Whether shot on celluloid film or saved to a digital hard drive, traditionally the process of post-production had to wait until users received the physical media and then had to ingest that media into the post-production workflow. This took hours and sometimes days before dailies could be viewed and the assembly edit could be created.
That is, until Frame.io invented the camera-to-cloud process and enabled internet-connected cameras to instantly upload digital video files to the cloud. This game-changing application means that as soon as the director yells, "Cut," the footage can be uploaded via proxy files to the cloud for editors and others in the post-production pipeline to begin cutting. C2C has been a total game-changer since team members can be all over the world and have instant access to the footage.
Through a trio of forthcoming updates, Adobe has announced native camera-to-cloud support for both RED and Fujifilm cameras. Upcoming updates from Adobe, RED, and Fujifilm will enable users to log into their Frame.io account and instantly transfer both RAW and Proxy video files up to the cloud to begin the post-production workflow.
Camera to Cloud is currently supported in over 200 cameras and external recording solutions. Mobile filmmakers can even get into the act through FiLMiC Pro. The only real shortcoming has been that since C2C usually relies on 4G/LTE cellular connections, only proxy file uploads were supported.
Evolution of the Camera and Cloud
But that’s all changed at Adobe Max, with the news that not only will Frame.io not only transport both proxy and RAW video files but will do it beginning with RED and Fujifilm cameras. Frame.io calls it the next evolution of camera to cloud, and it’s entirely internal.
"New partnerships with RED and Fujifilm are now removing the barrier of needing to physically move media," wrote Michael Cioni, Adobe Senior Director of Global Innovation Creative Products. "With the Camera to Cloud integration now built directly into the cameras, we’ve taken the next step toward the cloud-based workflow we’ve been envisioning—no additional hardware and no hard drives required. This is more than just a technological first—it’s a snapshot of the way every creative will work in the future."
Through an update to Frame.io and RED’s V-Raptor, V-Raptor XL, and Fujifilm X-H2s cameras, the original camera files can be transmitted directly to the cloud without having to connect through additional hardware or relying on a handshake through a cellular device. The cameras have a connection protocol for Frame.io built directly into the firmware and can connect to the service with a simple six-digit authentication code.
The connection still relies on a high bandwidth internet connection through WiFi or Ethernet to connect and securely upload up to 8K RAW R3D files, or Apple ProRes Proxies, but Adobe says this is but the next logical step toward a workflow that will go from camera to the cloud with no additional hardware or cable connections.
They will automatically upload the original camera files, if bandwidth permits, or proxies that can be instantly viewed within the Adobe Premiere Pro workflow via Creative Cloud.
The First C2C Mirrorless Camera
The most exciting news about this update is seeing the Fujifilm X-H2s on the list, as it's the first mirrorless camera to get the C2C treatment. While creatives will have to use the optional transmitter battery grip, it's a small price to pay to get the power of the X-H2s into the cloud.
Creatives will also be able to securely upload RAW still image files to Lightroom and Photoshop as part of the new workflow update.
Availability
Both RED and Fujifilm will be releasing firmware updates soon to support the new C2C protocol, but Frame.io should support the new capability as of today. According to the camera manufacturers, its updates will be available in late 2022 for RED and by Spring 2023 for Fujifilm.
From there, Adobe says that it expects Camera to Cloud to be the de facto way that all filmmakers will be working in the near future, and they will expand support so that when creatives are ready to take advantage of it, their gear can support it. And with each step, the cloud connection becomes more central, without needing anything else but an internet gateway to support it.
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