By technical editor Matt Allard:
Convergent Design have released yet another firmware version for their Odyssey 7, 7Q and 7Q+ monitor/recorders. Firmware version 2015.7 adds new Exposure Compensation LUTs that have been made specifically for users of the Sony FS7 and FS700. These new LUTs take the S-log2 or S-log3 image from the camera and turn them into a REC709 signal that has had exposure compensation applied. Two exposure compensation LUTs (1-stop pull and 2-stop pull) are available for S-Log2 and S-Log3. This means that there is a 500ISO and a 1000ISO re-rating available for both the FS700 and the FS7. Both these methods should help reduce the noise in the images and increase apparent bit depth.The idea behind doing this is you can still record at the camera’s base ISO, but you can monitor and shoot using the exposure compensation LUT. You can then load up that same exposure compensation LUT into an editing program, or grading software such as Davinci Resolve, and apply it to your image. Because you were exposing using the LUT, it will look the same once you add it in post. This way you are still recording the maximum dynamic range your camera can capture, but your effectively rating the camera at a lower ISO to help reduce noise. The LUTs being used are the popular L709A that mimic the look of the Arri Alexa.
It will be interesting to see how well this works and it should make a huge difference when using S-log2 on the Sony FS700I. Previoiusly I have found that the base ISO of 2000 creates quite a noisy image. Also, while the S-Log2 LUTs were originally created for the FS700, the curve is a standard so they should work fairly well for the Sony a7S as it also offers S-Log2. Please note that the A7s uses S-Log2 in Legal range video while the FS700 does so with Extended range.
For anamorphic shooters, there are now additional de-squeeze options available to you. The new features can de-squeeze and magnify the center portion of the image for common anamorphic formats including 1.33x (1.78:1), 2.0x (2.39:1) and 2.0x (2.67:1). The adjusted image can be sent to the video outputs, while the recording remains unaffected.
Convergent Design have also added a new Hyper Zoom function that now allows for 4,6,8,10, & 12X image magnification. This is a nice feature and will be very helpful in getting critical focus right, especially when shooting in 4K or higher resolutions.
Here are all the new features:
Exposure Compensation LUTs
Combination S-Log to REC709 and exposure compensation for re-rating FS7 and FS700 cameras to 1000ISO (1 stop over) or 500ISO (2 stops over). Reduces noise and increases apparent bit depth.
Additional Preset LUTs:
Sony FS700 (Exposure Compensation)
SONY_EE_SL2_L709A-1
SONY_EE_SL2_L709A-2
Sony FS7 (Exposure Compensation)
SONY_EE_SL3C_L709A-1
SONY_EE_SL3C_L709A-2
Hyper Zoom
Additional Pixel Zoom mode. 4,6,8,10, & 12X Hyper Zoom on a selected portion of image, displayed in the lower right corner of OLED display.
Selectable Color reference frame
Exposure Compensation LUTs
Combination S-Log to REC709 and exposure compensation for re-rating FS7 and FS700 cameras to 1000ISO (1 stop over) or 500ISO (2 stops over). Reduces noise and increases apparent bit depth.
Additional Preset LUTs:
Sony FS700 (Exposure Compensation)
SONY_EE_SL2_L709A-1
SONY_EE_SL2_L709A-2
Sony FS7 (Exposure Compensation)
SONY_EE_SL3C_L709A-1
SONY_EE_SL3C_L709A-2
Additional Anamorphic De-Squeeze options – Center Extraction
Desqueezes and magnifies center portion of image for common anamorphic formats. Adjusted image sent to video outputs; recording unaffected.
Center Extraction modes:
1.33x (1.78:1) Stretches center 4:3 image to cover 16:9 frame
2.0x (2.39:1) 2.0x stretch with image zoom & crop to 2.39:1
2.0x (2.67:1) 2.0x stretch with image zoom to 2.67:1
Third-Party SSD Support
As we mentioned last month, the Odyssey recorder/monitors now support qualified third-party SSDs from Samsung. (SSD Handle kits required to mount.)
Qualified third-party SSDs:
Samsung 850 PRO in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB & 1TB (1024GB)
Samsung 850 EVO 1000GB
NOTE: Samsung SSDs draw more power than Odyssey SSDs. Convergent Design highly recommends using an AC-powered USB3 adapter or a Thunderbolt adapter when connecting Samsung SSDs to a computer.
FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS
FIXED Histogram with 720p source
FIXED Image tearing on PSF inputs in HD Prores
FIXED DPX video outputs when PSF output turned on
FIXED Appearance of a single pixel in or near the audio meters
FIXED LUT Extended/Legal setting saved through a power cycle
FIXED Scene and Project setting saved through a power cycle
FIXED Audio corruption on DPX and DNG file spanning
FIXED Audio playback on Odyssey in all ProRes formats
FIXED Pixel Zoom reaches full image in 4K
FIXED GH4 Motion Picture Luminance Level under 0-255
FIXED FS7 Camera Trigger in HD Apple ProRes
FIXED FS7 Camera Trigger in 4K Raw->Apple ProRes
FIXED 4K RAW->2K/HD Apple ProRes 50p playback
FIXED 4K RAW->2K/HD Apple ProRes 100/120p live image
FIXED Stuttering video in FS700 4K RAW->HD/2K 100/120p burst mode
IMPROVED On screen counter during LUT import
IMPROVED Upper Toolbar Setup Menu
SOFTWARE UPDATES
CD Apple ProRes Transfer Utility 1.8 (PC / Mac)
Fixes for installation Issues
Fixes for transfer issues
CD LUT Utility 1.8 (PC / Mac)
Fixes for installation Issues
Fixes with issues due to region settings
Fixes for inverted LUTs
