nab2014
Latest
Sony's A7s turns night into (very noisy) day with ISO 409,600
This week, Sony announced the A7s, a full-frame mirrorless camera that captures 4K video. But the 12-megapixel shooter has a few more tricks up its sleeve, including a phenomenally high top sensitivity of ISO 409,600, matching the Hi4 setting of Nikon's much larger (and pricier) D4S. Sony commissioned DP Den Lennie to shoot a demo reel that highlights the camera's 4K capabilities, but he had another chance to test out the cam at NAB. This time, Lennie put high-ISO video capture to the test, comparing ISO 6400 through 409,600 in a single clip. The difference is staggering, and while that top sensitivity brings more noise than you'd tolerate for a formal production, it could definitely come in handy for surveillance activities. See for yourself in Lennie's high-sensitivity demo video, embedded at the bottom of his post.
Ultra HD's the word at NAB 2014
Whether you call it 4K or Ultra HD, next-gen television sets are on their way to your living room. Some experts expect sales in the US alone to approach 1 million this year, with early adopters opening their wallets at an even greater rate overseas. But while many of us still get by with 1080p, content producers are adopting Ultra HD as the norm on set, with manufacturers focusing almost exclusively on next-gen hardware here at the National Association of Broadcasters' annual trade show in Las Vegas. Ultra HD cameras take every shape and size, from Sony's just-announced Alpha A7s mirrorless camera to Blackmagic's giant URSA, with its foldout 10-inch screen. Even drones are snapping 4K footage, including JVC's new gimbal-mounted Super 35mm cam. Some models, such as Red's $14,500 Dragon cam, can capture even higher-res video -- in this case, that means 6K footage from a camera you can hold in your hand.
FCC Chairman to broadcasters: It's time to catch up with Netflix and Yahoo
While NAB is all about high-end cameras and workflow solutions for broadcast professionals, the show is a great opportunity to talk about industry policy as well. Yesterday, NAB President Gordon Smith criticized the FCC for "favoring broadband over the broadcast industry," and today FCC head Tom Wheeler took the stage to address a broadcast-heavy crowd. In his one-hour talk, he touched on the importance of competition and the FCC's role in carrying out the US Senate's mandates, but the most interesting moments came when Wheeler lectured broadcast licensees on their need to adapt and change. "Lecture" may be putting it lightly, though; the implication in Wheeler's remarks was that broadcast companies haven't evolved as quickly as services like Netflix, and that there's some serious catching up to do.
JVC's first 4K movie cameras include one for flying drones
JVC wants into the digital moviemaking business, and it's kicking things off in style with a quartet of 4K camera prototypes that illustrate its cinematic ambitions. The highlight is the GW-GBLS1 (shown here), a gimbal-mounted Super 35mm camera tailor-made for aerial drones. It can not only shoot overhead 4K footage, but stream the live video to the ground -- handy for both coordinating movie shoots and sparing news broadcasters the trouble of launching a helicopter. There's also the GW-SPLS1, a remote-controlled miniature 4K camera for trickier shots. More conventional cinematographers should be happy, too. The GY-LSX1 puts 4K and super slow-motion 240p video into a shoulder-mounted camera, while the GY-LSX2 stuffs the LSX1's sensor into a camcorder that uses Micro Four Thirds lenses. JVC hasn't said if or when these particular cameras will reach studios, but we wouldn't count on the aerial model reaching the US without legal clarity regarding commercial drone flights. [Image credit: DV Info]
Flying high above Vegas with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ drone
There's been a lot of killer gear here at NAB, from Sony's Alpha A7s to the Blackmagic URSA. But of all the gadgets that debuted in Vegas this week, I'm most obsessed with DJI's Phantom 2 Vision+ drone. This year's version represents a significant boost over 2013's model, due to one brilliant feature: a three-axis gimbal. The flying craft sports an integrated 1080p camera that can shoot solid stills and video alike, but the gimbal adds serious stabilization, keeping footage impossibly still, whether you're flying at 30MPH, caught in a gust of wind or simply hovering above the ground. The built-in GPS and compass keep the device on track at all times, letting you focus not on staying aloft, but on getting the shot.
AJA's 4K camera runs $9,000, but nobody will mistake you for a tourist
Though AJA is best known for disk recorders, it's just revealed the 4K CION, its first cinema camera. It'll take on BlackMagic Design and a growing list of 4K DSLRs -- including Sony's new Alpha A7s and the Panasonic GH4. While the $9,000 model loses out on price, AJA is targeting serious users with features like a shoulder mount, 12-bit 444 ProRes recording, an SSD drive and a PL lens mount. It also has a APSC-sized global CMOS sensor and 12 stops of dynamic range, just like BlackMagic's new URSA model. However, the latter runs a much lower $6,000, and BlackMagic also has the Production Camera 4K at a mere $3,000 after a price drop. But the CION might work for those who find the 6K Red Dragon Scarlett too much, especially if it actually makes its summer ship date.
Red adds wireless camera control module, software development kit
Another Red introduction at NAB is RedLink. This $395 wireless module serves as a bridge between your camera and other wireless devices, letting you use a smartphone, tablet or computer to operate your cam. We caught it in action at NAB today, and the demo iPad app worked well. The wireless module currently only supports single device connections, so if you're operating over WiFi, you'll only be able to control one camera from the app. Networking your devices via Ethernet, however, lets you interact with an unlimited number of Red cameras. Red's releasing an SDK as well, complete with Android, iOS and Windows templates, so it should be no time at all before a variety of compatible apps hit the market. Or, if you're looking for a customized level of control, you can always create your own. The $395 RedLink Bridge ships today.
Red's 6K-capable Scarlet Dragon camera goes on sale for a mere $14,500
Don't despair that you'll have to buy both Red's Scarlet camera and its Dragon upgrade just to get 6K video capture at a semi-reasonable price. The company has announced that the ready-made Scarlet Dragon body will go on sale tomorrow for a relatively affordable $14,500. It should ship once Red catches up on Dragon upgrade orders, or around June. You may not be recording many projects at full resolution, however. Red did squeeze in 6K (after concerns that it wouldn't make the cut), but you'll only get it at 12FPS when shooting full frame -- you'll have to drop to 'just' 5K to get speed worthy of movies and TV. Company chief Jarred Land hints that the Scarlet Dragon should be faster in widescreen mode, though, so you might not have to shell out for the higher-end Epic Dragon to produce a sharp-looking masterpiece.
Dolby's vision for the living room includes abundant audio options
Why should you have to listen to a sports commentator who's obviously pulling for the other team -- or one who's just plain boring? That's the question Dolby's out to answer with its personalized audio demo here at NAB. The company's showing attendees how they could enjoy a TV experience tailored to their preferences. Following through with the sports example mentioned above, this means different options for commentators during a hockey game. If you're a basketball fan watching the Spurs take on the Pacers while talking with friends on Skype, the system will recognize the VoIP service and mute other audio when they're speaking. Maybe you're more into The Voice; Dolby's tech could bring you audio from your favorite judge, excluding the opinions you don't want to hear.
HP's new DreamColor displays show a billion colors, one is actually affordable
Fun fact: as of this writing, HP is still selling a display that came out back in 2008. That would be the DreamColor LP2480xz, a billion-color monitor that got lots of attention by dint of the fact that DreamWorks (yep, that DreamWorks) helped design it. Also, it cost an obscene $3,499, so that raised some eyebrows too. After six years, though -- and many a price cut -- the ol' DreamColor is about to go the way of the dodo. HP just announced two models, both of which have billion-color displays, and one of which costs just $599. (How the times have changed, eh?) Starting with the cheaper model, the Z24x, it has a 24-inch screen, as the name suggests, with 1,920 x 1,080 1,200 resolution and a color gamut that includes 99 percent of the AdobeRGB range. The Z27x ($1,499), meanwhile, steps up to a 2,560 x 1,440 panel, and covers 100 percent of sRGB, 100 percent of AdobeRGB and 99 percent of DCI-P3. Both are available today, but it's unclear how sweet a deal you'll get if you wait until 2020 to buy.
Thunderbolt 2 Networking enables 10 Gbps Ethernet connection, supports Macs and PCs
Intel's Thunderbolt 2 connectivity standard is getting an update here at NAB 2014 with the addition of Thunderbolt Networking. Put simply, this new feature will let you pair computers with a Thunderbolt cable, with throughput of 10 Gbps between the two machines for super-fast file-sharing. Additionally, thanks to a driver currently available on OS X Mavericks, you'll be able to connect a Mac to a PC (or Mac to Mac) with the new technology. Of course, the ability to quickly transfer data between PCs is important to filmmakers and photographers -- especially those working with 4K footage. Intel's on hand here with a demo that will likely mimic the workflow of the media types at this show. Update: We dropped by Intel for a transfer speed demo, which you'll find after the break. Additionally, Intel clarified that Thunderbolt Networking has been available in Mavericks for some time, but this upcoming update will enable connectivity between Macs and PCs, as well as two Windows machines.
Blackmagic's 4K URSA camera features massive 10-inch 1080p display, ships in June for $6,000
Consumers may not be familiar with Blackmagic Design, but the firm's cameras are all the rage with filmmakers at NAB, drawing enormous crowds within seconds of the show floor opening up to attendees. This year's flagship is the URSA, a relatively massive 4K camera with an enormous 10-inch 1080p flip-out display. There are also two 5-inch monitors on each side, displaying everything from camera settings to a duplicate preview. Another highlight is the Super 35 image sensor (the same used in Blackmagic's existing 4K cam), which is upgradeable should you wish to swap in a refreshed version down the line. You also get plenty of SDI inputs and outputs, XLR mic jacks and either a Canon EF or PL lens mount.
Microsoft announces Skype TX with studio-grade audio and video for broadcasters
Today, Microsoft's unveiling Skype TX, a new version of its VoIP service geared toward broadcasters. The service uses technology developed by Cat and Mouse -- a recent MSFT acquisition -- to offer the higher-quality audio and video output that media professionals require. (It also supports the broadcast-standard HD-SDI interface.) Skype TX can handle multiple calls at once through a single interface, and it will eliminate distractions such as call notifications and ads. Considering how often radio stations both big and small rely on Skype to beam in guests, TX definitely has a target audience. Microsoft hasn't addressed pricing or release timing, but we'll likely be getting a look at the product in action here at NAB.
Broadcast your point of view with Livestream's new Google Glass app
NAB 2014 wouldn't be the same without Livestream, one of the internet's most popular broadcasting services, introducing new hardware or software. As such, Livestream has just announced another way for users to share video on its site: an application for Google Glass. Obviously, Livestream isn't the first to bring this feature to the wearable set, since you can already use the search giant's own Hangouts app to broadcast what you're seeing.
DJI improves stabilization, tilt and flying speed with Phantom 2 Vision+ drone
It was just this January that we tested DJI's Phantom 2 Vision drone, a $1,199 quadcopter with an integrated 14-megapixel/1080p camera and tilt-axis gimbal. Now at NAB, DJI's back with a "plus" version of its airborne craft. The refreshed gadget, which retails for $100 more than its predecessor, includes a new three-axis gimbal (compared to single-axis stabilization) for smoother captures, more than double the WiFi communication distance (700 meters, or about 2,300 feet), a 50-percent boost in maximum flight speed (to 15 meters or 50 feet per second) and a 90-degree tilt that lets you shoot subjects directly below. There's also an integrated GPS system that enables you to set an autonomous path or keep the Phantom in the same spot in winds of up to 25 miles per hour, while the DJI Vision app lets you preview footage and access altitude, distance and battery strength during shoots. Finally, DJI is releasing a firmware update for all Phantom drones that lets pilots avoid flying near airports or user-generated no-fly zones. Availability remains TBA, but expect to drop $1,299 for your Phantom 2 Vision+ once it's ready to ship.
DJI brings its smooth video tech to the ground with Ronin camera gimbal
DJI's best known for its versatile photography drones, but the company's bringing its stabilization technology to ground-based shoots with the Ronin camera gimbal. The compact device, which appears to be a more consumer-friendly version of last year's Movi Freefly, is designed to work with a variety of compact cameras, from DSLRs to a Red Epic. The handheld gimbal is based on the firm's ZenMuse tech, which you'll find in select camera copters. A single videographer can control the rig, or you can have a second operator manage pan and tilt wirelessly. Ronin can be configured in less than five minutes using a companion smartphone app, which enables auto calibration after balancing the camera. Pricing should come in under $5,000, and DJI says to expect the device to ship later this quarter.
Sony announces full-frame Alpha A7s with 4K video output
It wouldn't be NAB without a major 4K announcement from Sony, and that's exactly what we've got here. The company introduced the Alpha A7s at its Las Vegas press event today, bringing 4K video to the popular full-frame mirrorless camera line. The "s" in the new camera's name stands for sensitivity, and to that end it supports an ISO range of 50 to 409,600. The 12.2-megapixel full-frame sensor limits downscaling with 3,840 x 2,160 (QFHD) 4K video, ultimately resulting in higher quality footage. While you can store 1080p video internally, you'll need to use an external recorder to capture 4K video, which the camera outputs with 4:2:2 color sampling via HDMI. Update: A 4K video shot on the Alpha A7s is also included after the break.
