Arri has recently started the second Open Beta phase for Software Update Packet 10.0, and they've announced some exciting features for this release.

Sony has just announced that they will be adding two new codecs to the F5 and F55 cameras: Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD.

Last Friday Panasonic made a big pre-NAB announcement - they will be releasing two new versions of their popular VariCam camera. We have seen various versions of what Panasonic has been working on over the last couple of years, including prototypes of both Super-35mm cameras and high-speed 2/3" cameras. Now it seems that Panasonic has decided to make a camera system that fits both needs.The new cameras feature an interesting modular design, where the camera head can be separated from the recording module. The two camera modules they revealed? The VariCam 35 and VariCam HS.

Today, Canon announced an optional update for the C300 that will add support for the Dual Pixel Autofocus function. This update was also introduced for the C100 in November.

Arri's website has a great set of resources for anyone interested in working with the ALEXA / ALEXA XT, from a menu simulator to downloadable footage, to videos explaining how to work with ARRIRAW. One of the best of these resources is their comprehensive ALEXA XT FAQ.

The Canon C100 is very popular with run-and-gun operators in the documentary world, and Canon recently announced an upgrade for the C100 that allows for continuous tracking autofocus with Canon's entire EF lineup. The upgrade will also increase the speed of the camera's existing one-shot autofocus by around two times and provide an AF lock, which will enable the user to change the image framing while keeping the desired focus point, a feature that is especially useful for run-and-gun filmmakers.

A little while ago, Sony released the latest firmware for the F5 & F55 cameras, as well as the AXS-R5 Raw recorder. Version 1.15 of the F5/F55 firmware has some small incremental updates, with mostly bug fixes included. However, some big changes include improved naming conventions on the AXS card, de-anamorphic function on the viewfinder, and a warning when you haven't black balanced in a while.

Canon recently announced their new 1.0.8.1.00 firmware for the C300.

Today, Arri announced their new ALEXA XT (Xtended Technology) cameras, featuring in-camera recording of ARRIRAW up to 120fps. The SxS card module on the side of the ALEXA cameras is being replaced by an XR (Xtended Recording) recording module, which accepts new high performance Codex XR Capture Drive media.