The Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K Digital Cinema Camera features an 8.9MP Super 35mm image sensor, capable of capturing 4K, 2K and HD resolution video in a variety of formats via the camera's internal recorder. The F55 is among the first digital motion picture cameras with a global shutter, which completely eliminates motion skew and other "rolling" shutter distortions. Sony has designed the F55 as the foundation of an exceptionally versatile, modular system.

Many digital sensors can match and even surpass traditional motion picture film for resolution and low light image quality, but with approximately 14.3 stops of dynamic range, film has maintained an advantage over most digital sensors. However, the F55's exposure latitude is rated at 14 stops of dynamic range, for truly film-like rendering of highlights and shadows. Moreover, the F55 incorporates the same color filter array technology used in Sony's flagship F65, for a color gamut that is even wider than motion picture film.

On-board 4K recording requires high-data rate recording media, and the F55 will use Sony's newly developed SxS PRO+ memory cards. A 128 GB card will provide enough space for approximately 40 minutes of 4K video in the XAVC Intra 422 format. SxS PRO+ cards will also allow on-board recording of 2K video at up to 180 frames per second² as well as SStP 4:4:4 at 440 Mbps when set to RGB.

8.9MP Super 35mm CMOS Image Sensor

With 8.9 effective megapixels (11.6 total MP), the Sony 4K CMOS sensor captures a true 4K 4096 x 2160 DCI-standard cinema image. The sensor approximates the size of traditional 2-perf, Super 35mm motion picture film, which allows cinematographers to use their favorite lenses on the F55 without a significant disparity in apparent angle-of-view.

Internal 4K/2K/HD Recording

The F55 CineAlta camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording that allows the choice of 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422 at 50 Mbps, 10-bit XAVC 2K/HD at 100 Mbps, SR Codec 10-bit MPEG4 SStP at 220/440/880 Mbps, and XAVC 4K/QFHD at 300 Mbps. All formats can be recorded at a range of interlace and progressive frame rates. Some recording settings will require a free firmware upgrade.

Electronic Global Shutter

Traditional CMOS sensors employ what is commonly known as a "rolling shutter." The F55 is among the first digital motion picture cameras with a global shutter, which completely eliminates motion skew and other rolling shutter distortions.

Highly Modular Design