-
S-Log Upgrade for PMW-F3
Well, after waiting months and months and paying $3680 I finally received the upgrade!
First thing I noticed is that it took approximately a millisecond to install, confirming to my uneducated mind that it must already have been in the camera and was merely being “turned on”!
The next thing I noticed was that in the new menu selection indicating the gamma and output of the dual link connectors, there was no selection for 422 S-Log. All the S-Log outputs (at the dual link connectors) were only 444. I have to admit my blood started to boil, as I had hoped to be able to record the S-Log on the 10bit 422 AJA KiProMinis that I already own. It became immediately clear that Sony intended instead that I record only to their SRW (tape and new digital) recorders (or the only other dual-link capable units – Cinedeck or the unavailable as yet CD Gemini).
It took several phone calls to Sony folks before I discovered that the output of the HD-SDI spigot, with the LUT generator “turned off” does route a 422 S-Log signal to that port (when the menu is set to 444 S-Log), but it does eliminate the use of the dual link outputs as a second usable monitoring port, and it also route the S-Log to the SxS card which is not really capable of recording it in a useful way (color correct a 420 8 bit S-log?).
I understood the intention of the upgrade was to send the best signal (10 bit and full color sampling) to the dual link connectors while the monitoring spigot (HD-SDI) and card would carry the applied LUT version.
I was finally able to speak with the product manager from Sony, Mel Melina, who very graciously returned my call after a long day of travel from the East Coast, who fortunately understood (already) my upset and said, even before I asked, that he was in communication with the powers that be and was trying to add the 422 S-Log to the Dual link outputs; essentially by having separate gamma and routing options in the menu.
Others at Sony tried to tell me that they had made it clear that this 422 S-Log function wouldn’t exist (or even work), but from my own experience using exactly the same thing on the Arri Alexa I knew different.
The fact is that not everyone can afford SRW recorders and for that matter the Gemini (which with enough SSD storage will cost $8-10K and create a data management bottleneck) so the AJA KiProMini which is already readily available and inexpensive, capable of 10-bit 422 ProRes HQ recording and is therefore appropriate for S-Log, making it an ideal companion to the S-Log equipped F3.
For once it seems that the Sony marketing folks here understand the needs of their US customers and are fighting to get us the features we need and want, it’s a shame that it came to market without them and we’ll have to wait even longer to see if it comes at all!
JMHO,
JS
JS
-
16 Replies
-
John,
So you can’t record from just the A spigot for 4:2:2 S-log? Doesn’t the B spigot make up the difference to provide 4:4:4?
Also can you tell us what size is the S-log upgrade SxS card and can you use it for native recording?
Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
No, the A spigot is only two colors as is the B spigot. Only 422 S-Log output at the moment is at the HD-SDI output with LUT “off”, so you have no viewing with LUT.
The card is SxS-32G1A’s.
JS
-
So is this upgrade something you can move from camera to camera?
Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
Michael,
Yes, this seems to be a new capability supported by Sony; that you can unload the option back to an SxS card (password protected) and move it to another camera.
JS
-
I know you said you have 2 F3’s, so I’m guessing you have moved it from one to the other.
Any information on creating your own LUT? Is there any Sony software included CVP File Editor?Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
Actually have three F3’s and two upgrades, so at this point there’s no need to move the options, but if I sent a camera out on rental and the client did not need the option I certainly would remove it.
I’m waiting (patiently) for two CD Geminis and will evaluate the need for a third upgrade and Gemini once they arrive. In the mean time, I could not be more pleased with the F3’s performance, even with the internal recording codec.
JS
-
So potentially the S-log upgrade could be rented?
Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
I suppose so!
JS
-
Any information on creating your own LUT? Is there any Sony software included? CVP File Editor?
Good Luck
Michael Palmer -
I can see the option to select “User” LUTs in the LUT menu but so far have not seen any editing software or even operation guide for the upgrade. I’ve been told as you suggest that it’s been added to the Sony CVP File Editor Software (which I also found difficult and cludgie).
The menu contains two Hypergamma LUTs which seem to be the most useful.
JS
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up