Sony now offers the UMC-S3C compact camera with high light sensitivity and is 4K capable, and by compact I mean small. Sony found a new camera to put their full-frame 35m Exmor sensor into.  This camera/sensor combination appears to be tremendously flexible allowing users long duration video recording under extremely difficult lighting situations.

“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.”

ISO 50 – 409600

That is a helluva ISO range meaning you can use the UMC-S3C much like an A7S or A7S II to grab those super low-light shots. Or, even better and smarter, 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.

UMC-S3C A Reality Camera?

I think Big Brother or any other Reality TV Show could make great use of this camera. Those programs will now be able to capture low-light shots previously considered nearly impossible. Considering many shows may already shoot on the Sony FS7 and maybe FS5 cameras the e-mount found on the UMC-S3C means it could be an easy camera to press into service if productions already have e-mount lenses on hand. If shooting on an F5 or F55 the UMC-S3C’s e-mount is easily adapted to PL and lenses again can be shared. Thanks to Sami catching my mistake.

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.

Broadcast

I think Broadcast News Stations should look at the UMC-S3C for their multi-camera car set-ups. Think weather car driving around showing weather and roads on live TV. It’s something we do at my station and many other stations around the country also have multi-camera cars doing the same thing. The UMC-S3C can output a live signal through Live View via HDMI. Suddenly a station’s weather car will be able to report in the most difficult situations and still deliver a quality picture. To me, it’s a no-brainer.

4K Recording

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.