FS7: If Sony came out with a new, better FS7 LCD/VF upgrade would you buy it?

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David Kudell

Active member
I wish Sony would come out with a new, larger, higher-res LCD & Viewfinder for the FS7 that uses the same cable connection as the existing one. Something like a 5" 1080p similar to the SmallHD 501. I want the quality of the SmallHD to make it easier to focus and see the image, but with the simplicity of using Sony's single cable for power and video, getting power from the camera. Along with having the zebra and peaking buttons.

If Sony were smart, they'd come out with one at this year's NAB. I think they'd sell a ton of them. Anyone else interested? Do you think there's a chance it will happen, or are we stuck with 3rd party options?
 
No.
Pretty happy with FS7 and SmHD502 (plus original small VF option)
You can power the 501/2 by a d-tap fake battery connected to a SWIT d-tap out camera battery
 
No.
Pretty happy with the FS7 viewfinder just the way it is. Would I like it to be better? Yes. Everything can always be better, but I think it is already good enough that I wouldn't pay extra for a replacement.
 
Im with Doug. Sold my Zacuto EVF when i got the FS7 and the only monitor i need in addition now is the el cheapo Liliput that i use when my FS7 is in the other end of the 18 foot crane.

Sometimes i could like a larger EVF to better see what is where in the frame. But i dont think the cost of that is worth it, so its not a big need.
 
I use the zacuto graticle HD and could never go back. It's not just the quality of the evf electronically the anti fog is key for me. The Sony evf is like a sauna.
 
Yes I would buy it. Unless it was overpriced. The FS7 screen and EVF is a weak link. Not only the image quality but also build etc.
 
It all depends on how you shoot, If i was shooting mostly off a tripod mostly using a monitor and occasionally handheld I wouldn't spend the money on the gratical.
But I shoot 90% handheld with my eye glued to the viewfinder so for me it really doesn't matter to a certain degree what it costs.
 
If Sony were not idiots who milk us by failing to standardise (see F5/55 not fitting FS7) then I would consider it. But sony are idiots so I would not go close to it.
 
morgan_moore said:
If Sony were not idiots who milk us by failing to standardise (see F5/55 not fitting FS7) then I would consider it. But sony are idiots so I would not go close to it.
Click to expand...

Don't agree. The viewfinders are pretty standardized. All the pro Sony HD cameras like the F900, F950, F23, F35, F65 etc have the same connector. The older shoulder cameras too. The latest connector is the one used with the F5 and F55. There is an adapter to use them with the F65 as well. It's the new Sony pro standard. You can't blame them for not putting that in a lower end camera like the FS7. It's a different Sony division. It's not made by Sony's pro division. But all the current Sony pro cameras use the same viewfinder connector.
 
No, I wouldn't buy one, but only because I already own and highly rate the gratical.

Like others on this thread I think it's highly unlikely that Sony will make this anyway, regardless of potential popularity.

What WOULD be cool IMO, would be someone reverse engineering a 'breakout' adaptor cable for the Sony proprietary port. With buttons, power, and hdmi/sdi/whatever they're using on the other end. Now THAT would sell...

Any a/v hackers out there fancy a challenge? :2vrolijk_08:

Jason
 
I already own a couple SDI EVFs but I don't use them on the FS7, it is fine for what I use an EVF for. If I need really accurate monitoring in a compact package I use my Odyssey 7Q+.
 
for the fs7 and fs5, yes I absolutely would IF it was competitively priced (from Gratical to SmallHD 501HD area) The two I mentioned are great but both need extra batteries and I do miss the focus mag on the grip when not using the Sony LCD. I would be willing to pay more if it had the option of running from a standard SDI jack in addition to the proprietary Sony plug (just in case I wanted to toss it on another camera) Honestly feel like Sony is missing the boat with the extras but they would be so grossly overpriced anyway I guess it really wouldn't matter.
 
Only if the base was smaller so I could use my left eye and see what is happening around
 
Unlike the AF100 and FS700 I had previously, I found the EVF on the FS700 to be adequate, especially when using expanded focus . I can even judge exposure by eye in a pinch if the brightness is turned to minimum level.
 
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