Sony’s F3 Camcorder uses the same CMOS image sensor as the NXCAM 35. It measures 23.6 x 13.3 mm, with a 27 mm diagonal — 16:9, APS-C format. At NAB, expect to see an RGB 4:4:4 and S-Log (Sony’s gamma curve) output option up to 30 fps, and SStP (Simple Studio Profile) 4:2:2 up to 6o fps.

You’ll be able to record onto the new SR Memory Cards using Sony’s new portable SR recorder. I’m sure we’ll see various mounting rods and brackets to make this possible.

Two new zoom lenses are planned for the F3. Coming in the 2nd quarter of this year will be an 11 – 16 mm T3.0 PL mount zoom. It’s expected to cost around $7,000.

A second zoom is expected later in the year: 18-180 mm (10x) or 18-252 (14x) mm. Maximum aperture will be around T3.8. Depending on how small it is, I expect there may be ramping of the aperture. The zoom certainly will be small, taking advantage of the F3’s very small flange focal depth. It will also incorporate electronic contacts and zoom control via the rocker in the F3 handgrip.

The next firmware update of the F3 is expected to be able to manage Cooke /i Data.