Moving up from FS700, where to go from here

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Disambiguous66

Member
I have an FS700 which I got for one huge project back in the summer (right before the price plummeted, grrrr). I recently got an a7RII (which has been a PITA, back and forth to Precision Camera for alleged repair along with the brand new 70-200 f4 E-mount lens, let me know if you want to hear that saga). At any rate, I am moving up in terms of my video capabilities and technique, though I'm a small, one-man operation and I can't afford to go big-time on my equipment.

One reason I like the a7RII is the internal sensor stabilization. I put that thing on a two-axis Gibbon gimbal and it looks like it's on a Steadycam, just beautiful.

I'm contemplating the FS7, but I'm also thinking about getting the a7SII (for the low-light capability) and/or the 6300. I probably won't be doing much that will require long record times, like conferences and the like, more short-scene episodic and music video type material, plus commercials, but frankly I never know what kind of a job I'll get next. Also, every once and a while somebody will throw enough money at me to shoot a wedding with both stills and video, and the a7SII would be a perfect second-camera for that.

I'm aware of the rolling shutter problems with the still cameras shooting video, and the fact that the dedicated video cameras are much better at long-term operation. I've also seen the article that says that the 6300 isn't suitable for broadcast.

List of advantages/disadvantages:
a7SII-- advantages-- Good low-light adjunct to the a7RII, and a good back-up camera for that under most shooting conditions. Will increase my low-light capabilities in both stills and video. Has sensor-based stabilization for smooth hand-held video. 4K capable without an external recorder. Full-frame.
Disadvantages-- Not a dedicated video camera, needs external recorder for full capabilities, only 8-bit.

6300-- Advantages--Inexpensive, can buy two for back-up. Small. Excellent 4K capabilities.
Disadvantages-- Not a dedicated video camera, no sensor-based stabilization, only APS/Super 35 sensor. 8-bit.

S7-- Advantages-- Dedicated video camera, can be used for long-term shoots. 4K internal recording. 10 and 12-bit output. Built-in ND filters.
Disadvantages-- Cost. Weight. Super 35 sensor (not really a big deal in this case).

OK, DVX User denizens, feel free to chime in. -DA66
 
FS7 is a really great camera. The main thing is the color Science is hugely improved over the FS700 and A7S II. BertLUT Arri-Looks make it looks so good. Not a look you can easily get without CineEI (which is only on Sony's higher end cameras).
 
I've still got a FS700 as well. I would not trade it for a video/still hybrid like the A6300 or A7S myself, but
most of my jobs are fast paced, non narrative stuff, and I don't have time to mess with screwing on ND or
rigging up a matte box. The FS7 on the other hand, I could be persuaded to jump to that if there was any
reason for me to, because it is actually a proper video camera. But the FS7 won't make me any more money
than my FS700 so I'm staying put for now. If I was you though, I would probably pick an FS5 over either
of the still/video hybrids you mentioned. It will give you a small 'gimbal cam' just like the A7SII or A6300.
On the other hand, I don't get paid for shooting stills, so if you do, ignore everything I just said.
 
And, of course, one should wait until the NAB. Even if there are no new cameras in the class you desire, there's often a shift in general pricing because any new camera will force an adjustment to the market as a whole.
 
The FS7 is great. The FS5 is great. The a7S II is great. The a6300 is great. (And so are many other cameras from other manufacturers, but I think you wouldn't want to switch or mix systems)
It all depends on what you need, how you usually work, and what increased income a more expensive camera would bring to you (if none, then I don't see the point for a >$3K camera).

The big question that I think you have to answer first is: why is your a7R II not enough? Whatever is making that one not work for you, it's very likely to happen as well on the a7S II and the a6300.
 
For what it’s worth, I’m told that the A7Sii is about 1.5 stops faster than the A7Rii. Not, in my opinion, that big a deal.
 
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