FS7: FS7 B-cam dilemma and lens adapting question for you all...

jasonbrooks

jasonbrooks

Well-known member
Hey folks,

Very happy with my FS7, still solidly providing lovely images in an ergonomic form factor. Find my self shooting 95% of what I do on my pair of Fuji MK zooms (with another 4% coming from a 16-35 Canon L via M/B SB). The only thing that occasionally bothers me is the relative large size and weight of the setup (once factoring in Zacuto VCT plate/shoulder rig, Gratical Eye, FF, etc), which on the more mobile days gets to be quite a bore after 8 hours running around.

For that reason, and the times that I need something for either second angles on IVs, gimbal work, or both, I'd really love to pick up a b-cam. I've been waiting for the mythical new Sony A7(whatever), with hopefully 10-bit imaging, but am losing faith as the months slip by.

My interest was piqued by the new Fuji X-T4, with it's rather powerful looking IBIS and highly capable AF with the right electronic lenses (only really interested in AF for gimbal stuff, and maybe the occasional walk and talk TBH). Obviously the 10bit is only available externally via HDMI, but I have a Shogun Flame which should handle that as and when necessary.

Three questions:

- Does anyone have a compact b-cam (ideally mirrorless or similar, as I'd love a decent stills cam too), that they're really happy with using in conjunction with the FS7/8?
- Has anyone used the Fuji X-T4 in anger, and what did you think?
- Does anyone know of a way that the Fuji MK zooms (in E-mount, obviously) could be used with the Fuji X-T4?

Cheers all,

jason
 
The fs7 can be quite small - try tanking everything off it.

Get a mirrorless - ad a long life battery and a am Nd system and it can be quite big.

Fs7 lite build is the perfect b-cam for the fs7?

I say this as prices are crashing!
 
Have used the XT3 alongside the FS7 and have to say much prefer the image out of the Fuji. It does 10 bit internally but at 420, to get 422 you need external record
Really enjoy using the XT3, just be aware of the flimsy micro HDMI if you want to record externally. AF is decent with the f2 primes and the good value 18-55mm 2.8-4 zoom. The XT4 has much better battery which is welcome.
Have no idea about adapting the e-mount zooms but imagine they would be lovely to use with the IBIS of the XT4
 
jasonbrooks said:
My interest was piqued by the new Fuji X-T4, with it's rather powerful looking IBIS and highly capable AF with the right electronic lenses (only really interested in AF for gimbal stuff, and maybe the occasional walk and talk TBH). Obviously the 10bit is only available externally via HDMI, but I have a Shogun Flame which should handle that as and when necessary.
Click to expand...

10-bit is internal, but it's 4:2:0 via H.265 (just like with the X-T3).

4:2:2 is what is capable via an external recorder.
 
Careful what you wish for...

I bought a GH5S as a B Cam to the FS7. Internal 400Mbps 10 bit 422.

5 months later, I couldn’t deny the superior image and lightweight small footprint.

The FS7 moved on and I now shoot everything on a GH5 and GH5S combo.

I too have been hanging on for a 10 bit A7, as I have some lovely native Sony glass - but the GH5 already gives me everything that I had been waiting for. Granted, it means investing in another lens system for me, but MFT is relatively cheap.

IBIS on the GH5 with native lenses is stunning - I no longer need a tripod for anything but long sit-down IVs.

Audio on the XLR adapter is pristine - but limited to 2 channels.

Ben.
 
The best bcam would be a used FS7 to match the first FS7. I on the other hand have an FS5 to use as bcam, but mostly to have something tiny to bring when I don't want to haul my FS7.
 
If not using the A7III as B cam to the FS7 I'm using the PXW-Z90 as a B Cam. Previously it was the X70 but the 90 is streets ahead. I've set up one of the profiles to match my FS7 setup. Don't know much about the Z90? 422 10-bit HD and 420 in 4K. NDs, XLRs Hybrid AF from the A7 series, dual card slots, very good stabilization.

Chris Young

A pretty honest warts and all review.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkrKxX3dSxo

Doug Jensen put together some shots to give people an idea of what the camera can do. Really it's only limited by your imagination. Awesome bang for the buck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bk2JkNdbUM
 
bengiles said:
Careful what you wish for...

I bought a GH5S as a B Cam to the FS7. Internal 400Mbps 10 bit 422.

5 months later, I couldn’t deny the superior image and lightweight small footprint.

The FS7 moved on and I now shoot everything on a GH5 and GH5S combo.

I too have been hanging on for a 10 bit A7, as I have some lovely native Sony glass - but the GH5 already gives me everything that I had been waiting for. Granted, it means investing in another lens system for me, but MFT is relatively cheap.

IBIS on the GH5 with native lenses is stunning - I no longer need a tripod for anything but long sit-down IVs.

Audio on the XLR adapter is pristine - but limited to 2 channels.

Ben.
Click to expand...

Same here but even more impact: I was so pleased with the images and color science of the GH5 that I went for a test with the EVA1. In the end I sold the FS7 and purchased for the EVA1. I didn’t regret it for a second
 
cyvideo said:
Doug Jensen put together some shots to give people an idea of what the camera can do. Really it's only limited by your imagination. Awesome bang for the buck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bk2JkNdbUM
Click to expand...

Chris, thanks for the compliment. I hadn't watched that old Z90 video for a long time and it reminded me just how good that little camera is. In fact, I had kind of forgotten what footage in my library was shot with what camera. But but as I watched that video it occurred to me that I've sold enough stock footage just from the clips in that video to have paid for the entire Z90 already. Pretty cool.

But to get the thread back on track, I'm shooting almost everything right now with my Panasonic S1H and I would have no reservations about using the FS7 and S1H on the same shoot. I think they would match up very well even if LOG was not the shooting mode. A few tweaks to the paint menus would get them looking very close even in REC709 mode. My heart is still with Sony, and until yesterday I was booked to be working for them again next month at NAB, but the camera I'm personally using the most right now is my S1H -- even though I still have my F55, FS7, Z280, and Z90. It is an amazing camera if you don't mind the lack of built-in ND filters, which I have already gotten used to. In my opinion, it is an FX9 in a smaller body at 1/3 the price. Here's my review of why the S1H is a game changer. https://vimeo.com/391706599
 
Too bad about NAB Doug.

I still use my Z90 now with my S1H, and used it for years as the b-cam to my FS7 and FS7 MK2, it matched up well. Just need to keep the it at f/4 and I use it locked down.
 
Doug Jensen said:
But to get the thread back on track, I'm shooting almost everything right now with my Panasonic S1H and I would have no reservations....
Click to expand...

Very interesting! It’s a shame the AF isn’t truly functional, as I plan to use it on a gimbal, and good face tracking could be really handy in certain situations. That said, imaging is definitely my central priority, and it does seem like the S1H has a LOT to offer.

One question for you Doug. You mentioned the flexibility of the L-mount in your video. Do you know if that would allow the use of E-mount MK cine zooms? If so, by what adaptor setup?

Thanks everyone for your input!

Jason
 
jasonbrooks said:
One question for you Doug. You mentioned the flexibility of the L-mount in your video. Do you know if that would allow the use of E-mount MK cine zooms? If so, by what adaptor setup?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately because L-mount and e-mount both have shallow flange depths, I am not aware of any adapters that will let you swap lenses either direction. But just about every other lens mount is compatible.
I am leaving open the possibility that someone might come up with an adapter, but I would not count on it happening.
 
Doug Jensen said:
I am leaving open the possibility that someone might come up with an adapter, but I would not count on it happening.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that is impossible; E-mount is 18mm and L-mount is 20mm. You can use an adapter if the flange is shorter on the camera native mount but not the other way round.
 
Liam Hall said:
I'm pretty sure that is impossible; E-mount is 18mm and L-mount is 20mm. You can use an adapter if the flange is shorter on the camera native mount but not the other way round.
Click to expand...

I agree, but I've learned in some cases it is better to never say never, just to be safe. There are some clever people out there.
 
Doug Jensen said:
Chris, thanks for the compliment. I hadn't watched that old Z90 video for a long time and it reminded me just how good that little camera is. In fact, I had kind of forgotten what footage in my library was shot with what camera. But but as I watched that video it occurred to me that I've sold enough stock footage just from the clips in that video to have paid for the entire Z90 already. Pretty cool.
Click to expand...

No problems Doug. It just that so many people are now into mirrorless that sometimes they tend to overlook some of the benefits a small competent camera like the Z90 can offer. I guessd younger crew who have grown up on DSLRs and now mirrorless just haven't been exposed to "video" cameras.

Yes too bad about NAB. We live in interesting times!

Chris Young
 
I note that the S1h seems to be the price of a used FS7 once you have a coulple of nice NDs and some batts?

Seems not such a great thing traded off against..
-1 batt charger
-never worry which body to use
etc etc/
 
FS7 + R5 recorder for sale

FS7 + R5 recorder for sale

Well, if someone wants a very clean, like new condition, FS7 I'll sell them mine. And my package includes a Sony R5 RAW recorder for 16-bit RAW. If someone wants to get serious about 4K RAW, the R5 blows away all the options form Convergent Design and Atomos. Once you have worked with Sony RAW in Resolve it is hard to go back to any other codecs.

PMW-FS7
XDCA adapter
HXR-IFR5 interface unit
AXS-R5 RAW recorder
(2) 512GB AXS cards


A great deal for $6500.
 
Just to get the thread back on topic for Jason... I'll give you one more option / choice to think about...
For B-cam, especially for small gimbal work - if I were buying now, I would consider the A6600. Yes, it's only 8 bit. But, can easily match your FS7 - and can use same lenses (same fov) - gives you IBIS, and really good face-tracking AF (perhaps as good as FX9 style???).
 
markfpv said:
Just to get the thread back on topic for Jason... .
Click to expand...

Mark I think a used FS7 is a think to take seriously. Maybe not Dougs shiney one with all the bits but there are ones around 4k

Mirrorless suck bigstyle with the poor ergonomics and lack of ND.
 
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