Press Releases

Sony: 4K Cameras F65 and F55 Shot the Motion Picture “Tomorrowland”: The World’s First Live Action Cinematic Release in 4K High Dynamic Range

Sony 4K Consumer Entertainment Platform

  • A “K” is 1024 horizontal pixels and “4K” means 4096 x 2160 resolution.
  • Consumer Electronics Association launched the term “Ultra High-Definition” (Ultra HD) to cover 4K consumer products.

Sony 4K Production Platform

The following video presents Tomorrowland: Behind the FX of the Futuristic World | Design FX:

See how Industrial Light & Magic created the futuristic tech and magical world in Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland.

  • Also, see the Sony F55 4K camera that was used to shoot scenes of Tomorrowland, during the following time intervals of this video:
    • 1 min:05 sec and 1 min:07 sec
    • 1 min:14 sec and 1 min:17 sec

Sony F65

Sony F65

"A copper interconnect layer and dual noise reduction enable the F65 image sensor to achieve a unique combination of high resolution and high sensitivity— together with low noise."

“A copper interconnect layer and dual noise reduction enable the F65 image sensor to achieve a unique combination of high resolution and high sensitivity— together with low noise.”

Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda, ASC shares his set-up and experiences using the Sony F65 and F55 on the shoot – out the exclusive interview:

  • The main camera was the Sony F65.
Sony F55

Sony F55

…on Tomorrowland we were able to use F55 cameras when we wanted to get into small, tight places or required a lightweight package. So it was a great complement to the F65….

The F55 cameras were for grab, Steadicam, mounts, rigs, and action cam kind of situations.

The F65 has a larger dynamic range. It’s still a stronger camera. It’s just a more powerful beast. There’s just a lot of horsepower behind that so there’s still more latitude in the F65 than the F55. But for action shots, the F55 cuts really well with the F65. I don’t have any issues using the F55. In fact, I used it often. For the size, it’s actually pretty great. I love the internal NDs. It has a great form factor. It’s easy to play and record. Every now and then the Director wanted to do some action sequences to run at 20 or 22 fps to kind of tighten up the pace a little bit. In the beginning this was only available with the F65. Then as future updates were implemented, the F55 was able to do the same. So we learned and grew with the camera as it evolved.

We used the ARRI/ZEISS Master Primes and the Fujinon Premier Zoom…

Claudio Miranda, ASC
Cinematographer of the “Tomorrowland”
http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/article/broadcast-products-tomorrowland-brought-to-life-f55?SM=FB1&src=290515DOPs_Tomorrowland__a3&cmp=scl-cc-11192

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from Disney’s Tomorrowland, shot on Sony CineAlta!

Actor George Clooney in Tomorrowland: Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

Actor George Clooney in Tomorrowland: Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

Tomorrowland: Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

Tomorrowland: Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

Sony F65 camera for Tomorrowland. Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

Sony F65 camera for Tomorrowland. Image Courtesy of Sony Professional

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Highlights Full Line of 4K and High Dynamic Range Technologies at Cine Gear 2015

by Sony Pro Team 06/05/2015

F65 and F55 Cameras and BVM-X300 OLED Monitor Present HDR Imagery “Closest to the Reality our Eyes See Every Day”

At CineGear 2015, Sony is highlighting its full line of 4K production technologies, with expanded support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) workflows – from the F55 and F65 to the new 4K BVM X300 OLED reference monitor, which can output higher brightness, higher contrast, resolution and color gamut – a combination resulting in the highest quality HDR imagery for use on-set and in the grading suite.
bvmx300_others_141128_06-1200
The BVM-X300 reference monitor is designed for 4K HDR content mastering and marries seamlessly with Sony’s professional cameras. The BVM-X300 supports S-Log3 as an HDR EOTF because the S-Log3 is a widely prevalent gamma curve in the industry for efficient 10-bit workflows. In addition, to meet industry requirements, Sony is also releasing a new firmware version this summer for the BVM-X300 that will allow it to display HDR content as SMPTE ST2084, adding a significant feature to the monitor that fits well into HDR work environments.

Sony will demonstrate side-by-side comparisons of SDR and HDR throughout Cine Gear. Sony’s demonstrations at Cine Gear will also feature the enhanced versatility of Sony’s large sensor F65, F55, F5, and FS7 4K cameras, including the F55/F5’s version 6 implementing ProRes RGB for HD acquisition.

Rounding out Sony’s CineGear exhibit is the Catalyst Edit/Catalyst Prepare media production suite, supporting multiple formats, including 4K, RAW, and XAVC and the new PMW-PZ1 4K memory player.

Sony 4K cameras have four distinct features that allow them to achieve superior imagery and HDR:  S-Gamut, Sony’s ultra wide color space that is much wider than Rec. 2020; S-Log; picture resolution and 16-bit Linear RAW capture.

16-bit is the highest possible level of data precision to squeeze everything out of the camera and RAW is particularly appealing for productions because they can go back later to the camera negative data and re-grade for HDR displays without reshooting the content. 16-bit RAW enables the great results of the HDR grading process that could otherwise be limited when grading content with less precision.

Complementing Sony’s technology exhibit are exclusive screenings of recent motion pictures shot on F65 and F55 cameras, including the recent Disney release “Tomorrowland.”

Shot entirely with Sony F65 and F55 4K motion picture cameras, “Tomorrowland” is the world’s first live action cinematic release in 4K High Dynamic Range.

After extensive testing by the production team, the ultra-wide color gamut, 16-bit RAW, the image resolution and 14+ stops of dynamic range of the Sony F65s and F55s made them the perfect choice for capturing the filmmakers’ vision.

"The secret to the S-Gamut system is an often overlooked but fundamental component of the large, single-sensor camera: the color filter array (CFA), which screens incoming light so that each photosensor can detect Red, Green or Blue. Sony's S-Gamut system uses uncommonly pure CFA dyes to achieve a range of color that's not only wider than other digital cameras. It's wider than motion picture print film."

“The secret to the S-Gamut system is an often overlooked but fundamental component of the large, single-sensor camera: the color filter array (CFA), which screens incoming light so that each photosensor can detect Red, Green or Blue. Sony’s S-Gamut system uses uncommonly pure CFA dyes to achieve a range of color that’s not only wider than other digital cameras. It’s wider than motion picture print film.”

“The imagery from the F65’s and F55’s graded in High Dynamic Range looks nothing short of stunning,” said Peter Crithary, marketing manager for Sony Electronics. “HDR comes closest to the reality that our eyes see every day, and our cameras were designed to capture all the elements necessary for superior HDR processing and viewing: with 16-bit RAW, superior color gamut, tonal detail in challenging lighting conditions as well as exceptional dynamic range, color, deeper black levels and more. This is a fundamental change for the cinema-going experience.”

Actress Britt Robertson: Image extracted from video below: Tomorrowland - US Teaser Trailer

Actress Britt Robertson: Image extracted from video below: Tomorrowland – US Teaser Trailer

The creative professionals on the “Tomorrowland” production team noted the significance of such a high-profile release in 4K HDR.

The movie’s cinematographer, Claudio Miranda, ASC, has previous experience shooting big-budget movies with the F65 and F55 cameras, and knew the imagery they were capable of producing.

Actor George Clooney in Tomorrowland: Image extracted from Disney video below

Actor George Clooney in Tomorrowland: Image extracted from Disney video below

“These cameras are HDR,” he said. “The camera always puts out more information than we will ever use.  We can add more contrast.  We can stretch our confines. The concept is having much more dynamic range in the theater.  HDR is interesting because it opens up the contrast. It’s like adding more bass to the subwoofers of an audio system. We can make explosions that don’t burn out. You can have an explosion with a lot of light.  You can use it for an effect, and it really opens up more in the DI, which can add to the story.  You can go from inside to a blinding light outside if you want to make the audience feel that extreme contrast.  You can have the dynamic range that you couldn’t before.  And the biggest thing is that you truly have ‘black’ blacks.”

Tomorrowland: Image extracted from Disney video below

Tomorrowland: Image extracted from Disney video below

As HDR content brings the filmmakers and content creators to a new level of content production workflow, Sony is committed to providing a complete solution based on a comprehensive range of cameras and monitors along with proven workflows.


Sony F65

Sony F65

Sony F55

Sony F55

The following video presents Tomorrowland – US Teaser Trailer:

Disney’s Tomorrowland comes to theaters May 22, 2015!

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

The following video presents Disney’s Tomorrowland – What Is Tomorrowland:

Disney’s Tomorrowland is now playing in theaters!

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Brigham Taylor, Jeff Jensen and Bernard Bellew serving as executive producers.