Just a quick note from NAB that firmware version 1.4 for the PMW-F3 will include S-Log as a selectable gamma curve within the picture profiles. This will be a free update, due out some time before the end of June (it’s in beta now, the F3′s at NAB have it installed). S-Log will function in all F3′s whether you have the CBK-RGB option or not. However if you don’t have the RGB option you will not get any Look Up Tables, no EI-Slog and no 4:4:4 output, only 4:2:2.
This is a fantastic addition and by having S-Log as a gamma curve within the picture profiles you will be able to tailor many of the setting such as white balance, matrix and detail to suit the shooting condition.

So let me restate what I think I am hearing Alister. Essentially the operator will get, once installed with firmware 1.4, S-Log with no look up tables and with 10 bit 422 output.

Just as I was feeling smug at getting the CBK-RGB01 upgrade at just £575 from Sony UK!

(However, I do think it's a good way of keeping this camera competitive in the current market)

Yes Andrew that is correct according to the information I have.

No LUT's, No EI S-Log, No 444, No RGB. But you will have the ability to choose S-Log as a gamma curve within a picture profile.

Yes Andrew that is correct according to the information I have.

No LUT's, No EI S-Log, No 444, No RGB. But you will have the ability to choose S-Log as a gamma curve within a picture profile.

So would it make any sense to buy Slog $899 if you are recording to 422?

So would it make any sense to buy Slog $899 if you are recording to 422?

Depends, right now I have the S-Log update, I believe with the LUT turned on I can't monitor a correct Zebra, Histogram or internal brightness level display as it pertains to S-Log, the Sony LUT or the LUT you set up will effect your exposure readings.

I also use S-Log 4:2:2 with my Ki Pro Mini, and monitor with an external monitor using for now the HDMI out of the F3, seeing as the LUT effects my exposure readings and I can only see those readings on the F3 monitor, not my external VF and I need to go into the menu to turn LUT on and off I tent to keep LUT off.

I don't use the EI (exposure index) setting as of yet but have worked with it, as I said I shoot 4:2:2 and not 4:4:4 yet so other then I have an upcoming project that requires I use S-Log I would most likely have waited for the free S-Log gamma curve coming in June.

Also as Alister said the update will be in the Picture Profile menu which if permitted by Sony would make me want to set up a plain S-Log curve Picture Profile with no changes and set up another Picture Profile using the matrix, knee, gamma settings like a LUT to quickly show the client what it could look like.

Depends, right now I have the S-Log update, I believe with the LUT turned on I can't monitor a correct Zebra, Histogram or internal brightness level display as it pertains to S-Log, the Sony LUT or the LUT you set up will effect your exposure readings.

I also use S-Log 4:2:2 with my Ki Pro Mini, and monitor with an external monitor using for now the HDMI out of the F3, seeing as the LUT effects my exposure readings and I can only see those readings on the F3 monitor, not my external VF and I need to go into the menu to turn LUT on and off I tent to keep LUT off.

I don't use the EI (exposure index) setting as of yet but have worked with it, as I said I shoot 4:2:2 and not 4:4:4 yet so other then I have an upcoming project that requires I use S-Log I would most likely have waited for the free S-Log gamma curve coming in June.

Also as Alister said the update will be in the Picture Profile menu which if permitted by Sony would make me want to set up a plain S-Log curve Picture Profile with no changes and set up another Picture Profile using the matrix, knee, gamma settings like a LUT to quickly show the client what it could look like.
If I had a job that required it right now I would have to either rent or buy also, but it is half the price to buy the Black Magic solution and with better LUTs.

If I had a job that required it right now I would have to either rent or buy also, but it is half the price to buy the Black Magic solution and with better LUTs.

and 3D LUTs too

Steve - you can assign LUT on/off to assign buttons - easier and quicker than going in to menu.

Sony's stemming the mindshare tide from their F3 product line/ecosystem just got more difficult...

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/workflow/

The sensor specs on the Blackmagic cam are closer to the AF100 but the entire package/pricepoint is going to have a huge effect on the digital cinema camera industry. Read the material and listen to the hooting and hollering coming from the NAB floor.

I wonder if Sony knew about this camera when they made the decision to include a trimmed version of S-Log in the 1.4 firmware or if this has broadsided them the way it has NAB attendees?

Sony might have to get even more aggressive and up the ante again.

Steve - you can assign LUT on/off to assign buttons - easier and quicker than going in to menu.

Thanks, I did go there before to find the S-Log Lut and didn't see it, I even made a request for Sony to add it to the assign button menu, missing stuff lately, must be getting old. Thanks again.

Sony's stemming the mindshare tide from their F3 product line/ecosystem just got more difficult...

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/workflow/

The sensor specs on the Blackmagic cam are closer to the AF100 but the entire package/pricepoint is going to have a huge effect on the digital cinema camera industry. Read the material and listen to the hooting and hollering coming from the NAB floor.

I wonder if Sony knew about this camera when they made the decision to include a trimmed version of S-Log in the 1.4 firmware or if this has broadsided them the way it has NAB attendees?

Sony might have to get even more aggressive and up the ante again.

Wow, I know we can't discuss this camera in the F3 forum but could someone let me know when they start one for this camera, thanks

Black magic is a 16mm size sensor so I don't think its competition yet. but pretty interesting no doubt.

Black magic is a 16mm size sensor so I don't think its competition yet. but pretty interesting no doubt.

It's actually a fair bit larger than S16mm Leonard. It's basically the same size as 4/3" with the active sensor area taking up a fraction less space.

Which sadly rules out using S16mm glass for most purposes.

Just announced on Twitter via Cinealtanews that F3 firmware version 1.4 is going through final QA process and is on track for release at the END of May.

Any news on the release date?

https://twitter.com/#!/CineAltaNews/status/201406787956637696

I have the beta version and will be reporting after I've had the chance to play with it. Camera definitely boots up faster.

A few hours before May ends and no upgrade yet. I'm holding up for it to do some stock footage at Miami Beach.
I hope that they release it today as advertised.

I have the beta version and will be reporting after I've had the chance to play with it. Camera definitely boots up faster.

Good start, but what else does it do aside from accommodate SR-R1 owners and further annoy those who already bought s-log at full price?

Just announced on Twitter via Cinealtanews that F3 firmware version 1.4 is going through final QA process and is on track for release at the END of May.

Was the end of May moved back or was the release date moved back? ;-)

Don't know anything about release but what I can say is that having S-Log as a gamma option in a picture profile gives you a flatter option than the Cinegammas. Additionally, you can white balance the camera and not be confined to the 3200-5600K choices in S-Log.

I haven't noticed any issues caused by the beta software and i'm certain when Sony considers it rady, they will release.

Ned

So just release it.

Where is the beef?

Apparently it is still cooking.

Announced by a Sony Marketing Manager a few hours ago... The 1.4 firmware is targeted to be released next week.

Conversation today with Sony indicated it would be released this week.

Sigh, maybe it'll be released THIS week...

Other then slog on cards what else does this update offer?

Sigh, maybe it'll be released THIS week...

Other then slog on cards what else does this update offer?

I'm hoping simultaneous HDMI and SDI w/S-Log. Can't currently do a client shoot where I need to do handheld w/Zacuto EVF. Has made me look goofy at least once.

I'm hoping simultaneous HDMI and SDI w/S-Log. Can't currently do a client shoot where I need to do handheld w/Zacuto EVF. Has made me look goofy at least once.

That won't be possible. Not enough hardware in the camera to do 3 simultaneous streams of video. It can do only 2.

Conversation today with Sony indicated it would be released this week.
Another week and nothing. Does the competition needs to announce another new camera for Sony to get their act together?
I rather rent an Alexa for some stock footage I need to shoot than to buy Slog and then have Sony release it for free.

I think QA turned up something they wanted tweak. I haven't encountered anything in the beta version but obviously either another tester or the QA process itslef found something. Patience.

Sometimes you just have to do like when editing. If you have all the time in the world to edit you will always find something to improve, but eventually you have to abandon it.

Apparently the software is going up on the UK pro.sony.eu site in the next few days.