FS7: Happy new FS7 user!

[Yoak]

This is my "prosumer" cam list
My first Cam was XL-H1, loved it, but hated the viewfinder.
Sold it.
Got the EX-3, close to perfect at the time. Kept it until 1.5 years ago, when producers stopped renting it.
Got an AF100 when it came out, liked the idea and the lenses, but the IQ was a huge let down.
Sold it.
Got a C300, loved the image, hated the ergonomics.
Sold it after one production
Then got the FS7, had it for a year now and have a love/hate relationship with it. Mostly love though.
I love it for docu work and corporate stuff. Hate the bugs and was disappointed in the HFR IQ.
For the price it's hard to beat and pretty amazing.

 

[Erik Naso]

Started looking at better EVF mounting options. Zacuto Axis Mini FS7 version looks good. Anyone have other options you like? Bern had a Vocus that looks good but it seems to do the same thing the stock one does.

 

[IronFilm]

So people use FE lenses with this cam? I'm thinking since I'm going to start from scratch with lenses and I can't be bothered with adapters, then going native seems like a good idea. FE lenses should be ok right? If I can have a set of lenses that fit my A7S and a better ergo cam like the FS5 (same mount as FS7), then hopefully I'm thinking clearly as long as no downside to FE.

You don't even need to go with FE lenses, as it is S35 sensor. (FE cover 135 format, so their APS-C lenses will work with the FS7 as well)

 

[TMHiggins]

Started looking at better EVF mounting options. Zacuto Axis Mini FS7 version looks good. Anyone have other options you like? Bern had a Vocus that looks good but it seems to do the same thing the stock one does.

I have the Zacuto Axis Mini FS7 paired with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate and it definitely makes balancing the camera/getting the viewfinder in the right spot much easier. I definitely recommend the Indie Recoil by Zacuto for the FS7. Included is the baseplate, axis mini, 15mm rods, and a rosette mini mount to move the grip forward. And they threw in a free quick release broadcast plate back when I purchased it - not sure if that promotion is still a thing or not.

Here it is in action:

 

[Erik Naso]

I have the Zacuto Axis Mini FS7 paired with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate and it definitely makes balancing the camera/getting the viewfinder in the right spot much easier. I definitely recommend the Indie Recoil by Zacuto for the FS7. Included is the baseplate, axis mini, 15mm rods, and a rosette mini mount to move the grip forward. And they threw in a free quick release broadcast plate back when I purchased it - not sure if that promotion is still a thing or not.

Here it is in action:
View attachment 111883

Thanks Travis.

I have a FS7 Axis mini with top plate on the way. Looks like a great setup.

 

[Doug Jensen]

Looks like a great setup.

I was thinking just the opposite. Look at the posture, I couldn't shoot with that for 2 minutes without getting a kink in my neck. And look at the focusing next to the cheek, almost back to the ear instead of out in front. Torture! And the grip is so far forward I'd lose all my steadiness with my arm that far out. I've got my cameras setup so they sit nice and comfortable like a Betacam or F800.

 

[Nirv]

I was thinking just the opposite. Look at the posture, I couldn't shoot with that for 2 minutes without getting a kink in my neck. And look at the focusing next to the cheek, almost back to the ear instead of out in front. Torture! And the grip is so far forward I'd lose all my steadiness with my arm that far out. I've got my cameras setup so they sit nice and comfortable like a Betacam or F800.

I agree, instead of seating the camera quite so far back and having to give yourself a choke hold to operate the lens I'd be looking to either use VLocks or extend the rods out the back and add some ballast.

I think Sony are missing out on bring out a 4K 2/3" Broadcast style shoulder cam that shoots SLog3. I think there are plenty of productions that would prefer to shoot with a decent broadcast package yet have the flexibility of SLog3/SGamut3.cine in Post e.g an F5 spec camera in a broadcast package that you can shoot all day with. While you're at it Sony I'd love a 1" Broadcast handy cam that shoots SLog3 XAVC-I.

 

[Doug Jensen]

I think Sony are missing out on bring out a 4K 2/3" Broadcast style shoulder cam that shoots SLog3.

I have been lobbying for that camera with my contacts at Sony for a couple of years. The HDC-4300 is already 80% there, they just need to a few things: Basically I want a 4K F800 that does XAVC, S-LOG, HFR, and records on SxS cards. I will be first in line to get one if the price isn't too high. I'll be working for Sony again at NAB and you can be sure this will be a frequent topic of conversation if they don't unveil something next month. There's still a chance they have one under wraps. They said "no new cinema" cameras this year, they didn't say no new ENG cameras. I have not been briefed on anything new under my NDA so I am still free to speculate.

 

[Erik Naso]

I actually will end up with the same rig Travis has and if this setup works for him than so be it.
I don't use the VCT baseplate very often because I don't shoot handheld that much and it's heavy. The EFV loupe mounting was nagging me for the most part so instead of replacing it I opted for a better way to mount it.

The nice thing with the Zacuto VCT is you can adjust it to work for you.

 

[walnutcrunch]

z1u>HPX500>AF100 and Nikon D800> ?
We currently have a dvx200 and an FS7 in house for evaluation. I kind of think I know who will win the fight but I'm waiting for our videographer to finish the tests.

Good to see so many people positive about the camera. We're mostly doc and run and gun nature stuff and we need a camera that will carry us for 4-5 years.