Sony Launches HXR-IFR5 Interface

Sony has announced the launch of its HXR-IFR5 interface unit, enabling 2K RAW and 4K RAW recording for the NEX-FS700 camcorder.
The HXR-IFR5 interface unit connects the NEX-FS700 to Sony's new AXS-R5 RAW recording system, taking advantage of the camcorder's 4K imager.
"The NEX-FS700 is already accepted worldwide as a high-performance production tool for any application from corporate productions to broadcast television," said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions, Sony Europe.
"Highly affordable recording of 2K / 4K RAW images and High Frame Rate (HFR) capture adds another dimension to the camcorder’s capabilities, once a firmware upgrade has been made. FS700 RAW recording preserves more of the original camera signal, producing stunning image quality and enabling maximum image manipulation flexibility in post-production."
The HXR-IFR5 interface receives the uncompressed bit-stream carrying RAW sensor data, metadata, time code and start/stop commands from the NEX-FS700E via 3G-SDI. The FS700 RAW files are recorded to the AXS memory cards in the AXS-R5 RAW recorder, where they can be screened and converted using Sony’s free RAW Viewer software.
Users can simultaneously record 4K on the AXS-R5 while recording HD on the NEX-FS700, both with identical start frame, stop frame and time codes.
The unit has an LCD panel for status indication, including record mode, frame rate, time code, battery and media remaining time.
Large tactile buttons control basic operations, menus and media management. When attached to the HXR-IFR5, the AXS-R5 can also act as a stand-alone playback unit for reliable monitoring and review through an on-board HD-SDI 422 output.
The introduction of the HXR-IFR5 interface unit is the first implementation of 2K RAW recording capabilities with the AXSM memory system.
2K RAW enables the NEX-FS700 to create digital RGB files with 12-bit colour depth, and work simultaneously with the camcorder’s on-board 8-bit AVCHD capability.
With the HXR-IFR5 and firmware upgrade to the NEX-FS700, users can perform continuous 120/240 fps HFR recording in 2K and 120 fps four-second "burst" recording in 4K. The NEX-FS700 even goes beyond 120 frames per second to 240 fps.
Playing back at 240 fps yields compelling slow motion at 1/5 or 1/10 normal speed. Users can also choose 480 and 960 fps burst recording (at reduced resolution). HFR is also now available with S-Log2 gamma (1300% dynamic range) and 709 (800% dynamic range).
"Previously, HFR capability (above 60 fps @1080p) was relegated to a rarified few 'custom' cameras, many designed for machine vision and not high-end program production," said Bill Drummond.
"The combination of the NEX-FS700, HXR-IFR5 and AXS-R5 now supports an array of game changing speeds in continuous and burst shooting modes at a price point unmatched in the industry. With these new capabilities the NEX-FS700 is poised for use as a high-quality, low-cost camera with a range of creative features."
The HXR-IFR5 also allows the use of compatible media, file naming conventions, metadata and RAW workflow used by Sony’s PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 CineAlta 4K cameras.
This new Sony technology is the latest recording option for the NEX-FS700 camcorder, joining the recently announced direct connectivity with Convergent Design’s new Odyssey7Q.
The HXR-IFR5 2K/4K RAW interface unit will be available in June for a suggested list price of 2500 Euros.
Jump to the relevant section of the Sony website here.
(IT/JP)