Sony has today  launched its HXR-IFR5 interface unit, which enables 2K RAW and 4K RAW recording for the NEX-FS700 camcorder, giving professional users a  significant jump in performance, a broader choice of creative tools and  unprecedented production flexibility. The  HXR-IFR5 interface unit connects the NEX-FS700 to Sony’s new AXS-R5 RAW  recording system, creating a powerful combination that takes full advantage of  the camcorder’s 4K imager.

“The  NEX-FS700 is already accepted worldwide as a high-performance production tool  for any application from corporate productions to broadcast television,” said Bill  Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions, Sony Europe.  “Highly affordable recording of 2K / 4K RAW images and High Frame Rate (HFR) capture  adds another dimension to the camcorder’s capabilities, once a firmware upgrade  has been made. FS700 RAW recording preserves more of the original camera  signal, producing stunning image quality and enabling maximum image  manipulation flexibility in post-production.”

The HXR-IFR5 interface receives the uncompressed bit-stream  carrying RAW sensor data, metadata, time code and start/stop commands from the  NEX-FS700E via 3G-SDI. The FS700 RAW files are recorded to the AXS memory cards  in the AXS-R5 RAW recorder, where they can be screened and converted using  Sony’s free RAW Viewer software.

Users can simultaneously record 4K on the AXS-R5 while recording HD on the NEX-FS700,  both with identical start frame, stop frame and time codes.         

The unit has an LCD panel for status indication, including record mode, frame rate,  time code, battery and media remaining time. Large tactile buttons control  basic operations, menus and media management. When attached to the HXR-IFR5,  the AXS-R5 can also act as a stand-alone playback unit for reliable monitoring  and review through an on-board HD-SDI 422 output.

The introduction of the HXR-IFR5 interface unit is the first implementation of 2K  RAW recording capabilities with the AXSM memory system. 2K RAW provides all the  benefits of RAW, such as wide colour gamut, full sensor latitude and flexible  digital image manipulation, at a cost efficient 2K resolution. 2K RAW enables  the NEX-FS700 to create digital RGB files with 12-bit colour depth, and work  simultaneously with the camcorder’s on-board 8-bit AVCHD capability. This gives  producers the freedom to choose the recording file format that best matches the  content they’re filming and their budget, while giving the flexibility to  archive content in HD, 2K or 4K.

The HXR-IFR5 and firmware upgrade to the NEX-FS700, users can perform  continuous 120/240 fps HFR recording in 2K and 120 fps four-second “burst”  recording in 4K. The NEX-FS700 even goes beyond 120 frames per second to 240 fps.  Playing back at 240 fps yields compelling slow motion at 1/5 or 1/10 normal  speed. Users can also choose 480 and 960 fps burst recording (at reduced  resolution) for even more creative possibilities. HFR is also now available  with S-Log2 gamma (1300% dynamic range) and 709 (800% dynamic range).

“Previously,  HFR capability (above 60 fps @1080p) was relegated to a rarified few “custom”  cameras, many designed for machine vision and not high-end program production,”  said Bill Drummond. “The combination of the NEX-FS700, HXR-IFR5 and AXS-R5 now supports  an array of game changing speeds in continuous and burst shooting modes at a  price point unmatched in the industry. With these new capabilities the  NEX-FS700 is poised for use as a high-quality, low-cost camera with a range of  creative features.”

The HXR-IFR5 also allows the use of  compatible media, file naming conventions, metadata and RAW workflow used by Sony’s  PMW-F55 and PMW-F5 CineAlta 4K cameras.

This new Sony technology is the latest recording option for the NEX-FS700 camcorder,  joining the recently announced direct  connectivity with Convergent Design’s new Odyssey7Q.

The HXR-IFR5 2K/4K RAW interface unit will be available in June for a  suggested list price of 2500 Euros.

For the latest information on the NEX-FS700 and the AXSM workflow, visit http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/product/dataingestunits/hxr-ifr5/overview