Sony recently pulled their latest firmware 4.0 and 2.0 for their PXW-FS5 and Z150 respectively, due to some issues with shooting HLG in camera. The good news, is that just earlier today, Sony released a fixed version of the firmware – now called firmware version 4.02 and v2.02 for the two cameras in question.
As a reminder, apart from adding in-camera Hybrid Log Gamma profiles for HDR delivery, Firmware version 4.0 (and new fixed v4.02) adds a new 120fps continuous slow-motion option in 1080p to the Sony FS5. This is certainly a huge addition to the already very capable 4K camcorder, unfortunately it will require a separate paid license (CBKZ-FS5HFR, which is priced at $499 in the US) in order for the new slow motion frame rate to be selectable in your camera’s menu.
At the moment, prior to Firmware 4.0, the Sony FS5 was limited to 1080/50/60 continuous slow-mo in camera.
PXW-FS5 Firmware V4.02 Details:
*Functionality is same as Firmware v4.0 but with HLG bugs fixed
Issues Fixed:
- Video image may be recorded with short delay of 2 or 3 frames of audio in other recording modes than AVCHD.
- When choosing [HLG1],[HLG2] or [HLG3] in the PictureProfile and CENTER SCAN in the CAMERA/PAINT menu, rebooting the camera may cause brightness and colour shift.
Firmware v4.0 Added Functionality:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) by shooting in Hybrid Log-Gamma** (HLG) standard
- Continuous 120fps High Frame Rate (HFR) recording in 1080p with CBKZ-FS5HFR (sold separately – $499 B&H/Adorama)
- Minimum ISO sensitivity can be lowered to ISO 2000 from ISO 3200 when recording in S-Log2/S-Log3
*4K: XAVC-Long 4:2:0 8-bit, HD: XAVC 4:2:2 10-bit.
Download Firmware v4.02 for Sony FS5 from this link here.
PXW-Z150 Firmware v2.02 – download here.
v2.02 fixes the following issue:
- Video image may be recorded with short delay of 2 or 3 frames of audio in other recording modes than AVCHD.
- When choosing [HLG1],[HLG2] or [HLG3] in the PictureProfile and one of the HD recording modes, rebooting the camera may cause brightness and colour shift.
Firmware version 2.00 Details:
- Support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) by shooting in Hybrid Log-Gamma* (HLG) standard
- Support for high-quality streaming using QoS by network client mode
- Support for the system link (tally display and synchronized recording) with RM-30BP Remote Commander (sold separately) and MCX-500 Multi-Camera Live Producer (sold separately)
- Support for the enhanced zebra marker function and two types of setting are available. Also the level settings can now be adjusted in 1 increments
*4K: XAVC-Long 4:2:0 8-bit, HD: XAVC 4:2:2 10-bit.
In case you want more than 100/120fps slow motion, here’s a bit of 200fps super-slow mo I shot in-camera a while back on the Sony FS5:
Despite its 8 second buffer limitation, the 200/240fps in-camera super slow motion in the FS5 is available by default, and can be quite useful, giving you 80 seconds of super slo-mo real-time footage, which for most purposes will be plenty. However, for some of you who plan on shooting for longer periods, the paid 120fps upgrade may be worth it.
Also, the Sony FS5 now appears to be permanently priced at $4750 at B&H (that’s a whopping $1,000 discount)!
To clarify – there was a $1,000 Mail-in rebate offer just mere weeks ago on the FS5, which meant you had to pay the $5,749 upfront, and then get a check for $1,000 from Sony; however, now the $1,000 Off appears to be in the form of Instant Savings, meaning that basically Sony has reduced the price of the FS5 down to $4,749 – which is a huge win for anyone wanting to jump on the FS5 train.
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