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Sony has released a software update for its FX3 camera that adds new features taken from Sony’s professional cinema line cameras. Specifically, Sony has added new Log shooting modes, LUT importing, timecode sync and more.
With software update version 2.00, the FX3 gains Cine EI, Cine EI Quick and Flexible ISO modes when recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve. In Sony’s own words, ‘Flexible ISO is a quick and easy mode that allows users to change the ISO to make exposure adjustments,’ while the ‘Cine EI and Cine EI Quick are modes that use the camera’s base ISO of 800/12800.’ All three modes can be captured while monitoring with a LUT applied to preview what the final image will look like.
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Sony has also added the ability to import custom LUTs. In addition to using when previewing the footage, they can also be embedded into the footage when set as a picture profile. By embedding the LUT into the video, it makes it possible to use the exact LUT you had applied in-camera without having to import it again into your video editing software. There are also new preset LUTs included in the update, but Sony only specifically mentions s709 in its release notes.
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Other updates include the ability to add two new typs of shot markers to mark specific takes or scenes, a new list-style main menu screen, an Instant Function (Fn) menu display when swiping up on the screen, a new standby movie screen mode, timecode sync and input with a dedicated adapter cable (VMC-BNCM1) and a new autofocus (AF) assist function to make it easier to switch between AF and manual focus.
All of the metadata features will require use of Sony’s Catalyst Prepare or Catalyst Browse applications. Sony has announced Adobe Premiere Pro will be getting a new Catalyst Prepare Plugin next month (August).
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The 2.00 software update for the Sony FX3 is available now for macOS and Windows computers. You can find out more information on Sony’s website.
Press release:
FX3 Camera Software Update Adds Features for Cinematographers Including Log Shooting Modes, LUT Importing, and Timecode Sync
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 13, 2022 – Through extensive feedback from industry professionals,Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce a new software update (Version 2.00) forthe FX3[i].
This new software introduces professional cinema line features into the camera, including additional Log shooting modes, user LUT (Lookup Table) importing, timecode sync with dedicated adaptor cable[ii], and advanced functionality that is consistent with the Cinema Line Camera workflow and enables ultimate creative freedom.
FX3’s new Log shooting modes with LUT monitoring create a smoother post-production workflow by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve. Flexible ISO is a quick and easy mode that allows users to change the ISO to make exposure adjustments. Cine EI and Cine EI Quick are modes that use the camera’s base ISO of 800/12800. Both Cine EI and Cine EI Quick modes produce footage that can be adjusted in post-production to balance highlights and shadows while taking advantage of the wide latitude of S-Log3. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image.
Additionally, this update includes preset LUTs, like Sony’s s709 and maintains popular picture profiles such as S-Cinetone. For additional creative freedom, users can import their own LUTs. These imported LUTs can be used to not only preview a final image but can also be included into the footage when registered as a picture profile.
This latest software also features additional updates for advanced usability, including:
- New list-style main menu screen which provides quick access to frequently used items
- Instant Function (Fn) menu display by swiping up on the screen
- New standby movie screen provides an unobstructed view of the subject
- Timecode sync and input with a dedicated adaptor cable
- AF (autofocus) assist function to smoothly switch between auto and manual focus
FX3 now includes added functionality to assist with the creative workflow, such as post-production editing using embedded LUT and EI (exposure) metadata. In addition, two types of shot marks have been added, allowing users to mark specific takes or scenes.
This metadata is available using the latest version of Sony’s Catalyst Prepare[iii] or Catalyst Browse applications. A new “Catalyst Prepare Plugin” for Adobe Premiere Pro is scheduled to be released in August.
Availability
The software update will be available July 13, 2022 at 9:00 pm PDT. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a PC or Mac. More details can be found HERE.
Notes:
[i] The latest version 2022.1 of the Sony’s Catalyst Prepare* or Catalyst Browse applications is required. (*Software download page URL) https://www.sony.net/disoft/
[ii] Time code sync will need an exclusive adaptor cable, VMC-BNCM1. For further information, please check the support page: Support for ILME-FX3 | Sony USA
[iii] Software download page URL: https://www.sony.net/disoft/
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
