Sony's pro 4K camcorder has Netflix-friendly 'Instant HDR'

HDR has become just as important as 4K for streaming and Blu-Ray users who care about seeing films and series the way the creators intended. Manufacturers therefore have to cater to producers who want it, as we're seeing with Sony's new $4,750 FS5 II camcorder launched at NAB 2018. It supports RAW 4K (via an external recorder) like RED, Arri and other rivals, but includes a twist with Instant HDR. That makes it possible to both output HDR live for broadcast or previews on set, while retaining detail for finessing in post-production.

The FS5-II canhandle 60 fps high-framerate 4K recording, shoot 4K 120 fps in four-second bursts, and output 240 fps 1080p for eight seconds. Internally, it can handle 8-bit 4K at 30fps, or HD at up to 120 fps. However, many production pros will probably attach an Atomos Ninja or other device and record RAW 4K using Apple's new ProRes RAW or regular ProRes recording formats. It also packs new color science that improves skin tones, a common complaint about the last model.
Sony said that the FS5-II is Netflix-approved in all 4K modes and is already being used on multiple series. However, it's not much of an improvement over the last model, as News Shooter notes, since most of the features, apart from 120 fps internal HD recording, came to the previous model via (paid) firmware updates. Unlike Panasonic with the GH5 and GH5s, Sony avoids putting features like 10-bit internal recording on its A7 lineup to avoid cannibalizing its pricey professional products.

Sony also launched a pair of smaller camcorders. The PXW-Z280 uses three half-inch CMOS sensors, and can record 4:2:2 10-bit 4K at 60 fps, while the PXW-Z190 uses three 1/3-inch chips and can also handle 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video.