FS7: I am Three.

Liam Hall

Liam Hall

Veteran
I picked up my FS7 three years ago. It was one of the first batch of cameras in the UK. I've used it on a wide variety of feature documentaries, promos and corporates all over the world. It's happily been used alongside Reds and Arris and has survived everything that has been thrown at it, from 53C heat in the Saudi desert to the intense humidity of India and -40C in the Canadian Arctic and never once missed a beat. Not bad for a camera that was described as 'not looking too robust' by early reviewers (you know the people).

The early firmware was entertaining, but we muddled through, thanks in no small part to people on this forum.

I see no reason to retire my FS7 just yet, maybe in a year, but currently there is nothing on the market that can match the FS7s versatility.

So, happy birthday FS7. I hope you guys and girls have had as much fun with your FS7s as I've had with mine.

Lets see some of the places our cameras have been, here's a few of BTS snaps from my Instagram feed @picsbyliam, post some of yours.

Iam3.jpg
 
I've also had mine for three years now and only wish I'd shot more with it because I really love shooting with it. Most often nothing to fuss about just pick it up and shoot.

It might feel a bit cheaply made but apart from a few screws it has held up very good. Looking at the competition it doesn't appear like a three year old camera and considering the fast pace of new cameras these last years that's a feat hard to beat.
 
Publimix said:
What is the lifetime cycle of modern camera's these days?

I hope to use this camera for many years.
Click to expand...

The only moving part that might need replacing is the fan. Orher than that and the EVF cable there’s not much that will fail. I think you’ll be good for a few more years:-)
 
Publimix said:
What is the lifetime cycle of modern camera's these days?

I hope to use this camera for many years.
Click to expand...

Well... I used(was asked for) my tape VariCam, that I bought at the end of '06, last October, so a decade there. I still use my P2 Vari's to this day and I bought my first one in '11. I'm using my C300(original) tomorrow and my F55 on Wednesday. My world is largely broadcast/network TV and camera tech/demand is a lot more stable here than in some areas, especially those controlled by hipster producers that want the "camera du jour".

Or do you mean how long will the camera physically last/keep functioning? With basic care, I'd say decades. Last year, I slapped a battery on my original Betacam(1997) and she powered up.
 
I hope so.

The one part that worries me is the on-off switch, feels flimsy. But that won't keep me from investing in additional gear. I am selling my Rode wireless systems and change it for the Sony ones to get 2 extra audio channels. After each purchase I think: that was the last thing I needed, and then the next item shows up, somehow I 'need' that new Sachtler Flowtech Tripod next to the Sachtler Video 15 Tripod I already have.
 
Last edited:
There has been a lot happening since the 5d mark2 jump started the consumer-prosumer large sensor camera market. Between the mark2 and the c300 there were huge leaps in technology but now I feel a plateaux has been reached people still expect huge jumps in IQ and functionalities but in reality things are pretty much where they will be for a while. I don't really see any reason not to use your fs7/c300 or Varicam lt for many years to come.
 
+1 Totally agree.

A very versatile camera for the price. With a well calibrated decent looking 709 color Matrix and decent knee settings the FS7 can deliver some pleasing and technically correct images for fast turn around where no or minimum grading is required. LOG well that's a different story where much of the look is down to the post process. Looked after and treated properly your FS7 should punt on for years to come. My original PDW disc camera has just rolled over ten years and still performs perfectly and still gets the bulk of straight out TV work.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney
 
Mine must be three as well, I bought one of the first fs7's. Really can't see the need to upgrade for a long time. Most of my work is still HD I shoot slog3 cine and love the results and I still am excited to watch my wilds. The images out of this camera always please me and my clients love it. My only complaint is the view finder loupe which I haven't gotten around to replacing. It's flimsy and way too big. Otherwise the camera has proven rock solid and I think there is another 3-4 years left in it. Reminds me of the digi beta days when you bought a camera and used it for a long time.
 
Just over 2 years for mine. Nothing broken so far, but the ND filter knob feels a little loose. I like that it will take all my EF lenses; macro, tilt-shift, ultra-wides. Tried the Sigma 150-600 and decided I wasn't a wildlife guy. Shot with it in Japan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong and Australia this year.

Somebody snapped a pic while I was shooting aboard the aircraft carrier on my coffee break. Horribly blown out.
 

Attachments

  • FS7 on ship.jpg
    FS7 on ship.jpg
    51.3 KB · Views: 0
Last edited:
I am still learning about Sony cameras having shot exclusively with Canon cameras.

I was curious if Sony is still making FS7s?

I know with Canon they usually stop making a model when they introduce the next gen, and then they usually drop the price too. For the FS7, I read Chapman's blog where he says the FS7 M2 is not really a replacement for the FS7, but more of an alternate, upgraded version. So I am just curious.

For me, I plan on keeping the camera until it dies.
 
How many time have you replaced the EVF cable? I'm thinking of not replacing mine
just use a BNC cable and my 7" lilliput monitor.
 
jpham said:
How many time have you replaced the EVF cable? I'm thinking of not replacing mine
just use a BNC cable and my 7" lilliput monitor.
Click to expand...

Just once. Also replaced the loupe with another loupe...

Mark Watson said:
Somebody snapped a pic while I was shooting aboard the aircraft carrier on my coffee break. Horribly blown out.
Click to expand...

Lol, I've got so many shots of the back of my head or my rear end!
 
Nice! I'm just about 2.5 with my fs7. It was great when it first came out, and it's great that now it's being requested by name. I really like shooting with this camera, and being an earlyish adopter/owner has benefitted me a lot on sets recently. Knowing the quirks and gotchas is ideal when working with people unfamiliar with the camera.

Here are some snaps of me and my fs7
13442591_10153795983229163_7734884758673619414_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12246973_10153318782614163_4116144677201441718_n by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12188059_10153297205149163_1347536282118056964_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12185199_10153307453394163_3404700531170130099_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12183982_10153289171524163_81487715935562875_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12141153_10153265672119163_1242929943273282496_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
12028908_10153554507329163_7543962724174870939_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
10426269_10206567224882955_1795432831909433048_n by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
at the white house :)
1933565_10153561829704163_6365490829581775175_o by WestonHelmsley, on Flickr
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top