News

Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-GH4R, an advanced version of the LUMIX DMC-GH4, as well as a comprehensive software update for existing users.

Following the critically acclaimed launch of the LUMIX DMC-GH4, the LUMIX DMC-GH4R comes in response to growing demand from the film production industry. The photo/video hybrid now offers unlimited 4K recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps in MOV/MP4) and V-Log L video capability, in addition to the high performance and functionality synonymous with Panasonic's range of LUMIX G CSC cameras. The GH4R will be available from 7th September 2015 and will RRP at 1199 GBP.

V-Log is also available to existing LUMIX DMC-GH4 users, via a paid software upgrade. By purchasing the DMW-SFU1 Upgrade Software Key and updating the camera’s firmware to version 2.3, users of the original LUMIX DMC-GH4 can also enjoy the benefits of V-Log L functionality for a one off cost of 79 GBP.

In addition to exceptional flexibility, Log shooting also enables wider dynamic range for colour grading in post-production. Taking full advantage of the LUMIX DMC-GH4R’s Four Thirds sensor, V-Log L boasts log characteristics with 12 stops, allowing videographers to capture the darkest scenes and avoid bleaching out details in very bright environments.

The LUMIX DMC-GH4R is the ideal camera to support Panasonic VariCams used on TV and movie sets. This is due to the VariCam’s V-Log and the LUMIX DMC-GH4R V-Log L curve both being developed with similar characteristics to the Cineon curve, the industry standard for film digitalisation, resulting in being able to use the same LUT (Look Up Table) for reference.

V-Log L Activation Procedure Outline for LUMIX DMC-GH4 owners
1. Purchase Upgrade Software key DMW-SFU1.
2. Update the GH4 firmware to Ver.2.3
3. Export the serial number of GH4 to the SD Memory Card as SERIAL.LST file.
4. Upload the SERIAL.LST file together with the purchased Upgrade Software Key to the designated URL to get an activation code as “ACTIVE.LST” file.
5. Write the ACTIVE.LST on the SD Memory Card to import it to GH4.
6. Confirm that V-Log L is available in Photo Style on GH4.

Blackmagic Design has released a new Public Beta 4 of the upcoming DaVinci Resolve 12 and DaVinci Resolve 12 Studio applications. The Beta 4 update includes new drag Video/Audio only to timeline, still frame mark I/O, gray UI option, support for ARRI SDK, improved VU meters as well as general performance enhancements.

Panasonic's DVX200 4K handheld camcorder will be available beginning of October 2015 for 4.699 EUR without VAT. This innovation in 4K camera technology boasts itself as the world's first 4/3-type large format, 4K/60p camcorder to feature an integrated zoom lens. This run & gun camera allows to shoot in HD and 4K with a large sensor while keeping the ease of use of a traditional “ENG” camcorder : light, easy to operate, zoom with servo, and excellent auto-focus capabilities to get sharp pictures even in 4K and when shooting without tripod. This 4K camcorder features an impressive LEICA DICOMAR 4K 13x zoom lens combined with an advanced large format 4K imager and the blending of aesthetics like shallow focus, and an amazing 12 stop dynamic range made possible by the VariCam style V-Log L processing.

– Newly developed F2.8 LEICA DICOMAR 4K fixed lens with 13x zoom and 28mm wide angle.

– Real 4K (4096 x 2160) @24p, UHD up to 60p and Full HD capabilities.

– Shallow depth of field with the large 4/3“ sensor.

– Sharp images even in 4K and in tough conditions thanks to the fast & precise auto-focus and high def VF & LCD.

– „Run & Gun“ concept: a production camera that can be used just like an ENG camera, straight out of the bag.

– Newly developed F2.8 LEICA DICOMAR 4K lens.

– 13x zoom and wide angle 28mm - 365.3 mm (35 mm film equivalent) in HD.

– 12 stops of imager latitude faithfully recorded by new V-Log L gamma curve.

– Variable Frame Rate with a maximum of 120 fps (in FHD resolution).

– IR shooting capability (IR illuminator is required separately).
– 5 axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer.
– Intelligent Auto Focus, Custom Auto Focus.

– Variety of Manual Focus Assist function.

– ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64).

6 3 rings for independent Zoom: Focus, Iris control, mechanical.

– 4.3 type touch screen type LCD (Approx. 2.76 Mil dots).

– 0.39 type high quality OLED viewfinder (Approx. 1.77 Mil dots).

– Battery cover for great handheld shooting experience.

– Camera Remote control support.

– Supports 4K, FHD and SD recording on SD memory cards.

– Simultaneous, backup, relay or dual codec recording function using two card slots.

– 3G-SDI/HDMI/Composite/USB outputs, XLR/Camera Remote/USB inputs.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design announced the public beta of the free version of Fusion 8, the world’s most advanced visual effects and motion graphics software, is now available for download from the Blackmagic Design website. This beta is for the free version of Fusion 8 and is available for both Mac OS X and Windows.

A beta for the paid version, Fusion 8 Studio, which adds stereoscopic 3D tools and is designed for multi user workgroups and larger studios, will be available shortly. However, current Fusion Studio customers can download the public beta for the free version of Fusion 8 and start using it today.

This public beta is also the first ever Mac compatible release of Fusion, which was previously a Windows only product. By bringing the free version of Fusion 8 to the Mac, high end visual effects are available to even more users than ever before, opening the door to millions of motion graphic artists, broadcast designers, video editors, visual effects compositors, and 3D animators. In addition, projects can be easily moved between Mac and Windows versions of Fusion so customers can work on the platform of their choice. Now, anyone with a Mac or Windows computer can get access to the same high end visual effects tools used by Hollywood’s most elite artists.

Long time fans of Fusion will also notice that in the 6 months since Fusion 8 was launched at NAB there has been many improvements to the user interface and Fusion customers will appreciate the more modern look of the software. There will be many more improvements to the user interface as the Fusion engineering teams continue to work with the visual effects community.

Fusion has been one of Hollywood’s leading visual effects and motion graphics tools for over 25 years, and has been used on thousands of feature film and television projects, including blockbusters like Thor, Live Die and Repeat, the Hunger Games trilogy, White House Down, Battlestar Galactica and more.

Featuring a powerful node based interface, Fusion makes it extremely easy to build sophisticated visual effects compositions very quickly. Nodes are small icons that represent effects, filters and other image processing operations that can be connected together in any order to create unlimited visual effects. Nodes are laid out logically like a flow chart, so customers won’t waste time hunting through nested stacks of confusing layers with filters and effects. Unlike timeline based applications, it’s easy to see and adjust any part of a project in Fusion by simply clicking on a node.

With a massive toolset consisting of hundreds of built in tools, customers can pull keys, track objects, rotoscope, retouch images, animate titles, create amazing particle effects and much more, all in a true 3D workspace. Fusion can also import 3D models, point cloud data, cameras or even entire 3D scenes from Maya, 3ds Max or Lightwave and render them seamlessly with other elements. Deep pixel tools can be used to add volumetric fog, lighting and reflection mapping of rendered objects using world position passes so customers can create amazing atmospheric effects that render in seconds, instead of hours.

“Since we announced our plans to bring Fusion 8 to Mac OS X, we’ve had a massive response from the creative community,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “This is something that animators, designers and visual effects artists have wanted on the Mac for a very long time. Because it was written specifically for Windows, bringing Fusion to Mac OS X wasn’t just a simple port. Our engineering team has been working tirelessly to rewrite parts of the Fusion code base so it runs incredibly well on Mac OS X, while also improving the Windows version. This new free version of Fusion 8 for Mac and Windows will make it accessible to many more users than ever!”

Fusion Versions

Fusion 8 will be available in two versions:

Fusion 8 for Mac and Windows is free for customers and the public beta of Fusion 8 is now available to download. Fusion 8 is a full professional 3D visual effects and compositing system that is suitable for independent effects, motion graphics, and broadcast design artists. Fusion 8 features integrated 2D and 3D compositing and motion graphics software with a massive toolset featuring paint, rotoscope, titling, animation, multiple keyers, an amazing 3D particle system, advanced keyframing, GPU acceleration, and support for importing and rendering 3D models and scenes from other applications.

Fusion 8 Studio, will be available for Mac, Windows and Linux for $995 and the public beta will be available soon. Fusion Studio has all of the same features as the free version, but also adds advanced optical flow image analysis tools for stereoscopic 3D work, retiming and stabilization. Fusion Studio also includes support for third-party OpenFX plugins, unlimited distributed network rendering, and Generation for studio wide multi user collaboration to track, manage, review and approve shots when working with large creative teams on complex projects.

Availability and Price

Fusion 8 Public Beta is available today for download from the Blackmagic Design website free of charge. Fusion 8 Studio Public Beta will be available soon and will be available to download from the Blackmagic Design website free of charge for all current Fusion 7 Studio customers.

Press Photography

Product photos of Fusion 8, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.