IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) is one of the world’s most respected content and technology events for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and news worldwide.
We’re excited that these kinds of trade shows are up and running again because it gives us some insight into all the exciting industry developments. Now that IBC 2022 has just wrapped up, let’s look at some of the latest innovations from our favourite brands.
FUJIFILM X-H2
FUJIFILM’s new X-H2 is an 8K capable APS-C mirrorless hybrid with some impressive photo and video features.
This pro camera is based on the X-H2S, matching it with the same processor, in-body image stabilisation system, dual card slots, electronic viewfinder, and more. But with 40MP, the X-H2 becomes the highest-resolution APS-C digital camera on the market.
The X-H2’s back side illuminated X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor is paired with the new X-Processor 5 for optimal performance and image fidelity. This combination provides enhanced autofocus capabilities and blackout-free image bursts at 15 fps, all while being 10% more efficient on the batteries than its predecessor. ISO ranges from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with expanded options in each direction.
This is also the first X Series camera that provides the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. This system records 20 separate images, spaced 0.5 pixels apart, and then combines them into a single 160MP DNG raw image.
The camera’s autofocus performance is also faster and more intelligent. This hybrid focusing system uses 425 phase-detection points and is now sensitive down to -7 EV for working in truly low-light conditions. Also, backed by deep learning, an AI adaptive algorithm means this focusing system is better suited to automatically detect and track a variety of subject types. Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 7 stops.
The X-H2 is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording in 8K at 30fps and in both DCI/UHD 4K at up to 60 fps and Full HD at up to 240p. It also supports a variety of codecs. Continuous recording times up to 160 minutes are possible at all frame rates and resolutions that can be extended to 240 minutes with the external clip-on fan.
KEY FEATURES:
- 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 5 HR Sensor
- 8K 30p 10-Bit Video, 4K with 2x Digital Zoom
- Internal ProRes 422 HQ and F-Log 2
- 160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot Mode
- 7-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization
- 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF & 3” Vari-Angle Touchscreen
- 20 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
- 425-Pt. Hybrid AF, AI Subject Detection
- ProRes & Blackmagic RAW via HDMI
- CFexpress Type B & SD UHS-II Card Slots
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Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera BodyR35,895.00
Canon CINE SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-T3.95
Canon’s new CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-T3.95 (CN8x15 IAS S) is designed to be a versatile lens that can be used for wildlife, documentary, broadcast, and cinema applications. It covers Super 35mm sized sensors, but can cover full-frame sensors if you engage the built-in 1.5x extender.
Canon already makes a 17-120mm Cine-Servo zoom lens, however, this version boasts 2mm more of wide-angle viewing and 8K optical performance than the original. That is a definite improvement over the older lens.
The lens offers 8K optical performance including chromatic aberration correction and reduced ghosting and flaring throughout its entire zoom range. The built-in extender increases the 15-120mm range to 22.5-180mm for telephoto use. The servo motor can be detached for cine-style camera use.
Like the rest of the Cinema EOS line, the 15-120mm provides a consistently warm balance, beautifully rendered skin tones and textures, and reduced focus breathing, and it has an 11-blade iris that produces natural-looking bokeh.
Kino Flo Mimik VR
Kino Flo’s Mimik VR is a first-of-its-kind product that allows video content to be perfectly mirrored on a LED light with a high tonal and colour rendering.
The whole idea behind the Mimik VR is that you can take the exact same light being emitted from a video wall and then use that to light your subject. In VR production, a videowall is often used to partly light the scene, to reflect the background on the subject. However, videowalls are RGB, so the light is not full spectrum.
The Mimik VR, however, is “a lighting panel fed by a video signal,” that can light the foreground correctly, according to Frieder Hochheim, Kino Flo’s founder. It takes a 3D LUT of the video to extrapolate the RGB to a five-colour pixel comprising red, green and blue with both 2700K and 5600K whites. It has a very high refresh rate (31kHz), for shooting at high frame rates (at least 240fps) and is 16-bit to support HDR. It is driven by Megapixel VR’s Helios LED processor and fully synchronised with the videowall.
Also new is the Freestyle Air, a lightweight rugged range of three LED lights that run off existing Freestyle control systems and ballasts.
Nanlux Evoke 1200B
The Evoke 1200B is a 1200W Bi-colour LED Spotlight, with a CCT range of 2700K-6500K, and an IP 54 rating for both the light head and power supply. Essentially it is a Bi-colour version of the Evoke 1200. The Evoke 1200B can be used with a wide array of lighting modifiers from a Fresnel, to softboxes, to a reflector.
KEY FEATURES:
- Two 1200W Bi-colour LED chips in Dot Matrix format
- Higher light efficiency 61,030lux @3m 5,600K (with reflector RF-NLM-26), comparable to that of a 1.8kW PAR or 2.5kW HMI Fresnel
- No flicker for Ultra-High-Speed shooting in raising the frame rate
- Variable CCT range of 2700K to 6500K with continuity and accuracy ensured in adjustment
- Excellent colour rendition with CRI/TLCI scores of 96/95, TM-30 Rf average 95/Rg average 102
- Both lamp head and power supply built-in hermetically sealed structure and IP54 rated
- Intuitive UI configuration of 4 buttons, 2 knobs and a 2.8 inch LCD display
- 0-100% smooth dimming in 0.1% increment with jump between 0-1% section eliminated
- Five dimming curves to satisfy professional demands: LINEAR, EXPONENT，LOGARITHM, S-CURVE, GAMMA 2.2
- Comprehensive wired/wireless controlling solutions: On-board, 2.4G, Bluetooth, NANLINK APP DMX/RDM, Wire Control (Under development), LumenRadio CRMX
- Built-in 12 customisable practical effects
- Improved cooling system with 4 fan modes: SMART, FULL SPEED, LOW SPEED, OFF
- Sturdy build quality using aluminium die casting alloys
- Offset Yoke design with 15° expanded tilting angle of the light with modifiers attached
- Compatibility for all modifiers with NL mount
SmallHD Smart 5 Series– 5-inch Touchscreen Monitors
“The Smart 5 series was designed in response to significant demand for smaller touchscreen monitors with the same quality and functionality of SmallHD’s Smart 7 and Ultrabright Series,” says Dave Bredbury, product manager for CS Cine. “We shrunk the display and increased the overall capabilities. Finally, users have access to our camera-control licenses for ARRI, RED and Sony VENICE on a 5-inch monitor.”
The Ultra, Cine, and Indie in the Smart 5 Series represent three tiers of brightness, I/O capability, and physical interface options to match a wide range of on-set workflows. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line 3000nit powerhouse with physical buttons and an ethernet port, you can go for the Ultra 5 for example. However, if you don’t have the budget or need for these top-line features, but you still want to be able to control your RED KOMODO with a daylight-viewable touchscreen, then the Indie 5 or Cine 5 would be a better option.
The Ultra 5 has touchscreen functionality with a full complement of front-facing physical buttons; 3000nit brightness, 2x 3G-SDI (I/O), 2x HDMI 2.0 (I/O), Ethernet port, 2-pin locking power connector, and locking 5-pin USB.
The Cine 5 has a reliable a combination of touchscreen functions with side-mounted joystick and back button; 2000nit brightness, 3G-SDI (I/O), HDMI 2.0 (I/O), 2-pin locking power connector, and locking 5-pin USB.
The Indie 5 has a touchscreen-only interface with physical power button and sliding touchscreen-lock switch; 1000nit brightness, 3G-SDI (I/O), HDMI 2.0 (I/O), barrel power input, and micro-USB connection.
Sony FR7
Sony’s new FR7 is a full frame interchangeable lens PTZ camera with variable electronic ND. According to Sony, it is the world’s first pan/tilt/zoom camera to combine a full-frame image sensor, interchangeable lenses and remote shooting functionality, opening up PTZ use to those seeking a cinematic look.
RED V-Raptor XL 8K VV camera
The V-RAPTOR XL features RED’s flagship V-Raptor 8K VV and 6K S35 multi-format sensor inside an XL camera body. The V-RAPTOR XL is designed to support high-end TV and motion picture productions.
This multi-format sensor allows you to shoot 8K large-format or 6K S35, which means you can shoot at over 4K even with S35 lenses. The sensor offers the highest recorded dynamic range and cleanest shadow performance of any RED camera to date and captures at up to 600fps at 2K.
RED also introduced its newest innovation, RED Connect. This is a license-enabled feature that allows full resolution live R3D video streaming via RED’s V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL camera systems.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
The G2 replaces the BMPCC 6K while adding features previously found on the 6K Pro model only. It sports a Super 35 sensor that allows shooting with a shallow depth of field and anamorphic lenses. It also has the latest Blackmagic generation 5 colour science and 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO and EF lens mount.
KEY FEATURES:
- Supports up to UHD 4K120 Video
- Sony E-Mount Lens Interchangeability
- 4K Full-Frame Sensor
- 12G-SDI, HDMI & Streaming Output
- Variable Electronic ND Filter
- Smooth, Slow Pan & Tilt Movement
- IR, IP & Web App Remote Control
- Flexible PoE+ Installation
- Genlock, Timecode & Tally Lamps
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Blackmagic Design Cinema Pocket 6k G2 CameraR52,995.00
Teradek Bolt 6 Series
Teradek has announced the Bolt 6 Series, the industry’s first 6GHz zero-delay wireless video solution that can deliver crystal-clear 6GHz transmission in high-traffic environments while remaining fully cross-compatible with the entire Bolt 4K BB3 ecosystem. The series can transmit and receive images and audio over the newly-available 6GHz frequency band as well as the industry-standard 5GHz, which dramatically reduces signal congestion in challenging RF environments while remaining fully cross-compatible across all Bolt 4K devices.
Unfortunately, South Africa is still in the very early stage of talks to open up the 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi and unlicensed usage to enable Wi-Fi in 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E).