FS7: New job, help me build my kit.

I wonder how you come to this statement?
The EVA1 isn’t available yet, nobody has worked under real life conditions with it.
Maybe you are right but from experience I would never rate something because of future features.
Or even order such a product.

Btw I own the FS1 and the GH5 and it’s a great combo, proved in practice.

EVA1 has been out for a few weeks now
 
1) the EVF cable is not long enough/the evf chimney is too long, LUTs are poor on the EVF.
Sounds small but if you want to build a shoulder rig the cable length and chimney length mean you will really never get a 'naked' FS7 to balance on the shoulder.. you just wont.. it is physics.

Neither does a RED, or almost any camera for that matter -> if you want a 'naked' camera to balance on your shoulder you're looking at broadcast cameras - which isn't what he's looking for.
Not sure what "Poor" lut on the EVF means -> The EVF isn't great, but its definitely useable on its own! And you can load any LUT you want onto the FS7.
I've shot a ridiculous number of days where I've used the FS7 'naked' straight out of the box w/included handle, on the shoulder for NHL games, interviews, etc -> nothing else. Would be very hard to find another camera as good as the FS7 in 'naked' form to do that with!

So you are forced to get AND POWER, an external EVF or monitor. This costs and makes your rig start to grow. And as your rig grows, you need a bigger tripod head, which needs more solid sticks.
does the EVA have this flaw.. maybe not

If you want an external EVF/monitor, go for it. You can Ptap it off BPU style batteries to keep it small. I've used the FS7 on 100s of shoots with no extra monitor using only the stock viewfinder and loupe when needed.
All reviews of the EVA1 say the screen is horrible and you will won't be able to see anything outside.
Does the EVA have 'this flaw" -> What flaw? The EVA1 won't get bigger when you start rigging out out??? Early reviewers have already said you'll have to add a new viewfinder or monitor - so it's already getting bigger.

2) the lack of LUTs on the (FS7) EVF mean it is hard to use again pushing you towards an external EVF (which also loses you an image out channel for external monitoring)

Not sure what camera you're using - you can monitor a LUT (including custom LUTS made in LutCalc or Resolve) without recording it into the picture -> Still record LOG and let the client view a LUT on a monitor - Including viewing the LUTS on the viewfinder

3) A personal peeve of mine with the FS7 is that it 'forgets' cache record when you change settings. Lack of CR can cost you dear in data and force you to over-roll eating your edit time.
Have never used that myself -> a producer director calling to start rolling then having a conversation with the talent etc before actually getting starting will 'cost you' a lot more than any cache will 'save you'.

4) THe FS7 cant (I think) write to two cards at the same time. Fundamentally as a professional I want to write to two cards. End of.

Yes it can. Or relay record - and you can hot swap cards as well. Exactly what a 'processional' would want it to do.

5) Playback is slow and clunky on the FS7 - this makes you look an ar_se in front of clients.

If a client asks for playback on the last clip, you can have it up in sub 10 seconds. You'd look like an arse if you couldn't play it back, or if it took you a minute or more. Subjective I guess - have never had anyone complain.

The FS7 is quite heavy. And this drives you to bigger sticks and bigger legs. A camera that works on a 75mm bowl really will become a class more portable. Believe me here.
The EVA is specced at 2kg loaded while the 7 is 4kg loaded. Obviously both stats will vary hugely for your build. But that is maybe a really big deal.

I have a 75mm bowl and have use the FS7 for nearly 2 years on it - 90% of the time with no external monitor. Based on initial reviews, an EVF or monitor will be required for an EVA1 - so wheres the 'savings' ?
 
I wonder how you come to this statement?
The EVA1 isn’t available yet, nobody has worked under real life conditions with it.
Maybe you are right but from experience I would never rate something because of future features.
Or even order such a product.

Btw I own the FS1 and the GH5 and it’s a great combo, proved in practice.

Lots of real, production model EVA1's out in the wild, now. They started shipping a few weeks ago, I believe.
 
FS7 on 75mm sticks of good quality works great and a complete FS7 kit don't have to be bulky or heavy to lug around. Many people think they need junk to make this camera work and I say it only makes you slower. I replaced the top handle and removed the microphone holder and made room for a permanently attached Sennheiser G3 receiver but really nothing more than that.

I also find the LCD/EVF to work fine for anything I've done.
 


The OP should see and test the cameras for themselves in their working environment.

--

EVF - LUTs are lost on playback and in HFR are they not?

EVF position. IMO not possible to get good balance needed for longer takes that induce the shakes if you are off balance. Tendency to induce neck ache.

Cards. We cannot write to both at the same time creating an instant backup.. can we?

(Yes hot cycling is great)

Playback - scrubbing is horrid.

Cache record - you either do or don't.

Ptap BPUs - indeed a fair choice if you are buying everything fresh not migrating stock from EX1/3 PmwF3

If you have to borrow/rent batts (after flying) dont expect to find them.
 
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hahaha love the "stuff"

Agreed -> OP (or anyone) should test.

Playback only plays whats recorded, yes (so if shot LOG, you'll see LOG).
Agreed on balance - its pretty front heavy and definitely not great for longer takes. But any cam out of the box will be the same way. FS7 is the best I've dealt with 'naked' to being useable.

You can simultaneous record to both cards in HD. It turns this option off when you switch to S&Q though (not possible), and then when you switch back to regular, simultaneous record will be 'off' and must be turned back on. For interviews and whatnot its great if you want instant backup, for running around and constantly switching its irritating.
Scrubbing works, but is pretty weak.
 
Thanks for all the info.

Though I haven't shot with a FS7, I've shot with the FS5. I was thrilled by it, but it produced a good image (with Sony still glass).

I would agree with testing the cameras, except I need to get this list to them tomorrow.

As far as "clients," I really don't have them, per-say, it just for my boss. They are coming from nothing, not that I'll deliver a turd, but they'll like what I get them.

I would love to get the EVA1, I personally haven't seen enough to form a opinion. I've been using the GH series for a while and really like them.

No C300 fans huh?

Whatever camera I get, I'm confident I can make a good picture. If I can't make a good picture with whatever I'm given, I should find a different profession.
 
Whatever camera I get, I'm confident I can make a good picture. If I can't make a good picture with whatever I'm given, I should find a different profession.

Of course the images will be great. Its about how fast smooth and comfortable you work.

Be warned.. the 7 is bigger than the 5 by a lot. The 5 can also be appealing for running around.
 
Playback only plays whats recorded, yes (so if shot LOG, you'll see LOG).

--
You can simultaneous record to both cards in HD. It turns this option off when you switch to S&Q though

Scrubbing works, but is pretty weak.

So you cant record everything backed up.. so to me back up does not exist. Luts do not exist.

On playback, with my DP702 you get LUT and even can playback punched in on any zone of the image. Thats how it should be.



Agreed on balance - its pretty front heavy and definitely not great for longer takes

Imagine the cam with a long lead to the EVF and the EVF clamped on the lens (like a 18-110).. should balance perfectly. Its just the lead that stops that. Yep it would need to be on a VCT or other long plate pushed far back.

These are just annoyances. Maybe panny ironed them out.. or not.
 
A lot of good stuff here. Thanks.

I've always liked those sigma lenses, I'm also concerned getting bad copies of them.

I don't think I'm going the route of an external recorder.

Those Litemats look awesome!

I'm looking at a miller or sachtler tripod. Probably will pick up a slider or gimbal at some point.

Any recommendations for the pop-out kits and cart?

Yup, got a Senn G3 in the list.

Thanks again.

I was suggesting the O7Q as a monitor, more than a recorder. I say this because for sit down interviews it is very convenient. Also, all is he exposure tools you need to make the most out of your image. Lastly, you can also record the video feed out of the camera as a bonus. This will make it easier for playback and scrubbing for the client, and will provide you with a type of back-up recording. I'd definitely recommend a good monitor in your kit.

For the pop outs, just browse B&H or your favorite video store. But do t go with the tiny circular one, because size is important.

For carts, if it's only for transport, the Rock n Roller carts work nicely. But if you want to work off of the carts, then innovativ is a good place to start.
 
The FS7 is a versatile camera, you can build it so many different ways, but what works for one user, doesn't necessarily work for another. Scanning the responses in this thread confirms this. You may as well ask what to have for dinner.

With that said, I'd suggest a shin of beef ragu, with paperdelle and a glass of something red and robust. I'd also recommend, for zooms, the Fujinons, which are excellent, by both and dump that Sony lens. Add a few fast primes too; Sigma Art or Zeiss Milvus, don't get sucked in to the using old lenses B/S. Stick a focus gear on each and get a decent follow focus.

This is what I use for gears:
https://followfocusgears.com/collections/sigma

Buy a Speed Booster and a normal S35 adapter to use with your primes. They work well these days. The Speed Booster alone is a reason the FS7 outguns the EVA.

I also agree with Rafael, a decent monitor, like the Odyssey is a must.
 
Thanks for the dinner options. I kind of assumed this would happen. Get that makes me the...well. You get it.
 
I like the sony VCT-fs7 as a shoulder pad/15mm rod adapter, i do not like how it mounts to the camera though. I find it to be the most comfortable shoulder option with the ENG quick release however. Zacuto's VCT baseplate has the option the remove the camera with ease, and leaves a traditional manfrotto capable tripod plate on the camera when doing so. Nice and versatile if the camera will be built in different configurations with sometimes needing it to be small for gimbal use or something.

The Sony UWP lavs, as mentioned, are great because of the MI shoe compatibility. with two lav's and a 60 dollar MI shoe adapter, you can run one into the MI shoe, (comes up as channel 3) and one into xlR while also having a boom mic in your Second XLR. very useful.... For a few more bucks you can buy the XLR K2M and add two properly adjustable XLR channels to the top of the handle via the MI shoe.

When no mics are used with the MI shoe, you can set digital channels 3 and 4 to record scratch track audio.



I highly recommend the new fujinon MK 18-55 lens as your "every day" lens. I ran with the 24-105 and speed booster for over two years, while the IS is great and the range was also nice, the electronic iris never fully works as intuitively as a proper manual iris on a cine lens. I plan to purchase the 50-135 in the early months of 2018 I hope. A nice wide angle like the 16-35 2.8 canon paired with a speed booster and you have a solid lens trio.
 
I wonder how you come to this statement?
The EVA1 isn’t available yet, nobody has worked under real life conditions with it.
Maybe you are right but from experience I would never rate something because of future features.
Or even order such a product.

Btw I own the FS1 and the GH5 and it’s a great combo, proved in practice.

Why EVA1 + GH5?

Because:

a) Panasonic have got a good track record (Varicam LT and GH5 are both amazing).

b) the EVA1 **IS** shipping, I have multiple friends who currently own one and are shooting with it right now. I'm working on a week long film with an EVA1 myself next week.
 
Personally, I would steer clear of the Sennheiser G3 system. They're fantastic quality and work perfectly... for now. But with all the wireless spectrum auctions going on these days, UHF systems will go the way of the dodo sooner rather than later, and you don't want to get stuck with expensive paperweights when the frequencies for the G3 lavs suddenly don't work.

I'd personally invest in a more future-proof system like the Sennheiser AVX or Rode RodeLink digital systems. They work really well, and their frequencies will be available for many years to come. I went with the RodeLink kits and they're rock solid so far, and cheaper than the G3 to boot!


Nah, I'd steer clear of RodeLinks! Was my first ever wireless, which I ordered when they first came out. Big mistake. Those TX packs are waaaaaaaaay too bulky!

Not keen on Sennheiser AVX too either with their long delay and other faults.

I'd also still clear of G3 because Sony UWP-D11 is better yet the same price.

But nothing wrong with buying G3 / UWP-D11, they're both dirt cheap and we should have a few years left in UHF if you choosing your frequencies carefully. By the time you need to sell them, you should have made your money back many times.

Is a different kettle of fish if you spending many more thousands on Lectrosonics/Zaxcom/etc, but their new ones have wide band options which will help keep your options open in the future.
 
No C300 fans huh?

The C300 mk1 was *THE* camera of its generation in the low/mid tier of shooters.

But the FS7 has completely taken its place, every man and is dog has shot with one, while the C300 mk2 just hasn't found the same out of success as the C300 mk1 (although the C300 mk2 still has its users, I know a few owners with one).
 
Gosh, kid in a candy store is right! I am in the opposite position and only buying one piece at a time based on what I truly need. For lenses, I would definitely say to go with the fastest ones possible, so you can work with available light as much as possible and hit your zebras at 75. I would also suggest a hi-hat with a solid base board, so you can build your rig up on the cart if you need. Also, you might want to look at the Ford Transit Connect to haul all that stuff around, especially the cart. I was on a shoot this last weekend and the camera assistant had his cart in the back of a Connect and said he loved it.
 
I like the sony VCT-fs7 as a shoulder pad/15mm rod adapter, i do not like how it mounts to the camera though. I find it to be the most comfortable shoulder option with the ENG quick release however. Zacuto's VCT baseplate has the option the remove the camera with ease, and leaves a traditional manfrotto capable tripod plate on the camera when doing so. Nice and versatile if the camera will be built in different configurations with sometimes needing it to be small for gimbal use or something.

The Sony UWP lavs, as mentioned, are great because of the MI shoe compatibility. with two lav's and a 60 dollar MI shoe adapter, you can run one into the MI shoe, (comes up as channel 3) and one into xlR while also having a boom mic in your Second XLR. very useful.... For a few more bucks you can buy the XLR K2M and add two properly adjustable XLR channels to the top of the handle via the MI shoe.


You can also use the smartshoe with a Sony dual receiver to put lavs on tracks 3 & 4.

When no mics are used with the MI shoe, you can set digital channels 3 and 4 to record scratch track audio.

Very handy to use the built in mic for 3/4, as then I can use 1/2 for a camera hop and TC, while still having confidence there is always going to be "something" for scratch.

Gosh, kid in a candy store is right! I am in the opposite position and only buying one piece at a time based on what I truly need. For lenses, I would definitely say to go with the fastest ones possible, so you can work with available light as much as possible and hit your zebras at 75.

Depends on the kind of shooting a person uses.

If a person was going to get only say two lenses, then I'd instead recommend perhaps the Sony 18-110mm f4 + Rokinon 35mm T1.5

Because although f4 is slow, at least the lens could do 90% of a lot of shooting a person might do. With the 35mm T1.5 kept in reserve for those low light moments when it is really needed just to get the shot.
 
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