Jim Jannard can breath a sigh of relief. According to a Japanese sales manager, Sony’s ‘affordable’ S35mm pro video camera will cost in the region of $50,000 – in league with the Arri Alexa.
I should however emphasise that in no way is this the official, confirmed price yet.
In this official video, Sony’s Pro A/V marketing manager at IBC talks about targeting the Sony S35 Prototype at indie filmmakers and small content producers.
Sony spokesman:
It’s not just about the very important large broadcasters who we enjoy such a good relationship with, it’s about the independent producers, who are the lifeblood of our industry.
The camera features a PL mount, extensive manual control, ND filter, 24p, XLR jacks and live SD-HDI out but does not appear to do anything exceptional. Sony have so far released very little information about the camera, showing an R&D prototype only twice this year – at NAB, and at the IBC prior to Photokina (the camera was absent at Photokina itself, where the focus was on the prosumer NEX VG10). On the surface though the camera appears to be very similar to the AF100, which at $5k is starting to look like a bit of a steal.
Sony have January / February 2011 in mind for a release date.
But for that kind of price, Sony must develop some kind of RAW recording format to put it on par with the Alexa and Red offerings. The Alexa also supports Apple ProRes 4-4-4. Both cameras at 50k are totally out of the indie’s price range unless they’re renting – so maybe Sony are aiming more at that rental market than prospective owners.
UPDATE – a few people have suggested the price is a error because the Japanese rep was quoting it in Yen. 50,000 Japanese Yen is only ÂŁ333 however. So that is not the answer.
