FS7: FS7 successor (rumours/expectations)

But not so ridiculous if you think of the Sony f5 can't Record 4K internally debacle... well actually it could and was purposely hobbled not to do so.. Arri do the same with various licensing costs.. its cheaper to make everything the same on one production line then hobble one camera electronically compared to the more expensive one.. personally I don't think its wrong.,. its just economics.. Sony just embarrassed themselves by swearing till they were blue in the face that is was 100% impossible for the f5 to rec 4K internally.. which was of course total BS..

This^

Been very happy with my F5. The 4K licence "fiasco"was like winning a $15K lotto ticket.
I actually think the F5 is smaller, lighter and much more ergonomic that an FS7 that's been blown out with an aftermarket VF, Vlocks, shoulder plate and whatever other gak they need to make it work like a big boy camera.

Having said that, I've got the new camera itch and I'm very keen to see what Sony has up it's sleeve at NAB...
 
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This^

Been very happy with my F5. The 4K licence "fiasco"was like winning a $15K lotto ticket.
I actually think the F5 is smaller, lighter and much more ergonomic that an FS7 that's been blown out with an aftermarket VF, Vlocks, shoulder plate and whatever other gak they need to make it work like a big boy camera.

Having said that, I've got the new camera itch and I'm very keen to see what Sony has up it's sleeve at NAB...

Yes, Sony took one in the shorts there in the court of public opinion. But simply giving the F5 the ability to record 4K internally doesn’t make it equal to an F55.

And yes, an F5/55 will be much more ergonomic and ‘svelte’ than a similarly equipped Fs7/Fs7II. The 7’s VF set-up is a donkey F and the add-on module to get TC is right there with it.
 
Back in the day I had the F5 in one hand and the loan payment agreeemnt in the other.

I made the choice - 'I cant spend $15k on HD' and walked out the door!

Three months later I bought the newly released Fs7 for $8k.

Sony dont seem to have profited from that one.

I have very similar story... had multiple camera quotes I was so, so close to pulling the trigger on (it was Red or F5). I decided to wait just a bit longer... and when FS7 was announced - was quite happy that I had patience.
Doug's teaser has certainly got my interest...
 
What if it's the new codec update? Sony did it once with the Sony AXXXX series updating AVCHD to XAVC-S. What if we got the new XEVC for the FS7? 1 rumor site says Canon is giving the C200 a codec bump for 4K 422, and Panasonic gave the EVA-1 HEVC codec... That would be very interesting to me. Also an E-mount 16-50mm 2.8 OSS would do it too for me Sony.
 
My "guess" is that Sony releases an FS7III with internal 12 bit EOCN. I bet that would make a lot of people happy who are tempted by BMD.
 
My "guess" is that Sony releases an FS7III with internal 12 bit EOCN. I bet that would make a lot of people happy who are tempted by BMD.

And a lot of loyal (Ex1, FS100, F3, FS7) Sony FS7 owners unhappy. Id much prefer to pay for an firmware/board upgrade or a XCDA back V2 that is more useful.
 
^^ Completely agree. This is that fine line the manufacturers need to tread... keep existing users happy by offering either free or even paid upgrades. (internal raw without that XDCA back? more codec choices??) I'm not "loyal" to one brand and certainly will look at other brands before purchasing something that would make my current FS7I less desirable.
 
^^ Completely agree. This is that fine line the manufacturers need to tread... keep existing users happy by offering either free or even paid upgrades. (internal raw without that XDCA back? more codec choices??) I'm not "loyal" to one brand and certainly will look at other brands before purchasing something that would make my current FS7I less desirable.

Totally sympathetic to that sentiment, but I've been on the other side of it as an F55 owner when they offered the 4K upgrade to F5 owners for $1K after previously insisting it was not possible, and exposed by the Paul Ream 4k hack. Just saying here, Sony have long history of not worrying about it, what Beta Cam users paid compared to F65, plenty of other examples I'm sure. No guarantees. And trying to protect your own lines from cannibalizing sales only works when there is no viable external competition, which in this case, there is, EVA1, BMD, C200 etc. I think it's possible to see the same non-concern with BMD, the UrsaMiniPro is fairly recent but already the Gen II is out.

Just saying here, if what Doug infers is true, they are going to tempt us with something, maybe 8k? So I'll stick with my original guess that they go with internal 12 bit EOCN as the most direct line of defense against C200, EVA1, UrsaMiniPro GenII, but I do hope they have something for the loyal Sony customers.
 
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Oh I understand completely. And I usually don't even venture to guess what Sony (or really any other camera manufacturer) will likely do next...
 
Then when you consider EOCN alone, it's only been ported to 1 more camera (Venice) since it was introduced in the AXSR7 16 bit raw recorder for F5/F55. It makes sense that Sony would not want to let 12 bit BRAW or Prores Raw become a defacto standard, or Panasonic 12 bit raw when they have had EOCN available on the shelf. It's time to do something with it and the FS7 seems like the right platform to advance the agenda. My $0.02
 
And a lot of loyal (Ex1, FS100, F3, FS7) Sony FS7 owners unhappy. Id much prefer to pay for an firmware/board upgrade or a XCDA back V2 that is more useful.

Hopefully Sony is planning a better RAW recording option. It would be cool if they released an XCDA back that records EOCN or ProRes RAW. I think it would sell well if it's reasonably priced and it could keep the legacy owners happy enough.
 
I've just got back from my camera dealer, they know nothing about a new Sony camera apart from the new A7IIIs, I can't imagine Doug out testing that though!

Feel free to PM me Doug, I have high level security clearence and I've signed the Official Secrets Act;-)

They know. It's no secret to the dealers. They're just not going to say anything and why would they? :)

It'll be announced next week before NAB.
 
I've just got back from my camera dealer, they know nothing about a new Sony camera apart from the new A7IIIs, I can't imagine Doug out testing that though!

Feel free to PM me Doug, I have high level security clearence and I've signed the Official Secrets Act;-)

If it makes you feel any better, I have not been out testing any new cameras.
 
Hopefully Sony is planning a better RAW recording option. It would be cool if they released an XCDA back that records EOCN or ProRes RAW. I think it would sell well if it's reasonably priced and it could keep the legacy owners happy enough.

This is my best guess. I’m not thinking they are going to
replace the FS7 yet.....maybe after the A7Siii comes out, then
they may do a ‘cinema version’ of it. But for right now, I’m
guessing new codecs/recorders/recording options. Besides,
Doug said that FS7 owners would want to pay attention. A new
option for better codecs, higher fame rates or whatever seems
like it would interest existing FS7 owners more than a new camera
which replaced their existing one!
 
They know. It's no secret to the dealers. They're just not going to say anything and why would they? :)

It'll be announced next week before NAB.

Actually, these guys, normally give the headsup. We go back a long, long way...

If it makes you feel any better, I have not been out testing any new cameras.

So firmware then? You're such a tease.


My prediction remains new/replacement F5/55 announced in September.
 
This is my best guess. I’m not thinking they are going to
replace the FS7 yet.....maybe after the A7Siii comes out, then
they may do a ‘cinema version’ of it. But for right now, I’m
guessing new codecs/recorders/recording options. Besides,
Doug said that FS7 owners would want to pay attention. A new
option for better codecs, higher fame rates or whatever seems
like it would interest existing FS7 owners more than a new camera
which replaced their existing one!

Yep, that makes sense. Though my camera will be five years old in October.
 
Well the FS7 series is a VERY popular camera so it would make sense for Sony to make 'em happy and keep them in the family.
So my guess is an enhancement for that line. New back or codecs or both. A real VF would be a nice addition, too.
 
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