London, UK, March 23rd ​ - Sony today announced that the HDC-F5500 system camera, the latest entry in Sony's HDC camera series, which boasts a highly sensitive Super 35mm frame ideal for achieving a cinematic look, on a 4K CMOS global shutter image sensor, combined with perfect integration into live production systems, ​ will be made available in Europe from Spring 2022.

The HDC-F5500, announced in the US in October 2021, builds on the success and benefits of the industry-standard HDC line-up and serves as a powerful tool for those in need of creative expression with a cinematic look, in a system camera form factor and workflow. ​ Thanks to the global shutter effect to prevent rolling shutter distortion and flash band, this camera works perfectly in challenging light circumstances, for example music concerts with fast moving LED laser light. The global shutter technology with shallow depth of field image sensor is also perfect for live studio environments coupled with an LED wall virtual system.

A first for a systemized S35mm system, the HDC-F5500 features a motorized 8-step ND filter adopted from Sony's digital motion picture camera VENICE, which can be controlled locally or remotely, for increased operational flexibility. ​ It also allows the precise selection of focus depth as well as controlled capture of fast-moving subjects, even in bright lighting conditions. ​ Another highlight of the new system camera is its wide colour gamut. ​ Support for BT.2020, S-Gamut3/S-Gamut3.cine and HLG enhance creativity and reality and match seamlessly with the colour science driving Sony's most in-demand cameras.

From a workflow perspective, the HDC-F5500 integrates with Sony's IP Live production system through the use of the HDCU-5500 series and is perfect for remote production thanks to its integration with the IP extension adaptor HDCE-TX50. Its simple integration with a wide range of accessories means it’s easy to use in existing workflows.

The HDC-F5500 also supports full compatibility with Sony remote control panels for live shading and painting work for video engineers. The HDC-F5500 is also compatible with Sony’s existing SR Live for HDR workflow with HLG and S-Log3, which is establishing itself as an efficient HDR live production workflow in the global market.

"We’re delighted to add this camera to our portfolio which answers the increased demand for a cinematic look in the European Sports market in particular," said Norbert Paquet, Head of Live Production, Sony Professional Europe. ​ “Sony cameras are recognised for their advanced technology and workflow with reliability and length of life, making them a good choice from a sustainability perspective, and this new addition will no doubt serve our customers for many years to come through its innovative features and adaptability. “

Currently, the first customer use of the HDC-F5500 is set to be at the Montreux Jazz Festival this July in Switzerland. The camera system’s super 35-mm 4K CMOS sensors will deliver the festival in extraordinary clarity from wide beauty shots of the Lake Leman shoreline to tight close-ups of the 2022 artist line-up. As the first festival in Europe to use the high-spec technology, the camera system will bring new creative possibilities to Montreux and position itself as one of the most digitally advanced music festivals in the world.

 Yannick Dumartineix, Head of Production at RTS says: “We did our first UHD wide sensor live shot test in Montreux during the 2014 edition. Since the Artistic Direction of Montreux Jazz Festival has decided to handle a cinematic look at the Stravinsky auditorium we were planning to use f-55. As our OBs are equipped with HDC-5500, the release of the F-5500 is a great opportunity for us to go wide sensor on a smart way as we only have to replace the Camera head and maintain the rest of the chain.”

Nick Bonard, CEO of Montreux Media Ventures also comments: ​ "The Montreux Jazz Festival 56^th edition will take place in Montreux from 01 July to 16 July 2022, for two weeks of unmissable live entertainment from some of the world’s most exciting and biggest names in music. We are thrilled to be continuing the festival’s tradition of innovation, by working with both Sony and RTS to deliver an unparallel creative execution to the artists performance and a thrilling visual experience to music lovers from around the world. ​ ​ Sony and the Festival already worked together in the 2000’s to deliver full HD AV productions and today’s partnership is just the continuation of this long tradition. ​ "

For more information about this new system camera or Sony's lineup of HDC cameras, please visit pro.sony.eu.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. From game and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services – the Sony purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.

For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

About Sony Professional Solutions

Sony Professional Solutions is part of Sony Corporation and exists to help professionals to truly live their vision, by unleashing the incredible power of images. With a winning combination of innovative technology and long-standing expertise, Sony partners with businesses across a variety of sectors including Media, Broadcast and Sports to deliver industry leading and transformational customer solutions. Operating with over 40 years’ experience and a trusted network of established technology partners, the wide Sony portfolio of knowledge, products and services propositions provides true value to businesses and informs, educates and inspires their customers.

For more information, please visit http://pro.sony.eu

For further information 

please contact Sony Professional Solutions Europe press office on: press.europe@sony.com