FS7: Budgeting an FS7 kit...

M

mcbob

Veteran
Only played with one in a showroom and read a few threads here. Trying to price a "useable," relatively bare bones package to use for doc and corporate, occasional broadcast, up to 12 hour days off the grid. So...

KNOWNS
Camera body
Metabones adapter (for use with my Nikon-mount lenses)
some manner of simple rod adapter (teleprompter kits and the like)

UNKNOWNS
how many batteries?
realistically how much XQD storage?
EVF - absolutely necessary?
Stock handle - does it suck as much as the Canon C's?
misc.? Other links I've missed?

thanks
 
- It comes with an EVF, so I wouldn't buy a 3rd party one for a single cam op corp/doc shooter kit
- Stock handle works for an owner operator - a bit weak for a heavy duty rental kit
- If you primarily shoot 1080p you may get by fine with two 64GB cards
- Three SWIT S8U63 batteries would probably do fine on a 8 hour day without recharging.
- I have the Vocas baseplate and like it, but there are cheaper ones out there.
 
So it's easy enough to nail focus with the stock EVF/LCD?

One year-long project coming up will require 4K... how does that change the XQD equation?
 
mcbob said:
So it's easy enough to nail focus with the stock EVF/LCD?

One year-long project coming up will require 4K... how does that change the XQD equation?
Click to expand...

I don't have trouble with focus, but everyone is different. I use the expanded focus and peaking features.

Buy more XQD cards if you need heavy 4k.
 
Everyone is a little different but for me

- I use 4 x 64gig type S cards. I got them right before they were discontinued to save a buck. I'd also look at the Lexar cards to save money. The only advantage of the G vs S cards is offload speed which in my situation hasn't been a big deal.

- I use stock EVF and although it can fog (I use a bluestar oval eye cover now) I haven't found it too hard to focus. Slog can be tricky as its so flat but I often shoot CineEI with luts on VF to help. When I'm on sicks doing set interview shots I use a 7" HDMI monitor for focus.

- So far I've been playing it risky with 2 BPU-60 batteries and the BPU-30 that came with it. I want to buy a few of the generic Swits chipped for FS7 because I usually will have one battery on charger to complete a day. 3 BPU60 or Swit63 would do a day probably. A 4th would be security.

-I have an older shape VCT shoulder baseplate. It works great for shoulder work but the rails aren't adjustable like the newer shape or zacuto plates. If I were to re-buy I'd get one with adjustable rods but i had this one around and got it at a great deal and don't use a MB much. FF works fine but isn't ideally situated for height.

- The stock handle feels cheaper in the had than the C series but is much much more secure. I always had loose top handles with the C300s and hated it. The FS7 is much more securely bolted to the camera and feels solid but plastic. If I find some extra money kicking around I will eventually get a nato rail top handle but its a want definitely not a need. When cradling or holding low angle I have gotten back in the habit of trigger rec with the handle like the EX1 days.


- I added a Berkey top plate to my camera to add mounting points for monitors and mic receivers. Its not necessary but its nice. Added security against stripping the threads on the 1/4 20 built into handle and having an expensive replacement part.
 
View attachment 100497

The route I took was to use the included EVF and hand grip. They are not perfect but works very well and are integrated parts of the camera system. I swapped the top handle to a Berkey Nato rail handle which to me feels better to hold and I can easily attach or move the handle for transportation or rigging. I got a Denz base plate with rod support which is the smallest solution.

As for media I bought two 128GB G cards which usually are enough for a days shoot in 1080p. But when I do 150fps it eats megabytes fast.

As for power I have five Sony BP-U60 batteries. These will last a very long day but if you have access to a power outlet you could get away with only two BP-U60 batteries because the charger charges faster than the camera draws the juice out of it.
 
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How does that 24-105 work for you on the Speedbooster (if my eyes don't deceive me)? Always seemed like a possible "poor man's Cabrio" for R&G... wondering if the Sigma 24-105/4 on Nikon SB would work similarly/better/worse
 
The 24-105 is the most used lens on my FS7. It's a great lens if you use Canon lenses for video and I have no complains given the cheap price of the lens.
 
"The 24-105 is the most used lens on my FS7".
Same here. The MB SB Ultra and the FS7 have given that glass a whole new life in my kit.
 
I bought the vocas base plate, definitely worth the money. I also went for the XDCA back which I am still not sure was a wise purchase but I figured as I had so many v lock batteries and it integrated so well with the camera long term it would be better than a v lock plate adaptor with dc lead plugged into the back of the camera. I like the hand grip but the camera to me still doesnt feel as good as my panasonic hpx series camera did on the shoulder.

My only complaint is that my view finder loupe is flimsy, the clips fail a lot and it falls off quite easily but I am going to take it back to Sony to see what the issue is.

Have the metabones issues been sorted out yet?
 
I also use 2 x 128 Gb XQD card and it's enough for a day of shooting in 1920 x 1080 (it gives in fact 2 x 128 min in XAVC). But in 4K or in slow motion or if you want to shoot in Apple ProRes, it's not enough (just 2 x 64 min in 4k)

For batteries, I have 2 x Dionic 90 + 1 x 190 from Globalmedia with the XDCA back and 2 x BPU60 without the XDCA extension when I need a lighter camera and when I don't need to use it on my shoulder.

In fact, I think the camera is very light and you can use it diirectly on your shoulder if you have the XDCA extension.

The EVF is good, and with the color peaking, it's really easy to control the focus.

For audio, I think 2 XLR is sometimes not enough...
 
mcbob said:
OOther links I've missed?

thanks
Click to expand...

Metabones adapter - I get by with cheapo $30 adapters one per lens, I also keep a speedbooster on my 28-85 to make it a go to lens.

Batts - Id say two bigs and a little.

XQD - for 1080 two 128gb, Ive never filled my 128+64

EVF - the big issue with this is the cable is to short to allow a balance shoulder mount, also if you are shooting log and lut off it can be hard to focus. You will only be upgrading if you get a device that supports LUTs.
If you shoot mainly on sticks and baked looks you can live with it.

Handle - if you focus with your right hand (I do) it is completely useless, otherwise 4/10 for usability

misc?
not much really - that is good news!

S
 
I'm currently shooting a feature.

Batteries: 3 BPU30's. Put dead one on the charger and it is ready to go in about an hour. Usually can shoot a full day without touching battery 3. Battery life 1.5 hours.

EVF- very good except for durability of the eyepiece. I'm shooting in 4K and am having no trouble nailing focus, as long as I'm shooting in Cine EI and using Mluts. Focus peaking also helps. Best thing to do is use the EVF loupe even inside since it magnifies. For some reason focus mag is not that helpful.

Cards: I can generally shoot all day (narrative) on two 64gb Lexars. Have two extras but only need them when shooting slomo.
 
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