Sony introduces 4K resolution and high sensitivity in UMC-S3C

Sony has announced the all-new UMC-S3C, claimed to be the first video camera that offers the highest sensitivity with 4K video recording simultaneously. This allows users to capture details even in challenging low-light conditions, the camera also features tremendous flexibility and long duration video recording alongside 12 megapixel colour still image capture.

“At Sony, we focus on enhancing high resolution and high sensitivity,” said Aydin Tolan, Business Head, Visual Security Solutions, Sony Professional Solutions MEA.

“With this approach, we have been expanding our current 4K product line-up and are confident that we can tap into new markets with the all-new UMC-S3C. The latest video camera is also a testament of Sony’s relentless efforts to provide our clients solutions that meet their business requirements.”

Capable of achieving both sensitivity and resolution with colour video recording in 4K, the UMC-S3C realizes the highest sensitivity in its class with illuminance as under 0.004lx, ISO 409600. This is possible by incorporating Sony’s advanced technologies from both its consumer and professional space – the full-frame 35mm Exmor sensor and image processing engine.

Sony’s UMC-S3C uses a 35mm full-frame sensor which realises high sensitivity with high light condensing efficiency and an image processing engine which enhances noise reduction. With the inclusion of compatible E-mount lenses that are optimised to maximise the performance of the 35mm full-frame sensor, resolution is kept high across the entire image area from the centre to the lens periphery.

The camera realises clear images with less noise thanks to the 35mm full-frame sensor which captures significantly more light with low noise than conventional camera sensors, as well as with the use of area-specific noise reduction which is able to selectively divide 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 to realise optimised images to fit various scenes while ensuring a more natural sense of dimension. In addition, the high shutter speed of the camera allows users to capture letters and number clearly.

Weighting at approximately 400g, the lightweight UMC-S3C is currently the most compact camera among Sony’s line-up in the full-frame camera market. With mounting points on the camera body to enhance mobility, the stand-alone camera allows users to embed it onto moving objects including vehicles and robot with ease. In addition, users can control the camera via multi terminal, remote controller or compatible software.

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

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

Long duration video recording is also possible as the stand-alone camera is equipped with a memory card slot on the camera body instead of network cabling feature. With a 64GB memory card, users can record up to 125 minutes of 4K footage with standard quality (30 fps/60 Mbps). Further, with 4K resolution, where images are four times better than full HD, users can cover larger areas with outstanding image quality with the camera that also accommodates XAVC S format which enables high quality recording with 100Mbps high bit rate. This is a huge advantage to users in challenging environments where cabling or space is a huge limitation.

Sony’s UMC-S3C will be available from August 2016 onwards.