Sony introduces the PMW-300, 1/2 inch type sensor, semi-shoulder mount camcorder

Sony’s new addition to its XDCAM range is the first semi-shoulder camcorder featuring 1/2-type Exmor Full HD 3CMOS sensor and offer MPEG HD422 50Mbps recording meeting broadcast standards around the world. According to Sony, this is the evolution of Sony’s PMW-EX3.

The new Sony camcorder will seat comfortably between Canon’s XF range of cameras offering the same bit rate but with 1/3 sensor and Canon’s C300 featuring an APS-C sensor.

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R.J.’s Speedbooster adapter for Nikon – only $200

We really loved the Metabones Speedbooster adapter, a device that transforms any aps-c sized sensor to a full frame lookalike and gives us one full additional stop of light. Here’s R.J.’s take on the Speedbooster with a version for Nikon cameras.

Word is out that Metabones’ Speedbooster for MFT mounts is delayed until later this year, which is unfortunate as there are many MFT cameras we would like to boost that way.

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Odyssey 7 – next generation 7″ field recorder + oled monitor

Convergent Design, maker of the famous nanoFlash & Gemini 4:4:4 just announced a new recorder that looks very nice and promising. This field recorder + oled monitor is targeted at HDSLR indie filmmakers as well as professionals with a codec license lease system.

Many filmmakers, especially in documentary are often struggling with too much gear hanging from their camera rig and cameras taking too long to setup. Harddisk recorders and monitors could be built into cameras, but so far the camera manufacturers have not come up with a device that fulfills those needs. Once again a gear manufacturer wants to make our lives easier:

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Sony F55 & Canon 1DC – 4K side by side

cinema5D had a chance to test the new Sony F55, Sony’s new flagship 4K cinema camera. As a reference we used Canon’s most advanced HDSLR.

The F55 is an interesting camera, because it is one that ticks more boxes than any other camera over the past few years – the range of resolutions, frame rates, codecs as well as the ergonomics are unprecedented. Now it’s down to actually using it to make a judgement call.

We wanted to know how the camera performs in a normal sooting environment and took the Canon EOS 1DC 4K HDSLR with us for comparison. Some interesting conclusions can be drawn here, things you might consider if you plan on shooting with either of these cameras or would just like to see what to expect.

You can download (1GB) and watch the source video in 4K on vimeo: LINK

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