New Sony HDC 4K camera with Super35 global shutter CMOS sensor in development

Sony has announced that it is developing a new 4K camera system in its HDC lineup. The camera will feature a Super35 global shutter CMOS image sensor.

This is interesting because it will combine a 4K Super35 global shutter CMOS image sensor with the HDC form factor. That said, it's not a new concept and Sony has done it before.

Sony HDC-4800

Sony already offers several HDC models that feature a 4K CMOS sensor with a global shutter, however, these have 2/3 inch sensors. There is an HDC camera, the HDC4800, which already has an S35 sensor.

If you are unfamiliar with Sony's HDC series, these are shoulder mountable cameras that are used in outside broadcast applications. They are not able to record internally.

The new HDC camera, which has no name yet, will mainly be used for live productions such as concerts, sporting events, etc. We've seen both the Sony VENICE and a7S III used in live sporting events before with varying results. Having a larger sensor HDC camera would allow broadcasters to achieve a similar look, while using current production infrastructure and workflows.

The only problem with outdoor broadcast cameras that have an S35 size sensor is that you usually need a long focal length lens. This makes it difficult to use. Sure, you could use a 2/3″ ENG lens with an adapter, but then you lose a ton of light and you might have to engage the extension to keep the lens from getting clogged. Sometimes having a camera with a larger sensor isn't always ideal.

According to Sony, the camera will be compatible with Sony's existing SR Live for HDR workflow with HLG and S-Log3. The new model is expected to be available sometime in 2021. Sony will announce full details in the coming months.

The concept of creating a Super 35mm sized sensor camera for outdoor broadcast is not new. The Ikagami HDK-97ARRI which was announced in 2013 featured the exact same ALEV III sensor still found in many of ARRI's current cameras. It also featured a PL mount that could be swapped out for a B4 broadcast mount.

ARRI also recently announced the

AMIRA Live

. Like other Super 35 format cinema cameras suitable for multi-camera broadcasting, the AMIRA previously required multiple external cables connecting the camera to the fiber backend for SMPTE 311M signal transmission. For live broadcasters, these cables created another link in the chain as there was always a risk of accidental disconnection or damage. Not only does the AMIRA Live remove these risks, but the cleaner camera setup makes it a better solution for camera operators.

Whether or not we see a shoulder-mounted ENG/EFP camera with a 4K Super35 Global Shutter CMOS image sensor capable of on-board recording will be interesting to see.