Sony has unveiled its next generation solution to connect cameras to the cloud through a fast and stable transfer using a mobile connection. C3 Portal, which stands for Camera-Connect-Cloud Portal, allows operators to quickly and easily send their files from location to the edit suite via a dedicated Android OS and iOS mobile application called C3 Portal App.

Sony has unveiled its next generation solution to connect cameras to the cloud through a fast and stable transfer using a mobile connection. C3 Portal, which stands for Camera-Connect-Cloud Portal, allows operators to quickly and easily send their files from location to the edit suite via a dedicated Android OS and iOS mobile application called C3 Portal App.

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The PXW-FX9 and PXW-Z280 will be among the first cameras to be supported by C3 Portal

In addition, the solution is said to contribute to workflow efficiency by adding the metadata to files when they are uploaded to the cloud, which then integrates into post-production. The files sent to the cloud are shared from the shooting location with the production floor, and camera crews, editors, producers and even clients can join in creating the content remotely and promptly on the cloud.

C3 Portal is designed to enable quick and easy connection of camera to cloud. The camera operator simply needs to log-in to the app and scan a QR code found on the cameras (PXW-FX9 and PXW-Z280). Users can also connect cameras to their smartphone via USB and securely transfer files to cloud by the 5G network, LTE network or wireless network. It is also possible to combine multiple cellular networks to accelerate the transfer speed.

Other features include Chunk File Transfer, which enables users to send files to the facility while shooting to reduce time to edit on the production floor, and an end-to-end metadata workflow for efficient production. When camera operators, reporters or directors set up the planning metadata, including staff names or video topics for example, and send it to smartphones and cameras through the C3 Portal prior to a shoot, that metadata is automatically assigned to files sent to the cloud. In parallel, camera operators can add comments and essence marks as metadata when previewing XAVC proxy files which are sent to the smartphone.

“C3 Portal will positively impact the workflow, moving away from linear and physical media bound processes, to instantly accessible files by anyone involved in the production,” said Kajita Hiroshi, head of marketing, Media Solutions at Sony Professional Europe. “Time to air or time to edit will therefore be greatly reduced, leading to cost efficiencies overall and simplified collaborative work, in an era of increased remote production and postproduction.”

Version 1.0 of C3 Portal will be released at the end of November 2021. It will first be supported by the PXW-FX9, ILME-FX6, PXW-Z280, PXW-Z750, PXW-Z450, PXW-X400 and PXW-X500 cameras. Further development will see the support of other Sony cameras and advanced features.

On the production end, C3 Portal will integrate with various Sony Cloud-based services and other third-party suppliers, as well as direct integration with non-linear editing suites.