NAB 2016 Top Announcements Summary
In case you missed this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas, here is a summary of our Top new product announcements picks from the show.
This year, NAB wasn't as camera "heavy" as prior years with major manufacturers announcing either top flight broadcast kit or one or two new models here and there in their lower tier cameras. However, NAB is more than just about cameras of course, with lens manufacturers and post-production folks bringing some innovative and really exciting new products.
The company announced a couple of new Master Anamorphic lenses - a 28mm T1.9 and 180mm T2.8, which compliment the rest of the MA primes.
In addition they announced some really exciting and major new features for their ALEXA SXT camera including 2K/4K Anamorphic modes, Open Gate 3.4K ProRes and ARRIRAW 3.2K recording.
The new ME200S-SH features 12 stops dynamic range, professional 3G-SDI connectivity, can be controlled via a remote and has the potential to certainly find a place in the wildlife documentary space as well as the surveillance and research industry where images in pitch dark conditions are often required.
Mult-cam live productions, cranes, jibs or even drones can also take advantage of the superbly small form factor and incredible image potential of the new ME200S-SH.
Canon also announced a brand new compact cine zoom lens CN-E 18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S at an amazingly affordable price point of just about £4,699 inc. VAT. The new cine servo zoom, has a built it servo functionality, a compact size, comes in EF mount and even has a dedicated zoom rocker as an optional accessory to turn into a proper Super 35 zoom lens perfect for documentary, broadcast and low-budget film work.
Another amazing feature on the 18-80mm is the 3 image stabilisation modes, which will significantly improve handheld work, which is the mainly how we see this lens being used. We see this lens being a favourite among solo operators with Canon C300/C300 II or C100 II cameras as this lens will support Canon's industry leading Dual-Pixel AF system, which works wonders in video and is invaluable in fast-paced documentary style productions.
Canon also announced a full list of upcoming firmware updates such as Canon LOG 3 for the C300 Mark II, in addition to new joystick functionality and focus magnification while recording. Other cameras that will be updated with new firmware soon include the XC10 4K hybrid, the Canon C100 Mark II, ME20F-SH and XF305. To read all the details on the upcoming future firmware updates announced by Canon head over to our blog post here.
In addition Sony added the first 2/3-type 4K shoulder camera to the XDCAM range - the PXW-Z450. The camera is capable of recording UHD 3840 x 2160 content in a variety of formats including the latest XAVC-Intra, XAVC-L and MPEG2 HD 422, with exceptional weight balance and low power consumption alongside networking features.
It was also announced that the Sony FS5 will be getting a RAW recording functionality in 4K/60p and 2K up to 240fps via an optional paid license in addition to MPEG2 422 50 Mbp/s (also a paid optional license) for better integration in an XDCAM broadcast workflow. The FS5 will also get a free firmware update 2.0 which will add Auto ND feature for aiding with exposure, GPS functionality and expanded Zerbas.
The Sony FS7 will also be getting a new Firmware version 4.0, which will add Flexible AF Spot and true 24fps frame rate in XAVC-I for better integration into European cinematic productions.
For more details on the upcoming firmware updates for these cameras from Sony check out our blog post here.
Blackmagic also announced a huge range of updates and new functionality for their popular grading/editing software suite DaVinci Resolve 12.5. The URSA Mini cameras are also getting a completely new user interface, which eliminates digging through menus and allows users to access major camera functions from an easy to use and intuitive screen. To read all about those updates check out our post here.
SmallHD announced a brad new lineup of HDR Production monitors in 17, 24 and 32 inch sizes with spectacular durability and features. The incredible build quality is a result of a milled aluminium design which makes them nearly indestructible on set. The new SmallHDR monitors are ready for the latest generation of HDR monitoring which greatly helps users accurately monitor when shooting in LOG and in bright exteriors thanks to the high brightness features.
- ARRI
The company announced a couple of new Master Anamorphic lenses - a 28mm T1.9 and 180mm T2.8, which compliment the rest of the MA primes.
In addition they announced some really exciting and major new features for their ALEXA SXT camera including 2K/4K Anamorphic modes, Open Gate 3.4K ProRes and ARRIRAW 3.2K recording.
- Canon
The new ME200S-SH features 12 stops dynamic range, professional 3G-SDI connectivity, can be controlled via a remote and has the potential to certainly find a place in the wildlife documentary space as well as the surveillance and research industry where images in pitch dark conditions are often required.
Mult-cam live productions, cranes, jibs or even drones can also take advantage of the superbly small form factor and incredible image potential of the new ME200S-SH.
Canon also announced a brand new compact cine zoom lens CN-E 18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S at an amazingly affordable price point of just about £4,699 inc. VAT. The new cine servo zoom, has a built it servo functionality, a compact size, comes in EF mount and even has a dedicated zoom rocker as an optional accessory to turn into a proper Super 35 zoom lens perfect for documentary, broadcast and low-budget film work.
Another amazing feature on the 18-80mm is the 3 image stabilisation modes, which will significantly improve handheld work, which is the mainly how we see this lens being used. We see this lens being a favourite among solo operators with Canon C300/C300 II or C100 II cameras as this lens will support Canon's industry leading Dual-Pixel AF system, which works wonders in video and is invaluable in fast-paced documentary style productions.
Canon also announced a full list of upcoming firmware updates such as Canon LOG 3 for the C300 Mark II, in addition to new joystick functionality and focus magnification while recording. Other cameras that will be updated with new firmware soon include the XC10 4K hybrid, the Canon C100 Mark II, ME20F-SH and XF305. To read all the details on the upcoming future firmware updates announced by Canon head over to our blog post here.
- Sony
In addition Sony added the first 2/3-type 4K shoulder camera to the XDCAM range - the PXW-Z450. The camera is capable of recording UHD 3840 x 2160 content in a variety of formats including the latest XAVC-Intra, XAVC-L and MPEG2 HD 422, with exceptional weight balance and low power consumption alongside networking features.
It was also announced that the Sony FS5 will be getting a RAW recording functionality in 4K/60p and 2K up to 240fps via an optional paid license in addition to MPEG2 422 50 Mbp/s (also a paid optional license) for better integration in an XDCAM broadcast workflow. The FS5 will also get a free firmware update 2.0 which will add Auto ND feature for aiding with exposure, GPS functionality and expanded Zerbas.
The Sony FS7 will also be getting a new Firmware version 4.0, which will add Flexible AF Spot and true 24fps frame rate in XAVC-I for better integration into European cinematic productions.
For more details on the upcoming firmware updates for these cameras from Sony check out our blog post here.
- Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic also announced a huge range of updates and new functionality for their popular grading/editing software suite DaVinci Resolve 12.5. The URSA Mini cameras are also getting a completely new user interface, which eliminates digging through menus and allows users to access major camera functions from an easy to use and intuitive screen. To read all about those updates check out our post here.
- Panasonic
- SmallHD
SmallHD announced a brad new lineup of HDR Production monitors in 17, 24 and 32 inch sizes with spectacular durability and features. The incredible build quality is a result of a milled aluminium design which makes them nearly indestructible on set. The new SmallHDR monitors are ready for the latest generation of HDR monitoring which greatly helps users accurately monitor when shooting in LOG and in bright exteriors thanks to the high brightness features.
- Atomos