A7s records in XAVCS format which is a consumer version of the XAVC format (see some of the main differences above).
According to two of our sources the A7s records 4K using Sony’s XAVCs codec. From Wikipedia:
“XAVC S supports resolutions up to 3840 × 2160, uses MP4 as the container format, and uses either AAC or LPCM for the audio As example use in Sony FDR-AX100 4K Ultra HD consumer camcorder.”
A source also told me the camera has a clean 4K clean output but doesn’t record a clean 4K on SD cards. The source didn’t specify if with “clean” he means 4K at 10 bit and 4:2:2. Also same as the main competitor, the Panasonic GH4.
Note: The FDR-AX100 has following recording options and I guess these will more or less match with those of the A7s:
UHD 4K
XAVC S
3840 x 2160p / 30 fps
3840 x 2160p / 24 fps
High Definition
XAVC S
1920 x 1080 / 60 fps
1920 x 1080 / 30 fps
1920 x 1080 / 24 fps
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p / 60 fps
1920 x 1080p / 24 fps
1920 x 1080i / 60 fps
1440 x 1080i / 60 fps
MP4
1280 x 720p / 30 fps
———
Reminder: The A7s will be unveiled live at 2pm in Las Vegas (on Sunday). You can follow the live video stream on SAR!!! This is the time in other time zones:
– 5pm New York time on Sunday April 6
– 10pm (22:00) London time on Sunday April 6
– 11pm (23:00) Berlin time on Sunday April 6
– 6am (06:00) Tokyo time on Monday April 7
———
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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
0 Responses
I dont see any reason to get GH4 anymore.
It will be priced so you have to think twice, if they do the pricing correctly.
The question is if A7S uses the same sensor as A7… If that’s the case I’m sold.
Not if it’s 12MP
My bad
I hope that maybe the codec at least make it to the other of the A7 cameras as of now, or will they force you to buy 2 bodies. One for video and one for stills?
Please explain the word ‘Force’ …?
Sony’s Pro Site has a banner up for NAB saying “4k for $2k, 4k for $4k, and 4k for All” Wonder what else is coming and where this one fits in?
4k for 2k is already here ax100
so…..
At $4k it would not aim at the GH4.
I don’t think “4K for 2/4K” means you can get 4K for $2k or $4k but more like 4k source can give you 2k/4k/whatever else final output.
$4K is the PRO AX1
$2K is the consumer version AX100
“for All” is probably the Xperia Z2, since the average person doesn’t even have a dedicated photo / video device (but everyone (thus “all”) has a phone)
EDIT: Sorry this reply was meant for SMD, not for you :/
I’d agree but the thing is…this came from the Sony “Professional” site which usually doesn’t mix with the Consumer or Handycam or photo side of Sony (ie. Sony Style). There are no pics of any cameras there except more professional cams like the FS700, etc. I first thought it was referring to the AX1 and AX100 as well…but then I realized, the two sides of Sony don’t usually mix.
Sorry, I read “Sony’s site” not “Sony’s Pro site” in OP’s post. Well… then I’m confused xD
Although XAVC S has a lower bitrate, it is an incredibly efficient codec. Still not a deal breaker for me, honestly.
8bit internal will be still ok as long as the main point is the video quality given out must good and sharp, not mushy soft like before, then it will be winner, now let see if the external can do 10bit. If yes, BOMB!
still finger crossed for the normal xavc , sony don’t save it for f5 & f55 please 🙁
I don’t think they will put the normal XAVC on this sadly
What do you think if it’s true that it’s 12mp guys? I’m a portrait guy and my biggest prints so far is 12 x 18 inches. do you think 12mp is enough?
The resolution of such a print would be over 220ppi. It’s not too bad. I guess the best way to find out if it works for you would be to try and print an image at that resolution and see if you like it or not. But if you don’t take pictures in low light and could afford more room for cropping and manipulating the image, maybe it would be better to choose a different body?
I’m a portrait photographer and i used a Canon 5D Mark III but contemplating on switching to the A7 series for the small factor and EVF. The AF on the A6000 is exciting but I want the fullframe goodness. If the A7R AF is not sloppy, i would go for that. I’m expecting the A7s to acquire the A6000 AF but at 12mp? I hope it’s at least 16mp.
Just use the L glass you have for the reach. As long as you are not cropping you can go till 8MP, depending on the print size too.
Thanks. In case i decide to switch, i would buy the metabone speed booster adaptor so i can use my canon lenses. I just can’t find a metabone from canon ef to Sony’s FE. I saw Nex only, will that work?
The adapter you are looking for is called the Metabones Smart Adapter Mark III.
http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BM3
It’s basically the same mount. FE is like FX for Nikon. And i would suggest you to side with a7r instead as you mainly shoot portraits. The a7r’s AF is decent and as long as you won’t be shooting fast moving subjects, i don’t see a reason to long for a6000’s af system. The a7r paired with Zeiss 50 2.8 macro is the best combo there is.
Isnt the zeiss 50/2.8 an aps-c lens? Has anyone found out if it at least covers FF at close distances?
You can’t use the speedbooster on a FF sensor.
A7r af is not sloppy but right now there aren’t any native lenses in the traditional portrait length and apertures. I’ve used the 35/2.8 FE for full body portraits and it’s excellent. The 55/1.8 FE too is good. When you put on adapters there are some compromises… usually it’s in AF.
But AF in a a7r is not a requirement. You are still thinking like a SLR-shooter. Peaking focus is far more useful and faster and reliable for things like portraits than DSLR-style AF.
The answer is simple, don’t buy this camera and shut the fuck up moron.
what’s your problem fellow moron? I’m asking here sincerely to help me decide what to do. People like you is the reason the world is in chaos right now. oh wait, i think only you is moron.
He’s just asking a question man. Cool your horses.
I think it is a camera with trying.
It depends on how close you’re planning on viewing those images. If at a handheld distance, such as a cellphone, it would be nice to have above 300 ppi, which is 20mp and up. But even then, 230 ppi is pretty good. Anything further away than 10 inches from the face and you’re good with 230 ppi.
I don’t remember the details behind it but from what I have read when I cared about mega pixels. 12mp is more than enough plus there are some very good software that can blow up a image many times its size with very little loss in quality. So if you were to double the picture via software that would be 24mp. Either way I don’t think you have anything to worry about unless your printing a billboard.
If you use lightroom you can export a picture at 12mp and do some large prints and see how that works for you.
seriously i think the a7 is the right camera for you, not the a7s.
i think so too cause i don’t need a 4K video. i’m more of a stills man. Is A7 AF not as bad as the A7R considering the A7 is hybrid?
A7 AF is better than A7R, but for portraits almost any AF will do. And I think the A7 is the better choice since the A7S will likely be more expensive.
Just calculate the number of pixels needed: If you want 360dot/inch you need 360*18 x
360*12 = 6480 x 4320 Pixels.
You can easily do the same for less resolution, 240dpi is approximately what you get for with 12MP files. However you can use photoshop to upsize easily.
This thing needs 10-bit. No 10-bit, no buy. However, I must admit, I’d still by it for the photography aspect alone – 12MP on a FF – I think we’re gonna see some epic ISO and dynamic-range performance.
External recording might get 10bit support
What’s external recording? Can you explain? 🙂
its like the external recorder for the panasonic g4, it looks like a battery grip.
it can be hdmi output too, not necessary to have the external recorder like gh4
Three A7 cameras but 5 lens only (And not all available …). Sony where are you ?
We will soon have more cameras in FE mount that lenses ! (Thank you Eimar…)
The People developing cameras have nothing to with the People developing lenses. So FE development is not stopped if the camera guys continue evolving their products.
It should be an overall reflection but I understand.
Yet I do not think that buying a device without looking at the lens available before. And for a full frame, I think we can afford to be a bit demanding on offer.
if its a camera mainly for vídeo, theres plenty of lenses around cause you’ll probably use manual focus
Five lenses in six months and possible announcements for tomorrow. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t think any of the mirrorless systems has done better.
It is the NEX system all over again.
What, too many choices for you? Pick a niche and run with it or shut up.
There are more than 20 e-mount lenses from Sony alone.
If it doesn’t shoot noiseless pictures of the milky way at ISO 409600 256bit, and doesn’t come with a 10-400 f2 pancake zoom I won’t buy it!!!!!!
So now all the whining can stop please… It isn’t even announced yet…
Stop your whining about the whiners.
Seems like the same people are complaining about the same thing day after day after day.
I’m just enthusiast for the FE system and I’m just a little impatient!
Nothing to be insulted because I did not insult anyone.
Soon we will get the A7SR to! 😀
That’s an A7 lol
S is for low res, cos that means speed, R means high resolution
so S = -R thus S + R = 0
XAVCS is 8 bit i’m afraid
Get your face out of the numbers and onto the back of a camera.
Less do you know. It is important if you are into colour grading
According to an article I read on EOSHD, 4k 8bit 4:2:0 can be converted to 1080p 10bit 4:4:4. See here: http://www.eoshd.com/content/12140/discovery-4k-8bit-420-panasonic-gh4-converts-1080p-10bit-444
I hope Sony will also double time making lenses… I wish they will make an 85mm and 135mm.
yes a 24 85 and 135 would be awesome. If they can make the 85 & 135 on the same level as the 55 I would be all in. I love the 135 I had for A-mount and used it on a nex-via lae2 adapter. I love that lens so much I plan to get it again some time in the future despite how big and heavy it will be on my A7.
I have a Sigma 35mm f1.4, canon 85m f1.8 and canon 135mm F2.0L that would love to use to Sony FE if possible. The Canon 135L is magical. I hope metabone speedbooster will make one for canon ef to Sony FE.
you can use it now with a 30.00 eos to e-mount adapter from ebay. The adapter has built in aperture blades. It is MF focus only but not a big deal to me at least.
i hope they put SSM on version 2 of carl zeiss 85mm and 135mm. or release on E-mount too will be welcome!
The 85/1.8 has been rumored for years now but I believe it’s coming this year. It would make a lot of sense for a sports orientated camera. However there is a lot of chatter in forums about a 90mm lens coming next.
I just found out that suddenly its possible to take bracketted photos with a remote on the a7. Its great! I have waited for this. Maybe its after firmware update?
How did you do it?
Do the update in firmware then choose the remote in the menu. Thats all you need to do.
But how do you bracket if you choose remote? Both the settings are in the same drive menu
I hope it will have a Global shutter !!!!
and quiet shutter too. in YT videos the shutter of the A7 and A7R is very loud.
Maybe good news for video guys but no news for photographers. Is this a video site now?
Or do you just rumour anything that has a Sony logo on its case?
I am photographer and I wailt for low pix FF camera. !2 Mpix is great (!)
12 MP is ok, but I don’t think it will give that much more dynamic range compared to a recent 24 MP sensor. Even a 24MP sensor has a S/N ratio just over 60db at base sensitivity. You would need more bit depth on the raw data to record more dynamic range.
ok, but A7s + A7r will be a good combo… low light and resolution. I like it more than A7
you don’t need to buy a7s to get low light. 36Mp resized to 12Mp is the same as 12Mp, with the same sensor size.
It’isnt the same. Less Mp=bigger pixels= less noise
It is close to the same. By resizing you are averaging signal deterioration by combining several pixels into one. That rises signal to noise ratio and dynamic range.
Little to no correlation in practice from the same sensor maker. In fact, the A7R is slightly less noisy than the A7 (difference mostly down to OSPDAF).
and what about the difference in dynamic range?
So when you crop a sensor the pixels get bigger ? Really ? And the hits just keep on coming.
Obviously you are not able to understand the difference between cropping and resizing.
Obviously you don’t understand the option to do both.
Obviously by what?
He said resizing. Where did he say cropping? Are you stupid?
No, but a lot of small pixels give you the same result as a few bigger pixels, if you resize the image to the same size.
You can perfectly well use your 36Mp camera as a 12Mp camera.
Duott
Youre starement is so wrong and indicates so little understanding that you are actually making yourself look foolish..listen to what these people are telling you and learn something
The larger pixels of the lower resolutio sensor theoreticall all higher iso and lower noise.
They also eliminate artifacts often associated with video downsizing.
I am probably the biggest fan of higher resolution on sar but this low resolution camera is better for the needs of the people that are asking for this.
animalsbybarry, my statement is 100% correct. Just read carefully. I’m not talking about cropping the full resolution image, I’m talking about resizing the images to the same size.
Clearly you still dont get it
Combining smaller pixels into fewer larger pixels will not produce the same performance characteristics as the larger pixels that do not need to be resapled..especiall in video.
Remember that all bayer array pixels must be resampled..upwar..during DEMOSAICING..you are then resampling a second time downwards.
What everyone here is telling you is correct..you are losing quality..look up DEMOSAICING..to understand what is happening.
DEMOSAICING. Is aplied to all bayer sensor pixels…look it up you need to understand the process…
This scales up by resampling the pixels 4x.
You now want to resample these same pixels downward again.
This does not result in anywhere near the quality you started with.
Furthermore the larger pixels of the lower resolution senser do not have the same performance charechteristics as the multiple smaller ones.
Lastly particularly in video downsampling results in artifacts..nonsense pixels..that simply do not belong in the image.
Read about Bayer Sensor Demosaicing so you will understand what we are are talking about..the process is more complicated than you think it is.
Ok, I will look this up.
@animalsbybarry:disqus
You are right about video in that a lower resolution sensor will produce better results than a high resolution one, but that’s simply due to line-skipping as it’s impossible to read out the high resolution sensor at the required data rate and resample down to the video
As for your contention that small photosites don’t have the same characteristics as large ones, then that’s only true to the extent that the full well size of the small photosites is smaller. However, the full well size is essentially proportional to the area of the photosite, and the mathematics means that the theoretical maximum DR for equivalent levels of technology exactly cancel out. Of course, things aren’t absolutely identical – there are bound to be a few things that aren’t quite comparable, but with the latest technology they are very close.
If you doubt this, try comparing DXOmark measurements of things like DR at common output size for sensors of similar technology. Look at the results for the A7 and A7r. The results are very close – indeed the A7r is actually better for most at common output size.
The higher resolution sensor will have the advantage of higher colour sampling spatial frequency, so will, if anything, be a bit better than the low res version.
Of course, you can look at sensors of a wholly different design, like the Nikon D4, and that does have better high ISO performance, but is notably compromised in other areas, like dynamic range at base ISO. It’s clearly optimised for sports and high ISO, but is inferior on ultimate IQ.
It is rather ironic that I am arguing on behalf of a low res camera for those that want one.
I am totally in need of the highest possible resolution..far in excess of what is current available.
I feel a camera should be built for everyones needs.
Hopefully those that dont require the highest possible resolution will be more supporting of those of us that do.
It’s simply not possible to produce a camera that meets everybody’s needs any more than you can make a car that does. You can only produce a compromise. To want anything else is to wish for the impossible.
Thanks for the kind attitude. I guess your statement shows you know little about photography. Most real photogrpahers here will agree 12 Megapixel FF is AMAZING for photography. 12 MP is enough, makes superb High ISO, clean images, and fast operations and postprocessing.
Then I wonder why you are fantasizing so much about 54 MP sensors here as well? Despite your unfriendly comment I know quite a lot of photography and I wonder what you are focussing on with this site. As a fact you are announcing A-mount cameras that never show up, but at the same your readers get tons of movie/photography hybrid device rumours. The talk here is much more about video codecs I never heard of and global shutters and all that movie maker stuff.
_Photographers_ don’t deal with that stuff.
So maybe just try to understand that there are photographers out there who are not into movie making. After all photography and movie making are 2 very different kinds of art.
Educate yourself, the output is still 18MP and not 54
How many of the commenters saying take my money please for a sight unseen a7S say they already own a 24MP a7 or 36MP a7R? Ironically, some are talking trade-in. ;^)
Not everyone has the same needs.
Some people actually need much more resolution than cuurent cameras provide.
Some people want higher res but dont actually need it.
Some people need high res but not super high res.
Some people want a cheap camera and dont care or need high res.
And some people want lower resolution with no compromises to higher performance.
These people should be delighted with this camera which seems to be a very high performance camera that makes no compromises to achieve what for them is unnecessary high resolution.
Each of this user type wants a differrent camera and if sony wants them all as customers they need to make something for each of them.
This a7 series is basically the same camera with different sensors to accomadate these needs without the expense of designing a different camera for each of them.
I of course would like to see sony put a similar effort int A mount and provide a really high resolution option which is not currently available.
You may ask..why should sony do this when canon and nikon do not provide a super high res camera..
The answer is…Sony dominates the sensor production industry. The sensors that Sony chooses to manufacture or not manufacture determine the nature of all cameras.
Sony may not dominate the camera industry but they do control it.
Since when do high and low resolution sensor cameras or a desire for those have to be mutually exclusive?
Since you talk about a certain group of people not being interested in video or hybrid, maybe you should realize that others are, or even just lower resolution FF. And since this website is called Sony Alpha rumors and a rumored Alpha camera is being discussed, your initial comment made no sense to begin with.
You set the snarky tone, then complain about the response. Here’s that mirror, smile.
You have a learning disability. That’s why you are upset. Get that treated.
Yet, it’s pretty clear the a7S is going to be a niche player and the 12MP was picked specifically to dovetail into the needs of 4k video. The fact that Sony chose to announce this camera at NAB adds to the case it’s video focused not to mention you yourself said the a7S had only a single feature added. Yet, the hysteria that’s been released is talking about leaf shutters, pro weather sealing, amazing boosts in AF performance, etc.
One use case for low a MP camera like this would be sports photography – if the a7S’s AF isn’t crippled like it is on the a7/a7R – but Sony’s FE line-up doesn’t support any native telephoto lenses worth a darn unless you’re just photographing your kid playing soccer. Since the e-mount commenters here generally are fanatical about small and light I can’t imagine Sony selling serious FE OS telephoto primes any time soon, if ever.
Many others seem to be about flexibility (light and small, or larger and fast), in which case it makes sense to add faster and longer glass. But indeed it wasn’t priority , as also indicated by Sony (who also hinted in an interview that it is in the pipeline).
I don’t agree with carl at all but 12mps isn’t enough. It was enough in 2002.
A7s should be covered here because it’s a sony camera capable of stills and it’s an alpha no less. It is also compatible with E/FE.
I agree it should be covered but all we got so far is the compressed 4K video. How high (“clean”) ISO it can do and how that will compare with Nikon’s D4s or D3s is a key aspect.
Go back to school, Carl.
Go get the 16mp Nikon DF if you hate video. BTW it’s now 2014 and video is not a fad anymore and I think the DF is for D*** F***s.
THIS is the NEX that i’ve been waiting for !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You say that now but as soon as it’s released you’ll be back here whining about how the a7s doesn’t come with a lcd cleaning cloth and how you will never ever buy a sony product again.
A camera without enough lenses = A Ferrari without a windshield
Sony promised 10 FE lenses by the end of 2014. Isn’t it enough for You?
Yes, there will be new Fe lenses too 🙂
But will Sony start pumping out cinema lenses since the a7S looks clearly targeted at 4k video? Some of the hysteria over the announcement is speculating this will be the be-all, end-all in sports photography. Is Sony going to start putting out huge OS telephoto lenses for FEs?
This is clearly aimed at video. Look at other video-centric models like C100/C300, etc. that have limited MP sensors. At best this will have a global shutter.
Also. .. Sony Vegas… come on 🙂
As you can see in this thread (http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-fe-lens-designer-hints-the-the-chance-to-see-a-85mm-fast-fe-prime-soon/) there will be 8 lenses by the end of 2015, not 2014. Current CZ 24-70 f/4 is tested and it’s far away to be a top performer. 28-70 is a kit lens and 35 2.8 is not a very fast lens.
I can fit my Sony, Pentax, Olympus and Zeiss glass onto mine., I dont see what you are on about. Then again, you most likely dont own one and just make inane comments.
I don’t think you know what you are talking about. Who would want to buy a Ferrari and then going to pimp used Volvo tyres onto it by using mounting plates…
Think of what you are talking about. Do you honestly buy a several thousand dollar housing and then operate it with pimped on old lenses from different brands mounted with some adapters?
Volvo, maybe not. But there are also high end aftermarket parts markers, Zeiss equivalent of camera world. Also comparing Sony to Ferrari is not accurate either. Sony makes both the cheapest FF and APSC cameras, while Ferrari makes some of the most exotic cars. How about using Ferrari parts(Canoikon) on cheap car(Sony)? Not too bad now, isn’t it?
But you think adapted lenses are worse.
One manufacturer has never made all of the best lenses. Only noobs want to buy the whole set from the body manufacturer.
Geno, yes you can use 3rd party lenses but you lose significant amount of AF speed and current A7 and A7r models are not very good at focus speed in low light. Therefore you need original Sony brand lenses on these cameras. Period.
For me, I want better image quality and i enjoy using different lenses. Also I can honestly say that auto focus is not something I need because my manual focusing is more than adequate…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/4427818563/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/4468712918/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/5018078808/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/tags/600mf
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/tags/loreal600mf
http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/tags/lisabarrsoncomau
It depends on how you choose to use your gear. I depend on AF because I shoot in very low light environments with lots of crowd and action. As you can tell, A99 focus peaking is not a perfect tool when there’s no contrast and EVF doesn’t help here either. It is also very harsh request to ask A7 owners to use lenses in manual mode rather than AF. It’s not people cannot learn how to shoot in MF. If you get to know the capability of your lenses and camera, anyone can shoot in MF in suitable conditions.
I’ve shot crowds in extreme low light conditions using my 24 1.4 on a 5D2. Basically iso6400 at 1/30 @ f/1.4 and it was still too dim (night clubs). As soon as you use a flash and stop the lens down, you don’t need to worry about AF nailing things and getting everyone in focus at f/1.4.
I own an A99 and have a bunch of A-mount lenses in my bag. I am willing to move to E-mount in the near future since the innovations in Sony are going that way but wait a second! Putting my 1kg CZ 135 1.8 on an A7 with an adapter takes away all the magic.
Only 200 million lenses work with the E mount .
Yes, it’s true that you can use 3rd party lenses with converters but what about AF speed? For me, “it works” means “it works as it should work”. Nobody can deny that FF E-Mount lenses are not enough for a pro photographer
AF ? Really ? How about someone to aim the camera for you ? I prefer MF since that is what I used most of my life. Do you think photos taken at the 1984 LA Olympics were taken with AF cameras ? How did the do that ?
Joe, I’m not sure if you’re trying to be funny. Should we leave AF function and begin using MF? :))
Look at the FE lens roadmap, if it does not have lenses that you need then stay with A mount. The only FE lens I have with my VG900 is the 28-70mm FE OSS and most others are Samyang F1.4 primes from 24mm to 85mm.
I was not asking your opinion if I should switch cameras or not, but anyway, thanks MF guy 🙂
Most people who shoot video for commercial purposes focus manually. It’s the consumer crowd that demands AF for video. Look at Rokinon and all of its variants– all MF lenses.
If someone’s gonna get A7s only for video purposes, yes, what you wrote is absolutely true but we have to have a look how we can position this camera. I rarely shoot video with my A99 and I shoot in MF when I do. I may prefer switching to A7s only if AF speed is better than A99’s and low light ISO performance is better.
The megapixel war is on hold, the less-megapixel war is on …
Really? Not to beat on you but the hysteria over the a7S is getting a bit out of control.
Guys i’m a Canon 5D Mark III guy and focusing on the optical viewfinder is a lot faster than the LCD, is it true in Sony? is focusing in EVF faster than the LCD?
There’s no difference in focusing speed between display and EVF – with an EVF (both SLT or mirrorless) the autofocus system is always the same whether you are using the EVF or the display…
A conventional DSLR has to switch to contrast autofocus when using the display and that’s normally slower (but more accurate because of using the same sensor for autofocusing and taking the picture so no tolerance problems aka “back focusing”). Okay, the Canon 70D has phase detection on the sensor but can use that only in liveview mode because of the mirror … and so has TWO phase detection systems that don’t support each other. For me that’s a little bit of a ridicilious solution….
It actually is faster because the LCD/EVF shows peaking focus… you don’t need judgement like you would need with a OVF.
Also you are not limited to a fixed set of AF points. You can AF and get focus confirmation (in MF) anywhere.
Sony’s EVF / LCD in the higher end alpha cameras are vastly superior to canon’s OVF / live view for manual focusing.
Don’t get the complaints about video when nobody has seen an image sample. It looks like the a7s will not have to do any line skipping to record 4k, like the FS700 and the Canon C100 do with 1080p. Those two output 8 bit 4:2:0 at much lower bit rates than a GH3, yet the both produce a vastly superior image with more DR. I use Zeiss C/Y and Samyang lenses for video, no worries about FE lenses for me. This could be something special, unless Sony cripples it in some manner – which wouldn’t be unprecedented given how long it’s stuck with AVCHD. I’m not canceling my GH4 or selling off my 5d3 yet.
Just to add to that, I own a Nex 5n and have bought/sold the 7 and the A99 because the line skipping created so much aliasing, moire and disappointingly soft video. The 5d3 isn’t any sharper, but its virtually moire free. A 1:1 readout from a sensor this size has the potential to have huge DR, no aliasing/moire, and be very sharp. That’s the holy trinity for video, magic lantern raw on the 5d3 is the most affordable way to get that, but the file sizes are enormous and the workflow is slow.
The c100, like the c300, very possibly bins 2×2 instead of line skipping. It’s not coincidence that its sensor exactly fits 4x full HD.
I’m going to speculate that this isn’t going to be a photography camera, but a video camera which accepts E-mount lenses. Let’s wait for tomorrow and see!
My bet as well.
It seems that XAVC is an intraframe codec whereas XAVC-S is an interframe codec. MXF as stated above is not a codec but a container for various types of media.
For me a decisive point to buy or not is the bit depth of the mp4 data. It is close to impossible to correctly capture the smooth colour grades of a sunset with 8 bit, I definitely look for 10 bit (at least).
The A7S seems to be positioned against the Pana GH4. That camera was not so well received, just google around and look at slash cam or other sites. Blackmagic’s raw output is the target to reach, not Panasonic.
When will they release the Sony A7SAR? (A7 Sony Alpha Rumors) – a camera that contains all the features speculated and demanded by SAR readers: A 52MP sensor with very large pixels, no AA filter, no moire, 18FPS with small, lossless RAW files, TRINAVI, but also a traditional layout, 1,200 photos on a charge, wireless flash trigger, 8K 120FPS, 4:4:4 video, with a giant EVF and no hump. The A7SAR will be awesome!
1300 shots per charge or NO BUY!!!
..and invisible since most sar readers do not own or shoot any camera other than cellphone
And both OVF and EVF ))
I wouldn’t buy it. YOU FORGOT IBIS!!!!!
You won’t find many video camera options with mechanical IBIS (if at all). The a-mount cameras use a pretty terrible digital steady shot in video mode .
This is not the point. I’m replying to Leica Boss’s joke about a possible A7 SAR; a camera that contains all the speculated specs from SAR’s users. And he forgot to mention IBIS!
who cares if there are no lenses for it???????
This appears to be Sony’s very high end cinealta tech filtering to a consumer level compact cam. Naturally, there will be complaints if the focus of the complainers is photography and not video. Is that difficult to understand? 🙂
C’mon, guy, you can’t possibly say there’s too much hysteria on SAR over a rumor Sony is adding a single feature to the a7S and Admin tells us it’s 4k. Certainly, it will have a leaf shutter, have a solid titanium weather sealed body, come with a new pancake feather-light 8mm-600mm telephoto razor sharp Zeiss kit lens, have a terabyte buffer offering unheard of burst rates, better low-light capability than the human eye, and offer battery life to rival my Kindle. Oh, and I expect all this for about $1,000. ;^)
Oh… I forgot. If Sony releases such a camera for $1,000 I’ve got to read all the SAR rumors of gray market FleaBay sellers shaving a couple hundred bucks off a a7S shipped to America with a Kurdistan warranty. ;^)
My dream camera 🙂 haha
my guess:
Noticeable Autofocus improvement because of the
– doubled the square size of the autofocus pixels means better and more reliable phase detection autofocus.
– availability of the enhanced autofocus technology from A6000.
Noticeable serial photo shooting capabilities (faster, longer series) because of the
– faster readout from the sensor
– smaller RAW files
which eventually increases the applicability of the camera for the dynamic scenes
Same resolution (on-matrix in line per mm of the sensor) for the photo and video means that anti-aliasing filter will be equally adequate for both photo and video. For video it would mean virtually no moire.
just curious . 4k at 60 frames would that be to difficult for this cam?? i mean is it 30 frames because the cam is so small in size that it wont be able to handle 60 frames?
60fps = 2x more heat.
ya that’s what i thought:) but just wanted to be sure
by the way i would not mind if they increased the size a bit so it could Handel 60 frames..
but i am guessing the replacement of the sony A99 might be the one with 4k at 60 frames! if so i am ready to sell my a99 and get that one
4K 60P will come to consumer cameras eventually. The processors can double their processing power every couple of years, so the same class of processor as they use now in two years will handle 4k 60P. Just as it took a while for consumer cams to hit 1080p60, this transition will also take a while. The A7s, if it really exists will be only the second FF 4K camera, the journey has just began.
2 years to get to 4k 60p i think that is to much! and i am not talking about consumer cams, i am talking about PRO cams such as the sony A99 for example
The A99 is not a pro video camera, it still sits in the consumer category. The FS700 is the cheapest 4K camera at the moment that will shoot 60P in (real) 4K and the cheapest setup its ~$10K.
Dont expect 4K 60P for a long time.
OMG i did not know that the a99 was a still camera lol, and i was not saying a99 is a pro video camera(it is a Semi pro camera) !! i own a A99 so i know what it IS!! and u say fs700 is the cheapest 4k video camera? did u forget that is a camera called
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and it is only 1700USD u will see with in 1 to 2 years the Flagship DSLR cameras will come with 4k video, even stupid mobiles phones have 4k video(granted its sucks!!) but if u think it will take many years for a sony A99 type of future dslr will not have 4k then my friend u have no idea what u r talking about. have u forgotten how fast Tech moves???
I was saying it doesn’t and won’t have pro video features. The fs700 is the cheapest SONY 4K camera.
Plus the gh4 isn’t out yet.
No I do t think even the a99 replacement will have 4k if that a7s is any indication. Sony is keeping it Pro section distinctly separate.
well if that what sony decide to do , it will have a tough time competing because now a days even big productions want to use small camera for example the avengers used i think 7d in some shots, coz it was small , and they could not get those shots with their other big cames such as (fs700 for example)
A larger buffer / cache, more memory and higher processing ability is needed for 60p which means greater costs, heat and bumping up against the size constraints. It shouldn’t be an issue for the a77 II if it ever is released.
true 😀 or the replacement or the a99
I’m guessing that their sensor agreement with Nikon prevents them from producing a 16MP, full frame with 4K, hyper fast a6000 tracking AF which would surely chap the asses off both the D4s and DF respectively…we are all aware of how protective Nikon is…thus the 12MP safeguard. 12MP also makes the a7S a “video only” cam for most, which protects a7 sales. Let’s face it, in 2014 -4 megapixels is not going to have a significant impact on moiré, fps, buffering AF speed…not with today’s processors, but 16 megapixels for stills and 4K might have peeked my interest. Sony will NEVER give us the “do everything” mirrorless camera we want…it simply would be fiscally irresponsible to do so. This camera at 12 MP is a non sequitur as far as I am concerned. OMD rumor: EM-2 in the works –it’s an E-M1 with full frame, 4K and supported with fast primes.
A full frame E-M2 with 4K would fly in the face of every facet of Olympus design philosophy. The highest of high ups there have been on record a number of times saying that their commitment is to Micro Four Thirds photography. They’re heavily invested in lens production and have already released a roadmap that stretches well into 2015. Why would they switch to full frame? And, much as I’d like to see them double down on their video efforts, they’ve made it sound as if high-quality video is antithetical to their (for lack of a better word) “values.”
If all it takes for something to be a rumor is for someone to say it once, then shit: 6K Fuji X-Trans Organic Foveon hybrid medium format camera coming for $1100 USD Q4 2014. WHO ELSE IS HYPED?
Clean HDMI out just means that there are no text / information overlays (like the date), not that it will have a higher bit rate or better color space.
Yes it does, because consumer cameras use codecs/compression that limits the quality. The clean hdmi out has no compression (other than color space compression). So, hdmi out will usually be better quality than the camera can record to sd card.
“Clean” refers to the fact that there is no other information overlayed on the image. Clean has nothing to do with the quality which can be worse, equal or better than the internal recording, depending on the implementation.
It is hard to implement it properly, and export an higher quality signal and that is the reason that you can find better quality only on the dedicated video cameras. For example there are DSLR cameras that advertise 10bit output that in reality is the 8bit signal converted to 10bit with no extra information.
This news was kind of what I was waiting for. Imagine they make an anamorphic lens for e-mount to go with this full frame.
Do you guys realise that AX1 uses the same codec with 150Mbit while the AX100 has 60Mbit. I highly doubt that the a7s will “only” use the lowest 60Mbit version, as its aimed for videoshooting. Also I hope they added 96fps or even 120fps in 1080p mode.
Like we need more FE cameras to fit our 4 lenses on, eh.
haha
I shoot manual focus 100% of the time on videos so no problem with that. For stills, is the AF on A7R really not tolerable for stills? Or those who love to manual focus are enjoying the focus peaking? I’m assuming there’s many A7R owners here.
There are many youtube AF tests, its worth spending your valuable time there than here
I hope we see a FE power zoom lens which would be great for video.
There is now an awesome one, the 28-135mm! (yeah… I’m replying months later 😛 )
4K video frame has 12M samples for 4:2:0 standard and 16M samples for 4:2:2 (8M Luma and 4M or 8M Chroma). There is no way to obtain non-interpolated 4K frame from a 12Mpixel FF sensor.
You do realise that a 12MP sensor is perfect for 4K video as when cropped to 16:9 the pixels are the exact same resolution as 4K video. No requirement for horizontal cropping or downsampling and all the artifacts that introduces. A 16MP sensor would require downsampling and produce poorer quality video.
Love the A7s specs, but soon Sony will have more bodies than lens
Damn you… it is 2014 Q4, where is that camera I heard all the rumours about from Fuji???