IBC 2022

A visitor’s perspective following a 3-year break.

The dust has now settled two weeks since IBC 2022. It seems that after a 3-year hiatus it is still the premiere broadcast show in Europe. I took a trip there to meet with some industry friends and check out the latest releases. Now, first off, let’s ignore the ridiculous queues at Schipol airport, the masses of people who missed their flights home and focus on the kit. It is an expensive show to attend but there is value in getting face to face with suppliers. There is something about getting hands-on with new products that you cannot do online. But in order to evaluate whether I’d go again next year I thought I’d write this article.

What were my goals for attending IBC 2022?

• To get hands-on with the latest cinema and broadcast technology
• To stay on top of and see industry trends | New equipment announcements
• To connect with industry friends and colleagues
• To talk face to face with suppliers and equipment manufacturers
• To network with potential partners and or clients

Sony FR7

For me the most exciting release was Sony’s new PTZ the FR7. I’ve been looking at PTZ cameras for a while now and felt pretty unsatisfied with the market’s best 1″ sensor offerings from Panasonic and Canon. It always struck me that these companies were putting cheap sensors in PTZs and charging the earth for them because they were in PTZ form. Despite the fact that underneath was a fairly cheap and older sensor. Not to completely dismiss the Panasonic UE-150 or the Canon CR-N5oo for example – these are darn good cameras but put them alongside a full frame oversample FX9 with a reasonable lens on and they don’t hold up very well. Enter Sony with the FR7, the latest addition to their Cinema Line. With this new camera, Sony have put an FX6 sensor in an interchangeable lens PTZ. Hats off Sony.

This thing has probably worried a few studio camera ops! It will be massive in the world of fixed rig and reality TV. Admittedly the price point is going to be a sticking point for many (north of £11k including a controller). But there is so much potential for hiding cameras on stages, on sets, pretty much anywhere. The downsides I observed were the lack of full NDI – why on earth limit this to NDI-HX? This is also a paid upgrade, it should be part of the price for a near £10k camera. Secondly, Sony have got 15mm bars on the camera but no power outputs on the back of the head which will mean mounting other power sources on the head should you wish to power an LCS or focus motor. Finally, there is currently only a limited selection of Sony servo zoom lenses available. No doubt Sony realise this and is planning on releasing more specifically with the FR7 in mind.

Interestingly, Sony has developed a new software application for controlling the PTZ remotely via a network connection. Perhaps this could pave the way for all cameras in the Sony Cinema Line to be controllable via a single application simultaneously. That would be neat.

The controller feels very premium. Tight software integration holds much promise for control over Cinema Line cameras.

Arri Alexa 35

Arri’s first new sensor in a camera in 12 years has finally been released, and this was my first opportunity to see one in person.  It is clearly going to be the new benchmark over the next decade in motion picture technology. Of course, it is aimed squarely at the high-end TV and cinema or commercials market. The super 35mm sensor in large part was born out of the standards required by the likes of Netflix, but really demonstrates to us that full frame isnt everything. I think we were all marketed full frame as being the coup d’état of digital imaging by camera manufacturers over the past three or four years. Arri’s commitment here shows us that it’s not all about the size of the sensor. Arri has always stated that it is more about the quality of the pixels rather than the size and number. Not forgetting the vast array of Super 35mm optics that exist around the world. Now there is a native 4.7k super 35mm sensor with incredible dynamic range and latitude to make the most out of them.

Aputure COB

Aputure lighting have been really making a serious impact with their COB offerings. They have come a long way from their inception and early products and are now bringing products to market with an impressive build quality, finish, and above all price point. I think with our industry there’s often an assumption (I know I’m guilty of it) that if it’s not hideously expensive then it’s not the best. But let’s be honest, Aputure is slowly revolutionising this standpoint. What’s cool about Aputure is the different entry points regarding price. They seem to have three levels: their Amaran brand being the entry point. Then their standard Aputure fixtures. And at the top end fixtures which are badged ‘Pro’. Since coming back from the show I’ve already ordered a few Aputure products including, 600D, 600C Pro, Amaran F22C, 60X, and a bunch of modifiers. Now the decision to purchase these was not just based on the visit to IBC. I’ve had my eye on these fixtures for a while and have been gradually building up Spellbinder’s lighting inventory.

Lighting is a long-term investment that will add value for many years to come. It’s also something that my business does quite a bit of, whether it’s in the studio or out on location. So flexibility here is key. It was really nice to be able to talk with a couple of gaffers on the stand and discuss lots of different scenarios and use cases. As well as understand where they use these tools on set. Everything that is included at the price point makes these a no-brainer, CRMX, Sidus link, DMX, multiple power options, and insane output. What’s not to like?

IBC 2022 Industry Trends

Cloud Production

Unsurprisingly cloud production technology was a big topic with many companies promoting cloudbased workflows. Be this in storage, archive, control, post-production workflow and full scaleable cloud production solutions. In years gone by it has seemed that this stuff holds great promise for the future but now in 2022 cloud production is in fact here and now. Most, if not all, companies offering on-premises solutions also now offer cloud-based models. Streaming and broadcasting technology has been democratised and there are a whole host of industries that now leverage these technologies and platforms.

Camera to cloud integration

One of the cloud tools that we use in my business is the Frame.io platofrm. They were showcasing the camera to cloud shooting capabilities which are certainly impressive. It also appears that this technology has become more affordable already with offerings from Atomos as well as Teradek for encoding your camera files directly to the platform. It will be interesting to see how Adobe continues to evolve this platform.

Other noteworthy stuff

I saw so much over the two full days I spent hiking the halls of IBC 2022 that it is nigh on impossible to include all of it. But some of the other stuff I found really valuable included, speaking to Flanders Scientific, looking at their big flatscreen panels, and talking about when they might have a HDR 4K panel in the pipeline. (Hint, it’s not that far off but will be expensive). Lenses-wise, the new Atlas full-frame anamorphic lenses were cool (and at a very exciting price point). Canon also premiered their new CN8, an updated version of the very popular CN7 lens. A very slightly different focal length and built-in doubler make it an attractive option for a do it all zoom.

I stopped by Astera to check out the new Hydrapanels, these are pretty cool but I’m not sure very useful for the kind of work I do. I did hear about a really neat accessory for the Titan tubes called the light sock from a German gaffer on the Aputure stand which I’ve actually ordered to test out. Currently, that’s en route to me via FedEx! I think that will be really useful for soft overhead and fill lighting in tight spaces. Motion Impossible’s Agito system was getting lots of attention. Righly so. It’s just such a cool piece of equipment!

Arri’s Orbiter finally sees more optics being released. I have the light and it’s a fabulous instrument, but I do wish it had more output. Hopefully, Arri will make a brighter light engine that can be swapped out on early adopter units.

Connecting with people

One great example of connecting with people was stopping by Netgear. I connected with Kieran from Netgear on LinkedIn a while back since building our NDI and live streaming flypack around Netgear M4300 and M4250 switches. Being able to put a face to a name in real life is really cool after the pandemic forced us to move everything into a virtual space. We had a chat about my network configuration and Kieran had some ideas and offered some support after the event. That kind of interaction wouldn’t be possible via a social network alone. So it struck me as a good example of the worth of attending such an event as IBC, beyond that of the trade show floor and the shiny new kit.

Trade Show Swag

It wouldn’t be a trade show without free stuff… so what did I pick up?

• Pair of Arri Socks (x2) thanks Arri
• x2 Alexa 35mm T-Shirts
• Arri sticker sheet for Orbiter
• Flanders Scientific Screen cleaning kit
• Hedge screen cleaner
• Birddog cable wraps
• VMix mouse matt
• iNTINOR Thor’s hammer and a couple of pens
• Aputure T Shirt and beer coaster

Summary

Looking back at the goals that I had for attending, I think the majority of them were met. For me, it was absolutely worthwhile to make the effort to attend. I certainly enjoyed having some time to reflect on where I’ve come with the business over the past few years. For one I have a lot more understanding and experience than I did in 2019.

It’s still amazing to think that it has been 3 whole years without being able to meet up and connect in real life. I would like it if there were some official ways to network with partners as well as suppliers. I guess it depends on your priorities. For me, the priority was technology. That’s because I think that staying on top of what’s happening in the industry is an essential part of my own personal development and that of my business. So that makes it all worthwhile. That and the Arri socks. I mean come on?