Building upon the success of its predecessor, the new Sony Alpha a7S III has been updated with several standout features focused on video. With an updated BIONZ XR processor and new 12.1-megapixel BSI Exmor R sensor, the a7S III packs powerful internal recording options, including full-frame 4K 120p and S-Log2 and S-Log3 support, all via the new XAVC HS format, an HEVC / H.265 based 10-bit 4:2:2, intra-frame (All-I) codec. External output options include 16-bit RAW via the full-size HDMI (Type A) port to a compatible recorder, up to 4264x2408 (16:9) at 60p.

Today Canon announced the C70, the latest model in their line of Cinema EOS digital cinema cameras. It uses the same Super35-format sensor as the C300 Mk III, including Canon’s DGO (Dual Gain Output) technology for 16+ stops of dynamic range, their legendary Dual-Pixel Autofocus, and is the first Cinema EOS camera to use Canon’s RF lens mount (which first debuted on the EOS R full-frame mirrorless stills-oriented body). All this is packed into the smallest Cinema EOS body ever – yet with few compromises in terms of the features and functionality Canon users have come to rely on over the years.

Running about a month ahead of schedule, Sony today announced the availability of firmware version 2.0 for the PXW-FX9 full-frame digital cinema camera. Originally scheduled for October, the new firmware brings 16-bit RAW output (in conjunction with the XDCA-FX9 extension unit), new 4K recording and sensor modes, 180fps shooting in HD, and improved image quality when shooting in the camera’s Super35 2K mode, among other enhancements.

Digital video capture devices are omnipresent in our culture, and the average viewer’s subconscious understanding of what constitutes quality video is more informed than ever. Nearly everyone has a high-def capable (often 4K) camera in their pocket these days. With such a powerful imager so close at hand, more complex cameras need to reach ever higher and higher peaks of image quality. One of the many things that cinema cameras do to differentiate themselves is to offer high-latitude, extreme dynamic range gammas, like Log. However, “hybrid” gamma settings like Canon’s Wide Dynamic Range gamma, have distinct benefits too, especially in the remote production world.

In keeping with our long-standing tradition, AbelCine has released our standard suite of scene files for the Sony PXW-FX9. The names of these scene files will be familiar to anyone who has been downloading and using them with other popular cameras over the years. We have done our best to keep the looks faithful to the original files created some 15 years ago.

The Academy Color Encoding System, better known as ‘ACES’, is a comprehensive Color Management System (CMS) specified and made available by AMPAS, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With version 1.2 on the horizon, I thought now was a good time to look at the current state of affairs, as well as what to expect in future releases.

We sat down with DP Terry Zumalt and 1st AC Devin Keebler on Netflix's Last Chance U, a series that follows players from junior college football teams as they compete to reach the next level.

In our tradition of providing scene files for the latest professional cinema cameras, we have created a collection of scene files for the Sony PXW-FX9. These files are based on the looks AbelCine has been creating for many years and are designed to fit a variety of common shooting scenarios.

One of the major technology trends in 2020 continues to be HDR. As you may also know, Netflix has instituted a requirement that all original programming be finished in HDR (the Dolby Vision flavor, to be exact) — not unlike their 2015 edict that all original programming be shot with cameras from a growing list of bodies that capture at least UHD 3840x2160 natively. While a full primer on ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting HDR’ is beyond the scope of this article, I wanted to highlight one camera particularly well-suited to HDR capture (as well as satisfying the Netflix resolution requirements): ARRI’s ALEXA Mini LF.