Tag Archives: update

Burano

Burano Version 2 Gains More Features

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Although it hasn’t been released yet, Sony have made it clear that the version 2 firmware update for Burano will include more additional features than previously stated. The version 2 update will be a huge update, particular adding the ability to shoot at up to 120fps in near full frame 4K.
Here’s the information from Sony, along with some of my own thoughts:


As previously announced, Version 2.0 will include new recording formats, including a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that leverages nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps and a 1.9K mode that can shoot up to 240 fps. These new recording modes allow the filmmaker to prioritize faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:

From Alister: It’s important to understand that whenever you take a sensor and optical filter sytem design for a higher resolution and use it at a lower resolution that you will almost always have an increase in aliasing and moire. So, with Sony reading out almost the full the 8K sensor at 4K there will likely be a greater risk of aliasing and moire issues in the 3.8K full frame crop mode. However, Burano likely uses the same sensor as the Sony A1’s 8K sensor. The A1 also has a near full frame 3.8K scan mode and it actually does a very good job of controlling aliasing and moire, in general the 3.8K full frame footage from the A1 looks very good and hopefull Burano will be similar. There can be times where you will see more  moire over certain pattern or textures and aliasing can sometimes be seen on certain hard edges but it is very well controlled.

Full Frame 3.8K 16:9 Mode Up to 120 fps XAVC and X-OCN

Super 35 4.3K 4:3 Mode (for Anamorphic) Up to 60 fps X-OCN only

Super 35 1.9K 16:9 Mode Up to 240 fpsi XAVC only

BURANO Version 2.0 will also add a 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as additional high frame rate (S & Q) modes, including up to 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, and 110 fps. It will also add proxy recording for 24.00 fps recording formats.

BURANO Version 2.0: Monitoring, SDI, and Metadata Improvements

From Alister: I don’t know what these improvements are yet, it will be interesting to see how these are implemented.

In addition to the new recording formats, Version 2.0 offers various monitoring and metadata improvements, including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVCii. It adds breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN, time code and clip name metadata to SDI output.

Based on feedback from BURANO users, Version 2.0 will offer an improved on-screen display that places camera status information outside of the image and also includes View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log3 for monitoring.

Version 2.0 will add 24V output to the PL Mount Voltage menu. In addition, it adds compatibility with Focus/Iris/Zoom control for PL Mount lenses while using the BURANO’s optional GP-VR100 handgrip.

BURANO Version 2.0: Improved Image Output and Added Exposure Tools

BURANO Version 2.0 will also include several image output improvements, including enhanced image output when using the preset S-Log3 look or 3D User LUTs. Additionally, Version 2.0 will enhance Auto Focus performance when recording with the following frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, and 29.97.

Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. It will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame crop 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.

From Alister: High/Low key is such a useful tool for checking what is going on in the shadows and highlights of a shot, it’s a shame more of Sony’s cameras don’t have this.

In addition, BURANO Version 2.0 will improve ease of use functionality with the ability to format media from the status screen as well as set CAM ID and Reel Number, which is standard for documentary and reality TV applications.

Version 2.0 will also change the factory default frequency setting from 59.94 to 23.98p and will add a setting to “reset to factory defaults” setting.

Finally, BURANO Version 2.0 will add live event and multicam functionality, including variable ND control from RCPs, improved camera control from Camera Remote SDK, and tally control for devices connected via LAN.

Availability

The new BURANO Version 2.0 is planned to be released in March 2025. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a Mac or PC. For more information, visit sonycine.com or follow us on Instagram @sonycine for more information.

Everything Else

Firmware Updates – Are they really broken?

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How safe are firmware updates? In light of recent events where Sony have released firmware updates for the FX3 and FX30 and then withdrawn them only days later I decided to write this piece in attempt to help people understand what might be happening and what the risks are.

Firmware updates can never be entirely risk free. Afterall, for most cameras a firmware update means replacing the software that alters the way many of the processors function with new software. And this replacement process can sometimes in rare instances go wrong. Generally, if you precisely follow the instructions provided with the update, including checking that the file you have downloaded is valid and  corruption free (usually done by comparing an MD5 checksum value against the file size) the update will go smoothly and all will be good. 

Real world update failures due to a hardware or software error are very rare. If you look around the online camera user groups, while you will likely find examples of failed updates, some of these may be user error. Not following the instructions etc. But a few will be real failures. But it’s worth considering that user groups will by their very nature attract more users looking for help with issues than users that don’t have issues. So, the numbers will be skewed and may give the impression of a bigger issue than it really is. Also look at the size of the group, if you have a group like some of the FX30 groups with +35,000 users and there are 10 individuals with issues that’s 1 in 3500 or less than 0.03% of the groups membership. A very small number.

On top of this we also need to consider that the firmware that everyone downloads is the same for everyone. And, as everyone is putting this on the same camera you would expect any issue with the firmware to effect every camera in the same way. So, if there was a bug, it should affect every camera and everyone should experience the same issue, not just a very small fraction of the user base. 

But, we have seen this before. There have been instances where a firmware update has led to problems when the camera is set up in a very specific and perhaps unusual way and then when a very specific change is made the camera doesn’t behave as expected. Somehow this particular combination of settings has slipped through the extensive testing that’s done leading to a bug in the firmware to go undetected. When this happens the manufacturer will typically quickly release a follow on update to fix the bug.

Following the recent release of firmware version 6.0 for the FX3 and version 5.0 for the FX30, despite the fact that the vast majority of people that did perform the update have had no issues there were a number of reports of issues with the cameras WiFi or Bluetooth networking functions. In some cases the cameras would crash or become unresponsive when the networking was turned on. Based on the number of issues reported in the user groups I don’t think the number of people affected was huge, but clearly it was enough for Sony to withdraw the firmware updates from their website to investigate. 

So, what could be going on here? Why might only some people be affected while the majority are perfectly OK, afterall a true firmware bug should affect everyone? 

Version 5/6 brings some big changes to the WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity with many adjustments made to help improve the stability of the connections and improve compatibility with the latest Monitor and Control app. I suspect that this new firmware is using functions within the WiFi and Bluetooth chips that were previously unused, so this firmware might be turning on parts of the chips not previously used.

It might be that some people have cameras that have faulty WiFi chips but because the part of the chip with the fault wasn’t used by the previous firmware versions they would have been completely unaware that their camera was hiding a hidden issue until the time the new firmware turned on the faulty part of the chip. 

This is just a speculative theory, bit it fits what appears to be happening. Did these camera develop this fault after they were purchased or did it exist at the time of purchase? That will be difficult to prove either way unless a batch of faulty chips gets identified. I have a great deal of sympathy for those affected, it could happen to any of us.

And I guess this is one of the issues with firmware updates that add or turn on new features. There is now way to know if the fault pre-exists in the camera with earlier firmware versions as there is no way to test a feature that the firmware has yet to be written for.

It’s a tough one for any manufacturer. End users now expect, demand even, that new features are continuously added to their cameras. That necessitates a steady stream of firmware updates and the switching on of parts of the camera not previously used and this will always carry a tiny level of risk, even if it’s extremely small. One solution would be for manufacturers to refuse to provide these feature upgrades, if you want new features buy a new camera with the latest firmware.

Of course this wouldn’t go down well and I don’t see that happening. Another solution would be to avoid buying a camera until the final version of the firmware is released. But that would mean only buying a camera towards the end of its release cycle.

I suspect the reality is that if we are to continue to expect to get extra features or other improvements added to our cameras via firmware updates that very occasionally things might go wrong, that perhaps a very small percentage of users will have a problem and that’s something we need to come to terms with if we want these updates. Or you just leave the camera with the firmware it was supplied with in which case you have nothing to worry about.


Everything Else, Workflow

Catalyst Browse Gets a major update.

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Sony have just released version 2024.1 of the Catalyst software suite, including Catalyst Browse.

This is a big update with many important improvements. If you are using a Mac computer with Apple silicon Catalyst now runs natively rather than via Rosetta. There are improvements to the render quality when using the stabilisation function plus support of the latest codecs.

Click on the link below to go to the download page.

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/CCCT03000?

FX3, FX30, FX6

New Firmware Coming For The FX3, FX30 and FX6 – Shutter Angle for FX3/30.

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Before you get too excited – these firmware updates are not coming just yet. But they are coming.

FX6

The FX6 will get an update to Version 5  to quote Sony “in May 2024 or later” which will include:

–  The addition of 1.5x setting to the De-squeeze function

– Monitor & Control app compatibility (ex. Waveform, False colour such as FX3/30 already supported)

–  A new preset 709tone to support to colour match multiple cameras  (I assume this is to match the older Sony Rec-709 look)

– The expansion of supported lenses, such as the SEL100400GM & SEL200600G, for breathing compensation.

FX3 and FX30.

Then later in the year, in September 2024 or later the  FX3 and FX30 will get:

– A Shutter Angle option

– 709tone support

– SRT/RTMP/RTMPS support for Live streaming demand

The addition of shutter angle in the FX3 and FX30 is going to please a lot of owners of these 2 cameras.

 

 

FX6

Why is there a ! next to my LUTs after FX6 firmware update?

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If you have just updated your FX6 firmware and are now finding that there is an exclamation mark ! next to the LUT or base look name what this is telling you is that the LUT cannot be saved using the new Embedded LUT feature.

In previous firmware versions the camera used to save LUT’s internally using a  format that would not be compatible with most edit or grading applications when saved in the cameras metadata as an embedded LUT.  So, old LUTs loaded in previous firmware versions will show a ! before the LUT name. The LUT should still work, you just won’t be able to save it as an embedded LUT.

The only way to resolve this is to delete the LUT from the camera and then reload it from the original source. LUTs for the FX6 should be 33x cube LUTs.

Don’t forget I offer a wide range of free LUTs that work perfectly with the FX6,  take a look here: https://www.xdcam-user.com/picture-settings-and-luts/alisters-free-luts/

FX6

Sony Releases FX6 Version 4 Firmware

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Announced earlier in the year, Sony has now released their version 4 update for the FX6. This is a very nice upgrade for the camera adding several very useful features, some of which have been available on the FX30 and FX3 for some time.

I recommend you do this update, there is no need to go via version 3 if you are still on version 2, you can go direct to version 4.

You will find the firmware here: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/interchangeable-lens-camcorders-ilme-series/ilme-fx6v/software/00259041

Place the downloaded BODYDATA.DAT file on an SD card that you previously formatted in the camera. Do NOT put the file inside any other folder on the SD card then put the card in the lower of the cameras 2 SD card slots and from the full menu go to  Maintenance/Version/Version Up. Like many of Sony’s camera firmware updates the camera will appear to stop functioning and the LCD screen will go blank during the update process, the only clue that it is actually progressing will be the flashing red LED next to the upper SD card slot. The update doesn’t take long, around 5 mins, but whatever you do don’t panic when you see the LCD go blank. Just wait for the update to complete at which point the camera will restart.

Benefits and Improvements

  • Adds support for Movie file names in the Camera ID + Reel# format
  • Adds a function that displays De-squeeze (2.0x, 1.3x) in the viewfinder and HDMI output
  • Adds more AF frame rates during Slow & Quick Motion
  • Adds support for Flexible ISO and Cine EI Quick in shooting mode:
    • Allows you to record S-Log3 content with exposure settings by adjusting the ISO sensitivity
    • Allows you to record at a base ISO setting the same as Cine EI, with the base ISO adjusted automatically in conjunction with EI value
  • When the shooting mode is set to Flexible ISO, Cine EI, or Cine EI Quick, adds support for recording a 3D LUT file to the same memory card with the base look used during shooting as the shooting data, at the same time

FLEXIBLE ISO

Flexible ISO allows you to shoot using S-Log3 while monitoring via a LUT, but it is NOT a CineEI or Exposure Index mode. In this mode when you raise the ISO above the base ISO of 800 or 12800 you actually add digital gain to the S-Log3 recordings, making them brighter (and noisier). The camera isn’t becoming more sensitive, this is just a gain increase (alternately you can add gain in post and the result is broadly similar).
DO be aware that there can be a loss of dynamic range whenever you are shooting above the cameras base ISO. This will normally be a decrease in the highlight range. But, I would imagine that most people that are using this mode will be doing so because they don’t have enough light for 800 ISO. So, a loss of highlight range is perhaps unlikely to be an issue. As with CineEI you can monitor via a LUT and when exposing via the s709 LUT you should use the same levels as when shooting using CineEI (middle grey 44%, white card/white paper 78%, pale skin tones 60-65%).

CINE EI QUICK

This is the CineEI mode I use the most. It works the same as normal CineEI except in this mode the camera will automatically raise the base ISO to the high base ISO to 12800 ISO as you go above 2500 EI and then lower the base ISO back down to 800 ISO as you drop the EI below 3200 EI. I find this helps avoid ending up at a very high EI or very low EI (relative to the base ISO) by mistake and makes it quicker to work in changing light conditions. 

EMBEDDED LUT

Enabling Embedded LUT (Full Menu/CineEI/Flex ISO Set/Embedded LUT File) allows the camera to save the LUT that you are using within the metadata on the SD card. This helps keep the footage and the LUT together in the same place which can assist post production ensure the correct LUT is used. Of course – when you do your back ups you need to make sure you copy the entire contents of the card (which is best practice anyway).

 

FX3, FX30, FX6, PXW-FX9, Workflow

Updates for Catalyst Browse and Resolve 18.5 Beta

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This is just a quick heads up as I’m on the road right now.

Sony have released a major update for Catalyst Browse and Catalyst prepare that is packed full of bug fixes.  https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/catalystbrowse
 

In addition Black Magic design have just release the public beta of DaVinci Resolve 18.5. With this update you can now use the Raw controls in the Grading room to control the ISO/White Balance/Tint etc of S-Log3 footage from the FX series cameras. This makes it so easy to adjust for any exposure offsets.  https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/family/davinci-resolve-and-fusion

FX3, FX30

Sony FX3 and FX30 get a major firmware update. Adds Anamorphic and 24p.

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Sony have just released new firmware for the Sony FX3 and FX30 cameras  that adds the ability to shoot 24P DCI 4K and in addition adds 1.3x and 2x desqueeze for the LCD screen and HDMI output.

For the FX3 this is firmware version 3.00  and for the FX30 it is version 2.00.

This new firmware also makes some changes to the way the sensor in the FX3 is readout, eliminating the crop that used to occur when shooting using 4K DCI.

I have had a beta copy of the firmware for a few weeks, but unfortunately it came at a time when I have been extremely busy working on some special shooting techniques for a Warner Brothers feature film as well as running Venice workshops across the Middle East. So I didn’t really get as much time as I would have liked to play with it.

What I can say is it is a very welcome update. The 24P 4K DCI mode is a special fixed recoding mode that uses the XAVC-SI codec and the anamorphic desqueeze is found under the monitor options. There are only 1.3x and 2x desqueeze options, so it’s only going to work correctly with lenses designed for these squeeze ratios.  Because the sensor and shooting scan modes remain fixed to 16:9 or 17:9, if you use anything with more squeeze than 1.3x you will end up with an extremely wide final aspect ratio compared to the normal 2.39:1 unless you crop a lot off the sides of the image. Some might like this, but for me it really does seem to be a bit of a waste having an ultra wide aspect ratio with screens and displays that are designed for 16:9.

As well as the above the update includes support for Sony’s new “Creators App” which will replace the Imaging Edge app. In addition you can assign the ability to switch between the normal movie shooting mode and the S&Q mode to one of the custom keys.

You will find the updates here:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/interchangeable-lens-camcorders-ilme-series/ilme-fx3/downloads

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/interchangeable-lens-camcorders-ilme-series/ilme-fx30/downloads

DO NOTE FOR THE FX30 that if the camera is on Version 1.02 or earlier that you will first need to update to version 1.05 before doing the version 2 update.

I’ll try to upload some anamorphic footage shot with my FX30 very soon. The older Sirui 1.35x anamorphic lenses are a great match for the FX30’s super35 sized sensor. The cameras 6K down sampled to 4K means that the footage is packed with texture and detail and the 1.3x squeeze gives a 2.39:1 final aspect ratio without needed additional cropping or re-sizing (although if you use the 4K DCI mode you will need to make a very small side crop if you want 2.39:1).

FX3, FX30

FX30 V1.02 Firmware update and FX3 V2.02 Update.

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Sony have now released new firmware updates for both the FX3 and FX30. The FX3 now goes to firmware version 2.02 and the FX30 to firmware version 1.02

FX3: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/camcorders-and-video-cameras-interchangeable-lens-camcorders/ilme-fx3/downloads

FX30: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/interchangeable-lens-camcorders-ilme-series/ilme-fx30/software/00287331?sf174456632=1

These are mainly stability releases that fix some minor bugs, but if you have an FX3 on the original version 1 firmware then this version adds the CineEI mode and LUTs. It is a major update that is well worth having.

Before attempting to update the camera you should insert a fully charged battery

The FX3 is updated via a computer application. While there is a Mac application it is a complete pain in the rear end to get it to work and I would urge you to find a windows PC to do the update, it is far simpler and far more likely to be successful. The good news is that once you have updated to version 2.02 future updates can be done by uploading the update file to an SD card and initiating the update from the camera like the FX30.

The FX30 is updated by placing the downloaded BODYDATA.DAT file on to an SD card that was previously formatted in the camera. Then place the card in the camera and go down to the SETUP – SETUP OPTION – VERSION page of the menu. Here you should see the cameras current firmware version plus a “SOFTWARE UPDATE” button. Press (select) the software update button.

On the next page it will say “Update ?” and show the old firmware version and the new firmware version. Then just below this is a box where it says “Please follow these precautions until the very end”. 

What isn’t clear at this step is that you need to scroll down inside that box and read the full list of precautions before the camera will allow you to do the update.

Scroll down until you get to “This update may take several minutes, device automatically reboots when complete”.  If you don’t scroll down and just press the “Execute” button you get a large popup telling you to “Follow the precautions to the very end” and pressing “OK” simply takes you will go back to the previous page. So do make sure you scroll down through the full list of precautions before you press execute. Once the update starts the screen will go blank, the only clue that the update is happening will be the slow flash of the media LED on the back of the camera. The update takes about 10 minutes to complete and the camera will reboot when it’s done.

FX3, FX30

Sony FX30 Version 1.01 and FX3 version 2.01 Update – WAIT!!

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Sony released a minor update for the FX3 and FX30 cameras but almost immediately withdrew the firmware. If you have already downloaded the update package I recommend you do not install it.  There may be a bug in the firmware. Sony are investigating to understand whether there is a bug or something else causing an issues that some users have reported. So for now, don’t do the FX30 version 1.01 or the FX3 version 2.01 update, wait until Sony have had a chance to look into the situation. It remains safe to continue to update version 1 FX3 cameras  to Version 2.00, it is only FX3 version 2.01 and FX30 version 1.01 that is affected.