Freefly Launches Ember: Ultra High Speed, Super 35, Compact Cinema Camera – YMCinema
Quietly and surprisingly, Freefly introduced the successor to the Wave – a high-speed camera. This time, the new cinema camera called Ember is capable of shooting 5K 600 fps and 4K 800 fps, and has a Super 35 sensor. Additionally, Ember is the fastest camera ever to use the ProRes codec. And the price? All details are below.
The brand new camera has just been launched, fresh out of the oven, and it appears to be the successor to the Golf – a compact high-speed camera, and the first camera from Freefly. As stated by the company: “We decided early on to keep Ember as small and simple as possible and focus on an app-based workflow. It’s faster, easier and much more powerful!”. Basically, the Ember is a 100mm cube, 800 grams, and can shoot 4K 800fps, and 5K 600fps. “Ember is made to fly just about anything,” says Freefly, adding: “With Ember, you simply press the record button, roll as long as you want, and then share your best photos right from the app”.
We decided early on to keep Ember as small and simple as possible and focus on an app-based workflow. It’s faster, easier and much more powerful! Cool is made to fly on just about anything. With Ember, you simply press the record button, roll as long as you like, and then share your best photos right from the app.
free flight
Ember is unique in that it can record continuous high-speed footage with no RAM-based clipping limit, as it records directly to a 4TB internal SSD. So shooting high speed is now just like shooting anything else, press record to start and stop, and Ember captures everything in solid state memory. Ember incorporates a new sensor, chassis and app designed to go from recording to sharing as quickly as possible. The Ember app is designed to simplify high-speed capture (for iOS now) — “You can go from capture to sharing in seconds,” says Freefly. Additionally, according to Freefly, Ember is the fastest camera ever to use the ProRes codec.
Key features:
- 5K maximum resolution at 600 fps
- 4K 800 fps
- Gpixel sensor
- Fast iOS-based application workflow
- Apple ProRes Codec
- Global shutter
- Wireless control
- USB 3.2 Type C
Explore the slides below with the specifications of the Ember:
The price is $17,995 USD. “We are booking the first shipments of Ember for existing Wave customers. So if you already have a Wave, let us know so we can flag your order accordingly,” says Freefly. The launch color for the first 200 units is Olive Green and these units are reserved for Wave customers. The first cameras will be shipped in March 2023.
Here are some important questions about the ember:
- Q: What is the dynamic range? A: 11+ stops
- Q: What is the bit depth? A: 10bit for launch
- Q: How does the camera perform on FPV drone? A: Really good! Small, global shutter, built super light and tough, and remote start stop easily wired to flight control of your choice with 46min record time!
- Q: Can we control the camera remotely? A: Start / Stop is currently functional, full camera control via App and Movi Pro is on the roadmap
- Q: What are the lens mount options? A: Closure E mount included, PL and PL with internal ND mount available from KipperTie
- Q: What does the image most closely compare to? A: BlackMagic 6K
- Q: Why did you guys build this camera? A: We are on a mission to build the smallest, fastest, lightest, funnest camera the world has ever seen. This brings us a little closer to that goal
- Q: Who makes the sensor? A: Gpixel! We use the Gprint sensor and it has been great, Gpixel has also been great to work with.
- Q: What is it like to use the app as the interface? Q: Download it for yourself here! And try it
- Q: What buttons / switches / tactile feedback does the camera have? A: Record button, select button, power switch and dial/encoder
- Q: What is the codec? A: Apple ProRes
- Q: What is the HDMI output? A1080p
- Q: What is your favorite part about Ember? A: 4K 800fps images look dreamy, it’s like being in a Marvel film
- Q: What is your least favorite? A: Needs SO much light
- Q: What is the operating temperature range? A: 0 to 40c
- Q: What are your favorite frame rates/frame sizes? A: 4K 800 for anything ultra slow, 5K 600 if I need high speed with the ability to stabilize/reframe a bit
- Q: What are the unique things about this camera? A: Ultra small, ultra fast, ultra simple, ultra fun
- Q: How much does it weigh? A: 820g
- Q: Is it IP rated? If not, can it handle light rain? A: Yes, it can handle light rain
- Q: What is the color profile? A: Rec.709 at the moment
- Q: I just bought my Wave Tuesday and now I hate you for making a better product, what are you going to do about it?? A: We offer a trade-in program, and if you’ve purchased in the last 30 days, we’ll let you return your Wave for an Ember (as long as you don’t mind waiting a bit)
As for sample footage, check out the videos below, shot on Ember:
In general, the quality is better than Wave, but also the price is significantly steeper. Let us know what you think about Ember. Should you try it for your fast and furious shooting?
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