F55: Sony AXS-R7 (for F55 & F5) Detailed

M

mitch@provideo

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Sony continues to show devotion to expanding the capabilities of both the F5 and F55 cameras by introducing the new AXS-R7 recorder. The R7 will launch late in late September.

From Sony:
"Sony is pleased to introduce the AXS-R7 16-bit recorder for the PMW-F55 and PMW-F5. Sony has created the AXS-R7 in consultation with cinematographers working in feature films, commercials, reality, documentary, wildlife, underwater, and other genres. In response to their needs, the AXS-R7 delivers continuous 4K 120 fps recording with the F55, up to 30 seconds of cache recording, a more rugged chassis, more rigid attachment to the camera and dual media slots. In addition to 16-bit linear RAW in 2K and 4K, the AXS-R7 supports the new X-OCN recording format. X-OCN stands for eXtended tonal range Original Camera Negative. X-OCN has two recording mode; X-OCN ST(Standard) and X-OCN LT (Light). X-OCN is a 16-bit compression system. In practice, X-OCN ST is virtually indistinguishable in quality fromRAW, yet it captures 4K 24p at 660 Mbps, a 30% reduction compared to F55RAW. X-OCN LT is a second option which offers you an even more efficient data rates to offer smaller and more manageable files, reducing cost and improving workflow speed."

The key differences compared to the existing R5 unit are:
4K RAW top FPS: R5=60fps, R7=120fps w/ F55 or 60fsp w/ F5
2K RAW top FPS: R5-240fps, R7=240fps
Memory Card Slots: R5=1, R7=2
X-OCN Compressed RAW: R5=no, R7=yes
30sec Cache Recording: R5=no, R7=yes
Weather Resistance: R5=no, R7=yes

The R7 will start shipping in September for $6,980. There will be promotional bundles that include media cards as well. Additionally, if you purchase a Sony F55 and R7 recorder together there will be an instant rebate savings of $4,000 on the total package. Finally, if you already own an R5 recorder there is a trade-in program that allows you to upgrade to an R7 at a reduced price.

As always let me know if you have any questions at all. I'm here to help in any way i can. Thank you.

Eric Petrie
epetrie@provideoandtape.com
Professional Video
Finance a complete Sony F5 viewfinder package for $392 a month, 0% $0 down options available
Finance a Sony F55 w/ viewfinder for $843 a month, 0% $0 down options available
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It's important to note that Sony has crippled the R7 when used in conjunction with a PMW-F5. With the F5, you cannot do 120fps, nor can you record X-OCN.
 
I just re-read through all of Sony's press release on the R7. Several times they specify that the 120fps is only available on the F55. However, when discussing X-OCN, no mention of any camera limitations is made. This would leave me to believe that the only feature that separates the functionality of the R7 based on what camera you're using is the 120fps feature. 120fps is F55 only, all other features are available with both F5 and F55. Although I'm not a Sony engineer the press release is pretty thorough, i would be very surprised if they simply 'forgot' to mention a huge limitation.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Eric Petrie
epetrie@provideoandtape.com
Professional Video
Finance a complete Sony F5 viewfinder package for $392 a month, 0% $0 down options available
Finance a Sony F55 w/ viewfinder for $843 a month, 0% $0 down options available
Apply Now
 
ahhh, yes, Peter Crithary has confirmed that X-OCN will work on the F5. The only thing that won't work is 120fps/4K. Thanx for the heads up.
 
A super exciting development for these cameras. And one that conveniently gives F55 owners more feature separation and less to grumble about. 16-bit is super yummy.

Very keen to see how the new codec performs.
 
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