The Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K Digital Cinema Camera features an 8.9MP Super 35mm image sensor, capable of capturing 4K, 2K and HD resolution video in a variety of formats via the camera's internal recorder. The Sony F55 is among the first digital motion picture cameras with a global shutter, which completely eliminates motion skew and other "rolling" shutter distortions. Sony has designed the F55 as the foundation of an exceptionally versatile, modular system.

Many digital sensors can match and even surpass traditional motion picture film for resolution and low light image quality, but with approximately 14.3 stops of dynamic range, film has maintained an advantage over most digital sensors. However, the Sony F55's exposure latitude is rated at 14 stops of dynamic range, for truly film-like rendering of highlights and shadows. Moreover, the Sony F55 incorporates the same color filter array technology used in Sony's flagship F65, for a color gamut that is even wider than motion picture film.

The Sony F55 CineAlta camera incorporates high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording that allows the choice of 8-bit MPEG-2 HD422 at 50 Mbps, 10-bit XAVC 2K/HD at 100 Mbps, SR Codec 10-bit MPEG4 SStP at 220/440/880 Mbps, and XAVC 4K/QFHD at 300 Mbps. All formats can be recorded at a range of interlaced and progressive frame rates.

In addition, the optional AXS-R5 recorder enables 4K & 2K recording in 16-bit RAW. The AXS-R5 recorder also facilitates high speed frame rates of up to 240 fps in 2K and simultaneous RAW + on-board SxS recording. The recorder uses Sony's newly developed AXSM memory cards, which are compatible with an optional USB 3.0 reader (AXS-CR1). RAW files can be screened using Sony's free RAW Viewer software.

Please note that certain frame rates, resolutions & codecs are currently unavailable but will be added in future firmware upgrades.