ON Semiconductor – a Fortune 1000 semiconductor supplier company – announced new sensors that provide 4K resolution, global shutter and high frame rates in a 1-inch platform.  As stated in the press release, “The X-Class image sensor platform enables a new dimension in camera design by supporting multiple CMOS pixel architectures within the same image sensor frame. This allows a single camera design not only to support multiple product resolutions, but also different pixel functionality, such as larger pixels that trade resolution in a given optical format for higher imaging sensitivity, designs optimized for low noise operation to increase dynamic range and more. By supporting these different pixel architectures through a common high bandwidth, low power interface, camera manufacturers can leverage existing parts inventory and accelerate time to market for new camera designs”. Design flexibility According to the product blog, this technology has the potential to allow camera manufactures the privilege to bring new camera models to market. That would be a clear competitive advantage. 1-inch sensor, 4K resolution, Global Shutter and 120 fps There are two initial sensor designs in the X-Class family: the XGS 12000 and XGS 8000. Both of them share similarities regarding performance and specs.  The XGS 8000 is a 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4K / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in a 1/1.1-inch optical format, supporting up to 120 frames per second readout at full resolution. The XGS 1200 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in a 1-inch optical format, supporting up to 90 frames per second readout at full resolution.  Dedicated to small cameras The package design and low power footprint make the device compatible with a 29 x 29 mm camera footprint, which means that this platform can suit small cameras (action cams more likely).  The combination between the 1-inch sensor and a small camera is not so rare, and was demonstrated in the Sony RX0 model, which we reviewed here.  The size of the sensor can dramatically upgrade the video quality even in small action cams. The XGS 12000 and XGS 8000 will begin sampling in Q2 2018, with production availability scheduled for the Q3 2018. Possible potential implementations Just imagine an action camera that has the capabilities to shoot 4K at 120 fps and with a global shutter… This technology can open more possibilities for us filmmakers in regards to action shooting when small cameras are needed. Maybe GoPro should check out this new sensor technology. It could be nice to see a joint venture here.  What are your thoughts about these new sensors? Do you see future implementations by established camera companies?  Let us know in the comments section below! 

“Definitely not an action camera”. The Sony RX0 features a 1-inch sensor, ZEISS 24mm lens and the S-Log2 picture profile. We get hands on with the tiny Sony RX0, which includes many of the features seen in the RX100 series of cameras with the same high-quality image from the 1-inch, 15.3 megapixel sensor. The menu system will be familiar to Sony users, with the ability to change exposure settings, picture profiles, and even add markers to aid in the video framing and composition. It shoots in HD up to 60p, with HDMI out for external 4K recording. The construction of the Sony RX0 is extremely sturdy. Sony has put it through stress tests to withstand a load of up to 200kg, and is completely waterproof up to 10m for up to 60 minutes without any external housing. Multiple cameras can be mounted together and controlled simultaneously through the Sony Wireless Commander, the Play Memories Mobile app and a control unit that is still in development. This expands the capture capabilities of the RX0 from bullet time rigs to virtual reality and 360-degree video applications. For further information, check out our previous article on the Sony RX0 here. Will the Sony RX0 replace the older action cameras in you kit bag? Let us know in the comments.

We get hands on with the Panasonic FZ2000, a compact bridge camera with great video functions. It’s the first of its kind with a 1 inch sensor, built in ND filters and 4K DCI recording on a super zoom lens. We talked to Mark Baber from Panasonic, who explained a little more about the camera. Also, make sure to check out the footage we recorded directly on the Panasonic FZ2000. The Panasonic FZ2000 was one of the many announcements by the Japanese manufacturer at Photokina 2016. It has a 20MP 1 inch CMOS sensor with a zoom range of 28-480mm at f/2.8 – 4.5. It shoots 4K video internally in both DCI and UHD resolutions, which is a feature many filmmakers will be pleased about. Although it has a fixed lens, the FZ2000 has built-in ND filters (a feature usually exclusive to video and cinema cameras) which means a shallow depth of field at wide apertures can be used even in bright sunlight. It can also output 4K 24p in 10bit 4:2:2 via HDMI to external recorders like the Atomos Shogun Inferno, giving greater colour depth. The inclusion of 10bit in both this camera and the GH5 is pushing the boundaries of mirrorless and DSLR technology, meaning other camera manufacturers will now need to keep up. Both CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V picture profiles are included in camera, with the V-Log L picture profile to be available as a paid upgrade, ideal for grading in post production. At wider angles, the 5-way optical and digital stabilization works very well to compensate shake and movement. This of course struggles to keep up at the telephoto end. For many video shooters using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this combination of features in a small camera body is a very good reason for not buying a video or cinema camera. The fixed lens can be seen as a downside, but the zoom range and wide aperture (even at f/4.5) gives a shallow depth of fiend on the larger 1 inch sensor. Here are the detailed specs of the Panasonic FZ2000: 1 inch 20MP sensor 4K DCI at 24p @ 100mbps 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24/25/29.97p @ 100mbps. HD recording in 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94p @ 200mbps (All-I), 100mbps (IPB). 1.7x crop in 4K 10bit 4:2:2 4K via HDMI output. 8bit 4:2:0 4K internal recording to SD card. High bitrates of 200mpbs in MP4 and MOV formats. Flat profiles (CINELIKE D/CINELIKE V) included. V-Log L profile to be available as a paid upgrade. ND filter stops – 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 and auto. 5-way optical and digital stabilization Fixed 24-480mm f/2.8 – 4.5 lens Internal focus and zoom lens elements. ISO sensitivity of 125 to 12800, expandable to 25600. Mini-jack microphone input. EVF and touchscreen display like the GH4. The Panasonic FZ2000 is available to pre-order from B&H now. What do you think of this camera? Could it be the next addition to your kit bag?  

The announcement of the Panasonic HC-X1 comes amidst a storm of camera releases. With a 1 inch sensor, 4K DCI and up to 60p in UHD mode, this run&gun handheld camera is surly aiming to suit the needs of modern news and documentary shooters, allowing greater creativity with its relatively large sensor. Once again we are seeing evidence that what in the old days used to be a rather boring, 1/3 inch segment is growing up to be an interesting sector by combining enhanced specifications and sensor size. At times, indie filmmakers might dismiss this type of handy cameras, but we shouldn’t forget that there is a very large community of news shooters out there that will be very happy to adopt this kind of working tool. In a nutshell, here is what the new Panasonic HC-X1 has to offer (in no particular order): World camera with a wide variety of resolutions and frame rates. Optical image stabilizer in 4K 24p / UHD 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer in HD and lower resolutions Synchro Scan to help when shooting computer screens 4K DCI (4096×2160) at 24p, 100Mbps 4K (UHD) in 23.98/25/29.97/50/60p at 150Mbps. HD in 23.98/25/29.97/50/60p at up to 200Mbps. Up to 120fps in FHD FHD Variable Frame rate Recording: 2-60fps Wireless remote control via the AG-ROP iPad App Triple manual rings (Zoom/Focus/Iris) 25-480mm (20x) optical zoom F/2.8 – F/4.5 aperture 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 ND filter IR Filter (ON/OFF) Recording in MOV, MP4 and AVCHD formats. 4K (UHD) output via HDMI 2 x XLR inputs. 8 Gamma Curves including Cinelike V and D If you are a professional using a 1-inch sensor sized camera like the Panasonic HC-X1 for your creative work, share with us your working experience. Did you ever try working with an even larger sensor camera or do you find this type of working tool good enough for you at the end of the day?

Busy times at Canon! The end of last week saw the announcement of the new Canon 5D Mark IV and today, we welcome the new Canon XC15 as well as the EOS C700. While the XC10 was a brand-new product category for Canon (a very compact and lightweight 1-inch sensor UHD-capable video camera that can also shoot stills, with a built-in fixed zoom lens), the Canon XC15 has carried over almost the exact same specifications as its predecessor, yet differs in one important aspect: audio connectivity. While reviewing the Canon XC10 over a year ago, one of my concerns was the camera’s “audio department”. Here is what I had to say: “Canon is marketing this camcorder as professional. A better professional XLR audio solution from Canon is missing for that, though”. Today, I’m happy to report that Canon listened and updated the audio capabilities of the new camera by adding an XLR input (when using the MA-400 mic adapter which was originally designed for the C300 Mk II). Having a robust codec in such a small camera and improved audio connectivity are certainly welcome features, but all in all, for a camera that is aimed at the occasional news and documentary shooters, it is yet to be seen if the current update is satisfying. Personally, I would have loved to have seen a constant aperture lens, a dedicated EVF and better quality 120fps implemented in this revision. Below you can find the updated specification list of the new camera: (over the XC10) The movie looks from the C300 Mk II have been incorporated, and this will allow for consistency with the C300 Mk II New 24p mode for both 4K and 1080p (in addition to 23.98p) and at up to 305 Mbps in 4K. Waveform Monitor display. Added flicker reduction Highlight Priority, a new gamma mode that provides similar effects to HDR. A new touch panel with an operation lock. Shutter speed display can be switched to a shutter angle display The camera is currently available for pre ordering at B&H by clicking here and for our European audience by clicking here