KineOS 7.1 for Kinefinity MAVO Edge 8K and 6K Released – Adds ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaOctober 4^th, 2022

Kinefinity has just rolled out the KineOS 7.1 for their MAVO Edge 8K and 6K cameras. This firmware update optimizes SDI functions, introduces new full-frame and S35 anamorphic modes, and adds a new interesting ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode recording option.

Earlier this year, the Kinefinity MAVO Edge 6K joined the existing MAVO Edge 8K, which is the company’s current flagship model. These two full-frame cameras share the same body design but are different at the core. CineD’s Johnnie had the privilege to try out both cameras in the field, so make sure you don’t miss his hands-on reviews (MAVO Edge 8K review | MAVO Edge 6K review).

Just yesterday, we reported on two new high-capacity V-mount batteries from Kinefinity, the PD KineBAT 99 and 200. Along with these new solutions to power their beasts, the company also introduced a new firmware called KineOS 7.1, which further adds to the list of features these already-capable cameras have. Let’s take a closer look.

KineOS 7.1 for Kinefinity MAVO Edge 8K and 6K: SDI optimization

To start off, the latest firmware update enhances the SDI capabilities of the MAVO Edge 8K and 6K cameras. Both models feature two independent 1.5/3G SDI ports for monitoring, which can now output status info and menus to an external screen, along with providing a clean image feed option.

Moreover, trigger recording over SDI is now possible, while additional SDI frame rates have been added to match the project frame rate. According to the manufacturer, the SDI output should now provide crisper results, especially when transmitting full-frame 4K and S35 4K images.

ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode

Interestingly, hidden in the firmware release notes, is a new flavor of Apple’s popular codec, ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode. According to Kinefinity, although still in Beta, this compression method should help save storage space and extend recording times without compromising dynamic range.

ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode is claimed to be 50% more efficient than regular ProRes 4444. However, I’m not sure how Kinefinity achieved this remarkable result since ProRes 4444 Efficiency Mode doesn’t seem to be an official codec option licensed by Apple. Hopefully, the company will elaborate more about this point in the future.

New anamorphic modes

KineOS 7.1 also introduces a long list of new anamorphic modes for both cameras, including 3:2, 6:5, and 4:3 options using both full-frame and Super 35 mm sensor areas. According to the release notes, full-frame 3:2 recording is supported up to 50fps. New formats include the following:

• MAVO Edge 8K – Full-frame
  7.2K 3:2 (7168×4760)
  4.8K 3:2 (4864×3176)
  6.4K 4:3 (6400×4760)
  5.7K 6:5 (5760×4760)
  4.2K 4:3 (4224×3176)
  3.8K 6:5 (3840×3176)
  
• MAVO Edge 8K – Super 35
  6K 3:2 (6144×3840)
  4K 3:2 (4096×2560)
  5K 4:3 (5120×3840)
  4.8K 6:5 (4864×3840)
  3.4K 4:3 (3456×2560)
  3K 6:5 (3072×2560)
  
• MAVO Edge 6K – Full-frame
  5.7K 3:2 (5760×3700)
  3.8K 3:2 (3840×2460)
  5K 4:3 (5120×3700)
  4.6K 6:5 (4608×3700)
  3.4K 4:3 (3456×2460)
  3K 6:5 (3072×2460)
  
• MAVO Edge 6K – Super 35
  4K 3:2 (4096×2700)
  3.2K 6:5 (3328×2700)
  3.6K 4:3 (3712X2700)
  2.7K 1:1 (2688X2688)

Other features

Along with general stability improvements and bug fixes, the new firmware also enhances operability. For example, the camera is now faster when toggling between preview and playback modes. Lastly, a redesigned VU meter now displays a more precise dBFS marking scale for visually monitoring audio levels.

Price and availability

The new KineOS 7.1 firmware update is now available to download as a free upgrade from Kinefinity’s website. Before installing the 7.1 update, you want to ensure that the camera is running KineOS 7.0. The update process takes about half an hour to complete.

For the full firmware release notes, please visit Kinefinity’s website here.

Have you ever shot with the Kinefinity MAVO Edge 8K or 6K cameras? Are these new features relevant to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!