Next generation F3

G

Grahamrobbins5

Active member
Hey guys has anyone heard chatter of a next generation F3 camera? I have been wanting this for a while now and I was wondering if there have been any talks that I have missed.

I hope sony launches a cross between the NEX FS-700 and the Sony F65, something with 4k capability, better ergonomics, pl mount, and at a mid range price.

Let me know if any of you guys hear anything.

Cheers,

Graham
 
If anything is going to be announced soon, it will probably be announced at IBC, which is only a little over a week away. There have been rumors of an F5 announcement at IBC, but we'll just have to wait and see.
 
I will be at IBC with my PMW radar. My hope is not really for 4k as much as a viewfinder that is not in the back of the camera or at least removable. The practical ergonomics and dynamic range IMO are more important than resolution in this price range. On most jobs, 4k is like having a Ferrari on public roads - hard to really get the full impact.
 
Hi Carlos, which stand are you hanging out? IBC is in my hometown so I will definitely be there. It looks like it will be an interesting edition!
 
Hall 9 Stand A12 is our booth at IBC. Looking forward to seeing some new cameras (I hope) and meeting some of our customers!
 
Repeat. There will NEVER be a 50Mpbs/4:2:2 F3.

As far as what is coming, those who know can't talk.

Patience. Patience. IBC is around the corner.
 
What sucks is I know, and I can't talk :-p But yes I can also confirm there is no plan for 50Mbps 422 on F3

people who have enough investigating abilities will be able to figure it out though with the roomers online.
 
In that case a PMW-500 with S35 Exmoor sensor and F/PL mount!
In short, it's obvious what's needed and it doesn't matter what they call it.

Sony must realise why the C300 is taking over quality TV production? Large sensor and 50Mb/s... it's all UK TV producers want.

It's been a battle to use the F3/PIX240 over recent months. If Sony don't announce a viable alternative soon, I'll have to downgrade to a C300 like everyone else!
 
PaulReam said:
In that case a PMW-500 with S35 Exmoor sensor and F/PL mount!
In short, it's obvious what's needed and it doesn't matter what they call it.

Sony must realise why the C300 is taking over quality TV production? Large sensor and 50Mb/s... it's all UK TV producers want.

It's been a battle to use the F3/PIX240 over recent months. If Sony don't announce a viable alternative soon, I'll have to downgrade to a C300 like everyone else!
Click to expand...

the pwm-500 is 4:2:2 50 mb so probably not. As for beeing shouldermounted who knows. Big cameras don't seem to be that popular any more(there are big cameras that are popular but I think most of us prefer them smaller and I'm not talking 5dmk3 but around the f3 c300 with decent ergonomics). You can make a small camera sit on your shoulder but you can't make a big camera small.
 
Sorry, I think we're getting bogged down in whatever these camera's are called... it doesn't matter.
If it's a box with an S35 sized sensor and 50Mb/s they can call it the FUK-U2 - it'll still sell and compete with the C300.

At the moment they have nothing in this price range... and it's starting to show (at least for TV production in the UK).
I'll be at IBC next week and hope they have something that stops the rot... ?
 
I think that those of us who understand the difference between hardware and software are aware that the Sony PMW-F3 cannot be upgraded to 50mbit 4:2:2 via firmware. Nor should we expect a hardware patch/replacement program for the Sony F3.

That said, I'm confident that at some point Sony will offer camera that supercedes the Sony PMW-F3, whether it's a 1080 cam or 4k, and whether it's available tomorrow or in 2017. And I would be incredibly surprised if that next camera does not offer a 50mbit XDCAM option, considering that new Sony PMW-200 will retail for about $6300 and will have exactly that - 50mbit XDCAM.

If indeed a Sony PMW-F5 is going to be announced at IBC, then it would very surprising if they don't offer 50mbit 4:2:2 on it.
 
my preference:

- 50mb, 4:2:2
- 4k
- form factor
- v/f

I would pay more than a RED scarlet to have these in a Sony FUX-U2 camera for sure.
 
Because it should be built in, and not require external recorder hardware. Your arguement is same as why not just by a REd camera..... Because we want Sony to do it right. :D
 
problem with sony is they are HORRIBLE for making a name for themselves, they dont push their name out like other companies do. I know why they are like that, but it really hurt the F3 arena because of that. This could have been the most asked for camera on the market, but insteaad I still see people asking for dslrs or red. No one ever ASKS for an F3 system. but a lot of people ask for red or dslr or alexa... name matters in this game, producers dont know crap about cameras, but they know when they hear red or alexa, that its the industries splash names, and the go to systems.

If sony doesnt put its balls to the wall and promote the hell out of their new system, its just going to be a quick fizzle. They need hype and community stay, and a PRICE POINT that people will be happy with. Thing is, its sony... so that wont happen lol. Love the company, they do things RIGHT for the camera image, but they do things wrong for the advertisement and hype they could create around their systems, but dont.

Right now They have the best quality image in the Sony F65, highest resolution, and designed by camera people for camera people... Yet what is everyone shooting on... Alexa, red... Why didn't the F65 just shatter the halls with their 8K camera and amazing dynamic range and all for a price at the SAME OR LESS than an Alexa... Simple, Sony has NO clue how to advertise themselves. They need to get more balls and go for it. They have the best camera system at that price, but hardly anyone talks about it.

There are other factors, but the simple truth is when I talk to producers and mention the F65 they say what is that? When I say RED Epic or Alexa they say yep I know about it.

It bothers me that they have no backbone when it comes to "overhype" like RED. Sure the Red guys are annoying at times, but they sure do know how to make a buzz. And Alexa too. The funny thing is the F35 was the main digital cinema package to use on episodic TV for a long time, and between the F23 and the F35, they shot a TON of the shows we watched on TV. Arri pushed big and got an easy system that was sleek and nice and pushed sony out the door. Then sony answered (quietly) back with the F65, but no ones biting or even talking about it.

Its geared more towards film use because its a ton of data, but you can always scale it down/back if you need to. They didn't push, and still arent pushing. I see stuff all the time about new cameras that have more name that arent even out! Yet the F65 is sitting there at a great price, and amazing picture... No love.

So thats sony. They used to have a huge name, but that was when they were 1 of 4 companies doing it... Used to be Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Ikigami.... Now that the flood gates have opened and theres canon, blackmagic, red, alexa, ikonoscope, P&S Tech, and a few more, they have no hype.

rant ended.
 
Totally agree about Sony's marketing issues. One aspect which makes the image problem much worse is the mad number of different pro camcorders they currently produce. Just a quick glance at the UK web site lists over 40 different current models of video camera... and that's just the "pro" site! The consumer based site is even more baffling. While all these Betacam, HDCam SR, XDCam, HDCam, NXCam, HDV, DVCam, XDCam EX camera's might look like we're getting loads of choice, what's really happening is the whole Sony market is diluted with confusion. From a business point of view it's a nightmare. It's also obvious that some of these camera's have been technically restricted so as not to compete with other Sony products!

How much easier would it be to build brand loyalty and foster a supportive user base if Sony concentrated on say a maximum of 8 different models which aimed to be class leading across a wide price range? The F65 could be the top of the pile and I'm sure we'd all have a view on what the lower seven should be like. Look at the new companies which have built up a loyal following and the camera's that are now getting asked for by many (often ignorant) producers. How many different models of RED are there?, or Alexa, or Pro Canon etc.

Sony might have to think of something smarter than just an F3 replacement.
 
@filmdude you sir speak the truth they are horrible at marketing, I have used the F65 twice now and it is a great camera on both occasions it really impressed me. Sadly I have met tons of other dp's who have never even heard of it. My friend owns one as well as two alexa's and he says sadly the F65 never is requested.

I however am in the same crowd of trusting Sony and want them to do something right in making a new small format digital cinema camera, Non of the NEX stuff not to say the nex-700 is bad, just not right for the car spots, and narrative I shoot.

I love hearing about the roomers of an F5, or F500 or whatever they call it I hope this happens because I would really love to buy that. If they were to launch a camera at IBC any Idea when they would theoretically actually have it available? Will we all be waiting several months for it?

Cheers,

Graham
 
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