PMW-F3 Firmware v1.4 to include S-Log in PP.

[Alister Chapman]

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.

[Andrew Stone]

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.

[Paul Ream]

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)

[Alister Chapman]

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.

[Douglas Villalba]

Originally Posted by Alister Chapman

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?

[Steve Cocklin]

Originally Posted by Douglas Villalba

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.

[Douglas Villalba]

Originally Posted by Steve Cocklin

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.

[Steve Cocklin]

Originally Posted by Douglas Villalba

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

[Nick G. Smith]

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

[Andrew Stone]

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

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/pro...mera/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 Cocklin]

Originally Posted by Nick G. Smith

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.

[Steve Cocklin]

Originally Posted by Andrew Stone

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

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/pro...mera/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

[Leonard Levy]

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

[Mark Kenfield]

Originally Posted by Leonard Levy

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.

[Andrew Stone]

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.