The HDC-F5500, announced in the US in October 2021, builds on the success and benefits of the industry-standard HDC line-up and serves as a powerful tool for those in need of creative expression with a cinematic look, in a system camera form factor and workflow. Thanks to the global shutter effect to prevent rolling shutter distortion and flash band, this camera works perfectly in challenging light circumstances, for example music concerts with fast moving LED laser light. The global shutter technology with shallow depth of field image sensor is also perfect for live studio environments coupled with an LED wall virtual system.

A first for a systemized S35mm system, the HDC-F5500 features a motorized 8-step ND filter adopted from Sony's digital motion picture camera VENICE, which can be controlled locally or remotely, for increased operational flexibility. It also allows the precise selection of focus depth as well as controlled capture of fast-moving subjects, even in bright lighting conditions. Another highlight of the new system camera is its wide colour gamut. Support for BT.2020, S-Gamut3/S-Gamut3.cine and HLG enhance creativity and reality and match seamlessly with the colour science driving Sony's most in-demand cameras.

From a workflow perspective, the HDC-F5500 integrates with Sony's IP Live production system through the use of the HDCU-5500 series and is perfect for remote production thanks to its integration with the IP extension adaptor HDCE-TX50. Its simple integration with a wide range of accessories means it’s easy to use in existing workflows.

The HDC-F5500 also supports full compatibility with Sony remote control panels for live shading and painting work for video engineers. The HDC-F5500 is also compatible with Sony’s existing SR Live for HDR workflow with HLG and S-Log3, which is establishing itself as an efficient HDR live production workflow in the global market.

"We’re delighted to add this camera to our portfolio which answers the increased demand for a cinematic look in the European Sports market in particular," said Norbert Paquet, Head of Live Production, Sony Professional Europe. “Sony cameras are recognised for their advanced technology and workflow with reliability and length of life, making them a good choice from a sustainability perspective, and this new addition will no doubt serve our customers for many years to come through its innovative features and adaptability. “

Currently, the first customer use of the HDC-F5500 is set to be at the Montreux Jazz Festival this July in Switzerland. The camera system’s super 35-mm 4K CMOS sensors will deliver the festival in extraordinary clarity from wide beauty shots of the Lake Leman shoreline to tight close-ups of the 2022 artist line-up. As the first festival in Europe to use the high-spec technology, the camera system will bring new creative possibilities to Montreux and position itself as one of the most digitally advanced music festivals in the world.