First, here's a look at the 4K option for F5 owners, which will cost $1,000 and ship in December (all courtesy of Peter Crithary in the Sony forum):
As you may be aware, some users are able to modify the All File of the F5 to enable 4K XAVC internal recording. This modification is not authorized by Sony and may cause unforeseen operating conditions as a result of the F5 not being programmed by Sony to perform the 4K recording properly.
Due to the widespread adoption of 4K in the marketplace, and to further protect customers’ investments in the F5, Sony is implementing 4K internal recording and 4K output capabilities by way of an optional upgrade program.
It may be tough as an F5 owner to know that 4K can be easily enabled in the camera with a simple hack, but Sony will be charging $1,000 for it by the time December rolls around. If you're trying to shoot 4K for any serious projects, you're probably going to want the Sony option, because it will be fully supported, and should theoretically work as intended without any issues — something that's usually a requirement when your job and reputation are on the line.
It's safe to say that firmware v5.0 will probably disable the 4K hack, so if you're trying to keep your camera up-to-date with the newest features, and you really want internal 4K, you may have to upgrade eventually. The upgrade now brings the F5 in line with the F55 in most ways, which means the price difference between the models would be just for the global shutter sensor in the F55.
We also now know that the ProRes & DNxHD hardware upgrade will cost $2,250 and will be available in December:
In addition, they showed off the new Shoulder Mount ENG dock, the B4 to Super16mm adapter, and what's coming in the free v5.0 firmware update:
Sony has also done some work to their RAW Viewer and Content Browser, which should hopefully simplify workflows:
Sony’s applications, RAW Viewer and Content Browser are being merged into a single platform. Debuting as two applications are Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare. The development of Catalyst Browse follows industry momentum around the XAVC codec to place it alongside RAW as a major recording format. The new software platform combines the capabilities of conventional RAW Viewer and Content Browser, in addition to new features. Going beyond upcoming support for a wide range of formats, including RAW, MPEG4 SStP (HDCAM SR), XAVC, MPEG2, AVCHD, Apple® ProRes, and Avid® DNxHD®,Catalyst Browse will work with Sony CineAlta and XDCAM camera lineups, among others.
The new Catalyst Prepare software package enables secure and efficient management of recorded assets, enabling smooth workflows from shooting through editing. This package includes Catalyst Browse capabilities, and adds verifiable copying, file conversion, storyboarding, and EDL output support, among other powerful features.
Catalyst Browse: Free
Catalyst Prepare: $199.95
Planned availability: September 2014
For more on these updates, check out the Sony forum.
Source: Sony Community Forum
