FS7: New Sony F7 XDCAM 4K Super 35mm Camcorder

Lenilenapi said:
Any thoughts about what this camera is missing? I don't see too much so far esp if you can go PL with the rail-fitted adapter.
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It's the F3 but with 4K, internal 10-bit 422, 1D and 3D LUTs, ND filters, workable lens mount, even a RAW option - I don't see really anything missing from this camera to be honest in all practical sense. It's even going to get ProRes eventually and in meantime will go to Odyssey.

Very cool little camera, and even cooler is the price. I can't believe it's this "cheap".
 
The FS7 comes at a fantastic time for me as I was shopping for a camera system and content to rent C300's as shoots warranted. The FS7 is the camera to make ownership sense for me.

I need to give Vistek a call and see when they expect shipments. This camera is going to be in demand.
 
SJX said:
They already have this. Is called F65. Dragon is not even all they said would be.
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Actually, Dragon is a 14 stop sensor. As is the F7. So really, once you get beyond all the hype, DR is pretty much stabilizing across the manufacturers. The real question is the implementation of the various compression schemes, color science, etc. Far less quantifiable.
 
Just placed a pre-order for the FS7 and have to sell my trusty F3 now. Two years ago I had plans to purchase the F5 late this year but to what I do the FS7 ticks all the right boxes.
 
The FS7 seems to me like a near perfect option for any owner/operator who's not trading on camera-cachet to source their work. Superb feature-set, good ergonomics, an excellent sensor, an unmatched price-point and the ability to upgrade its capabilities via modules as you can afford them - what more could you ask for in a camera?
 
If this camera was out 18 months ago sure many of us wouldn't have had a problem going to it from the F3.

I'm curious to know if it has center crop (can be done in post anyway) and will have replaceable OLPF for HFR.
 
The questions to me is..

-Will it make my life better..
Speedbooster
HFR
Well placed EFV
Lighter

-Will clients pay more
probably not

-Is the 1080 image better
Possibly not- possiby worse unless downscaling done in post.

So really buying is a lifestyle choice not a business move. (until someone actually wants 4k)


Punch in mode - would be nice.

OPLF - very unlikely IMO

S
 
I just can't figure out to get RAW out of the camera you need the breakout box. I don't mind the breakout as much as I did the fs700's interface unit but Jeez, the fs700 can shoot out a RAW signal through the SDI. Why didn't they make the fs7 the same way? I'm positive in a couple months we'll see the a7s sensor in a new offering making this camera look somewhat dated. Still a great camera, compared to the f5 it's a bargain but I can only image what Sony has up their sleeve. Besides a "little better this, a little better that" I'm trying to figure how replacing my fs700/7q combo will make me more money. I'm not sure a better internal codec and more solid design will get me more work at this point. I love the camera but should I shell out another 6 grand for basically the same quality image I'm getting with the fs700? for my style of shooting If i didnt already own the fs700 i would certainly consider the fs7 before anything else even though I didn't like the Sony promo too much, to my eyes it looked more like the fs700 than the F5. I guess i must see more footage before I get excited. The one thing good about this new camera is that Sony is listening. I'm confident we'll start seeing more and more offerings like this down the road.
 
Marino215 said:
I'm trying to figure how replacing my fs700/7q combo will make me more money.
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I dont htink it will make more money so it is a 'lifestyle choice' - like my F3 the 700 is way good enough for clients.

But I really like the idea of less clobber/cables etc - but for how much cash is that worth.. esp when the 700 is about to become bargain of the month!

S
 
Good way to put it, thats exactly what it is, a lifestyle choice. I love what they did with the fs7, I am ready to replace my fs700 but still not convinced in a year from now the fs7 wont leave me with the same feeling I have with my fs700.
 
I'm in the perfect situation here. I was just renting C300's this past year. C300 is a great camera but as an owner operator it was long in the tooth to invest. It didn't have 4K and high frame rates. I was waiting for that next step up in the mid level range and Sony nailed it with the FS7. It's as if they read my mind of all the ergo complaints with the c300. I love the rear facing XLR. I love the ND nob over an easily bumped button. I like that the audio controls are in the rear user side. I always hated adjusting C300 levels when shoulder mounted as its on the furthest top/front part of the camera. Even after having a year of CF card failures I had longed for the days shooting sxs on EX1 rather then rigging DSLRs all to hell. Even though XQD is more expensive tha SD or CF cards I do appreciate the robustness of pro media. I just feel more comfortable.

The FS7 is pretty much the large sensor EX1 I've been dreaming of. For a guy like me who does corporate/reality/documentary/commercial I think the FS7 feels like a swiss army knife camera. It covers so many situations with little compromise.
 
Marino215 said:
Good way to put it, thats exactly what it is, a lifestyle choice. I love what they did with the fs7, I am ready to replace my fs700 but still not convinced in a year from now the fs7 wont leave me with the same feeling I have with my fs700.
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I think (and I use a 2008 nikon D3 for pro stills) that you probably need to buy that camera you 'want' and stick with it.

Personally the FS7 basically ticks all my boxes
-onboard ND (missing from my FS100)
-thick onboard codec (missing from my FS100)
-Speedbooster (missing from my F3)
-rucksack size (missing from my F3)
-HFR (missing from my F3)

And.. ref FS700
Rucksack size (missing from 07q/700)
-thick onboad codec (missing from 700, naked)

Usable EVF position - missing from 700/100

Not to mention
Focus check in EVF (missing from f5)

Really this box has a lot going for it for simple shoots.

I should buy one (naked) and just demand a hire if a client wants something it cant do!

There comes a time when 'pining' for the next camera is just a waste of life.

When I bought my FS100 and F3 I was fully aware of their limitations but there were not any other affordable options. Im not aware of limitations of this camera (OK no 1000FPS Raw etc) but no basic design flaws.

S
 
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That's pretty much the truth for you F3/FS700 owners.

But if you're still working with a FS100 - which I do - things look different.
The colour/highlight/gamma handling will be such a big step. The codec
being just another one - 10bit - whehaw!
The form factor is just another one. Hopefully the FS7 feels good in hand and
on shoulder + on the tripod without the need of additional frankenrig stuff.

One piece of gear with one battery - remember when that was again?
 
It's a winner, great camera, you can't go wrong. If I didn't already own the fs700/7q I would feel the same way. I just wish image wise it would've been enough to sway me away. The fs700/7q image is amazing. I'm sure the fs7 will even be better (certainly better ergonomics, build and design) but not so sure it's worth it for me to shell out more money for basically the same quality image. That's where I'm at and can't stress enough if I didn't already have the fs700 the fs7 would most likely be my next camera.
 
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