The Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta camera shoots spectacular images with its 8.9 megapixels (effective) Sony 4K image sensor. You get superb dynamic range, the widest colour gamut, and pristine image quality, whether you shoot in HD, 2K, QFHD The PMW-F55 can record 4K 24p XAVC 4:2:2, 10-bit, 240 Mbps internally where as the PMW-F5 can only record 4K internally with the optional Sony AXS-R5 Recorder.Other major differences between the two models includes a global shutter and locking mount on the PMW-F55.

Super 35mm equivalent 4K single-chip CMOS sensor with Frame Image Scan technology

The PMW-F55's Sony 4K image sensor captures a true 4K 4096 x 2160 DCI-standard cinema image. Its 4K CMOS sensor features 11.6 megapixels (total) and 8.9 megapixels (effective).

16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording options with bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder

Capture RAW at your choice of resolutions: the camera's native 4K or beautiful, derived 2K. RAW recording preserves the greatest latitude for colour correction and other post processes. Sony's 16-bit recording captures more tonal values than the human eye can differentiate. Sony RAW retains 16 times as many Red, Green and Blue gradations as 12-bit RAW and 64 times as many tones per channel as 10-bit recording. Sony 16-bit linear RAW is also the ideal point of entry into the 16-bit linear Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow.

AXS-R5 records onto ASXM™ memory cards

The bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder records onto sleek, high-capacity AXSM™ memory cards, which are compatible with an affordable optional USB 3.0 reader, the AXS-CR1. Once on a PC, the RAW files can be screened using Sony's free RAW Viewer software. AXSM memory provides a super fast, affordable format for sensational quality recordings.

Choice of HD/2K/4K internal recording formats

The F55 CineAlta camera allows you a choice of internal recording formats in addition to 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording output onto the AXS-R5. The camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording that allows the choice of: 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422, 50Mbps, MPEG-2 HD422 XAVC 422 Intra (up to 222Mbps), SStP 422 (220Mbps) and SStP 444 (440Mbps). MPEG4 SStP+Proxy simultaneous recording (SR-SQ 422/444 on 29.97p only) allows faster transfer and less storage capacity needed. This is ideal for editing while the hi-resolution files will be used for grading.

High speed shooting up to 60 fps 4K and 180 fps 2K internally and 240 fps 2K RAW with optional AXS-R5 recorder

The F55 features high-data-rate on-board XAVC HD recordings up to 60 fps, plus a free planned upgrade to XAVC 4K, QFHD and 2Kup to 60 fps and XAVC 2K/HD up to180 fps. It also offers 240 fps 2K RAW with the optional AXS-R5 outboard recorder, achieving the highest frame rates most productions will need, while retaining exceptional, 16-bit image quality.

Next generation high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card

The F55 records internally onto SxS memory. High-speed shooting and the highest quality recording options require next-generation SxS recording media – Sony's 128 GB* SxS PRO+ memory card – which can be read by the next-generation USB card reader, the SBAC-US20.
* 1 GB equals one billion bytes, a portion of which is used for data management functions.

Simultaneous RAW and onboard camera SxS recording

Sony provides a coordinated "off-line, on-line" workflow with simultaneous recording to internal SxS cards and the optional AXS-R5 RAW recorder. For seamless conforming in post, you get matching time code, start frame, stop frame, file names and other metadata. The camera supports the following RAW + Onboard combinations: RAW 4K/2K + 2K/HD, RAW 4K/2K + MPEG-2 HD422 and RAW 2K + XAVC QFHD/4K.

Real world workflows with Avid DNxHD codec and Apple ProRes codec recording options

Sony understands a fundamental truth: working cameras require practical workflows. That's why the F55 is part of a larger production platform that includes affordable media cards, affordable card readers, free RAW Viewer software and compatibility with popular NLEs and finishing tools. Recording directly in Apple ProRes codec and Avid DNxHD codec are also available as hardware options. The DNxHD or ProRes files can stored in the easy-to-manage MXF OP-1a wrapper, and recorded onboard to Sony’s SxS PRO+ memory card format, which was specially designed to handle mission-critical production applications.

Vast exposure latitude to 14 f-stops

The ability to render tones from deepest shadows to brightest highlights is a crucial test of any digital camera. The F55 excels, with an impressive 14 stops of exposure latitude, extraordinary low-light sensitivity and extremely low noise in the blacks.

True colour technology and S-Gamut/S-Log3 options

Sony believes that your camera should not limit your colour palette. That is why the F55 incorporates the same advanced colour filter array technology as used in Sony's flagship F65, which is equipped with the industry's only 8K sensor. You get a colour gamut that's not only wider than other digital cameras, it is even wider than motion picture print film. S-Gamut/S-Log3 (Log Gamma that is close to Cineon gamma curve) allows users experienced in the Cineon workflow to start grading more easily.

Choice of viewfinders includes amazing OLED technology

A digital interface on the F55 allows for a variety of optional viewfinders, including the DVF-EL100. This 0.7-inch* viewfinder has the incredible clarity of 1280 x 720 High Definition, plus superb OLED brightness, contrast and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch* LCD viewfinder has higher resolution (960 x 540) than previous Sony viewfinders, plus ten times the contrast. And the eyepiece flips up for direct monitoring. The DVF-L700 compact 7-inch* LCD viewfinder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, not to mention pixel-for-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of your HD images.
*Viewable area, measured diagonally.

Optional shoulder rig

The optional Sony shoulder rig provides comfortable handheld operation, hour after hour. The rig is sturdy, lightweight and features industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-party hand grips and other accessories.

Small lightweight design for added versatility in 3D

The small size of the F55 is particularly welcome in stereoscopic 3D shooting. The chassis is only slightly wider than a typical PL mount prime lens, perfect for both mirror rigs and side-by-side configurations.

Incredible flexibility with the choice of PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses

The F55 is designed to accommodate PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses. With the PL-mount adaptor, you can take advantage of acclaimed cine optics from Angénieux®, Canon®, Carl Zeiss®, Cooke®, FUJIFILM®, Leica® and more. Slip off the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount with 18 mm flange focal distance. It's perfect for accepting commercially available adaptors for still lenses, including Canon® EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses. There's also Sony's game-changing FZ-mount auto focus servo zoom: the SCL-Z18X140.

A new generation of Sony PL-mount lenses

The F55 works with Sony's second generation, cost-effective PL mount prime lenses. Thanks to refined glass, all are certified for 4K capture, while minimizing geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris delivers beautiful bokehs. The focus rings rotate 240°. The series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, all have the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same size except for the 135 mm.

Intuitive one-touch interface and customisable user menu

Carefully designed with significant input from cinematographers, the F55 provides an incredibly rich range of controls. And the interface is nicely intuitive. Instead of diving through menus, you get direct, one-touch access to key shooting parameters including frame rate, shutter speed, colour temperature, ISO sensitivity and gamma. Assignable buttons mean that favourite adjustments are always at your fingertips. A user customisable menu sits on top of the setup menu allowing users to access a choice of up to 20 menu items more quickly and easily. Menu control on sub display also allows you to set up without using the attached viewfinder. A selectable colour marker is available for users to use their favourite colour marker that is visible even in light conditions while shooting a white background.

Real-time 4K output and other vital connections

The camera offers powerful connections, including real-time 4K output to a compatible monitor. It is made possible by four 3G-SDI outputs. There is also HDMI®, USB, DC in connection, a removable XLR audio module and a removable time code/genlock module. The XLR inputs accept balanced analogue signals, provide 48-Volt phantom power and will accept four channels of AES/EBU digital audio with an expected firmware upgrade. HDMI V2.0 support for 4K and QFHD at 29.97p, 50p and 60p allows users to connect Sony and other manufacturers’ 4K TV sets to display 4K from the camera.

Long-life Olivine battery and quick charger

The F55 takes advantage of Sony's innovative BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine – Lithium Iron Phosphate – instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony's BC-L90 quick charger. The camera is also compatible with Sony's BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the BC-L70 and L160 chargers.

Revolutionary electronic Frame Image Scan

The traditional CMOS image sensor uses a 'rolling' shutter that can result in images with unwanted distortions like motion skew and flash banding. That can be annoying, especially when shooting visual effects or 3D. Anything but typical, the F55 electronic Frame Image Scan. Rolling shutter distortions aren't minimised, they are completely eliminated.

• Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K Cinema Camcorder
• Lens mount adapter (1)
• Battery adapter (1)
• Audio input connector (1)
• Screws for the audio input connector (4)
• Tape measure hook (1)
• USB wireless LAN module IFU-WLM3 (1) *4
• Before Using this Unit (1)
• Operating Instructions (CD-ROM) (1)

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