Freefly Systems has unveiled a new slow-motion camera called EMBER. The camera is capable of capturing 5K 600fps & 4K 800fps in ProRes to an internal 4 TB SSD.
Key features
- 5K max resolution at 600fps
- 4K 800fps
- Gpixel sensor
- Fast iOS based app workflow
- Apple ProRes Codec
- Global Shutter
- Wireless Control
- USB 3.2 Type C
Freefly Systems designed EMBER to be the most efficient high-speed camera ever. The goal was to make it small, light, and fun to use. What makes EMBER unique is that it can record continuous high-speed footage with no ram based clip limit directly to a 4TB internal SSD. Essentially what this means is that you can use Ember like any regular camera. Just press record and it will capture material like any other camera.
If you want to see more footage from the EMBER, Freefly Systems has quite a few clips over on its Vimeo page.
The camera weighs 820g and according to Freefly Systems it can handle light rain, but it isn’t IP rated.
You are going to need a ton of light
The sensor in the EMBER is an S35 CMOS ( 23.04mm x 18.43mm) with a native resolution of 5120 x 4096 (21MP). It has a pixel pitch of 4.5μm and a Global Electronic shutter. While this all looks good on paper, the native ISO of the sensor is just 300. This means that you are going to need a ton of light if you plan on shooting at 800fps.
The sensor is claimed to have 11 stops of dynamic range and it is made by Gpixel.
According to Freefly Systems footage from the EMBER most resembles the BlackMagic 6K
Recording
As I already mentioned, the EMBER records internally to an onboard 4TB NVMe drive. While this is a nice feature, you can’t remove that drive, so when it fills up you will have to dump the footage before you can use the camera again. The internal storage is upgradable according to Freefly Systems.
Above you can see what framerates and resolutions EMBER is capable of recording. If 5K 16:9 (5120 x 2880) you can capture up to 765fps.
It is interesting to see that in 4096 x 1728 (2.37:1) you can actually capture over 1000fps. If you want to shoot with anamorphic glass you could record in 4096 x 31072 (4:3) at up to 578fps. You need to be aware that the 4K footage does come from a center crop.
Everything gets recorded in Apple ProRes 10-bit. Freefly Systems doesn’t list what codecs you can choose from, but I am assuming it’s 422 or 422HQ. The camera doesn’t record any audio.
Currently, the camera can only record in Rec.709, there is no LOG or RAW recording modes.
There is an EMBER app for iOS that lets you go from capture to sharing in just seconds.
What lens mount does it use?
The EMBER features a positive lock E-mount, but it is removable, so you could attach other lens mounts if Freefly Systems releases them. One thing to note is the E-mount is not electronic so you can’t utilize AF or any stabilization.
What lenses & adapters can you use?
- E-Mount Lenses (not Sony AF lenses, as they require a powered lens mount to operate)
- E-Mount Lens adapters (EF, PL, etc, but not RF as the flange depth is mismatched)
- KipperTie Lens Mounts
How much power does it draw?
The EMBER can be powered via a 12-26V source through a 4-pin Molex Microfit w/ CAN and the camera itself draws a maximum of 40W while recording.
Inputs & Outputs
The EMBER is essentially just a box so you don’t get any monitoring solution with it as standard.
Above you can see what inputs and outputs the Ember has. For monitoring, you are stuck with a full-sized HDMI output, there is no SDI output.
How do you get one & how much does it cost?
Freefly Systems has reserved the first shipments of EMBER for existing Wave customers. So if you already have a Wave, you simply let them know and they will flag your order accordingly.
If you just bought a Wave recently, Freefly Systems is offering a trade in program, and if you bought one in last 30 days they will let you return your Wave for an Ember (as long as you don’t mind a bit of waiting).
The EMBER retails for $17,999 USD and for that you get the following items:
- Qty 1 – Ember S5K camera body (4TB internal SSD)
- Qty 1 – Locking E-Mount (non-electronic, pre-installed)
- Qty 1 – Rear accessory mount stand-offs (pair)
- Qty 1 – USB C-C 3.0 Cable
- Qty 1 – D-Tap-Ember Power Cable
- Qty 8 – M3 x 10mm SHCS fasteners for accessory mounts
Freefly is also selling a ton of accessories that you can use with the EMBER.
