DCS Pre-NAB UPDATE

There is so much happening in terms of product announcements leading up to NAB, that we have decided to publish a special Pre-NAB DCS eNewsletter to catch you up on what we’ll be covering at the convention.  We’re looking forward to bringing you the latest in Motion Picture technology to stream from the DCS website.  There are new cameras from ARRI and Blackmagic Design, lenses from Fujinon, Canon, and Leitz, plus a host of new camera support and accessory products. There are name changes announced for ZGC and The Rag Place, plus a new Burbank office for Schneider Optics.  See below for news that has come out in just the last week after we published our March DCS eNewsletter.

Before we head up to Las Vegas, we want to also remind members about the DCS 2019 Internet Silent Auction. There are some great deals to be had, and your purchases will also be helping to support the Digital Cinema Society. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and everyone’s participation is greatly appreciated. See below for a complete list of the auction inventory and visit the Silent Auction page for current prices and lots more detail about the products offered.

You can always check the DCS Events Calendar for listings of upcoming events the world over, but we’ve also list some of the NAB related social and educational activities that may be of interest if you’re attending the convention.  We know we’ll see lots of you there, but for those who can’t make it, please keep an eye out for our comprehensive coverage of NAB 2019.  This year, we are again partnering with StudioDaily to help extend our online reach and make our coverage all the more accessible.

DCS 2019 NAB Silent Auction Now In Full Swing

Through the generosity of our supporters who are donating very valuable products, we are once again holding our DCS Internet Silent Auction to coincide with NAB. It is a great way for our supporters to make you aware of their new products while giving members a chance to get great deals, and at the same time help finance the Digital Cinema Society.

Here’s how it works: All current DCS members are welcome to e-mail us bids on the products described on the following list, (plus any additions that may be donated). Bidding will end promptly with the close of NAB 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Thursday, April 11th, and the winners will be notified shortly thereafter. In most cases the companies making the donations have elected to ship the products directly, so they will be given the winners’ contact details and arrange delivery. As with our dues collection, payment for the silent auction prizes will be via Paypal or check in US funds sent to us prior to pickup or shipping. Buyers are responsible for the actual cost of shipping, if any, as well as all import/export taxes that may be due. If the bid price fails to reach the listed minimum, the item will be added to our next raffle of SWAG and given away at an appropriate DCS event.

At the end of the auction every year, we always hear from a few people who say they meant to bid, but got busy and forgot, so we urge you not to wait, at least get in there and make the minimum bid if it is something you’re interested in.  Minimum bids start at around half of MSRP.  So what have you got to lose?  Visit the auction page and bid now:

www.digitalcinemasociety.org/silent-auction

Current Auction Items:

Item #1 — ZEISS Batis 25mm F2 for Sony E-mount Lens 

Item #2 — Avid Media Composer (with one year of upgrades and support)

Item #3 — OWC Envoy Pro EX Thunderbolt-3 – 1TB

Item #4 — Fiilex P360 Pro Plus Portable LED

Items #5 and #6– Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio, (1 copy per item)

Item #7 — Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro 4×5.65 (Swing Away) Mattebox

Item #8 — 1 Year Membership to ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD

Item #9 — Zacuto Shorty Trigger Grips

Item #10 — Core SWX Hotswap Shark-fin Gold Mount Battery Adapter

Item #11 — AJA Hi5-4K-Plus 3G-SDI to HDMI 2.0 Mini-Converter

Item #12– Zylight Newz LED On-camera Light

Item #13 — BB&S Lighting Pipeline Remote Phosphor 1′ LED w/Dimmer

Item #14 — K-Tek Stingray Utility Hip Pack

Item #15 — One hour of one-on-one Business Consultation with The Shindler Perspective

Item #16 — Redrock Micro microFollowFocus Professional Series

Item #17 — dedolight Ledzilla Bicolor LED with Battery and Charger

Items # 18 & 19 — Submission Fee Waiver to New Media Film Festival

Item #20 — Quasar Science Q25WRGBX 2′ Rainbow Lamp

Item #21 — MAAT Dynamic Range Loudness Meter Software Suite

For complete item descriptions and current bid prices, please visit: www.digitalcinemasociety.org/silent-auction

More items may be added throughout the auction, and we will try to update as we are able, so check back often. We will do our best, but please know that this is no eBay. No offer of solicitation of any merchandise at any particular price is expressed or implied. Thanks for bidding

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ARRI expands camera line with new large-format ALEXA Mini LF

In advance of NAB 2019, ARRI has announced its new ALEXA Mini LF camera.  The new system combines the compact size and low weight of the popular ALEXA Mini with the large-format ALEXA LF sensor.  It features three internal motorized FSND filters, 12 V power input, extra power outputs, a new Codex Compact Drive, and a new MVF-2 high-contrast HD viewfinder.  ARRI’s large-format camera system launched last year and is based around a 4.5K version of the ALEXA sensor, which is twice the size and offers twice the resolution of ALEXA cameras in 35 format. This improves on the ALEXA sensor’s natural colorimetry, pleasing skin tones, low noise, and suitability for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG).   ALEXA Mini LF joins ARRI’s existing Large Format system including the ALEXA LF camera, ARRI Signature Prime lenses, LPL lens mount, PL-to-LPL adapter, and Lens Data System LDS-2.

While ALEXA Mini LF is compatible with almost all ALEXA Mini accessories, it brings significant enhancements to the Mini camera design. Among them are extra connectors, including regulated 12 V and 24 V accessory power, a new 6-pin audio connector, built-in microphones, and improved WiFi. The ALEXA Mini LF allows internal recording of MXF/ARRIRAW or MXF/Apple ProRes in a variety of formats and aspect ratios, and is the first camera to feature the new Compact Drive recording media from Codex. Lightweight, but solidly built, the 1 TB drive can also be more affordable as it comes with a USB-C Compact Drive Reader that can be used without any extra software or licenses on Mac or Windows computers. In addition, a Compact Drive Adapter can be used in any dock that accepts SXR Capture Drives, potentially more than doubling download speeds.  Codex has also developed High Density Encoding (HDE) for loss-less encoding to reduce ARRIRAW file sizes by around 40% during downloading or later in the workflow.  HDE is free-of-charge for use with Codex Capture or Compact Drives, openly shared, and fast.  The ALEXA Mini LF cameras are scheduled to start shipping in mid-2019, prices TBD.  For more information visit: www.arri.com/alexaminilf
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FUJINON DEBUTS PREMISTA LARGE FORMAT CINEMA ZOOMS

FUJIFILM/Fujinon has unveiled the new Premista series of cinema zoom lenses to serve the growing market of full frame cinema cameras including the ARRI LF, Sony Venice, and Canon C700 cameras.  For 17 years, Fujifilm has been making high-quality optics for Super-35 sensor cameras including the very successful FUJINON Premier, Cabrio and MK ranges of lenses. Fujinon is now answering the call for zoom lenses that not only cover the image circle of the new large sensor cameras, but also provide high optical performance and versatility.  They are said to maintain the superior quality of the Premiers, but are in a form factor and price range closer to the Cabrios, (less than $40,000US per lens).

Fujifilm will first release the FUJINON Premista 28-100mmT2.9 (“Premista 28-100mm”) in summer 2019 (USD $38,800), followed by the launch of the FUJINON Premista 80-250mm T2.9-3.5 (“Premista 80-250mm”) before the end of 2019. Together, the lenses will cover the most frequently used focal lengths from 28mm to 250mm. While 28mm might not seem very wide for the wide-end of the focal range, it would be an equivalent field of view of roughly 19mm compared to Super35, making for a very workable range.  The Premista 28-100mm has a constant T2.9 speed across the entire zoom range and the Premista 80-250mm has a constant T2.9 speed from 80-200mm, before gradually ramping less than full stop to T3.5 between 201-250mm. Both lenses cover a 46.3mm image circle, which covers all current large format digital cinema cameras available for purchase.

A new 13-blade iris allows for a pleasant bokeh effect and a wide dynamic range of light can be captured thanks to dedicated optical design to suppress unwanted flare and ghosting as well as its large-diameter aspherical lens elements and new focus/zoom system.
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New Battery Mount Announced for ARRI Cameras

In answer to modern digital cameras increasingly pushing the performance limits of the established 12 Volt systems, ARRI, in cooperation with German battery manufacturer bebob, have developed a new 24 volt “B-mount”.  The new battery mount makes it possible to supply 24 Volt devices while providing maximum flexibility regarding the choice of batteries and accessories. ARRI will be using the B-Mount for all of its future cameras.  

This newly developed interface is said to have several advantages compared to its predecessors. The B-Mount provides 24 Volt high-power, but is also equipped to support multi-voltage (both 12 Volt and 24 Volt). Being adaptable for the respective needs of compatible devices, the B-Mount makes it possible to supply all devices on set with a single battery system. Having an open protocol and universal battery communication was extremely important in the B-Mount’s development. Previously, manufacturers had to develop various data transmission protocols for different device configurations. With the B-Mount interface, only one protocol is required. With the introduction of the B-Mount, ARRI and bebob aim to create a new, universal 24 Volt industry standard.  The specifications for this interface have been made accessible and have already been shared with various manufacturers in recent months. Bobob will be presenting their first series of bi-voltage batteries with matching accessories at NAB 2019.

For details on ARRI’s new camera announced last week, the Alexa Mini LF, visit:
//www.digitalcinemasociety.org/news/arri-expands-camera-line-new-large-format-alexa-mini-lf
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Canon Introduces New Sumire Full Frame Cine Prime Lenses

In advance of NAB 2019, Canon has introduced a new set of seven cinema prime PL-Mount lenses.  Named Sumire, (pronounced  “Soo-mee-ray,”) the lenses are said to offer a unique artistically pleasing look with gentle and beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh, designed for use with large-sensor cinema cameras, including 35mm full-frame cameras such as Canon’s own C700FF, Sony’s Venice, and ARRI’s LF series of Cinema Cameras. 

In addition to bright T-stops and Canon’s renowned warm-color imagery, a unique optical design introduces a nuanced look as the lens aperture approaches its maximum setting – subtly modifying the textural renderings of the human face closeup. It also smooths the transition to the fall-off portions of the scene resulting in a pleasing bokeh. This combination adds emotional expressiveness and provides creative flexibility to create a memorable scene.

All Sumire Prime lenses feature an 11-bladed iris and bright T-stops that allow users to capture images that feature a more natural circular-like bokeh from both maximum to minimum aperture. The use of an odd number of iris blades also helps to diffuse light rays and produce what is generally considered a more sought after, artistically pleasing and cinematic look with warmer colors. The lenses also achieve uniform color balance throughout the lineup, helping to reduce the need for post grading, even when a production is frequently changing lenses.

Similar to Canon’s well-established EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses focus breathing is kept to a minimum. However, manual operation provides users with the resistance they desire to make precise changes in focus. A 300-degree focus rotation angle and gear position is consistent across the entire Sumire Prime series of lenses – eliminating the need to adjust gear positions when changing lenses.

The new set of seven Canon Sumire Prime Cinema Lenses include the following:

• CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X
• CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X
• CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X
• CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X

Additionally, the mount on the Sumire Prime Lenses is interchangeable and can be converted from PL-Mount to EF-Mount at a Canon Factory Service & Repair center. A Canon representative will be able to perform the service or even revert back to original PL-mount upon request at an additional cost*.

Availability:  The Canon CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X and CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Summer 2019. The Canon CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X lens is scheduled to be available in Fall 2019. The Canon CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X and CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Winter 2019/Spring 2020.  Price TBD.  For more information, please visit: usa.canon.com/cinemalenses
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Blackmagic Design Introduces URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Digital Cinema Camera

Featuring upgraded electronics and recording capabilities, Blackmagic Design’s URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Digital Cinema Camera brings expanded control and functionality. The G2 introduces an updated Super 35 4.6K sensor featuring 15 stops of dynamic range at 3200 ISO, high frame rate recording up to 300 fps, and additional recording functionality.  The addition of external camera controls allow menus to be accessed to change exposure settings, activate slow/fast motion, or engage focus assist or other functions. The exterior of the camera also gains a monochrome LCD panel which displays essential shooting data, and a four position built-in ND filter wheel with up to six stops of neutral density.

Behind the display are two SD card slots beside the CFast 2.0 slots to enable more affordable media to be used for less intensive recording formats. The G2 also has a USB-C expansion port to record directly to external drives. The default electronic EF lens mount is user-interchangeable and adjustable to ensure proper flange focal distance.  The G2 can now capture Blackmagic RAW footage in film and extended modes and also has the ability to capture 4.6K footage at 120 fps, 4K DCI at 150 fps, or even 1080p footage at 300 fps.

Like the URSA Mini, the URSA Mini Pro G2 can record high-resolution raw sensor data in CinemaDNG format onto CFast 2.0 or SD memory cards at up to 60 fps.  This preserves the full dynamic range and color tonality output from the sensor for greater control over the look in post-production. For less data intensive needs, compressed raw recording is also available with 3:1 and 4:1 compression ratios to save space while retaining post-production flexibility.  The URSA Mini Pro G2 also offers standard Apple ProRes files in many different quality levels within the 444 and 422 chroma subsampling variations. The 4.6K, 4K, 3K, 2K, and HD recording resolutions can be captured as ProRes files either using the “Film” dynamic range for a flatter image for grading in post-production, or “Video” dynamic range for a finished look right out of the camera. ProRes can be recorded to either CFast 2.0 or UHS-II SD cards.  The form factor of the original URSA Mini has been adhered to so accessories from Blackmagic and third parties are all still compatible.  Available for preorder at $5,995.00….Delivery Date: TBD.
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Friends of DCS Updates: Name changes for ZGC and The Rag Place and a New Office for Schneider Optics
ZGC has announced that it is now Cooke Americas. Les Zellan, CEO of Cooke Optics and the former ZGC, will continue to lead both companies with access to the same people, products and authorized service. Only the name will change, which is a part of Cooke’s ongoing commitment to worldwide service and support.
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The Rag Place is now known as TRP.  From ULTRABOUNCE, MAGIC CLOTH, and GELFAB to the patented SNAPGRID line of light modifiers, TRP will continue to offer creative solutions for the challenges of on-set lighting.  With US offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Louisiana, as well as stocked inventory in Europe, TRP offers the largest inventory of light-modifying fabrics and LED lighting accessories to the motion picture industry in the world.
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Schneider Optics Opens New Burbank Location.  The Schneider Optics team selected this specific, central location for key customer and industry convenience.  With easy industry access close to other film-land services in Burbank, this site will primarily function as a sales and distribution center for the Western United States and Canada – with multi-element lens service and repair capabilities under one roof.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

As always, we want to send out a big thanks to all “Friends of DCS,” whose support makes it possible for us to continue the DCS mission of educating the entertainment industry about the advancements in digital and cine technology:

AbelCine – ACES – Adobe – Adorama – Advantage Video Systems – AJA – Angénieux – Anton/Bauer – ARRI – Avid – BB&S Lighting – Band Pro – Blackmagic Design – BlockBattery – Canon – Cartoni – Cineo Lighting – Cinnafilm – Codex – Cooke Optics – Core SWX – Dadco/Filmlight – Dedolight California – DigitalFilm Tree –  Fiilex – FLUOTEC – FootageBank – Fujinon –  Hot Rod Cameras – J.L. Fisher – K 5600 – Kino Flo – KitSplit – Leitz Cine Wetzlar  Light & Motion – LiteGear – Litepanels – Luminys – Lupo Light – MacSales – MACCAM  – Manios Digital – Mole-Richardson – Nila – OConnor – OWC – Panasonic – Panasonic Lumix – Panavision – P+S Technik – Redrock Micro – Rosco – Sachtler – Schneider Optics – SIGMA – SIM Digital – SmallHD – Sony – Teradek – Quasar Science – The Rag Place – The Studio-B&H – Tiffen – Tokina Cinema – Vision Research – Westcott – Wooden Camera – Zeiss – ZGC – Zylight

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

The large number of listings and hyperlinks in our full Calendar of Events causes many e-mail servers to reject our eNewsletter. So, for a complete calendar of upcoming industry event listings for both the U.S. and International, please visit the Events Calendar on the DCS Homepage at:  www.digitalcinemasociety.org/events-calendar

Follow DCS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget that the Digital Cinema Society has a Facebook fan page. Check in for the latest news, event details and general DCS hubbub at: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalCinemaSociety

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“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin