All the news from Day 2 of NAB 2015.
By Diane Wallace
April 14, 2015
Today I really got to explore throughout the 2015 NAB show. Starting with the Studio Daily awards this morning – for which Flashpoint ZeroGrav Gyrowas nominated (but sadly, didn’t win) in the best production tool category – and then traversing all three halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, I got a chance to talk to some terrific people and check out the newest production technology.
SmallHD showed a very impressive tool at their booth: the 500 Series Sidefinder. This very lightweight electronic viewfinder sports the highest resolution available on a 5-inch monitor; 441 pixels per inch on the screen is even higher than the newest smartphones. The Sidefinder combines their 500 Series on-camera monitor with a flip-out, Full HD 1080p display. The intuitive interface is simple, using a joystick and back button to call up functions that can be arranged in “pages” for the easiest access, or navigate with the viewfinder in closed position from the remote. It allows the application of 3D LUTs, which can be easily loaded via the SD card slot, and shared using the flip-out display. With Pixel Zoom, Focus Assist, Exposure Assist, adjustable diopter and lots of other features, smallHD packed incredible, and incredibly-useful, tools into a portable and professional package.
Sony is highlighting its 4K cameras and technology this year, which includes IP-network-based transfer technologies, 4K-ready production switchers, 4K/HD servers and more. The Sony HDC-4300 4K/HD camera system, for example, bridges the gap between high frame rate and traditional studio cameras. It combines the HDC series workflow with three specially developed 2/3-inch 4K sensors, B4 lens support and up to 8x Super Slow Motion. Sony also announced support from industry leaders in sports and entertainment who have already made a commitment to this new camera including the likes of NBC Sports, CBS Television City, ESPN, Fox Sports and others.
Blackmagic Design put their huge space to work, showcasing their beautiful products and accommodating lots of customers with questions. I liked two new cameras in particular: Blackmagic URSAand the URSA Mini. URSAhas everything built in – a 10-inch fold out on set monitor, internal dual RAW and ProRes recorders and a large, user-upgradable Super 35 4.6K sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range. This camera will keep up with any tech advances Blackmagic brings out in the future! There are four URSA models to choose from, depending on the sensor and lens mount selected. URSA Miniis a lightweight version of its big brother that still offers 4.6K Super 35 image sensor, global shutter, and 15 stops of dynamic range. The Mini shoots up to 60 fps, has a bright 5-inch fold-out viewfinder, dual RAW and ProRes recorders and more. (It’s only missing the upgradable-sensor feature and the larger, heavier size of the URSA.) Its small size is perfect for small crews and solo shooters, and it’s completely customizable to get the perfect rig for any photographer.
NAB 2015 has so much great technology – new aerial drones, 8K monitors, smaller and lighter gear that offers ever-higher performance – it’s difficult to settle on what’s the most exciting!
