Sony Demonstrates F65 4K + Camera with 8K Sensor and 16-bit RAW Output

At their press event today at NAB, Sony demonstrated their previously previewed 8K camera and officially gave it a name: the CineAlta F65. When we'd last heard of this 8K camcorder, I'd assumed the high resolution was designed for the purpose of providing a full 4K image after de-bayering. But it turns out the sensor has dedicated green photosites for every pixel (unlike other bayer-pattern sensors, as far as I know), and thus Sony is designing the F65 for not only 4K, but beyond.

4K footage from the new F65 will be available for viewing on the NAB show floor through Sony's 4K projector(s), of which Sony indicates there are over 7,000 currently installed worldwide. With a non-standard resolution of 8768 x 2324 (which works out to something like 3.77:1) and dedicated green photosites, Sony's approach is decidedly different than RED or ARRI's; there will surely be a lot more info to come about the F65 in the months and years to come. No word on price yet. Full press release below.

Press Release

LAS VEGAS, April 10, 2011 – Sony is revolutionizing digital cinematography with the official unveiling of its much-anticipated next-generation CineAlta camera. The F65 raises the bar in the quest for the “look” of 65mm film, and delivers on its promise to derive true 4K resolution and beyond – at the point of image capture.

Sony’s unique 8K image sensor, with approximately 20 megapixels, offers higher image fidelity than any other camera. With 16-bit RAW output, the F65 establishes the gateway to a complete, end-to- end 4K mastering workflow.

“Sony's new F65 digital motion picture camera combines true 4K resolution with an expansive dynamic range that enables a more nuanced reproduction of fine textural and tonal details,” said Curtis Clark, ASC. “Along with excellent contrast and exceptional color reproduction the F65 produces images that have a rich filmic look and feel, providing filmmakers with significantly enhanced creative photographic possibilities.”

At the heart of the F65 camera is Sony’s newly developed 8K sensor, which will deliver pristine HD, 2K, and true 4K resolution today -- and will go far beyond 4K in the future, as industry needs evolve. The Sony imager is also the first to provide a dedicated green photosite
for each pixel in the 4K output image. This is twice the amount of green resolution compared with traditional 4K Bayer pattern sensors, providing a significant improvement in image resolution that is ideal for VFX processing.

“Sony already has a successful track record in developing 4K technology, with our 4K digital cinema projection system re-defining the movie-going experience,” said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president, Professional Solutions of America, Sony Electronics. “However, Sony is committed to driving every aspect of a 4K workflow – starting with acquisition. This camera is the pinnacle of 30-plus years of research, experience and engineering breakthroughs and is the latest example of Sony’s ongoing pursuit of the highest quality content creation and production.”

The 8K CMOS sensor can run up to maximum 120Fps. This sensor performance combined with 16-bit RAW output makes the F65 the first image capture system designed from the ground up to support the Academy IIF-ACES, Image Interchange Framework, Academy Color Encoding Specification.

The F65 has also been designed for multiple production applications, including 3D rigs and Steadicam, and will offer a compact and lightweight detachable camera T-head for these configurations. In addition, an optional mechanical rotary shutter will be available for eliminating motion artifacts that are inherent with other CMOS sensor technology.

A dockable SR memory recorder – model SR-R4 – attaches to the camera to record directly on to an SR memory card of 256 GB, 512 GB or 1TB capacity with data security and sustained throughput of 5 Gbps. The recorder will enable ultra high speed recording of16-bit RAW data.
A 1TB memory card recording at 24 fps will store 50 minutes of footage in 4K 16 bit RAW. As with previous generations of CineAlta systems, Sony continues to work closely with the industry to develop this next generation digital motion picture camera technology and storage, workflow system.

[image via @SonyProUSA, whose photo is better than my own blurry cameraphone image]