When planning a fresh workflow for an upcoming shoot, even though Google search may work most of the time, I prefer to go directly to the camera manufacturer's website to get all my camera related downloads and manuals. Unfortunately, the manufacturers don't always make it easy, and when you are supporting different cameras on a job, this can be time-consuming.
Here's a carefully curated resource list to tackle this problem.
I use MediaInfo or DaVinci Resolve to look at metadata most of the time, but comprehensive metadata can only be seen via the camera manufacturer's own software. Therefore, I have included relevant software information for metadata, as well.
Always run your software after installation to make sure it launches properly before going out on a job. Often you will need an internet connection to register software or install a license before you can use it.
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START HERE
SAMPLE FOOTAGE
CAMERA SOFTWARE
Clicking on the links below will download the PDFs right away
CAMERA OPERATING MANUALS
ALEXA SXT SUP 2.0 — User Manual
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
October 17, 2017
ALEXA SXT SUP 1.0 — User Manual
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
November 23, 2016
ALEXA SUP 11.1.1 — User Manual
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
April 6, 2016
ALEXA Mini SUP 5.2 — User Manual
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
December 12, 2017
ALEXA Mini SUP 5.0 — User Manual
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
Jun 21, 2017
* SUP stands for Software Update Packet which is ARRI's terminology for camera firmware.
Start HERE
Canon Main Support Site
Enter your camera model to get the relevant drivers, downloads and manuals.
Canon c300 menu simulator
CAMERA SOFTWARE
This link will lead you to the C300 product page where you can download the latest version of Canon XF-Utility under the ‘Drivers & Downloads’ section.
The Canon Cinema RAW software is used to read the new Canon Raw Light codec that was introduced with the launch of the C200.
The above link will lead you to the C500 product page where you can download the latest version of Canon Cinema RAW Development under the ‘Drivers & Downloads’ section.
CAMERA OPERATING MANUALS
start HERE
RED HARDWARE installers
CAMERA SOFTWARE
The Operation guide can be downloaded from here.
REDUndead (BETA) — MacOS Only
REDUndead was really useful to me on a shoot, where I was able to recover footage from a RED magazine after the camera shutdown suddenly. The operation guide comes with the installer.
CAMERA OPERATING MANUALS
RED Documents
All RED operation guides, whitepapers and installation instructions can be found in the above link. Below are a few specific ones.
WEAPON/RED EPIC-W Operation Guide
WEAPON/SCARLET-W Operation Guide
EPIC/SCARLET Operation Guide
start HERE
CAMERA SOFTWARE
Sony used to have XDCAM-Transfer, Content Browser and RAW viewer for camera software. Those have since been discontinued. It's weird that you can still find Sony Content Browser 2 for $19.95. Anyway, the replacement programs are called Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare.
My experience with Catalyst Browse has not been consistently positive. My advice is to keep the version that works for you and don't upgrade unnecessarily. The software is free but you have to register it within 15 days. Don't forget to register and test it before going somewhere remote for a shoot!
It looks like this is the software that replaces Content Browser. It's on a subscription basis. Here's a comparison between Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare. I have never had the need to use Catalyst Prepare as I only use camera specific software for metadata purposes, and Catalyst Browse was sufficient for me.
CAMERA OPERATING MANUALS
Clicking on the links below will download the PDFs right away
Sony Operational Manual - Main Search Link
To search, use the camera's full model name without the dash, e.g. use the term PMWF55 for Sony F55.
Sony F55 & F5 (Model: PMW-F55, PMW-F5)
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
Sep 2, 2016, Software Version 8.0
Sony FS7 (Model: PXW-FS7)
(PDF Downloads Immediately!)
Jun 1, 2016, Software Version 4.0