Blackmagic Design released a new firmware update for its best-selling Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Version 1.3 adds the "SDI outputs interlaced video when frame rate is set to 1080p25 or 1080p29.97 and overlays are turned off" functionality, and can be downloaded here. [source]

Angenieux unveiled the first in its new line of anamorphic lenses. The lightweight Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S (2x Squeeze) zoom lens lends a film-like, dimensional character to images with lower distortion compared to typical anamorphic lenses. With 2x squeeze, a fast aperture of T:4 and no ramping or breathing, the lens delivers exceptional optical performance not previously achieved with an anamorphic lens. Based on the optical design of the world renowned Optimo 28-76mm, the new Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S Zoom Lens features all of the remarkable characteristics shared by the Optimo series, including pristine optics, high precision mechanical zoom system and 320 deg. focus rotation with over 50 focus marks. The Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S is a PL mount lens with a PV mount available on request. [source]

Red Giant announced BulletProof, a complete offload, prep and delivery solution for footage that simplifies the tedious tasks facing filmmakers on set every day. Bridging the gap between camera and editor, BulletProof combines all backup, organization, color and delivery tasks while handling footage from multiple cameras and media cards. Whether shooting with a Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR or GoPro sports cam, filmmakers, videographers and data wranglers can now quickly and easily transform their capture into edit-ready footage. BulletProof will be released as a free public beta in the Spring of 2013, while the final v1.0 will be available for Mac OS X this summer priced at $199 US. A Windows version will follow shortly thereafter. [source]

Atomos, creator of video field recorders Ninja-2 and Samurai, and the acclaimed Connect converters, announced Samurai Blade. Blade introduces the SuperAtom IPS screen with sharp and bright picture, 325 dpi and a million pixels. Powered by AtomOS 5, this 1280 x 720 5" touchscreen gives the Blade gamma, brightness and contrast control, as well as vectorscope and RGB/luma parade features. Like its Ninja-2 and Samurai predecessors, Samurai Blade allows the recording of pristine, 10-bit 4:2:2 images straight from the camera sensor directly to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD editing codecs. Atomos makes production truly affordable by using commodity 2.5" computer HDD or SSD drives. Samurai Blade will ship in May 2013 with an MSRP of $1,295 US ex. VAT. With immediate effect, the price of the Samurai is reduced to $995 US. Atomos also announced Ninja-2 support for many new DSLR cameras - the main recording unit remains unchanged, but the box includes a redesigned docking station, battery, AC mains adaptor, a single battery charger and shims for Canon and Nikon batteries. The Ninja-2 is available for $695 US. [source]

JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., announced the GY-HM650 2.0, a powerful upgrade that adds live HD transmission to the already feature-rich handheld mobile news camera. When equipped with a Verizon 4G LTE modem, which connects directly to the camera via USB, the camera can transmit footage to a broadcast facility in real time - no add-on boxes or backpacks required - while simultaneously recording a Full HD file to solid-state memory cards. The GY-HM650 will ship with the 2.0 upgrade beginning in May 2013 at a suggested list price of $5,995 US. Existing owners will be able to add the new features at no charge with a firmware upgrade available in May. [source]

In November 2011, Canon announced its full-fledged entry into the cinema and television production indu stry with the launch of its Cinema EOS System of digital cinematography lenses and cameras, positioning the lenses at the core of the system. To date, Canon has launched 11 EF Cinema Lenses. In response to strong market demand, Canon is now developing a 35 mm single focal length EF Cinema Lens. The lens is designed to fulfill contemporary 4K production standards, which offer a level of resolution exceeding four times the resolution of Full HD, and will be compatible with not only industry-standard-size Super 35 mm-equivalent sensors, but also 35 mm full-frame, APS-H-size and APS-C-size sensors. While details regarding specifications and pricing have yet to be determined, Canon aims to release the new lens at the end of 2013. [source]

AJA Video Systems announced its new Hi5-4K and ROI Mini-Converters, portable devices that harness AJA's proven technology for streamlining broadcast and post production workflows. AJA's Hi5-4K Mini-Converter provides a simple monitoring connection from professional 4K devices using four 3G-SDI outputs to new and upcoming consumer 4K displays equipped with 4K-capable 1.4a HDMI inputs. Compatible with HD workflows, the Hi5-4K is also a flexible Mini-Converter for HD workflows requiring 3G/HD-SDI to HDMI conversion. AJA's ROI Mini-Converter allows high quality conversion and real-time scaling of computer DVI-D and HDMI outputs to baseband video over SDI. Hi5-4K will be coming soon for a US MSRP of $595 US and ROI ships today for a US MSRP of $995.
AJA also announced immediate availability of its Ki Pro Quad, a new solid-state portable video recorder enabling true 4K camera-to-editorial workflows. Ki Pro Quad enables a 4K/Quad HD/2K/HD workflow with the efficiencies of Apple ProRes and the flexibility of RAW data in a compact, solid state recording and playback package. [source]

Vision Research is previewing the next member of its award-winning digital cinema product line at the 2013 National Association of Broadcasters show. Redefining what's possible when it comes to high-speed imaging, the Phantom Flex4K offers exceptional image quality, new workflow options, a user-friendly camera control interface and improved performance at standard frame rates. At its full acquisition resolution of 4096 x 2304 the camera is capable of recording from 24 to over 900 frames-per-second, and up to 1,000 fps at 4096 x 2160 resolution. Vision Research plans to start deliveries later this year. [source]

RED Digital Cinema introduced RED DRAGON - the 6K sensor for RED EPIC cameras - and many other innovations at the NAB Show this week. From shooting to post-production to playing, RED aims to provide the ultimate ultra high-definition solutions. The RED DRAGON for RED EPIC shoots in 6K resolution at 100 frames per second with impressive native dynamic range. The RED DRAGON sensor translates to 9 times more resolution than High Definition and over 19 megapixels. All RED EPIC and SCARLET owners will be able to upgrade their existing sensors to RED DRAGON. RED has also launched its REDlink family of products. Comprised of the Meizler Module, REDSync Master, REDlink Wireless Receivers and the REDSync App, the REDlink product family includes everything one needs to go wireless on set. RED ROCKET-X is a REDCODE acceleration board designed to enhance 4K playback and transcoding. RED ROCKET-X provides real-time 4K playback directly to your 4K display or projector. Compared to the previous RED ROCKET, RED ROCKET-X processes and transcodes files 5x faster. RED is also proud to announce student pricing for students to begin May 1, 2013. [source]

Blackmagic Design announced two new products in its digital film camera lineup: the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. The first is a new high resolution 4K digital film camera with an innovative large Super 35 size sensor with professional global shutter, combined with precision EF mount optics and high quality Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) or compressed CinemaDNG RAW file recording for only $3,995 US. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a pocket sized digital cinema camera that includes powerful features such as Super 16mm sized 1080 HD sensor, super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, built in SD card recorder for Apple ProRes, lossless compressed CinemaDNG RAW capture and active Micro Four Thirds lens mount, all in an attractive compact design for only $995 US. Both cameras will ship in July and are demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2013 booth at #SL218. [source]