Sony quietly released remedial firmware update 1.1 for their latest Super 35 4K camera – the PXW-FS5, which has been around for just over a month and some change. The new firmware update allows for simultaneous 4K external recording, while also recording internally in the XAVC-L (Long GOP) codec; however this comes at the expense of not having an image in the viewfinder and LCD camera monitor. Unlike the bigger and more expensive 10bit Sony FS7, which can output 4K as well as retain internal recording and viewfinder image, the FS5 has some limitations when it comes to outputting a 4K signal and retaining the use of the Viewfinder and LCD screen.
With firmware 1.1, Sony FS5 owners and shooters can finally record internally in UHD 3840 x 2160 in XAVC-L as well as output UHD to an external recorder like Video Devices PIX-E5, Convergent Design Odyssey7Q+ or the Atomos Shogun or Ninja Assassin. Whether the use of Viewfinder/LCD while recording internally and externally will be allowed in the future is now yet known.
Firmware 1.1 also adds Face Detection in internal UHD recording. Keep in mind that the 4K output signal and viewfinder limitation does not apply to Full HD recording and is only associated with UHD recording.
New Features Sony FS5 Firmware 1.1
- External output and face detection support when recording in XAVC QFHD (4K mode)
Sony FS5 owners can download the firmware directly from Sony here.
For those who have missed my Sony FS5 Hands-on First Impressions post you can check it out here. Meanwhile, here’s some new footage shot on the Sony FS5 by Jason Wingrove.
You may also remember, not that long ago we posted about the new 4K integrated camera gimbal from FilmPower called ROXOR. FilmPower are the guys behind the popular single hand gimbal stabiliser Nebula 4000, and a few weeks back they shared more details about their latest ROXOR 4K integrated camera and gimbal stabilisers.
The FilmPower ROXOR is a more budget option to the slicker and more premium DJI OSMO stabiliser (which is available for $649 from B&H). The ROXOR features a 1/2.3 inch 12.4MP BSI CMOS sensor, record in 4K, Half-4K (1440p), Full HD, 720p and 480p and take 20 megapixel stills (as compared to 12MP on the OSMO). Slow-motion capabilities include, 60fps, 120fps, and 240fps.
Earlier today FilmPower released the first footage from the upcoming ROXOR in a series of short clips on their YouTube channel. Check them out below:
FilmPower ROXOR – 1080p/60 Footage
FilmPower ROXOR – 720p/120 Slow-Motion Footage
FilmPower ROXOR – 4K Sample Footage
NOTE: The 4K footage below looks like it was shot at off speed frame rates, I attribute its jerkiness to something like 15fps, or even slower, which is weird, as the Roxor was initially advertised as capable of doing 24fps at least in 4K to be usable. We’ve reached out to FilmPower and asked them about the 4K footage they posted and what frame rate it was shot on, as well as more importantly – whether the production units will have a usable 4K recording frame rate of 24p and 30p, and will update you once we hear back from the manufacturer.
For a while the ROXOR was available for pre-order at a discounted price of only $199, but now it has gone back up to the regular $399 price. You can pre-order directly from FilmPower here.
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