Tag Archives: Exmor R

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 ←

GH5s Red Ring Gate Rumor Explained by Jon Houldsworth!

Jonathan Houldsworth has posted a video detailing this week’s rumor of the expected Panasonic GH5s camera.  The video includes the detailed 4k footage zoom in that started all of it.  As far as we can tell the footage has not been doctored and this is a new camera with a red ring.  4/3 Rumors is also pushing back the date of the GH5s announcement from December 15th to January 8th 2018 due to a mixup between the press event and the public release.  Enjoy!

GH5s Rumor Video Analyzed & Dispelled! (Updated)

GH5 Rumor Video Analyzed

The video that started the entire speculation craze the past few days from Neumann Films showing a supposed GH5s Panasonic camera with a red colored dial akin to that of the recently announced Lumix G9.  We have downloaded the video and isolated the video frames where the red dial is visible and scaled it for easy showing.

The camera is in our interest because it may offer 4k 120fps in its specs according to the rumors. In our findings, the supposed GH5s camera is nothing more than a plain GH5 camera that is momentarily reddened by a compression artifact set of macroblocks that changes to a red hue after a light change, then reverts back to normal. In our video analysis, you can clearly see the effect.

GH5s Rumored Specs:

  •  This is a low light version of the GH5. 10MP+- sensor
  •  GH5 Same body but with class leading low light performance.
  • Higher pricing than regular GH5.
  • 4k 60p HDR from 120fps feed
  • 120fps 4k capable sensor
  • December 15 (+ or – 1 day) announcement. 2017
  • Possibly using this Sony 4/3 Sensor IMX294CJK

As you can see it could be a really important camera announcement for high-speed enthusiasts as the sensor would be capable of full 4k resolution shooting 120fps. Of course, the camera needs to be able to cope with those data rates which in turn will need a very large buffer and newer processing which may or may not be part of the package.  A 60fps 4k mixed exposure from the 120fps capture at two exposure values for HDR much like the Canon implementation works is a better guess for the use of these capabilities. If however 120fps at full 4k is also preserved we will be excited. Until December 15th give or take one day we will not be able to tell if the leaks are still contained, but one thing is for sure, there is room for a lot of hardware innovation in the high frame rate space yet to be explored.

GH5 Rumor Video Analyzed by HSC from Neumann Films Below:

As you can see from the video above it is clear there is no smoking gun here, it is a regular GH5 camera. As for other rumors like the Casey Neistat one on 4/3 rumors here, we have no opinion except that if it is supposedly a low light camera why are they filming in full daylight? Our guess is that this is another fabrication to generate interest in as of now unleaked images of a rumored camera.

(UPDATE from December 5th)

Jon Houldsworth a camera enthusiast & filmmaker got a hold of a 4k copy of the video we analyzed “We got a 2k Copy only”  In his 4k download you can clearly see the camera does have a red ring and also has the exact same body as the GH5.   We are now waiting for mid-December for rumors to become a real camera announcement by Panasonic.    No real confirmation exists as of yet and Jon says the video has not been altered. We have a screen grab from his video below showing the red ring.  Let your imagination run wild!

Full video by Jon Houldsworth explaining the whole red ring leak rumor history.  The full red ring zoomed 4k version is at the end of the video from where the screen grab above was extracted.

Camera Rumors and Conspiracy – GH5s – The Truth is Out There:

The full Neumann Films Super Secret Project video here below for your enjoyment, must watch:

That is all for now, please comment below and join the rumor discussion -HSC

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Sony IMX183 ExmorR Could Be In New RX Series!

Sony IMX183 ExmorR

Sony Semiconductor division has announced the new  IMX183CLK-J “Mono” &  IMX183CQJ-J “Color” Sensors in 1″ size. The sensor seems to be a step up compared to the ones used in the last RX100 and RX10 camera series.  While there is no mention in the press release of a stacked combo; the sensor itself should be able to be built on a high speed stacked memory package which should allow extreme frame rates at HD resolutions.

The sensor used in the RX100 V, for example, is a 1″ Exmor RS which allows for HDR capture in both photo and video modes. The new sensors announced are of the R variety “No video HDR” which could mean another variation of the sensor will debut with the RX100 VI.   Considering the cameras are due for a refresh this year we expect Sony to up the ante when it comes to read-out data speeds and use their stacking technology.

“Like Exmor R™, Exmor RS™ for mobile uses a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that allows you to take exceptional photographs under low light conditions. … The difference is thatExmor R™ enables HDR for photos, whereas Exmor RS™ for mobile brings HDR for both photos and video.” – Sony

Sony IMX183 Main Sensor Characteristics:

  • 2.4 µm square unit pixel
  • 1″ Inch Sensor Size (C-Mount Compatibility)
  • IMX183CQJ-J (Color Version)
  • IMX183CLK-J (Monochrome Version)
  • vertical arbitrary cropping function (Windowing)
  • 4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 fps
  • 10-bit high-speed all-pixel readout
  • 20.48M pixels (aspect 3:2) high-speed readout at 21.98 fps

The Sony RX100 V which is one of our favorite budget slow motion cameras “See our best of  2016 post” was announced October 6th 2016.  Which means we are about 3 months from an announcement. Of more interest to us is the announcement of the RX10 III replacement along with a possible RX10 II version as well.  Those cameras are a little behind the RX100 V with less recording time in resolution priority mode even when they use the same sensor.  What does change is the depth of the buffer which should be improved in the next camera iteration by allowing faster 4k and 1080p captures.

We expect Sony to jump to 480fps 1080p or near that quality at some point in the next two years.  Even when it is time-limited i.e. 2-4 seconds a real 480fps full HD video clip will be sought after by slow motion enthusiasts.

We will monitor the sensor developments closely as Sony continues to be at the forefront of high speed read out with their Stacked CMOS sensor technology. – HSC

Sony IMX183 ExmorR Full Press Release Below:

Release Link here!

IMX183CLK-J/CQJ-J

Diagonal 15.86 mm (Type 1) Approx. 20.48M-Effective Pixel Monochrome/Color CMOS Image Sensor

High-Speed and High-Picture-Quality Rolling Shutter-Type Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensors with Multi Pixel and All-Pixel Global Reset Function

In the industrial application field, needs are increasing for faster products with higher pixel counts and for rolling shutter functions. To meet these needs, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation has developed the “IMX183CLK-J/CQJ-J” CMOS image sensors equipped with an all-pixel global reset function. The image sensor uses a high sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel, and we have developed both color (IMX183CQJ-J) and monochrome (IMX183CLK-J) products. The optical size is Type 1 to enable use of a C-mount lens. In addition, these products are equipped with a variety of functions such as 4K video mode and a vertical arbitrary cropping function.

  • Supports 20.48M-pixel readout at 21.98 frame/s in 12-bit mode
  • Supports all-pixel global reset (use with mechanical shutter)
  • Supports 4K video mode (4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 frame/s)
  • Supports a variety of readout modes such as 10-bit high-speed all-pixel readout, 12-bit high-resolution readout, and vertical arbitrary cropping
  • High-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in products for security camera and industrial applications

* Exmor R is a trademark of Sony Corporation. The Exmor R is a Sony’s CMOS image sensor with significantly enhanced imaging characteristics including sensitivity and low noise by changing fundamental structure of Exmor™ pixel adopted column parallel A/D converter to back-illuminated type.

Supports 20.48M-pixel readout at 21.98 frame/s in 12-bit mode

High-resolution 12-bit digital output of the signals for 20.48M pixels (aspect ratio 3:2) realizes high-speed readout at 21.98 frame/s. This image sensor enables even higher resolution imaging of finer objects at high frame rates in excess of 20 frame/s, while still maintaining high picture quality.

Supports all-pixel global reset (use with mechanical shutter)

The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series is equipped with a global shutter function that can globally reset the internal accumulated charges using an external trigger. Imaging with a flash and mechanical shutter after this all-pixel global reset makes it possible to align the exposure start timing of all pixels, achieving storage operation similar to that of a global shutter. The exposure time can also be adjusted by varying the vertical sync signal input period. (However, the minimum vertical sync signal period is 18 times the horizontal readout period.)

Supports 4K video mode (4096H × 2160V, 10-bit mode, 59.94 frame/s)

10-bit digital output of the signals for approx. 9.03M-effective pixels (aspect ratio approx. 17:9) realizes high-speed output at 59.94 frame/s and also enables video imaging.

Supports various readout modes

The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series supports various readout modes including the above-noted high-resolution 12-bit all-pixel output, 10-bit all-pixel output that enables even faster readout, and high-speed 4K video output, as well as vertical arbitrary cropping output mode (cropping size restrictions apply) and a high-speed readout mode that uses the binning function (Table 3).

High-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in products for security camera and industrial applications

The IMX183CQJ-J/CLK-J series uses a high-sensitivity back-illuminated structure 2.4 µm square unit pixel with a proven record in the IMX178LLJ/LQJ*1 (for security camera and industrial applications).

*1: For details on the IMX178LQJ series, see the New Product information released in September 2013.

*If the mouse cursor changes over the photo, you can click to see the larger version in a new window.

Photograph 1 Sample Images

Condition: 2000 lx  F4.0 (ADC 12-bit mode , internal gain 0 dB)

→ Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony PXW-Z150 has 120fps with Stacked Sensor!

PXWZ150

Announced just last week the Sony PXW-Z150 gets a lot of right for the low end pro video market.   It has 4k 4:2:0 as many in the competitive price range of $3,595 MSRP. It has 4:2:2 1080p 10 bit at 50mbit  which is a good surprise and it seems to be carried to the also included 120fps full HD 1080p slow motion mode.

The sensor is of the stacked kind and it is 1″ sized, the same as the ones in the RX100 IV and RX10 II from Sony which are really good at slow motion for a low price. However those full specs are not carried through in the high frame rate mode or HFR.  It maxes out at 120fps 1080p instead of 240fps on the RX series in the 1k range and the FS5 which is a tad more expensive than the Z150.

Sony PXW-Z150 Main Specs:
  • 4K and Full HD  Video Capture
  • 1.0 type 120 fps HFR HD stacked CMOS
  • Sony G 12x zoom lens
  • 4K QFHD Long GOP 4:2:0 8bit 100Mbps
  • Full HD Long GOP 4:2:2 10bit 50Mbps
  • 12x Optical Zoom with servo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Super Slow Motion Function:

  • XAVC HD: Frame rate selectable 120 fps [NTSC]
  • XAVC HD: Frame rate selectable 100 fps [PAL]

Sensor specs:

1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) back-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor

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To deliver imaging performance previously impossible for a compact camcorder, Sony has developed the world’s first 1.0 type stacked CMOS image sensor for professional video applications. A 2x increase in read-out speed, compared to a conventional 1.0 type sensor, enables beautiful 5x slow motion image capture up to 120fps in Full HD and high resolution 4K recording with full pixel readout without binning at 10 bit 4:2:2.

PXW-Z150 High Q 4K and 120fps HD sample footage by Sony:

So in the end the camera is an event workhorse with 4k at 100Mbit and excellent 1080p with a slow motion 5x 120fps function.  It has 2 XLR audio inputs and Sony battery compatibility.  It has a full sensor read out with perfect per pixel quality at 1080p and that carries to the HFR 120fps mode which is ideal.   Does this package warrant a purchase or buying an RX10 II makes more sense?  There is no question that this camera will do better in terms of image quality but for less that 2k USD more you can get a Sony FS5 with a lot more features and slow motion modes, not to mention interchangeable lenses.   The camera is great for what it does and for small news outfits and wedding or event videographers this makes a lot of sense without hassle.

Adorama has the camera for pre order now with estimated shipping in April 2016:

SONY PXW-Z150 at New York Fashion Week : Adorama Exclusive: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony FDR-AX53 & HDR-AS50 Cameras!

AX53

Another big set of releases at CES regarding cameras that have a slow motion mode fro the consumer are the Sony Handycam and Action cam models that were refreshed.   The Sony FDR-AX53 is the most interesting of the two as it is probably the smallest and lightest Handycam from Sony that shoots 4k in a near professional quality level.

It offers so much for under 1k that it will pose some problems for other cameras in it’s segment.  It is not as advanced in the zoom department as the Panasonic WXF991 which can ramp zoom and focus on dolly motion but it does have a jack of all trades feel about it.

Sony FDR-AX53 Specs:

DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)Approx. 2.87 x 3.17 x 6.56 in (including supplied battery)
WEIGHT Approx. 22.4 oz (including supplied battery)

SENSOR TYPE  1/ 2.5-inch ((7.20 mm) back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS Sensor EFFECTIVE PIXELS (VIDEO)Approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9) 1
EFFECTIVE PIXELS (STILL IMAGE)Approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9)/Approx. 6.22 Megapixels (4:3)

APERTURE TYPEF 2.0-3.8

OPTICAL ZOOM 20x

Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode

VIEWFINDER TYPE(0.24 in)/Color,  1 555 200 dots equivalent

SCREEN TYPE 3.0-inch (7.5 cm) Xtra Fine LCD display (921 600 dots) Wide (16:9) Tilt Swivel

SHUTTER SPEEDAuto Control Range (1/8(NTSC)/1/6(PAL)-1/10000), Standard (1/60(NTSC)/1/50(PAL)-1/10000), Manual Iris Control (1/30(NTSC)/1/25(PAL)-1/10000), Manual Shutter (1/8(NTSC)/1/6(PAL)-1/10000), Smooth Slow (1/250(NTSC)/1/215(PAL)-1/10000)

HIGH SPEED REC* Slowmo!Yes (120p(NTSC) 100p(PAL) 1920 x 1080, 100 Mbps/60 Mbps)TIME-LAPSE CAPTUREYes 6 (Shooting Interval (1/2/5/10/30/60 sec), Shooting number (1-999), Capture Image Size, (4K:L(8.3M;3840 x 2160)/HD:S(2.1M;1920 x 1080)), AE Mode (AE Lock/AE Tracking))SELF-TIMERApprox. 10 sec. (Still Image/Golf Shot)

FLASH COMPENSATIONYes (3 steps)

COMPATIBLE RECORDING MEDIAXAVC S 4K (100 Mbps): SDHC Memory Card (4 GB or over, UHS-I U3 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card (UHS-I U3 or Higher), XAVC S 4K (60 Mbps)/XAVC S HD: SDHC Memory Card (4 GB or over, Class10 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card (Class10 or Higher), AVCHD, Still: Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark 2), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo™, SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher)

RECORDING FORMAT (VIDEO)XAVC S format:MPEG4-AVC/H.264, AVCHD format ver. 2.0 compatible:MPEG4-AVC/H.264, MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264RECORDING FORMAT (STILL IMAGE)DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver. 2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatibleVIDEO RESOLUTIONXAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160/30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), 24p, XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080/60p(NTSC)/50p(PAL), 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), 24p, AVCHD:1920 x 1080/60p(NTSC)/50p(PAL)(PS), 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL)(FX,FH), 24p(FX,FH),60i(NTSC)/50i(PAL)(FX,FH), 1440 x 1080/60i(NTSC)/50i(PAL)(HQ,LP), MP4: 1280 x 720 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), MP4: 1280 x 720 30pVIDEO RECORDING RATE (ABR / VBR)XAVC S 4K: Approx.100 Mbps/Approx. 60 Mbps, XAVC S HD: Approx. 50 Mbps, AVCHD PS: Approx. 28 Mbps/FX: Approx. 24 Mbps/FH: Approx. 17 Mbps/HQ: Approx. 9 Mbps/LP: Approx. 5 Mbps

MICROPHONEBuilt-in 5.1ch Zoom MicrophoneAUDIO RECORDING FORMATXAVC S: MPEG-4 Linear PCM 2ch (48 kHz/16 bit), AVCHD: Dolby® Digital 5.1ch, Dolby® Digital 5.1Creator, Dolby® Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, MP4: MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2chMIC LEVEL CONTROLYes (31 steps)
MY VOICE CANCELLINGYesAUTO WIND NOISE REDUCTIONYes (On/Off)SPEAKERMonaural Speaker

INPUT AND OUTPUT TERMINALSAccessory Shoe (Multi Interface shoe), HDMI (micro) Terminal, Remote (integrated into Multi/Micro USB Terminal) Terminal, Stereo MinijackWI-FI®Yes
NFC™One-touch remote, One-touch sharing

SUPPLIED BATTERYNP-FV70HSC: It is clear that this Handycam is the most advanced in terms of features and apparent recording quality to ever be released by Sony in this price bracket MSRP $998. Everything in it seems to be in a class of it’s own from the sensor performance with 1.6x larger pixels to previous models to the 5 axis image stabilization. Notice the lack of a tilt-able eye cup viewfinder with a usable resolution like it is included in the Panasonic which might be a sore point of the Sony.  There is even a self timer mode for video which will let you get your Golf Shot in slow motion at the max of 120fps at 1080p and start recording 10 seconds later.  As to the validity of this being a Golfer’s camera it remains to be seen. You could always use the Wifi function to start the recording with 10 second delay and do your shot. It is kind of a let down that 4k is still limited to 30p maximum. It is time to start allowing cameras to record at 4k 48p and 60p for more fluid motion in the format.  Higher frame rates in 4k have a tendency to look better and avoid screen tearing and look much more fluid.  You will still need 24p for the cinema effect however higher frame rates are great for slowing down action.    It is still a remarkable device considering what it does but if you are looking for higher frame rates at 4k this is not your solution.   For 1080p 120fps is good but it is kind of a let down as well.  240fps for the 1080p format is becoming a more common feature for cameras and portable devices.  Sony in their own RX camera series seems to think 240fps and even higher frame rates are needed. The Handycam segment is limited in this regard.  It will be interesting to see what Panasonic can do in the segment or if they in fact have stagnated.

The other announcement is the Sony HDR-AS50 Action Cam which is a lower end model to last years X1000V which beat the GoPro Hero 4 Black in resolution and stabilization. AS50 Specs:

  • 1080p60 XAVC S Video at 50 Mbps
  • 120 fps High-Framerate Capture in 720p
  • 1/2.3″ Exmor R Sensor with Bionz X
  • Burst and 4K Time-Lapse Photo Modes
  • Bluetooth for Remote Operation
  • Live Streaming via Ustream
  • Wide and Narrow Angle of View Modes
  • SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Stereo Microphone / Mono Speaker
  • Works with RM-LVR3 Live-View Remote

It is a low end action cam to compete directly with other segment offerings and for those who do not need 4k or higher frame rates at 1080p.   This camera will only deliver 120fps at 720p.  It is a good compromise with a price tag under $200 for the body only and about $259 with a waterproof case.  It will be interesting to see if Sony releases a X2000V or similar replacement with high end specs in the first half 2016.   From what you can see in the demo video, the footage while distorted due to the super wide angle lens; does in fact offer a big jump in dynamic range and highlight retention compared to other cameras in the action rugged segment.  Sony is a leader in sensor technology especially for dynamic range and low light ability and it shows in these hardware releases.Both cameras will be available some time in the first quarter of 2016 with February 21st as a possible date based on the pre order websites.