FS5: Sony PXW-FX6

You're probably just talking about the look, but URSAs are made of magnesium alloy just like 99% of other cameras.

I would bet they are even stronger than what Sony or Canon uses. The original big one could hurt you badly if dropped on you.

If it's only about looks, Sony's gray is very nice.
 
NorBro said:
You're probably just talking about the look, but URSAs are made of magnesium alloy just like 99% of other cameras.

I would bet they are even stronger than what Sony or Canon uses. The original big one could hurt you badly if dropped on you.

If it's only about looks, Sony's gray is very nice.
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Sorry, I misspoke a bit... I meant the URSA mini. No doubt the frame is made of something tougher, but the one time I used it felt really plasticky, but for the price, It's a solid camera.
 
With CVP’s price matching promise I paid £3832.50 + VAT for my PXW-FS5 on 12th September 2015 (I ordered it within 24hrs of it being announced that year at IBC)...so if that's correct pricing it's remarkably similar - despite a 5 year gap!
 
ahalpert said:
If it's $5k, it will sell like hot cakes. (Isn't the $ cost without tax usually the same as the GBP with tax? ...
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For reference - CVP is selling R5 for £3,500 w/out tax, £4,200 w/ VAT. In the US, R5 is $3,900 (and, if one pays tax, it gets close to $4,100-$4,200).

So, if FX-6 is priced at around $4,500 with tax, there'll be a line at B&H that starts in Miami.
 
DLD said:
For reference - CVP is selling R5 for £3,500 w/out tax, £4,200 w/ VAT. In the US, R5 is $3,900 (and, if one pays tax, it gets close to $4,100-$4,200).

So, if FX-6 is priced at around $4,500 with tax, there'll be a line at B&H that starts in Miami.
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Interesting, once everything adds up, the C70 is really close in price to the Komodo, meaning, I might like the Komodo better for what I do.

The R5 rigged up is also only going to be a marginal percentage cheaper, at a much lower client appeal.

I like how the C70 and the Fx6 have most everything built in, so there is that. And the Komodo is the most video looking of the Red cameras. I am perfering Gemini to what I am seeing from Komodo posts. The Komodo does have purer color in the blacks, but I actually never dig up the magenta in blacks on the Gemini. The reduced CMOS smear and GS are nice though. Just not seeing the DR. It is close, but at this level, every half stop matters to me.
 
Has anyone heard whether or not the FX6 will have internal Gyro stabilization? Of course, I'd much rather have ibis. However, in lieu of ibis it's good to at least have the option of the gyro workflow, even though it makes the post-production process a PITA. It would still be useful in some situations.
 
The $1800 a7C has it so you'd expect it, but we know how it works...

The post is really simple but obviously an extra step.
 
There are definitely some shortcomings to the FX6 design as we know it so far, but some make sense in context: it doesn't have the EVF sticking off the back, which makes it more gimbal-friendly. If you use autofocus, a 720p screen is fine. And they're saving some money on it.

I'm not saying these issues won't trip people up, but it seems like the camera is decently designed for its likeliest use cases.
 
"If you use autofocus, a 720p screen is fine. And they're saving some money on it."

Decent autofocus is one of the main reasons I'm upgrading but I'll still only be using it about 20% of the time, at most.

Also, there are reasons other than focusing to want high-res monitoring. It's so much more fun to shoot with a great viewfinder and I magically become better at my job - more absorbed, more imaginative, more likely to spot problems.

Honestly, I'm surprised that camera marketing departments aren't desperate to get fantastic monitors and viewfinders onto cameras at this budget (they clearly aren't), even as paid options. Particularly considering how ubiquitous the technology is now.
 
To pack compact, there are many times I've used the FS5 without the LCD and top handle. When you need to get a bag that accommodate the camera fully assembled, you won't find a small one.

Loosing the ability to use the FX6 body only is a bit of downside, you even lose the audio capability. So shrinking the FS5 body but making the top handle and the LCD mandatory is a non-sense to me. This is something for which I've difficulties to understand the rational.

Maybe we'll get a better understanding after today's presentation.
 
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Atobit said:
To pack compact, there are many times I've used the FS5 without the LCD and top handle. When you need to get a bag that accommodate the camera fully assembled, you won't find a small one.

Loosing the ability to use the FX6 body only is a bit of downside, you even lose the audio capability. So shrinking the FS5 body but making the top handle and the LCD mandatory is a non-sense to me. This is something for which I've difficulties to understand the rational.

Maybe we'll get a better understanding after today's presentation.
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I used to run with a Panasonic AG-DVC30, the Fx6 feels like a really nice version of that. Hopefully there is at least a mini jack in for basic audio.

How do you use audio and mics without the top handle? What’s your mounting config?
 
Atobit said:
To pack compact, there are many times I've used the FS5 without the LCD and top handle. When you need to get a bag that accommodate the camera fully assembled, you won't find a small one.

Loosing the ability to use the FX6 body only is a bit of downside, you even lose the audio capability. So shrinking the FS5 body but making the top handle and the LCD mandatory is a non-sense to me. This is something for which I've difficulties to understand the rational.

Maybe we'll get a better understanding after today's presentation.
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You make a good point. Although an a7siii with K3M audio module is even more compact. Not the same thing, I know.

I keep the FS7 built in a Sachtler doctor bag. The FX6 would realize some nice space savings.

If only the FX6 had XLR inputs in-body and an optional rear EVF attachment like the C500mk2, you'd be in business.
 
Sometimes I put my FS5 with lens mounted into a tiny shoulder bag and to me it matters because I'm tired of hauling larger and heavier gear than necessary. That's where the FX6 shines. Compact yet capable.
 
Cant see the HF jack.

Also input = 19v .. which is a pita vs many batteries and previous cameras.

Im assuming BPU batts ?
 
Seems the FX6 is become a pure camcoder but without EVF.

I used a cheese top plate from Smallrig, added a Nato rail for when a handle was needed. Then mounted a small shotgun mic as the FS5 have a XLR on the body.
The ability to play with all elements to fit your need was super versatile.

Not putting an EVF is a trend, the C70 doesn't have one either. So I'll likely need to buy one anyway.

Another point is no more 4K in S35 mode. I have the pair of Fujinon MK which were great with the FS5. Also the CN-E zooms where a very good fit to the camera.

Not sure why everyone want FF sensor, as you also need bigger lens. So now you have use photo zooms instead or bulky FF cine zooms but they doesn't fit with the camera size and purpose.

Frankly at this moment I'm not sure what to think about the FX6.
 
Atobit said:
Seems the FX6 is become a pure camcoder but without EVF.

I used a cheese top plate from Smallrig, added a Nato rail for when a handle was needed. Then mounted a small shotgun mic as the FS5 have a XLR on the body.
The ability to play with all elements to fit your need was super versatile.

Not putting an EVF is a trend, the C70 doesn't have one either. So I'll likely need to buy one anyway.

Another point is no more 4K in S35 mode. I have the pair of Fujinon MK which were great with the FS5. Also the CN-E zooms where a very good fit to the camera.

Not sure why everyone want FF sensor, as you also need bigger lens. So now you have use photo zooms instead or bulky FF cine zooms but they doesn't fit with the camera size and purpose.

Frankly at this moment I'm not sure what to think about the FX6.
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well, if you're willing to add your own bits, you can probably get the form factor and EVF situation where you want it. audio inputs, I'm not sure...

no 4K in S35 mode is a bummer, and I suppose that's where the FX9 differentiates itself. although maybe you can use Clear Image Zoom to get "4k" in the S35 crop? In a pinch.

FWIW even though the Sony 28-135 is not as good of a lens as the Canon 18-80, it's about the same size:

Canon 18-80:
Dimensions (W x H) 3.7 x 4.2" / 94 x 106.7 mm
Length 7.2" / 18.23 cm
Weight 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg

Sony 28-135:
Dimensions (W x H) 4.13 x 4.13" / 104.9 x 104.9 mm
Length 6.4" / 162.5 mm
Weight 42.9 oz / 1215 g

And although the 28-135 is big compared to photo lenses, it's really not that bad with regard to volume or weight.

And then you've got awesome teeny photo primes and zooms if you want them. The Sigma Art for E mount are smaller than for DSLRs (at least, the lenses that are bespoke E mount lenses and not re-mounted DSLR lenses). Tamron sells small primes and also small zooms. Samyang has their Tiny series that are stellar performers. (BTW I have the Samyang 18 which is part of the Tiny series and it's so cute and comes in an adorable little pouch:

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Samyang-Tiny-Series-Prime-Lenses.jpg
 
Yes I understand there are nice photo lenses, if I have to pick-up the A7SIII, it's a no brainer.

As I said I bought the 28-135mm when it was release at the same time of the A7S. I sold it because I didn't like the feeling I had with the lens. So I didn't buy the 18-110mm because it was the same lens type.
I think the CN-E are great lenses, as the Fujinon MK. Small, sharp, parafocal, zero focus breathing for the MK (but terrible on the CN-E). The CN-E as a great variable speed motor zoom, and you can add a handle on the lens. Both brand have their own characteristics with their look.

I'm not exited to have to use photo zoom lenses with the FX6.
 
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Fair enough - there is definitely a dearth of cine zoom lenses for full-frame, and the good options are all more than $20k.

There are a couple wides - the 16-28 from Tokina and the 24-35 from sigma.

And the $14k Angenieux 15-40 S35 lens adapts to become a 22-60mm full-frame lens: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1292122-REG/angenieux_ez_2_pack_ez_2_15_40mm_cinema_lens.html

Similarly, their 35-90 becomes a 45-135, which could be really useful: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1292121-REG/angenieux_ez_1_pack_ez_1_30_90mm_cinema_lens.html

But this whole discussion probably just underscores your point that the proper lenses are too big and expensive relative to the body...
 
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