Camera to Cloud is a workflow that allows filmmakers to export original footage as it is being recorded and securely send it to an editor, or other players, to immediately begin working on it. This not only saves time and money, it ensures all metadata is being backed up and safely stored during the shoot. But who should use Camera to Cloud (C2C)? And what camera brands currently support this technology?
What is Camera to Cloud?
Camera to Cloud involves capturing video or image data using cameras and transmitting that data to the cloud for processing, storage, and analysis. Traditionally, cameras were standalone devices that recorded footage locally on physical storage media, such as SSDs. Camera to Cloud allows users to access and manage camera feeds remotely from any location using internet-connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Camera to Cloud is a concept that technically has been possible for years. Although, in 2020, the industry needed to cater to COVD-19 safety protocols therefore pushing editing services to become more remote.
Is 5G Necessary for Camera to Cloud?
With the rollout and surge of 5G connection, the ability to shoot and immediately upload certainly became more plausible. The increased bandwidth of 5G increases the amount of quality that can be shared via the cloud, including RAW files.
Although, C2C systems are not necessarily reliant on 5G connections. While 5G networks offer high-speed, low-latency connectivity, they are not the only option for C2C solutions. Camera to Cloud can work with various types of network connections, including wired connections (such as Ethernet) or existing wireless technologies like 4G LTE.
The choice of network connection depends on factors such as the available infrastructure, the desired bandwidth, the required latency, and the specific requirements of the C2C application.
Who Should Use Camera to Cloud?
Production Companies
Big budget commercial or corporate production companies will be the first to implement this technology. Arguably the most important use with C2C is the ability to effortlessly get footage to an editor from a set. This allows sets to get edits while they are still in the middle of a shoot, allowing them to quickly make any corrections, saving both time and money.
Brands
More brands are moving to in-house creativity as a way of creating commercial content. Though they are able to create the content, hiring an outside or remote editing service is not out of the ordinary. Brands who choose to shoot in-house might find C2C helpful in cases where they hire an outside editing service, or in any case where they hire a content creator and would like the RAW files backed up in their own system.
Agencies
Being able to quickly upload content for an agency-lead project can be beneficial to both content creator, agency, and the client. This ensures the project is being backed up and shot correctly, well before edits are even made. Agencies may not always be on site of the production, so this allows them to view the work as it is being filmed.
Products Offering Camera to Cloud
Frame.io has been an industry leader in this technology, with an ecosystem of C2C Connected Devices that connect Frame.io to the production set. The company has built a number of close relationships with software and hardware companies, creating a wide range of devices and cameras that have the built-in ability to utilize C2C.
Atomos
Atomos released updates to the Atomos Connect and Shogun Connect that allows for Frame.io C2C workflows for the Ninja V and Ninja V+.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm’s latest high-end cameras, the X-H2 and X-H2S can shoot directly to the cloud, thanks to a new partnership with Frame.io. The X-H2S is the first stills camera to natively shoot to the cloud.
RED Digital
RED Digital Cinema has long enabled Frame.io C2C for most of its cameras, using a Teradek CUBE 655. Now, RED is building cameras with the technology, such the V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL, including 8K REDCODE RAW files.
Teradek
For those cameras who do not have the built-in tech to automatically sync with Camera to Cloud, the Teradek Cube 655 and Bond 657 encoders will allow you to utilize the Frame.io C2C workflow. C2C proxy metadata is available in most professional cinema cameras including RED, ARRI, and Sony.
These devices provide a powerful encoding bitrate of up to 15mbps AVC, capturing color-accurate H.264 proxies in compact file sizes. Whenever the camera cuts, the proxy file is immediately uploaded to Frame-io via a proprietary link with the Cube 655 or Bond 657. Files are also stored locally on the encoders, allowing productions to upload their proxies later. C2C proxy metadata is available in most professional cinema cameras including RED, ARRI, and Sony.
Conclusion
As high-end production and broadcast companies move into this new digital revolution of file storage, it is hard to determine exactly how big of an impact Camera to Cloud will inevitably have on the industry. Many camera brands are implementing different forms of this technology into cameras. Research your specific camera brand to find out if it supports a version of C2C.
It will be tempting for both video and still creators to ditch memory cards and SSD’s for a cheaper and more efficient option, like Camera to Cloud. Overall, brands, agencies, and creators will all save time and money.
