Tag Archives: dark

Sony IMX472-AAJK sensor offers huge frame rates in 4/3ds format!

Sony has released some white paper specs on a new Micro 4/3rds sensor that is as of now, the most advanced ever on the format considering the mix of Backside illumination, Stacked technology and high resolution color at 10 bits on full sensor read outs. The frame rates offered are also quite impressive with up to 1139fps at 0.46 Megapixels or 1760px Horizontal x 262px Vertical on the fastest range and 121fps at the full sensor area read-out at 20.9MP.

The Panasonic GH6 is coming later this year and it is estimated that this new sensor is actually the one that will be used on that camera. If Lumix technology can make full use of the sensor specs even for small fractions of time, we could have a killer slow motion mass produced camera.  The VFR mode on Panasonic Lumix cameras has always been more than acceptable and they could breathe new life into the format if these sensor specs are used to their fullest. We expect at least 1080p at 240fps which will be a slightly stretched delivery from the 1760 x 1318 240.2fps mode listed on the sensor specs → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Slow Motion at 240fps is good!

Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Slow Motion

The Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is a strange camera if you are used to DSLR or Mirrorless camera body styles. It is tiny and full of connections with no screen unless you provide one via a computer that is tethered or an HDMI field monitor.  It uses the same dual ISO sensor found on the Panasonic Lumix GH5s which is a very good low light camera in a Micro 4/3ds package.  The BGH1 has a better internal recording set of options than the GH5s but it is more intended as a tethered studio solution with the addition of Genlock synch and SDI out.

The camera also has VFR or a Variable frame rate mode which is identical to the Lumix GH5s as it records from 1fps to 240fps in Full HD 1080p and delivers pretty good performance up to 200fps then lowers the quality along with providing a small added crop to the image at 225fps and 240fps. It is still not as sharp as regular 1080p video and the codec is saved at a lower bit rate but having 240fps as an option is great.

Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 Video Specs:

Video Modes: AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit:
4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 400 Mb/s)
3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 200 Mb/s)
3328 x 2496p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 400 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 200 Mb/s)
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit:
4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 150 Mb/s)
3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 150 Mb/s)
3328 x 2496p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 150 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 Mb/s)
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit:
3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (72 to 100 Mb/s)
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit:
3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (100 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (24 to 28 Mb/s)VFR Mode 1-240fps Full HD 1080p (24 to 28 Mb/s) 

As you can see, the camera is capable of recording up to 60fps in 10 bit 4:2:2 internally which is better than other m4/3 lumix cameras that top out at 4:2:0 color space in this mode.

Of note is that the VFR Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Slow Motion mode is limited in bit rate from 24Mbits/sec to 28Mbits/sec which is passable but hardly ideal since the image is more compressed.  The quality of the VFR should be identical to the GH5s and the sample below by the great youtube reviewer Richard Wong you can see the softness associated with 240p in VFR.  We are told that up to 200fps the image looks a bit better and there is no crop associated with it.

Pretty In-Depth Panasonic Lumix BGH1 by Richard Wong: 

As you can see in the excellent in-depth review above, the camera has Auto Focus that is pretty similar to the other cameras in the Lumix line and suffers from the same pulsating qualities of the DfD Depth from Defocus algorithm used by Panasonic. We are no fans of it for video even when it has improved a lot. For AF to work reliably you need to have dual Pixels in the sensor with Phase and contrast-detection like those on systems from Canon or Sony.

The camera is very small and it is ideal for drones that can carry the 545g of the body plus a lens.  At $1,997.99 at Adorama Camera it is about the same price as a Panasonic S5 which is a full-frame camera that delivers even better performance in low light and has a photo mode and screen.  The S5 in our view is a better overall camera for the majority of people but the BGH1 is geared to a different market altogether.

You could build a studio with them as they have Genlock timecode sync and SDI out which is what you want for tethering many of these cameras together. The uses for a camera like this are plenty considering its great low light performance and beautiful image with 13 stops of Dynamic Range when Shooting V-Log L.

Pricing and availability:

Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 – Review – Unboxing the box camera by extrashot: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony PXW-Z90V Footage Starts to Show!

Sony PXW-Z90V Footage

We were excited last September when Sony announced a trio of Palmcorders based on their latest 1″ stacked image sensor. The FDR-AX700, the HXR-NX80 and the PXW-Z90V share essentially the same sensor and lens along with other common features but differ when it comes to codec bit rates, broadcasting output like SDI out and or HDMI but what interests us is the HFR high frame rate mode.

The Sony RX100 and RX10 series share the same 1″ stacked CMOS sensor in their latest iterations to these cameras but with a new form factor that is aimed at more professional shooters, there is a lot of expectations to see if quality has improved in Slow Motion.   We have gone thru the manuals on the cameras and have not been able to find the exact resolution specs when recording HFR but we estimate they are identical to the latest RX10 IV all in one prosumer camera.

RX10 IV HFR Resolution specs estimated to be the same as PXW-Z90V, NX80 & AX700:

HFR Recording with NTSC/PAL Selector:

[PAL] mode XAVC S HD: 50p 50M(1920×1080/250fps), 50p 50M(1920×1080/500fps), 50p 50M(1920×1080/1000fps)/25p 50M(1920×1080/250fps), 25p 50M(1920×1080/500fps), 25p 50M(1920×1080/1000fps),

 [NTSC] mode XAVC S HD: 60p 50M(1920×1080/240fps), 60p 50M(1920×1080/480fps), 60p 50M(1920×1080/960fps)/30p 50M(1920×1080/240fps), 30p 50M(1920×1080/480fps), 30p 50M(1920×1080/960fps)/24p 50M(1920×1080/240fps), 24p 50M(1920×1080/480fps), 24p 50M(1920×1080/960fps)

Sensor Readout Number of effective pixels:

Quality Priority 4 Seconds:

  • RX10 IV: 240fps/250fps (1824×1026)
  • RX10 IV: 480fps/500fps (1824×616)
  • RX10 IV: 960fps/1000fps (1244×420)

Shoot Time Priority 7 Seconds:

  • RX10 IV: 240fps/250fps (1824×616)
  • RX10 IV: 480fps/500fps (1292×436)
  • RX10 IV: 960fps/1000fps (912×308)

As you can see above the HFR on these cameras is quite good compared to other competitive options but you have to keep in mind the 4 second recording limitation at the highest quality.

The first video below “Model Train” shows the Z90 recording in all slow motion frame rates: 120p 240p, 480p, and 960pExcellent video by 이승진:

Sony PXW-Z90V Footage Released from Early reviewers:

Z90 Test HFR Modes all resolutions/frame rates by 이승진:

Active Image Stabilization and Clear Image Zoom Test – FDR AX700, HXR NX80 and PXW Z90V by akphotovideo:

Sony PXW-Z90 Test Footage by Doug Jensen: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Panasonic Camcorders CES 2018 WXF1K & VX1K

Panasonic Camcorders CES 2018

Panasonic besides formally announcing the GH5s Lumix camera at CES 2018, also introduced 3 new camcorders that will replace their current offerings, in what could be a dependable yearly occurrence.   Panasonic seems to avoid the fact that camcorder sales are probably as rare as Blackberry devices these days but whatever their motivations are, it seems Panasonic, Sony & Canon are keeping the flame alive.

With every introduction, Panasonic seems to improve steadily in image quality and features with continued innovation especially in the areas of HDR imaging and O.I.S Optical Image Stabilization which now sports a hybrid system that uses three technologies to create what might be the best stabilized camcorder ever produced. The demo is certainly impressive and should make every high zoom fan excited about the possibilities of this technology in higher end gear.

  • HC-WXF1K – Premium Model 4K Camcorder features professional-level functionality including EVF and Manual Ring Operation $999.99 USD
  • HC-VX1K – provides performance without compromise with 4K picture quality and new 4K cropping functions $799.99 USD
  • HCV-800K – Full HD Camcorder features newly developed Leica lens and new large MOS sensor

HC-WXF1K Main Features:

  • 4K Cinema-Like recording experience with advanced in-camera capture and button control options.
  • LEICA DICOMAR 24X optical zoom lens (25-600mm, F1.8-4.0), and large 1/2.5” BSI MOS Sensor for impressive capture even in low light.
  • Three Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) technologies work together for impressive stability under many shooting conditions; 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S. Plus, Ball O.I.S., and Adaptive O.I.S.
  • Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and manual control ring that emulates a professional recording experience.
  • For a more natural looking image, a new Active Contrast feature equalizes contrast, and the HDR Movie mode enables a wider dynamic range between dark and bright areas.

4K High-Precision AF

Enjoy high-speed, excellent tracking performance and stability. With Custom AF, you can also choose from three focus modes.

Active Contrast

Automatically equalizes the gradation in response to the brightness distribution within the image. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony RX10 IV & AX700 Slow Mo Samples Surface!

Sony RX10 IV & AX700 Slow Mo Samples

There is a lot of interest on the new Sony RX10 IV and new Sony FDR-AX700,  HXR-NX80 and PXW-Z90V Palm 4k Cam-Corders.   We have found a couple of new sample videos showing these cameras in action with HFR high frame rate modes. We estimate all four cameras to have comparable image quality in HFR mode but depending on the price a better overall codec with more detail retention.

However the best value out of all of them could be the AX700 which costs about the same as the RX10 IV but in a more professional body with lots of control that the SLR form factor lacks.  Also for a paid job you may be inclined to go with the more professional looking body to avoid judgmental stares.

New Sony Samples of the HFR mode:

Sony RX10 IV Slow Motion Samples by Fan of Tech:

Sony | Handycam® | FDR-AX700 – Super Slow Motion / Slow & Quick Motion: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony Palm 4k Camcorders Have 960fps!

Sony Palm 4k Camcorders

Sony has released three new Palm Sized 4k camcorders on the wake left by the RX10 IV all in one  1″ Sensor camera, these new cameras aim to produce professional results in 4k and with the use of broadcast features like 3G-SDI in the case of the Z90V allow for real time ENG and EFP production.

These cameras have the same  sensor and buffer mode as the RX10 IV camera but in a more traditional non SLR like form factor. The FDR-AX700 at the lower end of the range lacks a Proper microphone mount and XLR inputs with volume controls but they all share the same specs in lens 12x – and internal codecs aside from broadcast features.  This includes the HFR mode which seems to be identical to the RX10 IV offering 120fps continuous and up to 7 seconds of 240fps near full HD and reduced resolution 480fps and 960fps.

Professional features:

  • 1″ (1.0-type) stacked sensor: high sensitivity, resolution and dynamic range
  • Stacked CMOS image sensor delivers broadcast-quality 4K and Full HD
  • Sony’s S-Log2 and S-Log3 recording for extended highlights
  • Stunning 120 fps (NTSC)/1 OOfps (PAL) Slow & Quick Motion in XAVC s
  • HD or XAVC HD
  • Extended Super Slow Motion at up to 960 fps (NTSC)/1000 fps (PAL)
  • Lens ring with increased depth for reliable focus and zoom
  • Ml Shoe for up to 2 channels of cable-free wireless audio with SM AD-P3D, URX-P03D*2·
  • 3 and matching UWP-D transmitters, sold separately
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi capability for USTREAM™ service*’, wireless remote control
  • Touch screen monitor with 1 SSSK dot Extra Fine LCD
  • OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder: bright, colorful, 2359K dots OLEO Tru-Finder™ viewfinder: bright, colorful, 2359K dots
  • Dual media slots: simultaneous or relay recording
  • HDMI  type A connector; REMOTE terminal for connection to the MCX-500 live producer
  • Wireless TC Link allow to settle synchronized TC on multiple camcorders (CBKZ-WTCL required)* 1
  • Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 12x zoom lens

    Sony fixed a Zeiss® lens with impressive capabilities.

    • 29 mm wide-angle zoom (35 mm equivalent) is ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes. 348 mm Telephoto Long End On Still images but gets better by shooting video!
    • Zeiss T* coatings. This is a Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® lens with the legendary T* (T-star) coatings, for impressive contrast and resolution.
    • 12x optical zoom, 24x with Clear Image zoom, 48x with Digital Extender. The 12x optical zoom increases seamlessly to 18x (in 4K) or 24x (in Full HD) thanks to the Super Resolution technology of Sony’s Clear Image Zoom. The Digital Extender doubles this range yet again, up to 48x in Full HD.
    • Lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focus or zoom, depending on mode. A manual dial and buttons on the side of the body enable swift and easy adjustment of iris, ISO/Gain and shutter speed.
    • Built-in ND filters

      Makes it easy to take advantage of shallow depth of field even in exterior day shoots. There’s no need to carry and mount external Neutral Density (ND) filters. The built-in ND filter wheel has positions for Clear, 1/4 (2 Stops), 1/16 (4 Stops) and 1/64 (6 Stops). → Continue Reading Full Post ←