Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/680196
CAMERAS www.postmagazine.com 28 POST MAY 2016 with Ultra-High Frame Rate (UHFR) capabilities — 8x at 4K, and up to 16x in full HD — but also features dynamic cut- out and zoom capabilities for live sports and special event productions. The system starts with a camera head. The HDC-4800 uses a new Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor and wide color space. It uses all the familiar ergonom- ics and commands, including dynamic focus assist and a simple large lens adapter. The next leg in the camera is the BPU-4800 baseband processor unit that also doubles up as the replay server. This BPU-800 not only enables continuous recording of up to four hours of Ultra High Frame rate 4K (8x super motion content), but also allows instant replays that can be broadcast on-air as a first replay. ■ QUICK LOOK 35mm CMOS sensor; shoots and records slow motion at various speed, dependent on preference; 4K and Wide Color Space with Ultra-High Frame Rate (UHFR) capabilities; 8x at 4K, and up to 16x in full HD; pricing TBA. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN There is something to be said when man- ufacturers decide to produce companion products that match up really well with their cameras and design philosophy. The Blackmagic Design (www.blackmagicde- sign.com) Video Assist 4K is a new portable monitor and video recorder that can be used to record and monitor any SDI or HDMI camera. But truth be told, it looks like it really belongs with the Ursa Mini. Blackmagic Video Assist 4K has a high-resolu- tion, seven-inch monitor, with two high-speed recorders for non-stop HD and Ultra HD recording. It incorporates two XLR microphone inputs for professional audio recording and a built-in speaker. What I found intriguing about this product is that it features two built-in, high-speed UHS-II recorders fast enough to record Ultra HD video up to 2160p/30fps. Files are saved as 10-bit, 4:2:2 video in either ProRes or DNxHD formats. Another pleasing feature is the attention to audio. The unit records high-quality audio and features two mini XLR inputs. Also announced was a new camera Operating System for the Ursa Mini that's not just an upgrade, but a total rewrite from the ground up, featuring an entirely new user interface. The new UI features a heads-up display with fewer menus and submenus needed to find settings and commands. The camera op- erator can now quickly change settings such as ISO, white balance, shutter an- gle, iris and frame rate, as well as frame guides. Other additions include custom white balance and white balance pre- sets, along with tint control settings and shutter angle selection. A large, easy-to-use, on-screen keyboard is also provided. ■ QUICK LOOK Video Assist features 1920x1080 touch- screen LCD; records 1080p up to 60 fps; ProRes 10-bit, 4:2:2 encoding; HDMI and 6G-SDI video inputs; loop-through video outputs; stores to single SDHC/SDXC memory card; on-screen histogram & audio levels; focus peaking & zebra; and dual Canon LP-E6 type battery slots; lists for $895. The new operating system and user interface for Ursa Mini is offered as a free download. JVC BUILT-IN IFB At NAB 2016, JVC (pro. jvc.com) really emphasized one signifi- cant enhancement — one of the industry's first IFB return audio system built into a camera. Available in the new GY-HM660 ProHD camera, a replacement for the GY-HM650, it allows the director or news anchor to communicate directly with the camera operator or reporter. In addition to newsgathering applications, the IFB return audio feature will allow communi- cations with camera operators in a totally wireless multi-camera production. It only requires camera operators equipped with IP-capable cameras on-location. Each camera records footage locally using on-board, non-proprietary media, while si- multaneously streaming footage live back to the production facility using a private network. Camera operators communicate with the director using the new IFB return audio channel. ■ QUICK LOOK Integrated IFB audio channel; new CMOS image sensors; brighter LCD display; the GY-HM660 with IFB lists for $5,495. Sony's HDC-4800 features a new, Super 35mm CMOS sensor. Blackmagic's new Video Assist 4K. JVC's new GY- HM660 has IFB return audio. Red now allows shooting in Avid formats.