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

Yes. I am referring to 4K as opposed to UHD. it shoots UHD out of the box with full 4096x2160 to follow in early 2015 as a free update. I feel more comfrotable with a waveform monitor than a histogram and am glad to see Sony includes both. I think a Vectorscope is a less important tool for shooting.

I think it has been noted that the Odyssey 7Q is looking for SLog2 as opposed to SLog3. C-D will work on that. Also worth noting is that there will be a free SLog2 firmware update as well.

I doubt that Sony has a center crop in mind but if users really want it, put in the request and we can see if Sony responds.

Ned
 
nsoltz said:
I doubt that Sony has a center crop in mind but if users really want it, put in the request and we can see if Sony responds.

Ned
Click to expand...

Ned,

You certainly tend to be more informed than I am, and have been in this game a lot longer, so I may be pissing in the wind here...

When I go to the S&Q settings in the camera, it has a "High Frame Rate" menu item, and the options listed are "Off" and "Full Scan", which I understand to mean "read the full sensor, no crop", but what's the point in saying "Off"/"Full Scan" instead of "Off"/"On" if there is no intention to offer a crop scan down the road? Looking through the menus it certainly feels like they've been configured in preparation of options that aren't yet available.
 
If you find yourself still using SxS cards , one lovely advantage to the Swit batteries with the tail is they will power the SxS card reader . Don't know about the USB 3.0 version, but the 2.0 needed external power which was a huge PITA. My guess is there are other Sony accessories that use the same power plug.

Oddly I talked to AbelCine in LA today and they told me with absolute certainty that no AbelCine store in LA or NYC has received FS7's yet. Sounds like a few people here might differ with that.

By the way how accurate is the color peaking in the viewfinder. I found it very good in the EX-1 and the F3 but worthless in the EX3 which supposedly had the fancier viewfinder. Thus i found an Ex-1 with a goodman far superior to an EX3 EVF. Hoping this is good on the FS7 as my aging eyes need to see that red stripe:-)
 
Viddovation said:
I'm learning as I go here...

The peaking has a dedicated button on the viewfinder, as does Zebras.

If you have the handgrip attached, you've got 6 assignable buttons total. Without it, there are only three on the body.
Both peaking and "Video Monitor Signal" are available to assign. "Video Monitor Signal" used as an assigned button loops: None/Histo/Wave/Vector. There's not a direct histo only option.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I really appreciate your being the pioneer of information!
 
FlacaProductions said:
Congratulations on the new arrival.
With regard to the VF cable - can you measure exactly long it is? I'm looking at flying mine on a Ronin and wonder if the VF would stretch to the top bar....I'm probably a week or more away from delivery, but trying to get all the extra bits lined up. Thanks!
Click to expand...

It's approximately 15 inches.

So, the camera uses a 15mm rod to connect the microphone holder and VF. On a whim I took it off and replaced it with a short 15mm rod. By doing this I lose the microphone holder, but I have the ability to connect the VF on either side of the camera. As it turns out, it's pretty easy to rig the VF to operate from the dumb side of the camera. Frequently I find myself conducting interviews from that side of the camera as a one man band - and being able to watch the VF on that side is a big deal. No need to use a separate monitor if I'm running by myself.
 
Thanks for the VF cable measurement.
Due to the VF being factory rigged with a 15mm rod setup, I think we're going to see a LOT of 3rd party offerings on the VF and handle front.
 
Does the camera come with a PDF electronic copy of the manual? If so, would anybody with a camera be willing to put a copy on DropBox or some place so the rest of us can take a peek?

Regarding the included WiFi module:

What is the app used to control the camera? The same "Play Memories Mobile" app used by Android and iPhone for the Sony Action Cams, or something completely different? Do you at least see what is on the camera viewfinder LCD, or is it just start / stop buttons?

Thanks to all who have the camera and are posting info, much appreciated !!!
 
JuanDiaz said:
Regarding the included WiFi module:

What is the app used to control the camera? The same "Play Memories Mobile" app used by Android and iPhone for the Sony Action Cams, or something completely different? Do you at least see what is on the camera viewfinder LCD, or is it just start / stop buttons?

Thanks to all who have the camera and are posting info, much appreciated !!!
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about an app. But you can access the camera via a webpage (default 192.168.1.1), and the webpage has all the info and controls. I used it successfully on my smartphone in this manner.

You don't get video image, but you do get to read and change numerous settings including gain, shutter, etc.
 
evilthought said:
Google Search works too, FS7 manual http://www.vocas.nl/webfm_send/1190
Click to expand...

Shockingly, I thought of that !!!

Google uses geo-location for "more relevant results", and here in South America, your link just does not come up anywhere in the number of pages that any reasonable human would be willing to wade through (ie, your link is not anywhere in the first 30 pages). Thanks anyway, but Videovation took care of it already.
 
10388080_892532964090269_6584985198856369456_n.jpg

So I received the camera this afternoon and so far I LOVE IT! Here are a few quick notes:
  • It's a lot heavier than I expected, but most of the body is very solid and should be able to take a lot of punishment with harsh weather and rigorous handling.
  • However, I really DO NOT LIKE the way the arm for the grip is built. Feels very flimsy and plastic. The grip feels ok but the toggle feels a bit finicky and not as responsive as it should be sometimes.
  • The viewfinder is not too bad in my opinion. I just hate the loupe! Once again, very plastic and flimsy, but I'll live with it.
  • Third party batteries simply DO NOT work on this camera. Very bizarre how the camera powers on for at least 5 seconds, then cuts to black and says "battery error." I was very disappointed. Get off your high horse Sony and let us use more third party support!
  • Battery life overall on the Sony brand BP-30 and 60 is decent. Lasted me several hours between the two.
  • I like how you can move the shoulder pad back and forth to fit decently into your shoulder. The camera does get front heavy though with bigger lenses.
  • 4k 23.98p XAVC-I has a 30 minute capacity on a 64gb card S series. 4k 60p is even less at 15 minutes.
  • ND Filter wheel is just fantastic. Very convenient. Though, I haven't had much time to use it outdoors yet.
  • Menu interface is not for amateurs. It's got a steep learning curve and there are a lot of things I had to dig for since some of the settings I'd want are buried deep into the sub-menus. I need more practice navigating through this.
  • Internal mics are handy for scratch audio, definitely not for documentary-shooting nor narratives.
  • XAVC-I at 4k reads and plays just fine on Yosemite OSX on my 1st generation Macbook Pro Retina.
  • Top handle is solid and convenient. It can also detach as well.
  • Peaking and zebra buttons on the viewfinder is genius. The Sony FS7 gets an A- for button layout and ergonomics. BUT, some of the buttons seemed a bit too flush with the body which makes it hard to push them sometimes. However, they are responsive.
  • The internal fan is very quiet and it keeps the camera fairly cool during long durations.
  • The cables for the viewfinder and the smart grip are a little delicate but extend just long enough to be functional.
Anyway, this weekend I'll be shooting some Doritos spec commercials so it'll be interesting how shooting on Cine-El/SLog-3 will be. So far I'm loving the latitude of ISO 2000 and the flexibility of SLog-3. I wish changing the ISO was easier on CUSTOM mode but if anyone has any pointers please feel free to enlighten me. I hope this helps and I'll post some grabs/footage as soon as I can!
 
nsoltz said:
I doubt that Sony has a center crop in mind but if users really want it, put in the request and we can see if Sony responds.

Ned
Click to expand...

Centre crop seems to be an 'obvious' - in fact almost central - specification to be on the hitlist of a 4k/hd camera - making lenses like a 17-55 really useful when shooting on the hoof. Absolutely it should be in their mind if they desire to deliver the best camera they can.

To me it is also 'obvious' that it should be a single button hit on the handgrip

It would also seem that it is not a specification that requires much horsepower the only reasons therefore not include it would be failure to understand the market the cam will be used for or a desire to 'hobble' the cam to hold some stuff for the 5/55

So make that noise!

S
 
Last edited:
Center Crop would be fabulous.
The other thing I would like is the ability to adjust color in Cine EI mode both in the Slogs proper and especially in the baked in LUTs. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Kelvin adjustment like the RED has along with green and magenta offsets.
 
Lenilenapi said:
...
Oddly I talked to AbelCine in LA today and they told me with absolute certainty that no AbelCine store in LA or NYC has received FS7's yet. Sounds like a few people here might differ with that.
Click to expand...
My FS7 was purchased from Abel Cine. Sitting in my living room. My rep did mention I was one of the only 2 in America to have it that early. He must have meant in the company. Either way I have 14hrs to go before I can open the box.
 
Cinemasteve87 between the u30 amd u60 roughly how many hrs are you getting? Sony stated the 30's are 1hr and 60's are 2. That's in 4k mode so HD could be even better. Thanks
 
**Battery Update**

Having earlier said Swits don't work. I'm told by my one of my dealers they do work (at least the new ones do) and that they've tested them. It seems I was given the wrong batteries.
 
When I ordered from Abel they sold me 4 x SWIT S-8U63 batts- these don't have the cable attached but are supposed to work with all of the recent Sonys- PMW100, 200, F3 etc. I would assume they could power this camera- but won't know till I try it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top