Sony debuts HDC-F5500V, updates Ci Media Cloud, and more

With the VENICE Extension System Mini already announced in the run up to the show, Sony’s main news so far at NAB is all about the launch of a new system camera.

The HDC-F5500V Super 35mm 4K CMOS global shutter camera for live production is interesting in that it is paying attention to how people are looking to use cameras in sports broadcasting, especially when it comes to depth of field. To that extent, a new optional software license adds VND capabilities for increased depth of field control and a wide range of brightness control through virtual iris capabilities. With ND control during on-tally, it also offers workflow advantages including a wealth of features for HDR and SDR production, and the same infrastructure as its HDC-5500V 2/3-inch counterpart, including IP networking, remote multi-camera operation and an in-CCU record option. It is planned to be available in summer 2025. 

The PDT-FP1 portable data transmitter has been updated with new features including support for external camera recording, in addition to high-quality live streaming from a connected camera and streaming app. The immediate workflow for delivering photos and videos from the field has been improved with the Transfer & Tagging app (T&T), as well as direct upload from camera to cloud services.

Ci Media Cloud has added new format support and integrations to simplify and automate post-production workflows. Ci Workflow now supports nearly all camera RAW formats, making its self-service VFX pull solution even more powerful. Ci also added a DaVinci Resolve Studio extension which allows editors to seamlessly access Ci files, edit, relink, render, and share cuts without having to leave their NLE. Additionally, Sony has added direct camera-to-the-cloud support for FX3, FX30 and Alpha 7S III (sequentially) with additional model compatibility to come, allowing camera owners to automatically upload to Ci without the need for additional hardware. 

Elsewhere, the company will be highlighting the Version 2 firmware update for the BURANO full-frame cinema camera. These have already been announced, but are worth a brief revisit. They include new recording formats for faster sensor performance, led by a 3.8K Full Frame crop up to 120 fps and a 1.9K Super 35 mode that can capture up to 240 fps. Further additions include standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC, as well as an improved on-screen display, enhanced image output, additional exposure tools, broader autofocus capabilities, and live event and multi-camera functionality. 

There will also be some previews of new features in the company’s Virtual Production Tool Set. Updated software addresses viewing angle correction, and adds Crystal LED off-axis color compensations. In addition, Sony says it boosts the ability to render high picture quality CG backgrounds at high frames per second by ray-tracing acceleration and also supports real-time moiré alerts display for VENICE 2 operation.