There's definitely been a lot of buzz around Panasonic's new VariCams (the 4K VariCam 35 and the high-speed VariCam HS) since last year's NAB show, so I made sure to stop by Panasonic's IBC booth this year.

Convergent Design's upcoming firmware for the Odyssey7Q will add 4K ProRes 422 HQ recording, giving users an alternative to Raw workflows and allowing for hours of record time in this industry-standard codec.

Freefly Systems revealed some big news today: they've dropped prices on their popular MōVI M5 and M10 stabilizers, and released pricing info on the new M15. Freefly has definitely experienced some rapid growth during the last few years, and they've taken advantage of improved efficiency in their manufacturing process to pass these savings to the customers.

Sony has just announced the newest member to the XDCAM family, the PXW-FS7, and we were able to stop by Sony's IBC booth to get a closer look. Expected to ship this October, the FS7 is an E-mount Super 35 camera that records to XQD cards. It has been designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a small profile and form factor that lends itself to vérité-style shooting.

At this year's IBC show, Zeiss will be showing off a prototype servo unit that is compatible with all three Compact Zoom lenses. Designed specifically for the CZ.2 15-30 T2.9, 28-80 T2.9, and 70-200 T2.9, the servo features a pressure-sensitive rocker for smooth zoom control and an integrated aperture motor for auto-iris (if supported by camera).

Recently, AbelCine organized a focus group with select cinematographers and specialists from Canon to review the new Dual Pixel Auto Focus (DAF) upgrade for the C300 camera. The consensus was that for $500, this is a feature worth many times its cost, as it expands the universe of the types of shots that can be achieved.

The ALEXA XT has the same size sensor as previous models, but with its increased processing power, it can now record the full sensor area all at once.

Today Arri announced that they will offer a new software upgrade for the AMIRA, which will allow it to record ProRes Ultra HD files (at a resolution of 3840x2160). The upgrade is expected to be available for purchase at the online Arri License Shop by the end of 2014.

Recently, Gates Underwater made an exciting announcement and revealed their new ALEXA underwater housing. As with their other housings, this unit features simple fingertip controls, an adjustable trim weight system, Gates Precision Ports, and adjustable handle grips.