ARRI has announced new Software Update Packages (SUPs) for the Hi-5/Hi-5 SX hand units and the Network Interface Adapter NIA-1.
Overview of new features and changes
Hi-5 & Hi-5 SX SUP 3.5.2
• Canon Camera Control License
• Bug fix for focus distance display on the SmallHD Lens Overlay
NIA-1 SUP 1.2.2
• Lens Sync
• WiFi Support
• Canon Camera Control License
• Stability Improvements
• Bug Fixes
If you have ever wanted multi-camera lens sync in a Hi-5 ecosystem for applications such as 3D rigs, camera arrays for 360° or VFX plate shooting, and interview setups where a single focus puller needs to operate two cameras in parallel, you are in luck. SUP 1.2.2 for the Network Interface Adapter NIA-1 enables these lens sync capabilities in the Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX. When working with the ALEXA 35, ALEXA Mini LF, or selected third-party cameras, settings such as focus, iris, and record on/off can be relayed from a NIA-1 on one camera to NIA-1 units on other cameras, all controlled from a single hand unit. Focus offsets can also be defined and adjusted for all cameras via the NIA-1 web UI.
Synchronization
SUP 1.2.2 marks the introduction of Sync. A following NIA-1 can apply Focus and Iris settings from another NIA-1 to its connected camera. In addition, synchronization of the recording trigger is supported. Configuration is possible through both the Device UI and the Web UI. However, applying a focus offset is only possible via the Web UI.
Please note: all NIA-1 units must be placed between the camera and the motor(s). In general, only one NIA-1 can act as the leading unit, but there is no limit on the number of following units.
WiFi USB stick support
The new SUP allows users to establish a WiFi connection between NIA-1 units. This adds further wireless flexibility to NIA-1 networks by enabling support for selected third-party WiFi USB-C sticks. Compatible wireless adapters built on the MediaTek MT7921AU chipset include popular options such as the Netgear Nighthawk AX3000 and the ALFA AWUS036AXML.
SUP 3.5.2 enables Hi-5/Hi-5 SX support for the Canon EOS C400, activated via a new Canon Camera Control License that can be purchased at the ARRI online shop. It offers extensive camera control features, including start/stop recording, ND filter, exposure index, shutter angle/speed, white balance, and camera user buttons. The NIA-1 can also be seamlessly integrated into this workflow.
The upcoming Canon Camera Control License supports all Canon cameras using the XC Protocol. It has been tested on the Canon C400.
The License supports the following control features:
• Start/Stop Recording
• ND Filter
• Exposure Index
• Shutter Angle / Shutter Speed
• White Balance
• Camera User Buttons
The License supports the following status information:
• Camera Status
• Frame Rate
• Codec
• Remaining Recording Time
• Battery Status
• Recording Resolution
The Canon Camera Control License for Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX requires SUP 3.5.2 or higher.
Bug fix for focus distance display on the SmallHD Lens Overlay
Resolved an issue affecting focus distance display on the SmallHD Lens Overlay. In certain setups, the overlay displayed “0” instead of the actual lens distance value. Focus distance values are now transmitted and displayed correctly on supported SmallHD overlays.
Stability Improvements
This update contains numerous software improvements, including:
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 35 years’ of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.
He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.
Matthew has won 51 ACS Awards, including six prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.
Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.
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