With NAB just around the corner, Sony has announced a High-sensitivity UMC-S3C 4K Video Camera. This fullframe E-mount camera offers the highest 4K video sensitivity in its class. Sony’s smallest full-frame E-mount camera is perfectly suited as a crash-cam and for drones and other remote camera applications such as disaster response, wildlife monitoring, mapping and surveying, and more.

In addition to allowing for 4K resolution video recording, Sony UMC-S3C can capture 12 megapixel still images. It utilizes Enhanced pattern-based noise reduction. The combination of detail reproduction technology, a high shutter speed and ISO sensitivity ranging from 50 to 409,600 allows clear and sharp recording “in near pitch-black environments.”

Sony UMC-S3C is the most compact in its full-frame line-up and it weighs in at 400 g (14 oz). It supports XAVC S format allows 4K recording at 100 Mbps. A SD memory card slot is included.

Sony UMC-S3C is expected to go on sale in the US in August but pricing is not yet announced.

Press Release
LAS VEGAS (ISC West, Booth 23057) April 5, 2016 – Sony’s new UMC-S3C video camera offers the highest sensitivity in its class with 4K video recording, allowing users to capture details even in challenging low-light conditions. The camera also features tremendous flexibility and long duration video recording with 12 megapixel color still image capture capabilities.

“New products like the UMC-S3C allow us to expand our 4K line-up and bring high resolution and high sensitivity to new markets,” said Atsushi Seki, Director, Business Development at Sony Electronics. “This latest video camera is a testament to Sony’s continuing efforts to provide solutions that meet users’ individual business requirements.”

Capable of achieving sensitivity and resolution with color video recording in 4K, the UMC-S3C realizes the highest sensitivity in its class – under 0.004lx, expandable to ISO 50-409600. The camera uses advanced imaging technologies from Sony’s consumer and professional groups – a full-frame 35mm Exmor sensor, to realize high sensitivity with high light condensing efficiency, and an image processing engine, which enhances noise reduction. Using compatible E-mount lenses that maximize the performance of the 35mm full-frame sensor, resolution is kept high across the entire image area.UMC-S3C Right

Area-specific noise reduction selectively divides images into areas based on patterns. Image quality is further enhanced through detail reproduction technology, allowing clear and sharp video recording in near pitch-black environments beyond the capabilities of the human eye. This helps optimized images fit various scenes while ensuring a more natural sense of dimension. In addition, the camera’s high shutter speed allows users to capture letters and numbers clearly.

Weighing approximately 400g, the lightweight UMC-S3C is currently the most compact camera in Sony’s full-frame line-up. With mounting points on the camera body to enhance mobility, it easily attaches to moving objects. Users can control the camera via multi terminal, including micro USB compatible devices, remote controls or compatible software.

The UMC-S3C is suitable for a variety of applications including disaster response; wildlife monitoring; landscape mapping or surveying; surveillance, inspections and investigations; live camera; and as a dashboard/professional point-of-view (“˜POV’) camera, among others.

Supporting multi-camera systems, the UMC-S3C fits into nearly any existing infrastructure and also allows playback functions with the use of a PC as well as Live View via HDMI.

Long-duration video recording is also possible as the camera is equipped with a memory card slot on the camera body instead of network cabling. With a 64GB memory card, users can record up to 125 minutes of 4K footage at standard quality (30 fps/60 Mbps). In 4K resolution, where images are four times more detailed than full HD, users can cover larger areas with the highest image quality. The UMC-S3C also supports the XAVC S format for high-quality 4K recording at 100Mbps, especially useful in environments where cabling or space is limited.

Sony’s UMC-S3C is planned to be available in the United States in August 2016.

Source: Sony