PMW-F55

Super 35mm 4K CMOS sensor compact CineAlta camera records HD/2K/4K on SxS memory plus 16-bit RAW
2K/4K output

Overview

Sony 4K sensor for gorgeous, super-sampled HD, 2K and 4K

The PMW-F55 CineAlta camera shoots spectacular images with its 8.9 megapixels (effective) Sony 4K image sensor.
You get superb dynamic range, the widest colour gamut, and pristine image quality, whether you shoot in HD, 2K,
QFHD or 4K.

• Multiple recording formats includes HD/2K/QFHD/4K on SxS memory and 16-bit RAW 2K/4K on AXSM™
media

Multiple recording formats include MPEG-2 HD422, MPEG4 SStP, XAVC 2K/HD, XAVC QFHD/4K and 16-bit
RAW 2K/4K*. You can have simultaneous recording on internal high-speed SxS PRO+ memory cards and
RAW 2K/4K recording on sleek AXSM™ memory cards using the optional bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder, designed
specifically to attach seamlessly to the F55 and F5 cameras. There is also high speed shooting up to 240 fps
RAW 2K and 60 fps in RAW 4K recording onto the AXS-R5. Recording directly in Apple ProRes codec and
Avid DNxHD codec are also available options.**

* Recording onto the optional AXS-R5 recorder.

** Requires CBK-55PD codec board.

• Lightweight modular design to maximise versatility in 2D and 3D

The F55 is exceptionally small, light and modular, letting you build up the right configuration for each job –
or each shot. The camera includes cache recording functions and has an easy-to-access customised user
menu that sits on top of the setup menu. As well as the choice of formats and internal and external
recording options, you can attach a variety of viewfinders, including the revolutionary optional DVF-EL100
OLED viewfinder, PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses, including second-generation Sony PL-mount lenses,
and extra long-life Olivine – Lithium Iron Phosphate – batteries. The chassis is only slightly wider than a

PMW-F55 1
 typical PL-mount prime lens, perfect for 3D rigs. An optional shoulder rig (CBK-55BK) provides best
ergonomics, flexibility and usability for shoulder operation.

• Version 5.0 firmware update

Version 5.0 firmware increases the functionality of the PMW-F55/F5. Upgraded functions include: DNR (Noise
suppression) in Cine-EI mode; Memory A/B White Balance in Custom mode; assignable Colour Bars On/Off;
assignable VF Magnification On/Off; changing FPS (STEP) with Menu knob (push for 2 seconds); the Double
Speed VF setting remains while switching HFR On to Off; and simultaneous recording on SStP 422 SQ at
59.94i (SStP and MPEG 50). Version 5.0 also supports additional codecs, including ProRes 4444* with the
installation of the optional CBK-55PD codec board. It is also possible to assign EI value to the Gain Switch in
Cine-EI mode** and 3200K/4300K/5500K to White A/B/Preset switch in Cine-EI mode**. Wireless Audio
settings can also be set via the “WRR” page**.

* Requires CBK-55PD firmware update 2015.

** These functions require the attachment of CBK-55BK build-up kit.

PMW-F55 2
 Features

• Super 35mm equivalent 4K single-chip CMOS sensor with Frame Image Scan technology

The PMW-F55's Sony 4K image sensor captures a true 4K 4096 x 2160 DCI-standard cinema image. Its 4K
CMOS sensor features 11.6 megapixels (total) and 8.9 megapixels (effective).

• 16-bit RAW 2K/4K recording options with bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder

Capture RAW at your choice of resolutions: the camera's native 4K or beautiful, derived 2K. RAW recording
preserves the greatest latitude for colour correction and other post processes. Sony's 16-bit recording
captures more tonal values than the human eye can differentiate. Sony RAW retains 16 times as many Red,
Green and Blue gradations as 12-bit RAW and 64 times as many tones per channel as 10-bit recording. Sony
16-bit linear RAW is also the ideal point of entry into the 16-bit linear Academy Color Encoding System (ACES)
workflow.

• AXS-R5 records onto ASXM™ memory cards

The bolt-on AXS-R5 recorder records onto sleek, high-capacity AXSM™ memory cards, which are compatible
with an affordable optional USB 3.0 reader, the AXS-CR1. Once on a PC, the RAW files can be screened
using Sony's free RAW Viewer software. AXSM memory provides a super fast, affordable format for
sensational quality recordings.

• Choice of HD/2K/4K internal recording formats

The F55 CineAlta camera allows you a choice of internal recording formats in addition to 16-bit RAW 2K/4K
recording output onto the AXS-R5. The camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording
that allows the choice of: 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422, 50Mbps, MPEG-2 HD422 XAVC 422 Intra (up to 222Mbps), SStP
422 (220Mbps) and SStP 444 (440Mbps). MPEG4 SStP+Proxy simultaneous recording (SR-SQ 422/444 on 29.97p
only) allows faster transfer and less storage capacity needed. This is ideal for editing while the hi-resolution
files will be used for grading.

• High speed shooting up to 60 fps 4K and 180 fps 2K internally and 240 fps 2K RAW with optional AXS-R5
recorder

The F55 features high-data-rate on-board XAVC HD recordings up to 60 fps, plus a free planned upgrade to
XAVC 4K, QFHD and 2Kup to 60 fps and XAVC 2K/HD up to180 fps. It also offers 240 fps 2K RAW with the
optional AXS-R5 outboard recorder, achieving the highest frame rates most productions will need, while
retaining exceptional, 16-bit image quality.

• Next generation high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card

The F55 records internally onto SxS memory. High-speed shooting and the highest quality recording options
require next-generation SxS recording media – Sony's 128 GB* SxS PRO+ memory card – which can be read
by the next-generation USB card reader, the SBAC-US20.

* 1 GB equals one billion bytes, a portion of which is used for data management functions.

• Simultaneous RAW and onboard camera SxS recording

Sony provides a coordinated "off-line, on-line" workflow with simultaneous recording to internal SxS cards
and the optional AXS-R5 RAW recorder. For seamless conforming in post, you get matching time code, start
frame, stop frame, file names and other metadata. The camera supports the following RAW + Onboard
combinations: RAW 4K/2K + 2K/HD, RAW 4K/2K + MPEG-2 HD422 and RAW 2K + XAVC QFHD/4K.

• Real world workflows with Avid DNxHD codec and Apple ProRes codec recording options

Sony understands a fundamental truth: working cameras require practical workflows. That's why the F55 is
part of a larger production platform that includes affordable media cards, affordable card readers, free

PMW-F55 3
 RAW Viewer software and compatibility with popular NLEs and finishing tools. Recording directly in Apple
ProRes codec and Avid DNxHD codec are also available as hardware options. The DNxHD or ProRes files
can stored in the easy-to-manage MXF OP-1a wrapper, and recorded onboard to Sony’s SxS PRO+ memory
card format, which was specially designed to handle mission-critical production applications.

• Vast exposure latitude to 14 f-stops

The ability to render tones from deepest shadows to brightest highlights is a crucial test of any digital
camera. The F55 excels, with an impressive 14 stops of exposure latitude, extraordinary low-light sensitivity
and extremely low noise in the blacks.

• True colour technology and S-Gamut/S-Log3 options

Sony believes that your camera should not limit your colour palette. That is why the F55 incorporates the
same advanced colour filter array technology as used in Sony's flagship F65, which is equipped with the
industry's only 8K sensor. You get a colour gamut that's not only wider than other digital cameras, it is even
wider than motion picture print film. S-Gamut/S-Log3 (Log Gamma that is close to Cineon gamma curve)
allows users experienced in the Cineon workflow to start grading more easily.

• Choice of viewfinders includes amazing OLED technology

A digital interface on the F55 allows for a variety of optional viewfinders, including the DVF-EL100. This 0.7-
inch* viewfinder has the incredible clarity of 1280 x 720 High Definition, plus superb OLED brightness, contrast
and response. The DVF-L350 3.5-inch* LCD viewfinder has higher resolution (960 x 540) than previous Sony
viewfinders, plus ten times the contrast. And the eyepiece flips up for direct monitoring. The DVF-L700
compact 7-inch* LCD viewfinder enables high resolution when shooting in 2K and 4K, not to mention pixel-
for-pixel 1920 x 1080 representation of your HD images.

*Viewable area, measured diagonally.

• Optional shoulder rig

The optional Sony shoulder rig provides comfortable handheld operation, hour after hour. The rig is sturdy,
lightweight and features industry-standard rosettes on both sides for quick and easy attachment of third-
party hand grips and other accessories.

• Small lightweight design for added versatility in 3D

The small size of the F55 is particularly welcome in stereoscopic 3D shooting. The chassis is only slightly wider
than a typical PL mount prime lens, perfect for both mirror rigs and side-by-side configurations.

• Incredible flexibility with the choice of PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses

The F55 is designed to accommodate PL-mount, FZ-mount and still lenses. With the PL-mount adaptor, you
can take advantage of acclaimed cine optics from Angénieux®, Canon®, Carl Zeiss®, Cooke®, FUJIFILM®,
Leica® and more. Slip off the supplied PL-mount adaptor to reveal the native FZ mount with 18 mm flange
focal distance. It's perfect for accepting commercially available adaptors for still lenses, including Canon®
EF, Canon FD, Nikon® DX, Nikon G, Leica® M and even 2/3-inch broadcast B4 lenses. There's also Sony's
game-changing FZ-mount auto focus servo zoom: the SCL-Z18X140.

• A new generation of Sony PL-mount lenses

The F55 works with Sony's second generation, cost-effective PL mount prime lenses. Thanks to refined glass,
all are certified for 4K capture, while minimizing geometric distortion, vignetting and breathing. A 9-blade iris
delivers beautiful bokehs. The focus rings rotate 240°. The series includes focal lengths of 20, 25, 35, 50, 85
and 135 mm. For easy lens changes, all have the same T2.0 aperture, the same external diameter, matte box
diameter, and gear locations for follow focus and aperture. All are the same size except for the 135 mm.

• Intuitive one-touch interface and customisable user menu

PMW-F55 4
 Carefully designed with significant input from cinematographers, the F55 provides an incredibly rich range
of controls. And the interface is nicely intuitive. Instead of diving through menus, you get direct, one-touch
access to key shooting parameters including frame rate, shutter speed, colour temperature, ISO sensitivity
and gamma. Assignable buttons mean that favourite adjustments are always at your fingertips. A user
customisable menu sits on top of the setup menu allowing users to access a choice of up to 20 menu items
more quickly and easily. Menu control on sub display also allows you to set up without using the attached
viewfinder. A selectable colour marker is available for users to use their favourite colour marker that is visible
even in light conditions while shooting a white background.

• Real-time 4K output and other vital connections

The camera offers powerful connections, including real-time 4K output to a compatible monitor. It is made
possible by four 3G-SDI outputs. There is also HDMI®, USB, DC in connection, a removable XLR audio module
and a removable time code/genlock module. The XLR inputs accept balanced analogue signals, provide
48-Volt phantom power and will accept four channels of AES/EBU digital audio with an expected firmware
upgrade. HDMI V2.0 support for 4K and QFHD at 29.97p, 50p and 60p allows users to connect Sony and
other manufacturers’ 4K TV sets to display 4K from the camera.

• Long-life Olivine battery and quick charger

The F55 takes advantage of Sony's innovative BP-FL75 battery pack, which uses Olivine – Lithium Iron
Phosphate – instead of conventional Lithium Ion cathodes. The result is a substantial increase in charge-
discharge cycles, compared to previous Sony batteries. The Olivine battery works with Sony's BC-L90 quick
charger. The camera is also compatible with Sony's BP-GL95A, GL65A, L80S and L60S batteries, which use the
BC-L70 and L160 chargers.

• Revolutionary electronic Frame Image Scan

The traditional CMOS image sensor uses a 'rolling' shutter that can result in images with unwanted distortions
like motion skew and flash banding. That can be annoying, especially when shooting visual effects or 3D.
Anything but typical, the F55 electronic Frame Image Scan. Rolling shutter distortions aren't minimised, they
are completely eliminated.

PMW-F55 5
 Technical Specifications

General

• Power Requirements DC 12 V (11 V to 17 V)

• Power Consumption Approx. 25 W (while recording XAVC 4K 60p, EVF Off, LCD monitor Off, 4K SDI On)

• Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C

32°F to 104°F

• Storage Temperature
-20°C to +60°C
-4°F to +140°F

• Mass
2.2 kg (without lens, handle, audio box and accessories)
4 lb 14 oz (without lens, handle, audio box and accessories)

• Dimensions (W x H x D) *1
130 x 125 x 191 mm (without protrusions)
5 1/8 x 5 x 7 5/8 inches (without protrusions)

• Battery Operating Time

Approx. 150 min with BP-FL75
Approx. 210 min with BP-GL95A

XAVC (AVC/H.264 High [Link] Intra Profile)

4K: VBR, 600 Mbps max.

• Recording Format (Video)

HD: SMPTE RP2027 Class100 compliant
MPEG2 HD (MPEG-2 Long GOP)
HD 422 mode: CBR, 50 Mbps max., MPEG-2 422P@HL
*2

• Recording Format (Audio) LPCM 8CH (2CH recording/playback), 24-bit, 48-kHz

XAVC 4K (4096 x 2160):

23.98p/24p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
XAVC QFHD (3840 x 2160): 23.98p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
XAVC 2K (2048 x 1080):
23.98p/24p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
XAVC HD (1920x1080):

• Recording Frame Rate

23.98p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
MPEG4 SStP (1920 x 1080):
23.98p/24p/25p/29.97p
MPEG2 HD (1920x1080):
23.98p/25p/29.97p/50i/59.94i
MPEG2 HD (1280 x 720):
50p/59.94p
*3

XAVC 4K, 23.98p: Approx. 25 min (SBP-64B)/Approx. 50 min (SBP-128B)

59.94p: Approx. 10 min (SBP-64B)/Approx. 20 min (SBP-128B)
• Recording/Playback Time XAVC HD, 23.98p: Approx. 70 min (SBP-64B)/Approx. 140 min (SBP-128B)
59.94p: Approx. 30 min (SBP-64B)/Approx. 60 min (SBP-128B)
MPEG2 HD: Approx. 60 min (SBS-32G1A)/Approx. 120 min (SBS-64G1A)

Camera Section

• Imaging Device (Type) Super 35mm equivalent Single-chip CMOS

• Imaging Device (Pixel Count) 11.6M (total), 8.9M (effective)

• Aspect Ratio 17:9

• Built-in Filters Clear, 0.9 (1/8ND), 1.8 (1/64ND)

• Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance) Video Gamma: T12@24p (3200K light source)

• ISO Sensitivity S-Log2 Gamma: ISO 1250 (D55 light source)

• Lens Mount
PL mount (with supplied lens mount adapter)
FZ mount (without supplied lens mount adapter)

• Latitude 14-stop

• S/N Ratio 57dB (Video Gamma, 24p, Noise Suppression OFF)

• Shutter Speed 1/24s to 1/6,000s (23.98PsF)

PMW-F55 6
 4.2°to 360°(electrical shutter)
• Shutter Angle
• Slow Shutter (SLS) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-frame accumulation

XAVC 4K/QFHD: 1-60p (NTSC), 23.98p/29.97p

• Slow & Quick Motion Function

XAVC 4K/QFHD: 1-50p (PAL), 25p
XAVC 2K/HD: 1-180p (NTSC), 23.98p/29.97p
XAVC 2K/HD: 1-150p (PAL), 25p

• White Balance Preset (3200K, 4300K, 5500K), Memory

• Gain -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, AGC

Standard (x6)
• Gamma Curve HG1, HG2, HG3, HG4, HG7, HG8
S-Log2 Gamma

Input/Output

• Audio Input CH-1/CH-2: XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), Line/Mic/Mic +48V (AES/EBU) *4 switchable

• DC Input XLR-type 4-pin (male) (x1), 11 V to 17 V DC

• DC Output 4-pin (x2), 11 V to 17 V DC (max. 1.8 A) with battery adapter

• Viewfinder Digital viewfinder interface (x1)

• SDI Output
BNC (x4), HD mode: SDI 1/2 Line Output, SDI 3/4 Monitor Output
4K mode: SDI 1/2/3/4 Line Output, Display On/Off switchable

• Test Output BNC (x1), HD-Y or HD Sync (tri-level) V1.0

• Timecode Input/Output TC IN/OUT (x1) switchable

• Genlock Input BNC (x1)

• Remote 8-pin (x1)

• HDMI Output A Type (x1)

• USB USB host, type-A (x1)

• USB USB device, Mini-B (x1)

• Headphone Output Stereo mini jack (x1)

• Speaker Output Monaural

• Shutter BNC (x1) *4

• Wi-Fi USB host, type-A (x1)

Media

• Type
ExpressCard/34 slot (x2)
SD card slot (x1)

Supplied Accessories
Lens mount adapter (1)
Battery adapter (1)
Audio input connector (1)

• Supplied Accessories
Screws for the audio input connector (4)
Tape measure hook (1)
USB wireless LAN module IFU-WLM3 (1) *4
Before Using this Unit (1)
Operating Instructions (CD-ROM) (1)

Notes
*1 The values for dimensions are approximate.
*2 These are the supported formats at launch and will be added by future upgrades.
• Note *3 Some frame rates are not supported at launch and will be supported by future upgrades.

PMW-F55 7
 *4 To be supported by future upgrades.

PMW-F55 8
 Accessories

AXS SCL-P11X15
Wide angle zoom lens for
AXS-512S24 PMW-F3

AXS Memory card, 512 GB

capacity and 2.4 Gbps
guaranteed write speed

SCL-PK6/F
CineAlta 4K PL mount lens
AXS-A1TS24 pack x6 (feet)

AXS Memory A Series card, 1

TB capacity, 2.4 Gbps
guaranteed write speed

SCL-PK6/M
CineAlta 4K PL mount lens
AXS-A1TS48 pack x6 (metric)

AXS Memory A Series card, 1

TB capacity, 4.8 Gbps
guaranteed write speed

SCL-Z18X140
High Power Zoom Lens for
AXS-A256S24 PMW-F3

AXS Memory A Series card,

256 GB capacity, 2.4 Gbps
guaranteed write speed

Option Boards, Modules and Plug-

AXS-A512S24
AXS Memory A Series card,
ins
512 GB capacity, 2.4 Gbps
guaranteed write speed CBK-55BK
EFP-style build-up kit for
PMW-F55 and PMW-F5
CineAlta cameras

Batteries and Power Supplies

CBK-55PD
BC-L90
ProRes and DNxHD codec
High speed battery charger board for PMW-F55 and
for BP-FL75 and V-Mount PMW-F5 CineAlta cameras
batteries

PMW-F55 9
 BP-FL75 CBKZ-55FX
Olivine long-lasting battery PMW-F5 software upgrade
for F-series cameras for XAVC 4K and XAVC
QFHD recording and
playback

Camera Adaptors SxS Memory Card

AXS-AR1 SXS Pro Plus Memory Card

AXS Memory and SxS 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB SxS
Memory Thunderbolt card Pro+ Series Memory Card
reader

AXS-CR1
Compact card reader for
AXS media
Tripods and Supports

VCT-FSA5
Shoulder mount accessory
for PMW-F5, PMW-F55

AXS-R5
2K/4K external Portable
Memory Recorder for PMW-
F5 and PMW-F55 using AXS
memory card.

Viewfinders

CBK-55AT
AXS-R7
Viewfinder cable and
External 4K Portable Memory
attachment for F55 and F5
Recorder for F55 and F5

DVF-EL100
CA4000
OLED 0.7-inch colour HD
4K fibre transmission camera
digital viewfinder
adaptor

DVF-EL200
SKC-PB40
Full HD OLED viewfinder
Power Booster Unit

PMW-F55 10
 DVF-L350
Control Panels
LCD 3.5-inch colour HD
digital viewfinder
RM-B170
Affordable handheld
remote control unit for Sony
studio cameras and
camcorders

DVF-L700
LCD 7-inch colour full HD
digital viewfinder

Lenses and Lens Adaptors

LA-FZB1
Cost effective lens mount
adaptor from B4 mount to FZ
mount XDCAM (Disc/Memory)

SBAC-US20
SxS PRO solid state memory
USB 3.0 & 2.0 reader/writer
LA-FZB2
Lens mount adaptor from B4
mount to FZ mount

SBAC-US30
SxS PRO+ and SxS-1 solid
state memory USB 3.0
reader/writer

© 2016 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PMW-F55
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. The values for mass and dimension are approximate.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 11