Ultra HD 4k cameras in Middle East soon, says Cabsat 2013

Dubai: The region is abuzz with the 4k resolution cameras, which promise sharper and clearer videos, with four times the resolution of full HD, according to camera manufacturers at Cabsat 2013.

Although 4k cameras were introduced in international markets almost two years ago, the concept has only been in the region for around a year, experts said.

The cameras are targeted at “rental houses, broadcasters, cinema groups, and big and small film production companies,” said Awad Mousa, senior manager-content creation marketing at Sony in the UAE. Once a shot is taken, it is then viewed on specialized 4k monitors. As for the cost, that varies, but some manufacturers, like Sony, are introducing 4k cameras from around $8,000 to $25,000, which Mousa says meets any company’s budget. Sony is launching 4k cameras at the show, including the $16,000 PMW-F5 and the $25,000 PMW-F55.

Canon too have introduced 4k cameras in the local market, and say that although buyers may find them expensive, the price will go down once there is more 4k content and more 4k screens, just as HD content and screens are widely available today.

“Globally, 4k screens are rare and expensive. For 4k to be widely available, it needs broadcasters to make more 4k content,” said Paul Atkinson, product specialist at Canon Europe.

Similarily, Awad said that broadcasters in the region “already have the tools to work with 4k, but there is not enough 4k content,” adding that “the consumers are ready; the pressure is coming from [their] side. They want to see more content in 4k.”

Currently, global broadcasters and cinematographers are downscaling 4k videos to HD during the editing period, says Atkinson, which is one reason why there is not enough 4k content on screens. This is done to avoid capturing unwanted minute details, such as the flaws on a film actor’s face, he said.

Atkinson expects that regional demand will grow for 4k cameras, due to the “growth of small TV companies.”

Canon is showcasing their 4k cameras at the show, including the EOS 1DC, the EOS C100, an entry level camera, and the EOS C500, which is geared for bigger film production companies, among others.

“I think that in the coming years, we will see more 4k content here,” Mousa said.

Sarah Algethami is a trainee at Gulf News.