Sony FS7 & PXW-X70 to Receive 4K Internal Recording In Firmware Update Soon

Sony recently announced their next firmware update for the PXW-FS7 and PXW-X70 cameras. The FS7 gains 4K (4096 x 2160) internal recording in XAVC-I in the form a free update in March 2015 in addition to ProRes HQ/422 at 1920 x 1080p up to 30p internal recording on XQD cards (requires XDCA-FS7 extension unit). The Sony PXW-X70, which at the moment is limited to 1080p, will receive a paid firmware update to allow for 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) in XAVC-L up to 30fps – the firmware update for the PXW-X70 is expected to be available in June 2015.

See all details below.

PXW-FS7 Firmware V2.0

Upgrade is free of charge and will be available March 2015

New Features & Improvements:

Support for 4K (4096x2160) XAVC-I Recording
The FS7 now supports XAVC-I 4K (4096 x 2160) recording, a capability that opens up new possibilities not only for the production of documentaries and programs, but also for a wide range of professional applications. The corresponding frame rates and bit rates are listed below.

Support for ProRes Recording

The FS7 now supports ProRes recording* (ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422)**, providing an easy-to-use environment for those accustomed to the ProRes workflow. The corresponding frame rates are listed below.

* ProRes recording requires attachment of the optional XDCA-FS7 extension unit and a compatible optional power supply (BP-FL75 V-mount battery, etc.)
** This function does not support simultaneous recording, S&Q recording, Picture Cache Rec or other special shooting functions.

Support for 4-channel Audio Input and Recording

The FS7 supports 4-channel audio input. In applications such as an interview, this function enables the simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional UWP Series wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee.

In addition, the use of optional XLR adapter XLR-K1M or XLR-K2M provides additional 2 XLR inputs to further expand the range of possible applications.

PXW-FS7 V2 Firmware will be downloadable here during March 2015

PXW-X200 Firmware V1.2

Upgrade is free of charge and will be available April 2015

New Features & Improvements:

● Streaming via wired / wireless LAN or 3G/4G mobile network is activated.
● MI Shoe is activated to support the HVL-LBPC battery video light and UWP-D11/D12 the wireless microphone system.
● GPS data can be recorded as a metadata in XAVC-I and XAVC-L format.
● Simultaneous Recording feature is activated. Camcorder can record simultaneously on two media, for example creating one version for editing and one for archiving at the same time to enhance workflow.

PXW-X200 V1.2 Firmware will be downloadable here during April 2015

PXW-X70 Firmware V2.0

Upgrade includes chargeable element and will be available June 2015

New Features & Improvements:

Support for 4K (QFHD) Recording (optional)
This 4K recording update provides support for QFHD shooting at 30p/25p/24p, allowing the X70 to capture scenes with stunning quality and at high resolution*. Furthermore, for projects finalized in HD, 4K recording greatly expands the creative possibilities by enabling digital panning, camera-shake correction and other post-production effects.NOTE: 4K recording requires purchase of the 4K Upgrade License (CBKZ-X70FX).

*We are looking to support a higher bit-rate recording mode than 60 Mbps for 3840x2160 XAVC-L in the future.

Proxy Recording
Proxy recording supports the use of a low-bit-rate video file in place of an XAVC-format, high-bit-rate file with the same timecode. The low-bit-rate proxy file, being smaller in size, can be used in many ways to increase efficiency. For example, the smaller file can be more easily transmitted to remote locations, while editing is greatly facilitated by the use of the smaller file, which is replaced at the completion of editing with the high-bit-rate file).

FTP Transfer
This feature supports FTP file transfers on the PXW-X70, allowing content files recorded with the XAVC Proxy Recording feature, and other content files shot in XAVC (4K/HD) and AVCHD formats, to be sent via the Internet for remote storage on an FTP server).

Streaming
This feature allows images to be streamed live from the PXW-X70 for viewing at a remote location. Data transfer rate, specified by two image quality menu settings (9Mbps and 3Mbps), can be selected to suit the network environment being used.

Wired LAN Connection
When wireless LAN is unavailable, this feature allows the PXW-X70 to be connected to the Internet over a wired connection via separately available USB adapter cable VMC-UAM2 and Network adaptor CBK-NA1R which is included in CBK-NA1 Network Adaptor Kit, allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP.

4K Upgrade License “CBKZ-X70FX”
CBKZ-X70FX Upgrade License enables 4K recording on PXW-X70. Please note CBKZ-X70FX is an optional item that will be available for purchase soon. Firmware version 2.0 is also required for use of the Upgrade License.

PXW-X70 V2.0 Firmware will be downloadable here in June 2015

The PXW range of Sony cameras are available from Visual Impact, and to get yourself future-proofed with 4K acquisition in camera, get in touch at 0208 977 1222 or visit our Sony cameras page here.