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The Cameras of NAB Show 2015

The annual National Association of Broadcasters convention and trade show (NAB) always features the biggest line up of new production cameras, and this year was certainly no exception.

After announcing new cameras at NAB for the last three consecutive years, another new camera was expected from Blackmagic Design this year, and show attendees were not disappointed.

The new ‘URSA Mini’ camera addresses the most common complaints camera operators had with last year’s URSA camera, namely camera weight and ergonomics. The URSA Mini‘s more compact shoulder mount design and viewfinder make this camera much more handheld friendly, and shows off the new higher ISO 4K and 4.6K sensor option coming soon for the larger URSA.

Blackmagic also showed a couple of new ‘Micro’ cameras among their large field of new products. Apparently targeting the popular drone production market, the new Micro cameras look to have a lot in common with Blackmagic’s existing ‘Pocket‘ and ‘Studio‘ cameras.  Available in both 4K and HD models, both feature an interchangeable lens MFT-mount with a Super-16 sensor; one model has the option to record internally to SD cards, and one does not.

Panasonic was showing a ruby and carbon fiber colored little jewel in their booth called the ‘AG-DVX200.’ With it’s 4/3″ 4K MOS sensor and SD card based recording, it looks as though Panasonic has taken the success of their GH4 camera and wrapped it a more practical package with common features needed for professional production, such as on-board audio recording, high speed servo lens, and SDI output.

While not exactly announced during the NAB show, several companies used the show to really reveal the cameras they announced in the weeks leading up to the show.

Sony‘s new ‘HDC-4300′ is the first three-chip 2/3″ broadcast camera with 4K sensors. A true B4-mount ENG camera, Sony clearly aims to maintain their dominance in the broadcast industry.

Although not new for NAB, Sony’s 'PXW-FS7′ camera continued to be a highlight of the show.  With on-board 4K recording, high frame rates (up to 180 fps), Super-35 sensor, a variety of internal CODECS, and optional servo-zoom lens, Sony’s FS7 certainly checks all the boxes most production professionals are looking for.

RED Digital‘s all new ‘Weapon’ camera features innovative cable-less design, a smaller body, and the option for a new 8K sensor. As with other new RED cameras, existing RED Dragon owners will have the opportunity to trade-up to the new Weapon once available.

Canon Cinema EOS fans were excited to see the all new ‘C300 Mark II,’ which features internal 4K recording and high frame rate recording of up to 120 fps; features Canon shooters have specifically been asking about since last year.

There was also a lot of buzz at the JVC booth this year to see the new ‘GY-LS300′ camera. With a 4K Super-35 sensor, 60p recording, and a sub $5k price, this camera will the meet the needs for many shooters looking to upgrade into 4K this year.

Although cameras represent just a fraction of the new production toys shown during the NAB Show, they are always a highlight.  Feel free to contact our experienced Los Angeles based staff to discuss any of these new developments detail, or visit our website for more information.

Samy’s DV & Edit
310-450-4365
http://www.samysdv.com