Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 27, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The suffix in the name points to the output of the reconfigured camera. This is a 10-bit 4:4:4 RGB color output, which is still the best option for most green- and bluescreen recordings and has therefore become standard functionality. In addition, S-Log Gamma is now also an integrated standard in this model. S-Log Gamma is used when it comes, among other things, to maximizing highlight and shadow detail. Sony’s principle is based on a logarithmic tonal curve that assigns digital code values to the 10-bit RGB components, beginning with dark shadows and extending to bright highlights. Furthermore, S-Log works with LUTs that can be modified in external programs such as DaVinci Resolve.
As written at the beginning, the output format was equipped with 10-bit 4:4:4 RGB, but can still generate the output of 10-bit S-Log 4:2:2. Both output formats apply here to external recorders. Internally, 8-bit S-Log can be recorded on an integrated XDCAM EX recorder.
But Sony goes one better in the form of new firmware numbered 1.40. Through this firmware, the S-Log principle becomes visible in the form of a gamma curve under the picture profiles, including settings for white balance, matrix, and details. From a technical perspective, one benefits from using an SR-R1 SRMASTER recorder. According to Sony, this is intended to provide the possibility of recording the entire range of metadata. In detail, it is possible clips with the associated timecode, start frame as well as end frame and file name.
All information about the camcorder is available on the official Sony homepage.
