Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Sony has just made entry into 4K- and HDR-ready studio and live production more accessible with the HXC-FB80 and HXCU-FB80 camera control unit (CCU). Based on a 3G-SDI platform with 1080/59.94p capabilities, the system is a “future-proof” path to 4K and HDR production.
The HXC-FB80 is an addition to the HXC family and as such, shares a lot of features with the HXC-FB75. It continues to provide a -60dB signal-to-noise ratio with an F13 high sensitivity at 50Hz (or F12 at 59.94Hz) which allows for shooting in low-light conditions. The new camera also allows for a range of camera painting and processing to be performed.
With the CCU, HD content can be scaled up to 4K (3840×2160) with a 12-G SDI output and a 3G-SDI quad-link. A free firmware upgrade will be provided in the summer of 2018 to enable HD-HDR support for Hybrid Log-Gamma.
For a wider range of applications
The HXC series of cameras has been used for a variety of purposes since it first burst onto the scene. Feedback from customers is at the heart of the new camera system, plus the support for up-scaled 4K and HD-HDR productions enables it to be used in many more applications.
Configuration
The configuration of the HXC-FB80 is similar to that of the FB75 series: HXC-FB80HN (just the camera body), HXC-FB80KN (with 2/3” HD lens, portable viewfinder, and microphone), and HXC-FB80SN (with 2/3” HD lens and large viewfinder).
Features
The Sony HXC-FB80 features three 2/3-inch type CMOS Exmor image sensors capable of supporting 60 frames per second at 1080×1920. HD content can be upscaled to 4K with the help of the CCU.
The new HXC member also supports 23.98PsF shooting for productions like live events where the “cinematic look” is required. The 23.98PsF shooting feature can also be used for other applications such as interviews and magazine-type programs. The camera also supports 25PsF or 29.97PsF shooting.
With a newly adopted filter servo motor in the camera head, the camera’s ND filter can be controlled remotely. The servo motor also supports an electronic color correction filter.
The camera head and the CCU van be linked together using cables stretching to 1,970 feet; the cables can also be expanded to more than 3,000 feet with the HXC-P70H.
Sony’s HXC-FB80 has a LEMO connector interface option in addition to the Neutrik connector interface.
Sony provides a LEMO connecter interface for the camera head and the CCU while also keeping the Neutrik connector interface.
In addition to using the CCU to control the system, RCP remote operation can also be used with accessories. Multi-camera application is possible with a PC-RCP and Master Setup Unit system.
Sony exhibited the HXC-FB80 camera and the HXCU-FB80 CCU at the NAB Show New York on October 18 and 19. New broadcasting gear has often been showcased at NAB events; Sony also outlined plans for end-to-end HDR workflows at a NAB event in Las Vegas in early 2017.
The HXC-FB80 camera and the HXCU-FB80 CCU are planned for a January 2018 release.