did this with HDV to SD DV I fixed the scale as a crop and just panned around or choose a different position in an attempt to eliminate any scaling issues.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

It depends on how you do the down conversion.If you do a simple down scale then the noise will have a similar level but with larger effective grain size. A good quality anti aliased downscale should result in a very slight reduction in noise as adjacent 4k pixels will be averaged together so any random noise ends up getting reduced very slightly.

The sharpness or resolution of a good quality video camera is governed by the optical low pass filter. These filters are always a compromise as the cut-off is not instant. So an OLPF designed for an HD camera will start reducing contrast quite some way before 1080 and then still allow some detail beyond 1080 to leak through which manifests itself as a small amount of aliasing. As a result you will get a gradual fall off in contrast as you approach the cameras maximum resolution and this has a noticeable effect on the perceived sharpness of the image. If you start with a nice 4k Bayer sensor the you should have a resolution of around 3.2k which you can down convert digitally to HD. A digital low pass filter can be far sharper and more precise than an optical filter so you can get better contrast at the limits of the down converted resolution.

But all of this depends on just how well you do the down conversion and it may take a bit of work to find the optimum settings, plus some decent computing power to do the conversion quickly. Get the down conversion wrong and you will get aliasing artefacts that may spoil the image, possibly not obviously so at the first generation but something that may appear after subsequent encoding passes.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I've asked, but answer came there none. Hmmm.

So... I sort of did an unscientific test by comparing the EX1 and Z100 on top of each other and observing the difference in angle of view - the EX1 is a little bit wider. 6-8% or so?

If the EX1 lens 'sort of' starts at the equivalent of a FF35 32mm lens, we might say that the Z100 kinda looks like a 35mm lens? But my figures don't tally with yours probably because I forgot to factor in the 16:9-ness. I don't have an NX5 to compare with.

But I do feel many videographers should be factoring the cost of a 'Wangle adaptor' - I wonder if the NX5 kit (with wide lens shade and French flag) would suit?

As for the 709 thing - here we get into a whole new ball of wax. Please do correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the side benefits of 4K was a bigger colour gamut - bigger than Rec709, probably the DCI P3 thing, plus the shift to 10 bits per channel too. Hence, 422 10 bit HD looks very nice upsampled to HD, whereas 420 8 bit stuff doesn't, therefore a good idea to shift to 10 bit. I am clinging on to this info by my fingernails and liable to oversimplify!

PS - @David, no, I was just wanting to distribute the point that the Z100 wasn't going to be a 'cheap F5'. LOL

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

It remains to be found out the differences between PXW-Z100 and the FDR-AX1. This is the AX1 page on the Sony site Sony 4K/60p Ultra HD Camcorder | 4K Camcorder Review | FDR-AX1 | Sony USA Lens specs look identical to my NX5U. The FD-AX1 sensor looks just like my Cybershot HX30V, same size, same sensor count 18.9MP. The HX30VB takes stills at 4,896×2,752 and will do so while shooting video at 60i with OIS and Active EIS !! If you set it for 60P it cannot takes stills at the same time . Probably drain the battery and get too hot to hold !!! Does the PXW-Z100 have a different sensor to the FDR-AX1 ?

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I'm betting the sensor is the same.

As far as the Z100 being a cheap F5, or even a cheap F55 - yes! For me and my budget, anyway. I can't justify getting an F5, much less an F55, but the Z100 should be within my reach - barely. Besides the no raw video option, doesn't the Z100 have the same XAVC codec as the F55?
For $6,500 I don't expect an F55. I'll settle for a 1/2.3" 4K camera.

And I'd pick the Z100 and AX1 over the cheaper BM4K, just because of the ease of use. No lenses, no rigs, no external battery source required. Just unpack, add a battery and media card, and off I go.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I think the sensor is the same too. Sony marketing giving differentiation for a year before installing the LongGOP firmware. If that was available at the introduction the PXW-Z100 would be my choice too. However for my theatre show stuff the FDR-AX1 is a nice replacement for my NX5U even at 1920x1080 doing 60P a nice match with my CX700 and NX30U with 4K as a bonus. May indicate that the HDMI output from the FDR-AX1 may be 10bit 4:2:2 at some point with the HDMI 2.0 firmware update !!!

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

As it stands right now, I still consider this the Z1U of the 4K generation. Give it another 2 years and the imperfections like the minor CA and the bayer artifacting and interpolation will be greatly lessened in a newer model that would be the EX1 of the 4K generation. (which would include manual controls instead of servo)

I also wonder if we'll see the return of Letus adapters if the DSLRs don't catch up to 4K in time, which I wouldn't doubt within the next year.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I think its more appropriate to consider the PXW-Z100 the NX5U of the 4K generation and the FDR-AX1 the AX2000 of the 4K generation since they look to have used a lot of these models in the construction and retained AVCHD recording too. I don't think I will see much difference operating one of these cameras to my NX5U !!! Same batteries, Lanc controller, mic etc. The AX2000 had a smaller battery, no mic, less menu controls, no HD-SDi, timecode input and did not have the ability to use the FMU128 compared to the NX5U. Looks like the FDR-AX1 does not come with a mic, no HD-SDI .........

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I'm more referring to the image quality rather than the functionality. I personally want to stick to my BP-U workflow and semi-manual Fujinon lens. It would be very bad if the BP-U line of batteries is retired after the PMW-300. Only with the BP-U lineup can you get a 96Wh battery.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

This Z100 looks pretty darn nice. But I think I'm going to wait for NAB 2014 and see the new "Z200" before I buy into single small sensor 4k right now.

I think the Z100 is the entry level "PMW-100-class" camera of today. The new "Z200" will have three 1/2 inch sensors that run behind that wonderfull PMW200/EX1 Fujinon lens that we all love so much today.

I have no idea that this is true, but I strongly suspect this camera is in the works as we speak.

"PXW-Z200" should I hold my breath? ;-)

CT

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Another promo video for the PXW-Z100 this time not the FDR-AX1.
Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I think to suggest that the AS1 or Z100 are a poor mans F5 or F55 is pushing things a bit. I would say the FS700 is closer to a poor mans F5 than the Z100, even though it can't do 4K without adding extra stuff.

I think the HD from and FS700 will look closer to the 4K from the F5/F55 than the 4K from a Z100 or AS1.

The only thing the Z100 has in common with an F5 is 4K XAVC. It will not have the same dynamic range, noise, sensitivity, DoF etc. Resolution is only a very small part of the whole image quality equation and the end viewer is more likely to notice all the other things before they notice whether its HD or 4K.

The Z100 is more a B camera to the F5/F55 etc.

One interesting consideration is that so far no one has launched a 4K ENG style camera with 2/3" sensors. It's interesting that we have plenty of large sensor cameras and a couple of small sensor 4K cameras (don't forget about the JVC) but nothing in the middle. I wonder if we will ever see one? Certainly shoulder mount cameras are not as ubiquitous as they used to be.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Sure, the Z100 is no F55. No one here is suggesting such a thing, I'm pretty sure. Obviously, a 1/2.3" sensor will have plenty of drawbacks compared to an S35 sensor.

But as far as this "poor man," the Z100 is as close as I can get to an F55. And neither the FS700 nor the F5 can record 4K internally, without an expensive add-on recorder. At least the F55 and Z100 share this feature. They even share the same codec, minus raw video (I think). The Z100 does it for less than the price of an FS700 body. That's a bargain to this poor man.

And if the Z100 will make a good b-cam to the F55, then that's a huge, huge bonus. I'd settle for b-cam work to an F55 any day. I'd be ecstatic to get such shoots.

I finally got to see a 4K monitor in Best Buy (video shot on an F65, I think). I was floored! I'll take 4K resolution, even if dynamic range and sensitivity is lost on a 1/2.3" chip. For $6,500, you can't have it all.

As far as a 2/3" 4K sensor, let's not forget Panasonic has recently announced such a device. I won't be surprised if it shows up in a shoulder mount design in the near future.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

All this talk of a 1/2.3" chip on this drool worthy cam, remember almost certainly it uses only a 1/3" portion since that is what the lens is designed for.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

OK. I'm good with that.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Thanks, Ron! Nice video.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Another piece of information that is of interest as i am sure the early information on the FDR-AX1 showed it having LongGOP XAVCS 8bit 4:2:0 and AVCHD with the PXW-Z100 just XAVC 10bit 4:2:2. The current spec for the FDR-AX1 does not now show AVCHD and a note that says AVCHD will come in an upgrade in 2014 together with a USB and HDMI upgrade !! Seems like both will get the upgrade and the difference will then be just XAVCS 8bit 4:2:0 or XAVC 10 bit 4:2:2 with HD-SDI etc I will always need the LongGOP for the length of my shoots so as much as I like the idea of 10bit 4:2:2 unless it possible to connect up a 1T drive it won't work for me !!!

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Especially if you are viewing on a monitor smaller than 65 inches or so. I'm really not excited about
this camera. To me it smells like Sony trying to push 4k....just like they tried to push 3D. I just don't see
the need for 4K for consumers. For pros, yeah when you are making a movie for a 60 foot screen it
makes sense. But for small one man video companies, the pipeline just doesn't seem to be there
to create, edit, and deliver in 4K for your clients....and this camera seems to be directly pointed at
those 'prosumers'. But hey, what do I know? Stills camera makers used th 'megapixel race' to keep
new cameras selling, so the video camera makers need to keep the 'resolution wars' going. I for one
am not buying into 4k until the tech is much more developed......and this is coming from a guy who
owns a FS700.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Looking at these two sister 4k cameras, it seems the AX1 has been given a VERY aggressive feature set. In fact, I'm surprised it was not branded a "4K NXCAM". If there is a new 4K NXCAM like this slated in the future,...how could it possibly sit above the Handycam version but below the XDCAM version? There is almost no marketing room for it in this type of camera.

This leads me to wonder,...for future 4K cameras, could Sony dissolve the NXCAM brand and simply place all "pro" and "semi pro" cameras in a wider market spanning XDCAM fleet?

In other words, could "XDCAM" now cover the market range that NXCAM used to cover and leave "Handycam" to pick up the "low end Pro"? (I started thinking about this when the PMW100 was released)

Look at the L battery now being used on the Z100. That's the first XDCAM camera to use the cheaper L battery over a traditional XDCAM BP battery.

I dunno, just it seems they are pushing XDCAM further down into NXCAM territory and moving "Handycam" further up into NXCAM turf. (NXCAM is getting squeezed from the top and the bottom!)

Could the new XAVC codec make NXCAM 4K simply no longer necessary?

Is that crazy talk?

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

One could look back to the FX1 and Z1U to get the analogy for the AX1 and Z100, the FX1 was branded as a Handycam because it lacked XLR inputs and the Z1U had PAL/NTSC switching. I'd be surprised if the AX1 has PAL/NTSC.

I'm pretty certain a new sensor is coming down the pipe with a camera developed around it. A 2/3'' single sensor Fixed lens using BP-U perhaps? You can't fit a prism nor is it possible to make a prism that has 4K resolving resolution for 2/3'', so a 2/3'' that de-bayers to exactly 2160 lines resolution could be what's next. Panasonic is doing it first, so I wouldn't doubt Sony would be far behind.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

The FDR-AX1 has 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 speeds so does cover the range of PAL/NTSC. I think you are missing a range out with just quoting the FX1 and Z1 as there was the AX2000 and NX5U that appear to be the basis of these new 4K models with the AX2000 in this case having XLR's but missing some other features from the NX5U like picture profile details etc, next in the lineup after the tape based HDV cameras and now the 4K family. I too think the NXCAM family will be restricted to AVCHD camera and likely top out with the NX30U as I expect the NX5U to be discontinued as there will be little point with the FDR-AX1 when it has AVCHD covering all the bases. I see the PXW-Z100 as the poor mans F5/F55 or as a B camera to those high end cameras. When the firmware upgrade comes so that the PXW-Z100 could operate as a FDR-AX1 spec too it would be a really nice camera with a great range of features. XAVC 10bit, XAVCS 8bit and AVCHD why would anyone look at the NX5U, PMW100 or the PMW160 ? I would not be surprised to see Sony come out with 4K versions of the NEX EA50 and the VG30 ( they are really the large sensor cousins to the AX2000 and NX5U ) to cover the low end large sensor market with XAVCS versions leaving the FS700 for the high end NEX.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Why cannot a good HD tablet be used as EVF, Matt? Of course for monitoring only, but still much better than another field monitor...

Piotr

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Has Sony R&D moved completely into XAVC 4k now? (Are they "finished" with HD?)

Will the PMW300 go down in history as Sony's very last 1920x1080 XDCAM camera? (And the NX30 for NXCAM?)

Is Sony's intent to let the current HD models just fade out one by one?

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Noooooo!

Of course, they need to signal that they like the XQD card format to record MXF data onto, and that 4K is the new HD, but it seems to be following the 'HDV' trajectory. The Z100 is a Bellwether - the sheep you put a bell onto so that other sheep follow it. The Bellwether has understood the way things work, the way things are going, all the Strength/Weakness/Opportunity/Threat stuff from its own ("unique") perspective.

The other side of the Z100 is it does very strong 4:2:2 10 bit HD. It will ("soon") embrace AVCHD as its proxy format. This tells me that Sony - at this level - are seeing AVHCD as a 'DV' sort of thing, There are versions of XAVC which will be functionally kissing cousins to XDCAM-EX - 1080 35 and 50 mbit XAVC - that will feel functionally identical.

We are entering a moment of flux like we did with HD. The Z100 is also firmly planted into the HD market, and I guess this will continue for the next half decade or so. Who's making 720p a big thing at the moment? Nope - but FWIW the Z100 will do 720p on AVCHD on that firmware upgrade.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I think the future may look like AVCHD for the consumer models, XAVCS and AVCHD for the prosumer/consumer crossover models, XAVC/XAVCS/AVCHD for the low end pro models and XAVC for the high end. For small and larger sensors. Essentially the same codec in slightly different forms for the whole lineup from Cybershots to the high end !! Will be interesting to see if the PXW-Z100 SDI can feed an Odyssey7Q . Would be a nice package with large SSD rather than XQD cards. Jack may be correct in thinking there will be a ½” family replacing the EX1/3 but I think they may be single chip versions to go with the trend , with much the same recording spec as the PXW-Z100 which would be nice too. Life of the PMW100, PMW160 and PMW200 would be even shorter than the NX5U !!

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Glen, what are going to deliver on! :) When I watched some 4k at Fry's the other day I was not floored. It looked very nice and you could walk up close to the TV and it did not pixelate. But at normal viewing distances it did not look that much better than my television at home. Certainly not so much to be an early adopter.

Give me dynamic range and light sensitivity. Resolution is a gimmic that you the viewer adapts to and focuses back on content after the glow fades away. I do not want cameras that are a bit crippled just to give more pixels. It is just too early for me. Heck, I can not find a good preview monitor larger than 5-7" that is even 720p! what are folks going to do with 4k??

As far as HD going away!!!? Seriously, this is just the type of conversation Sony wants flying around internet forums. HD is not going away. All television is 720p or 1080i and that will not change for a long time. People still want DVDs of what I shoot. Where does 4k fit into this universe? I agree with Gabe.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Just as a 'By The Way'...

4K is not just about resolution. Thankfully.

Rec709 - the HD standard - is 20 years old, when CRTs were the norm. 4K's standards - the BT2020 and the rest - take a long look forward. That specifically means contrast (beyond 5 stops), and colour range (Digital Cinema Initiatives's P3 colour space and beyond).

There's talk from the 4K world that HD filmed at 4:2:2 and 10 bit looks far FAR better than 4:2:0 or even 4:2:2 8 bit.

And don't get me started on Aspect Ratios... LOL

So, 4K is not just about resolution - there's that but it's not exclusive. It's also about colour range (P3), colour resolution (4:2:2 and beyond) and bit depth (10 bits per channel, no less). YOu have to factor that in to your choices about filming now in HD.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

+1 on that, Tim - of all my classical music recordings, we're only printing/selling DVDs with the HD version just burned to a few BDs, for personal use...

While this would not be an interesting offer for professional videographers, a "serious hobbyist" like me would love to be offered a complete system to assess whether I can afford entering the 4K world. The camera is just a beginning; add the media, all new computer with a QHD monitor for efficient editing, and at least a 65" UHD TV - I don't think many of prosumers would even think of beginning the early adopters at the moment...

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

My interest in 4K is to crop a HD image. Just like I did with HDV when it came out and cropped to SD. Did that for over two years with my FX1 before the other cameras I got were AVCHD small Handycams. Then went all 16x9 and eventually Bluray for my archive only. I don`t see creating a 4K finished project for many years but am really interested in using for cropping as when I did this with the FX1 it was great. So. No need for 4K monitor or any other 4K stuff as the output will go straight to a HD project as an oversized file, will get archived for the future. Until I can get a 4K handycam and repeat what I did with the FX1 all projects will be just HD. The FDR-AX1 is a nice replacement for my NX5U and since it is almost the same I will be able to use all the batteries, controllers etc I now have for the NX5U. Just wished it had AVCHD record from day one. Looks like that may have to wait until 2014 firmware update then it will completely replace the NX5U !!!

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Ron, I wouldn't spend $6,000 on a 4K camera (full of compromises as the Z100 is) only to crop the picture for HD. The only reward for all those compromises - WOW factor - is gone with such limited application...

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I am not looking at the PXW-Z100 but the FDR-AX1. $4500 or less. About the same as I paid for my NX5U a few years ago. Data rate is too high on the PXW-Z100 to be of use to me until it has LongGOP next year then that would make it just like the FDR-AX1 is now !!! HD with XAVCS is higher quality than AVCHD so is a reasonable replacement.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Another interesting thought about the Z100 and XAVC,....

The bitrates, bit depth and 4:2:2 sampling are very aggressive in 4k. And, in looking at the HD XAVC specs? They are also very, VERY strong as well. (even the consumer Handycam version does 50Mbp/s, 8bit 4:2:0?)

If I were Atomos, Convergent Design or AJA, I'd be very concerned about the future need or market for outboard recorders. In-camera XAVC might literally be the only thing you would want for 4:2:2 10 bit.

XAVC and whatever CODEC Panasonic creates to compete could break these little companies. (Or force them into making completely different products)

The next 2-3 years is going be HUGE!

Between Sony, Panny and Cannon, I would expect at least 2-4 brand new 4K camera models by next summer. (Not counting any CES consumer 4K cameras next January)

CT

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I don`t think they should worry too much. Even with 2 64G XQD cards the PXW-Z100 will only record for a about 25mins at 4k 60P and at a cost of maybe close to $800 for the fast cards. A Odyssey and 2x 256G SSD will record for a much longer time and give you a nice monitor as well. Until there are low cost 128G XQD cards I think the outboard stuff will win easily. Will the SDI from the PXW-Z100 feed the Odyssey É

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

What will I deliver 4K on? Hmm, right now, nothing. ;-)
But the Z100 will also shoot in 10-bit, 4:2;2 HD, so it's still a useful tool until 4K becomes more widespread - and it will, does anyone doubt that now?
HD is not going away anytime soon, of course not. I own 2 HD cameras, I'm happy with them. But increased resolution IS the future, that I do believe. And that future is coming upon us, faster than most would think - or like, apparently.

And better resolution is a gimmick? I flat disagree with that statement. Was it a gimmick when HD resolution replaced SD? Are the BM4K, F55 and Epic cameras gimmicks because they do 4K? Is the upcoming Alexa 4K a gimmick? 4K is indeed more than pixel counting, but who's to say this new camera won't make great looking images? So far, I've been impressed with the limited videos I've seen. Not F55 levels of images, but still, this is a $6,500 camera. Please keep that in mind, people. It will have compromises. No productions looking for an F55 are going to settle for a Z100.
And I'll take the XAVC 10-bit, 4:2:2 codec, that's certainly not a gimmick.

And I did see the 4K monitor next to regular HD monitors, and yes, the difference was very noticeable. I preferred the 4K, what can I say?

It's funny, how I've heard on this site that before the RED cameras came about, Sony and the other manufacturers "forced" 1080 video upon us as the new norm for film making. How Jannard and the RED made us all realize the creative freedom and beauty of 4K.
Now, I'm hearing how Sony is "forcing" us to adopt 4K as the new norm. Hmm, OK.
I guess Canon, RED, Arri, JVC , Black Magic and eventually Panasonic are also "forcing" us to adopt 4K, just to sell product.

I do not know if this camera will end up being seen more as a gimmick than a creative tool. Perhaps its small sensor will forever handicap it as a viable broadcast camera. Time will tell. I do think Sony is offering an affordable solution for 4K for those who want to be early adopters.
I'll admit to being "dazzled" by the idea of finally being able to afford a true 4K camera, even if I can't justify actually delivering 4K content right now. But if what I've heard is true, that shooting in 4K and delivering in HD looks incredible, then that is vindication for me. Bottom line, if my clients are happy, I'm happy. And besides, it still shoots XAVC HD.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

At the moment one can get a PMW160 with list of $7790, 1/3” chips recording 422 8bit to SxS cards at 50Mbps MXF wrapper. For $6500 a PMW-Z100 recording 10bit 422 with effect 1/3” chip recording to XQD cards at 220 Mbps MXF wrapper and with a bonus of recording 10bit 422 4k at 60P. Just comparing 1920x1080 the PMW-Z100 is the winner don’t you think ?

Comparing the FDR-AX1 to the NX5U comes up with the same conclusion for me.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

I cannot argue with your logic.

I wonder, could Sony have put the 1/2.3" chip in a PMW-200 body? The lens is designed for a 1/2" sensor. Could the 1/2.3" chip work with that lens?

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

Nearly all cable channels are still 720p60. My doubling of resolution would be 1080p60. 80+" flat screen TVs are just about here, be they 2K or 4K. I've seen "House of Cards" in full Netflix SuperHD (1080p24 at no more than 8 Mbps) on a 100 Mbps business-class Internet line, and while it looks fantastic, it doesn't look noticeably better than NatGeo on 720p60 on Comcast.

No side-by-side comparison is necessary with either of the Sony 4K TVs to know you're watching something you haven't seen before.


Future proof. Collect 4K footage now and be able to submit in 10 years. Still, I would upgrade to a 500-600 MBps I-Frame native 1080p60 camera unless these new Sony 4K's do as well or better than an EX1 + Nanoflash in low light.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

It's more about the resolving resolution of the lens. The Fujinon in the 200 is more designed for HD, so it wouldn't resolve past that as far as the full rez of 4K. Also, a single sensor block can possibly fit a bigger sensor like 2/3'' in something like a PMW-200 body, but slightly bigger, while at the same time smaller than an F3 or F5.

Slap an SD lens on a PMW-350 (which I've seen local stations do) and you'll see uncorrected CA everywhere and blurry picture as opposed to sharp picture.

Re: Sony launches PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM
 

According to my very unscientific tests, I simply converted XAVC rushes to ProRes. They doubled in size. I made Proxy files of XAVC rushes - they were half the size of the original.

So, at the moment, XAVC seems to be a very well balanced codec if - IF - you have the horsepower to run it. It's sort of, erm, generally like the big hairy chested version of AVCHD - XAVC is based on the highest level of H.264, tuned for the most voluminous bit rates. It's pretty computationally intensive for all but the newest, fastest computers - but that situation won't last long (as next year\'s newest, fastest computers will cope far better, and in two or three years time you\'re back to what HD felt like a few years ago. LOL