Sound Devices keeps adding features to its products by launching new firmware, and they just released a new MixPre v6.00 firmware that allows you to record in 32-bit float mode via USB. This update makes them the only USB audio interfaces capable of 32-bit float recording/playback on Mac OS. Let’s take a closer look at it! Image credit: Sound Devices Sound Devices MixPre v6.00 Firmware Update Sound Devices just released a firmware update – MixPre v6.00 – that significantly improves its line of MixPre II series of recorders. Indeed, with the MixPre v6.00 update, all MixPre II recorders are now capable of USB audio streaming in 32-bit float mode, which is a world’s first for a field recorder. Of course, you could already record in 32-bit float mode with the MixPre II recorders, but “only” internally to the SD card. Now with the MixPre v6.00 update, you can record directly to your favorite DAW. However, there is one caveat, it is compatible with Mac OS Catalina (10.15) only, at least at the moment. Also, not all DAW support this extremely demanding recording mode: you can take a look at all the compatible applications here. If you are not familiar with 32-bit float recording, Paul Isaacs of Sound Devices claims that “you no longer need to worry about clipping during your best vocal takes or instrument solos. Any recorded moments exceeding 0 dBFS can be reduced to an acceptable level after recording in your DAW.” For filmmakers, it’s like RAW recording, but for audio. Pricing and Availability The MixPre v6.00 update is free for all MixPre II series owners. You can download it directly on Sound Device’s website here. For all “original” MixPre and MixPre-M series owners, you can also do this update and receive performance improvements, but no 32-bit float recording/streaming, unfortunately. Check out this video (and article here) which we shot at IBC 2019 on the MixPre II series and their 32-bit capabilities: Are you a Sound Devices MixPre/MixPre II series owner? Do you think this update can be useful for you? Did you already record in 32-bit float mode? Let us know in the comments below!

Besides DaVinci Resolve 16.1.2 update, Blackmagic also announced new firmware update for the URSA Broadcast camera. The new version 6.7 brings Blackmagic RAW recording format and many more improvements. The company also updates their viewfinders. The update can now be downloaded for free from Blackmagic Design support center. URSA Broadcast camera. Image credit: Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Design announced new DaVinci Resolve 16.1.2 update, which brought support for Blackmagic RAW format from the URSA Broadcast camera. Naturally, they also announced new firmware for this camera to support BRAW recording. Furthermore, they announced updates for URSA Viewfinder and URSA Studio Viewfinder. What exactly is included with these free firmware updates? Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast Update 6.7 Apart from adding support for Blackmagic RAW recording, there are many new improvements and features. Please note, that the update will also remove Cinema DNG format recording – we have seen this recording option also removed from other Blackmagic cameras (like the Pocket series) in the past. Rumor has it (and Blackmagic CEO Grant Petty hinted at it) that this has to do with RED’s patent for camera-internal RAW compression and recording. Yet, Cinema DNG is considered old and storage inefficient for many purposes, which is why Blackmagic RAW seems like the better option in most cases anyway. URSA Broadcast camera. Image credit: Blackmagic Design This is a complete list of new features for URSA Broadcast: Add language localization support. Add new demosaic algorithm for improved sensor response. Add extra level of gain control up to +18dB. Add gain slider and 1/3 stop gain adjustment. Add lens correction for B4 lenses. Add ability to remap buttons on broadcast lenses. Add Blackmagic RAW recording format. Add LUT embedding in Blackmagic RAW clips. Add 720p SDI output on main SDI and 720p SDI input. Add sensor pixel recalibration in camera. Add ability to adjust line level audio. Add sidetone level adjustment. Add improved ballistics and scaling of audio meters. Add choice of -18 or -20dB reference levels for audio meters. Add ability to remap the HFR button. Add ability to disable function and HFR buttons. Add press-to-focus for EF, PL and B4 lenses with focus servo. Add quick media switching from the heads up display. Add support for HDR metadata in SDI output. Add ‘LUT’ icon to status text overlays. Add ‘PRE’ icon to status text overlays for preset timecode. Add 2:1, 1:1 and 4:5 monitoring frame guides. Add customizable frame guides. Add ability to lock timecode to SDI Input. Retain jam synced timecode after power cycle. Improved jam sync timecode accuracy after playback. Improved stability when using external or program reference. Improved compatibility for embedded audio on SDI outputs. Improved thermal performance. Improved ND filter status text. Improved Canon B4 lens support. Improved EF lens support. Improved auto exposure speed and performance. Improved auto focus performance. Improved media formatting user interface. Improved clip playback for renamed clips. Numerous performance and stability improvements. Removed old Cinema DNG format. New Features for URSA Viewfinders Blackmagic Desing also updates their viewfinders. The URSA Studio Viewfinder receives the following new features: Add support for new URSA Broadcast gain settings. Add support for new 4:5 and 1:1 frame guides. Add improved ballistics and scaling of audio meters. Add choice of -18 or -20dB reference levels for audio meters. Fixed bug where Focus Assist changes colour on power cycle. URSA Studio viewfinder. Image credit: Blackmagic Design The URSA Viewfinder receives the following updates: Add support for new URSA Broadcast gain settings. Add support for new 4:5 and 1:1 frame guides. URSA viewfinder. Image credit: Blackmagic Design Last but not least, Blackmagic Design updated Blackmagic RAW format. Besides the obvious URSA Broadcast support, BRAW version 1.6.1 brings general performance and stability improvements for Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro BRAW plugins. The new update can be downloaded for free on Blackmagic Design support center website. Please note, that there no new features in firmware 6.7 for other camera models. Blackmagic Design also announced they are working on a firmware update for the Blackmagic Camera & Studio Fiber Converters which will follow in 2020. What do you think about the new update for Blackmagic URSA Broadcast? Do you use this camera for your work? Do you like working with Blackmagic RAW? Let us know in the comments below the article.

Atomos continues to improve its Shogun 7 monitor/recorder. They have just released a new firmware update that finally unlocks a long-awaited feature announced when launching the product back in April: multi-camera recording and switching. Let’s take a closer look at it! AtomOS 10.4 for Atomos Shogun 7 A couple of months ago, Atomos released AtomOS 10.3 that updated the panel of the Atomos Shogun 7 to a maximum peak brightness of 3000nit. Also, during Inter BEE 2019, Atomos released a firmware update for the Sumo line of monitor/recorder that enabled multi-camera recording/switching. Otherwise, Shogun 7 users were patiently waiting for this multi-camera recording/switching option that was announced at launch and is a key selling point of the device. We can finally say that the wait is over with the release of AtomOS 10.4 that implement multi-camera switching/recording. Image credit: cinema5D Here is what you need to know about this update: You can record and view up to 4 channels as ISOs, plus a simultaneous program recording. The maximum resolution for the four asynchronous sources is 1080p/1080i  at 60 frames per second using the SDI input ports. All four inputs must be configured to the exact same frame rate. For viewing purposes, you can loop out the program feed to a bigger monitor via HDMI or SDI, or both simultaneously. On the audio side, each ISO channel can record embedded channels plus the analog XLR input. Also, the program feed can be configured to record audio from any single ISO channel and/or the analog XLR audio input. Once your shoot is over, a multi-camera Apple Final Cut .xml project can automatically be created with touch screen selectable options for hard cuts or dissolves. This AtomOS 10.4 update make the Shogun 7 one of the most-affordable quad-stream monitor and recorder available on the market. Pricing and Availability This is a free update for all customers, and you can download it directly on Atomos’ website. Do you own a Shogun 7? Have you been waiting for this feature? Don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments below!

Panasonic released new firmware update for their full-frame mirrorless camera Panasonic LUMIX S1H. The update fixes bug, which sometimes added noise in HFR (high frame rate) mode and it expands compatibility with Profoto wireless transmitters. It is available now free of charge at LUMIX website. Panasonic LUMIX S1H gets Firmware Update Panasonic LUMIX S1H is currently one of the best mirrorless cameras when it comes to video capabilities. Internally, it can record up to 5.9K 30fps 10-bit 4:2:0 16:9 video (or up to 6K video with 3:2 aspect ratio). It really offers wide array of different resolutions and framerates, most of these at 10-bit with either 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 subsampling. For more information about the camera, make sure to check our Panasonic S1H first look article with full specs. In fact, the S1H is such a capable filmmaking device, that it became the world’s first Netflix approved mirrorless camera back in October 2019. After having very limited time with the camera for our “first look” video article, we received it for proper testing to cinema5D office. Make sure to check both resulting articles – Johnnie’s Panasonic S1H video review as well as Gunther’s Panasonic S1H lab test. If you are a Panasonic camera owner, you are probably used to regular firmware updates with significant improvements, new features, and fixes. Panasonic S1H is just getting its first update, although this is rather a small one, which fixes some minor issues. Panasonic LUMIX S1H Firmware Update Version 1.1 There are two improvements/bug fixes coming with the new free firmware update. Improved performance. There were cases where block noise increases depending on the subject in HFR (High Frame Rate) mode. This bug has been fixed. Expanded compatibility with Profoto wireless transmitters. Profoto wireless transmitters “Air Remote TTL-O/P” and “Profoto Connect-O/P” can be used, enabling wireless connection and control of external strobes for professional shooting. *depending on situation, not all functions may be available Like always, the firmware update is available at the LUMIX Global customer support website. What do you think about the Panasonic S1H? Do you use this camera for your filmmaking work? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

Sony has just released a new firmware update for one of their most popular bridge cameras on the market, the Sony RX10 IV. This firmware update 2.00 adds real-time Eye AF for animals. Let’s take a closer look at it. Sony RX10 IV Firmware Update The Sony RX10 IV is a bridge camera that was released in 2017, and even to this day, it’s one of the most expensive cameras in its category. In short, it features a built-in Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm F/2.4 – 4 x25x times zoom lens in front of a 1″ 20MP BSI CMOS Exmor R sensor. The camera can take stills in JPG/RAW at up to 24 frames, and the autofocus performance is some of the best available in a bridge camera: 0.03s AF speed and subject tracking that also works in video mode. Sony RX10 IV. Image credit: Sony Talking about the video side, the Sony RX10 IV can record in 4K UHD at up to 30 frames per second in XAVC S/AVCHD. Also, you can shoot in slow motion at up to 60 frames per second in FHD, and up to 1000 frames per second in 912 x 308. There is a micro HDMI port on the camera, microphone input, and headphone jack 3.5mm ports, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities. To this day, the RX10 IV is still relevant if you are starting and want an all-in-one camera. Nearly two years after its launch, the Sony RX10 IV just got better with firmware 2.00, that adds the following features: Adds real-time Eye AF for animals. Enables the possibility to operate the real-time EYE AF by half-pressing the shutter button. Improves the overall stability of the camera. Real-time Eye AF for animals is a feature that is already available on the Sony a7R III and a7 III full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is nice to see that Sony is adding this feature to more “consumer” cameras. The real-time Eye AF for animals of the Sony RX10 IV tracks both eyes of your favorite animal. Pricing and Availability The firmware 2.00 for the Sony RX10 IV is a free firmware update, and it is available now on Sony’s website. Have you ever tried the Sony RX10 IV? What do you think of the real-time Eye AF for animals feature on cameras? Let us know in the comments below!

During Inter BEE 2019, we had the chance to talk with SIGMA about the upcoming firmware update for the fp camera. We’ve been told that a firmware update will bring exciting new video features such as in-camera playback of cinemaDNG footage, and something that a lot of shooters are waiting for: a LOG picture profile and RAW output video recording via HDMI. Let’s take a closer look at it! SIGMA fp – A true pocket size camera – Image Credit: cinema5D SIGMA fp Features Inter BEE 2019 is now over, the SIGMA fp is shipping for some weeks now, and it’s a trendy camera amongst filmmakers. The SIGMA fp is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera capable of recording Cinema DNG 12bit RAW to an external SSD at up to 30 frames per second in 4K UHD, and up to 120 fps in HD – Cinema DNG 8bit internal recording to SD card is possible too. The camera features an L-mount, it is competent in low-light conditions, and, the build quality is top-notch. For more information, you can take a look at our review here and our exclusive behind-the-scenes on how the SIGMA fp is being made. SIGMA fp Upcoming Firmware Update During Inter BEE 2019, we had the chance to talk to Takuma WAKAMATSU – SIGMA’s product planner – about the upcoming firmware update for the SIGMA fp cinema camera. Earlier this month, the camera already received a firmware update to fix a couple of bugs mainly related to CinemaDNG RAW recording. SIGMA has already announced that the following features are coming on the next round of firmware update: The possibility to playback CinemaDNG RAW footage directly in-camera. For most of us, this seems like a “normal thing” to be able to playback your RAW footage in-camera, but it requires a lot of power for such a tiny and compact camera. You’ll be able to take still photography during cine recording. But the BIG news is, that at a later stage further enhancements to the camera will be made. Those will be pushed via a firmware update too: And what every filmmaker has been waiting for: a LOG picture profile in MOV mode. This picture profile should improve the dynamic range of the fp camera and allow greater flexibility when going through the color correction process. RAW recording via HDMI. This update will allow connection to an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja V and record to a compressed RAW format (Namely ProRes RAW) if needed. Nice to see that SIGMA is listening and doing its best to enhance the video capabilities of their new camera! Pricing and Availability Those upcoming firmware updates should be free of charge and will come during next year. What do you think of this upcoming firmware update? Do you already own the SIGMA fp camera? Let us know in the comments below!

Canon has announced firmware updates for the EOS 90D DSLR and EOS RP Mirrorless cameras that will enable 23.98P in video mode. The future inclusion of 23.98p for certain stills cameras over firmware updates was announced earlier this month. The PowerShot G7X Mark III, G5 X Mark II, and EOS M6 Mark II will all get the same update, but for the EOS 90D and EOS RP, the time is now. It was a strange omission from the offset, one reminiscent of early 5D mkII days, when you originally couldn’t control manual exposure. But after what has seemed like a positive response to user feedback, you can now enable 23.98p through a firmware update, for both fullHD and 4K recording formats. Said firmware update will improve compatibility of the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM and f/1.2L Lenses on either stills body. Canon EOS RP Firmware Update 1.4.0 can be found here Canon ROS 90D Firmware Update 1.1.1 can be found here

Blackmagic Design is continuously working hard to improve its BMPCC 4K and BMPCC 6K video cameras, and they now released a new firmware update: Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6. This update unlocks a couple of new recording modes, a built-in camera horizon tool, improvements to the autofocus performances, and many other features. Let’s take a closer look at it! Image credit: Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6 Blackmagic Design has now announced a new firmware update for its BMPCC 4K and 6K models called Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6. This firmware update improves a lot of features on both Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras including: Added support for Blackmagic Pocket Battery Grip. The Battery Grip was announced during NAB 2019, and support up to two Sony NP-F style batteries for extended battery life. Added support for language localization. Added support for built-in camera horizon tool. This feature is useful for making sure your camera is perfectly level. Added support for pinch to zoom up to 8x magnification. USB PTP control support. You now can type in customized frame guide ratios; you have no limit anymore to the built-in ones. It has improved autofocus performance. BMPCC 4K – Image credit: Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6 for BMPCC 4K Users Now for BMPCC 4K users only, you have access to a bunch of new features: New anamorphic recording mode: 2.8K 4:3 2880 x 2160 recording in Blackmagic RAW up to 80 fps for anamorphic lenses. Additional recording modes: 4K 2.4:1 4096 x 1712 in Blackmagic RAW up to 75 fps. Also, you can record in Blackmagic RAW in 2.6K 2688 x 1512 at up to 120 fps, which is suitable for Super16mm lenses. It now supports a 2x de-squeeze preview when recording 4K 4:3. Also, if you are using 1.33x anamorphic lenses, there is a 1.33x de-squeeze preview. You can now embed custom 3D LUTs in Blackmagic RAW clips as metadata. Added common off-speed frame rate options above slider when changing frames. Added common ISO options above slider when changing ISO settings. You now can monitor voltage levels when powering via the 12V DC connector. A lot of the improvements for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K are “anamorphic oriented”. Indeed, the BMPCC 4K features a smaller sensor compared to the 6K version. Also, the BMPCC 4K can be used with more lenses due to the MFT lens mount. Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6 RAW Improvements Finally, Blackmagic Design improved the Blackmagic RAW plugins for Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro. The plugins should now be more stable and more efficient. Last but not least, Blackmagic worked on CUDA general performance and stability improvements. Pricing and Availability The Blackmagic Camera Setup 6.6 is a free firmware update. It is available now, and you can download it on Blackmagic Design’s website here. What do you think of this new firmware update? Will these features help you in the field? What are the features you are still waiting for? Let us know in the comments!