By Technical editor Matt Allard:
Sony today released their latest version 5.0 firmware for the F5 and F55 cameras. While a lot of this firmware release has to do with paid upgrades there are a couple of key features that will benefit all owners. Finally there is support for interval recording, and noise reduction for Cine EI mode. One of the biggest drawbacks of using Cine EI was not being able to use any sort of in camera noise reduction. Users have been asking for this feature for quite a while so it is good to see Sony implement it.
Support for the enabling of paid features such as ProRes and DNxHD internal recording and the CBKW-55FX F5 4K internal recording option are also part of the release. It also probably means the disabling of Paul Ream’s unauthorised ‘All file’ method of getting 4K running on the a F5 – if you are going to want to run 4K on the F5 using v5.0 firmware you are likely going to have to pay for it.
Even so I can see a lot of F5 users paying for the 4K XAVC internal recording option, but there may not be too many users rushing out to purchase ProRes or DNxHD internal recording as there are plenty of cheaper off-board options available. The lack of any sort of 4K ProRes or 4444 recording options at this stage is also a drawback.
This from Sony:
Major features supported in this release:
Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® with the optional CBK-55PD
Interval Recording
Support for the optional ENG and Documentary shoulder mount dock CBK-55BK
4K upgrade for the F5 via the optional (for purchase) CBKW-55FX
Noise suppression in Cine EI mode
Details:
Supporting additional codecs, Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® with CBK-55PD
PMW-F55/F5 can record and playback in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 on 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 50i, 59.94i and DNxHD220x, and DNxHD145 on 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50i, 59.94i by installing the optional CBK-55PD (sold separately). NOTE: PMW-F55/F5 with CBK-55PD installed is not supported with the CA-4000 and BPU-4000, 4K Live Productions system.
Supporting the optional ENG and Documentary shoulder mount dock CBK-55BK
The PMW-F55/F5 is compatible with the optional CBK-55BK (sold separately). CBK-55BK is a specialized accessory docking unit with shoulder Pad and Interface for the PMW-F55/F5. This accessory can be attached easily and allows users to access key functions such as Shutter, Gain, White Balance, Rec Button and Assignable Buttons. In addition the CBK-55BK supports Wireless slot-in audio receiver and Audio control like standard Broadcast shoulder camcorders.
In addition to new functionality, v5 adds support for the optional new hardware accessories being introduced, including the Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® encoder board, the new ENG, Documentary Shoulder mount dock, and the optional 4K upgrade for the F5.- All of which are detailed below.
Supporting the optional 4K Upgrade for PMW-F5 with CBKW-55FX
By installing the dedicated option CBKZ-55FX (sold separately), recording and playback of XAVC 4K and XAVC QFHD is available for the PMW-F5. In addition, simultaneous recording function with MPEG Proxy is available.
Interval Rec function with XAVC and RAW
Interval Rec function allows you to record frames specified at regular intervals. Interval Rec function is available with XAVC format and RAW recording with the AXS-R5.
HDCAM SR File, (SStP) SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i (PMW-F55 only)
PMW-F55 supports SStP SR-SQ 422 in 59.94i. Also simultaneous recording function with MPEG Proxy is available.
Memory A/B white balance in Custom mode
White balance Memory is expanded to Memory A and Memory B in Custom mode. The color temperature can be set independently.
Noise suppression is available in Cine EI mode
“Noise Suppression” setting in the Camera menu is available even in Cine EI mode. The default setting is OFF.
Added selectable functions for Assignable Button
“Color Bars,” “VF Focus Magnifier,” and “White Memory” (switching between Memory A/B) are added to “Assignable Button”
Direct Changing FPS (STEP) using Menu dial
During S&Q Motion, FPS can be changed by pushing and rotating the Menu dial. You can set 6 steps of Frame Rate in “Menu Dial Assign” in “Assignable Button” menu.
Bug fixes
When using assignable button of marker, incorrect message was displayed. This has been fixed.
After APR in HFR mode, in some cases Frame Rate was changed to 60FPS automatically. This has been fixed.
In some cases false color function with DVF-EL100 and DVF-L700 worked in S-Log3 incorrectly. This has been fixed. False color function is available only when S-Log2 is selected.
While simultaneous recording with RAW and MPEG50 in 50 and 59.94, recording start frame of MPEG50 was delayed. This has been fixed.
Double Speed VF setting was automatically turned off when HFR mode turns off. This has been fixed. Double Speed VF setting remains when changing HFR mode on/off.
Please note the following:
iOS setting for Wi-Fi Remote
While using Wi-Fi Remote with iOS devices and Safari, please turn off Private browse function.
All file Support
All files which are created with Firmware v5.0 are not compatible with an earlier firmware version.
Auto Reboot after ABB and APR on ProRes and DNxHD®
When ABB or APR is executed in ProRes and DNxHD mode, PMW-F55/F5 automatically reboots after displaying “Auto Black Balance OK” or “RPN Auto Detection OK ” and “Rebooting…..”. This sequence is normal. ABB or APR is correctly executed.
Assignable buttons setting does not remain
When you update to v5.0 from an earlier version of firmware, or load ALL File generated in an earlier version of firmware, the Assignable buttons setting does not remain. Please set each assignable buttons manually.
<< Version up procedure >>
Please refer to “Version Up Guide for PMW-F55 and F5”.
You can download the firmware here
