Quietly and surprisingly, Freefly has launched the successor of the Wave – a high-speed camera. This time, the new cinema camera named Ember is capable of shooting 5K 600 fps, and 4K 800 fps, and owns a Super 35 sensor. Moreover, Ember is the fastest camera to ever use the ProRes codec. And the price? All details are below.
Freefly presents Ember: The successor of Wave
The brand new camera was launched just now, fresh from the oven, and it seems to be the successor of the Wave – a compact high-speed camera, and the first camera from Freefly. As stated by the company: “We decided early to keep Ember as small and simple as possible and focus on an app-based workflow. Its 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 on just about everything,” says Freefly and adds: “With Ember, you simply press the record button, roll as long as you like, then share your best shots right from the app”.
We decided early to keep Ember as small and simple as possible and focus on an app-based workflow. Its faster, easier, and much more powerful! Ember is made to fly on just about everything. With Ember, you simply press the record button, roll as long as you like, then share your best shots right from the app.
Freefly
The fastest camera to ever use the ProRes codec
Ember is unique in that it can record continuous high-speed footage with no RAM-based clip limit since it records directly to a 4TB internal SSD. Hence, shooting high speed is now just like shooting anything else, push record to start and stop, and Ember captures everything to solid state memory. Ember incorporates a new sensor, chassis, and app designed to go from capture to share as quickly as possible. The Ember app was designed to simplify high-speed capturing (iOS for now) —“You can go from capture to sharing in seconds” says Freefly. Moreover, according to Freefly, Ember is the fastest camera to ever use the ProRes codec.
Key Features:
- 5K max resolution at 600fps
- 4K 800fps
- Gpixel sensor
- Fast iOS-based app workflow
- Apple ProRes Codec
- Global Shutter
- Wireless Control
- USB 3.2 Type C
Explore the slides below with the specifications of the Ember:
Price and availability
The price is $17,995 USD. “We’re reserving 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 ship in March 2023.
Ember: FAQ by Freefly
Here’re some major FAQs regarding the ember:
- Q: What’s the dynamic Range? A: 11+ stops
- Q: What’s the bit depth? A: 10bit for launch
- Q: How does the camera do on FPV drone? A: Really well! Tiny, global shutter, built super light and tough, and remote start stop easily wired up 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: Locking E mount included, PL and PL with internal ND mount available from KipperTie
- Q: What does the image compare most closely to? A: BlackMagic 6K
- Q: Why did you guys build this camera? A: We are on a mission to build the smallest, fastest, lightest, most fun camera the world has ever seen. This brings us a bit closer to that goal
- Q: Who makes the sensor? A: Gpixel! We are using the Gprint sensor and it has been awesome, Gpixel also has been awesome to work with.
- Q: What’s it like to use the app as the interface? Q: Download it for yourself here! And give it a try
- Q: What buttons/switches / tactile feedback does the camera have? A: Record button, Select Button, Power Switch, and Rolling knob/encoder
- Q: What’s the codec? A: Apple ProRes
- Q: What’s the HDMI output? A1080p
- Q: What’s your favorite part about Ember? A: 4K 800fps images look dreamy, it’s like being in a Marvel film
- Q: What’s your least favorite? A: Need SO much light
- Q: What’s the operating temp 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 tiny, 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’s the color profile? A: Rec.709 right now
- Q: I just bought my Wave Tuesday and I hate you now for making a better product, what are you gonna do about it?? A: We are offering a trade-in program, and if you bought in the last 30 days we will let you return your Wave for an Ember (as long as you don’t mind a bit of waiting)
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’s know your thoughts about Ember. Should you try it for your fast-and-furious shooting?
Product List
Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- FREEFLY Ember S5K Camera
If you’re a fan of filmmaking and want a very special gift, you should check out our super unique Y.M.CINEMA 65 which is a one-of-kind stainless steel model of motion picture 65mm film cinema camera. It was meticulously designed and manufactured by us, and with a pure love for motion pictures. The Y.M.CINEMA 65 can be purchased at our 65 STORE (free shipping to the US), or on AMAZON, for a modest price of $34.95 USD.
