NAB: Sony Previews DSLR-Style Cinematography Camera

LAS VEGAS — Sony previewed a prototype camera that is intended to marry high-end motion picture requirements with the design of a handheld DSLR on Sunday at an NAB press conference that was also highlighted by a visit from the Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda (Life of Pi), who recently lensed Universal’s Oblivion with Sony’s F65 4K camera.

Described as “the embodiment of Sony’s future development,” the prototype camera and complementary lenses will not be previewed on the NAB show floor, and no other details were given, not even what resolution it would capture.

Sony emphasized its 4K prowess at the event. “We’re not bragging when we say Sony owns 4K just like we did with SD and HD,” said Phil Molyneux, president of Sony Electronics.

Added Alec Shapiro, president of Sony Professional Solutions of America, “4K is the future of cinematography.”

Miranda and DIT Alex Carr took the stage to share insights into their use of the F65 on Oblivion, from which a clip was shown.

“The shoot took place in a lot of different locations including in Iceland, where we had mostly overcast skies,” the cinematographer said. “The extra color gamut helped us capture some challenging dynamic range shots.”

Featured product included the F5 and F55 4K cameras, of which 2,000 have shipped since February, and 56-inch and 30-inch 4K OLED panels for professional monitoring.

Sony also revealed sub-$10K pricing for two 4K TV sets first announced at CES — making the technology more assessable compared with its first 84-inch 4K TV, which listed for $25,000 when it was announced last fall. At NAB, Sony said its 55-inch UltraHD TV will cost $5,000 with a 65-inch version $7,000. Customers of those sets can also purchase a 4K media player bundled with 10 4K films for $699. The company said this would be updated later in the year with a video distribution service of 4K titles from Sony Pictures and other content owners.