FS7: Sony Released 4.20 Firmware for FS7

BarryLichtner said:
Regarding AF, there are differences between the FS5 and FS7’s video processing. The FS5 is able to correct for Sony lens distortion in 4K, while the FS7 limited to correction in 2K, for example. The “clear image zoom” in the FS5 is another feature specific to the that camera. These are two features I think Sony would’ve brought to the FS7 if it were possible via firmware.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. I think the FS7 is aimed a more sophisticated user who would be less likely to be interested in either of those features. Sure, some people would use them, just as there are a lot of people using AF, but not enough to make it worth writing new code, redisigning the whole menu system, issuing new operation manuals, etc. If that stuff is important to you, get an FS5. Just my opinion.
 
TK1971 said:
On the other hand, the AF on the FS5 seems to be much more accurate, so I simply don't understand, why Sony doesn't at least implement that. Should be an easy thing to do.

BTW, THANKS for your FS7 Tutorial on Vimeo ... loved it!
Click to expand...

This is absurd. FS5 is a different, newer camera. Are you expecting that firmware update is going to change camera's hardware?
 
Doug Jensen said:
I'm suprised there are that many professional FS7 owners who rely on AF. Kinda sad, really.
Click to expand...

I understand where you are coming from. Having trained in film then television where it was all 100% manual focus you knew if it was out of focus it was your doing. I've never been able to trust auto focus 100%. Not even DPAF on the Canons. With plenty of practice you can get pretty darn good at focus tracking, pulling focus and trowing focus. Especially these days with peaking etc. Not only that even with decent phase detection in low light and with long lenses it's a big ask to rely on auto focus. I think it's a dying art in one man shooter circles. I admit I do use it at times. Probably the best I've found on the FS7 is with the 18-110 F4.0 zoom as it appears to work much faster and more accurately than any other E-Mount lens.

Chris Young
 
broughtonfilm said:
This is absurd. FS5 is a different, newer camera. Are you expecting that firmware update is going to change camera's hardware?
Click to expand...

What is absurd? If you would have read my posts, you wouldn't assume, that I meant that at all. The sensor of both cameras is identical and people near to sony told me, that this update of the AF was going to happen, more than a year ago. That's what I said in the first place.
 
markfpv said:
Per the USA site...
"New Features & Improvements:
● Compatible with the “Parallel Rec” mode with CBK-WA100 attached. The “Parallel Rec” mode enables synchronization with the same file name between the XAVC Proxy recording by using the wireless adapter CBK-WA100."
Meh.
Click to expand...

May I say this new firmware is bogus. If you are using the CBK-WA100 perhaps it could be useful but I don't know a soul on the planet who has or uses this device. Anybody else use it?
I was hoping that a proxy signal could be ported out to a device or drive much like the f800. That's a wonderful feature. Makes a full proxy at very low rez with all audio and TC. Perfect for producers to start logging on the plane.
This is dodo!
 
allenfacemire said:
May I say this new firmware is bogus. If you are using the CBK-WA100 perhaps it could be useful but I don't know a soul on the planet who has or uses this device. Anybody else use it?
I was hoping that a proxy signal could be ported out to a device or drive much like the f800. That's a wonderful feature. Makes a full proxy at very low rez with all audio and TC. Perfect for producers to start logging on the plane.
This is dodo!
Click to expand...

I have to agree. I won't be touching this one.
 
BarryLichtner said:
Regarding AF, there are differences between the FS5 and FS7’s video processing. The FS5 is able to correct for Sony lens distortion in 4K, while the FS7 limited to correction in 2K, for example. The “clear image zoom” in the FS5 is another feature specific to the that camera. These are two features I think Sony would’ve brought to the FS7 if it were possible via firmware.
Click to expand...

I assume the FS5 doesn't correct for Sony lens distortion (such as the 18-105) in 4K raw?
 
Probably the best I've found on the FS7 is with the 18-110 F4.0 zoom as it appears to work much faster and more accurately than any other E-Mount lens.

Chris Young[/QUOTE]

I agree. The autofocus on the 18-110 is accurate and subtle. I would use it for meetings and other stagnant scenes.

Alan Dater
 
Why would you even need AF at all for meetings and stagnant scenes? Doug Jensen

Well, maybe an old dog can learn new tricks. I have been shooting documentaries for over 40 years. I have no problem using manual focus in any situation. But, let's say I am shooting a community meeting in a large room, wide open. I have to pan and zoom from one speaker to the next. By the time I find the next speaker and zoom in the 18-110 auto focus has already shifted focus. It is subtle and accurate, and it does not hunt. If you haven't used the autofocus on this lens I suggest you give it a try.
Alan Dater
 
I have used AF on that lens with my FS7, and I found that it was always slower than what i could do manually.
In addition, manual focus eliminates the risk that the camera will focus on the wrong thing in the frame or slip focus in the middle of a shot.
 
Last edited:
Oh No Not the Dreaded:

"To AF or not to AF that is the question...
Could it be a noble quiver in my bow or just an unprofessional sign of technical immaturity...
Will I save the day with the deft touch of a reviled but sometimes useful bit of amateur technology,
or collapse in humiliation when the camera finds the pole behind my subjects head instead... "

Let it go guys - different strokes for different folks.
 
Doug Jensen said:
I have used AF on that lens with my FS7, and I found that it was always slower than what i could do manually.
In addition, manual focus eliminates the risk that the camera will focus on the wrong thing in the frame or slip focus in the middle of a shot.
Click to expand...

It is time for a course 'professional auto focus handling':
- Learn how to use the autofocus correct so that it won't focus on the wrong thing in the frame.
- Learn using the autofocus in combination with remote controlled rigs.
 
Publimix said:
- Learn using the autofocus in combination with remote controlled rigs.
Click to expand...

That's funny, because I had no idea that was the scenario we were talking about. If motion controlled rigs were part of the conversation I missed it. My apologies. I thought we were talking about using AF for "meetings and other stagnant scenes". Although by "stagnant" I assume he meant static, as in not much movement. But just to be clear, I would also choose to use manual focus even if i was shooting stagnant motionless water with an unpleasant smell. I see no advantage in using AF when there is very little motion. If a professional camera operator is physically unable to turn the focus ring on the lens, or judge focus while shooting something as simple as a meeting, you have my pity. And what if you don't have an AF lens!! Oh my god!! Perhaps maybe hiring an AC to do it would be within the budget.
 
Last edited:
Ha, ha, the scenario this thread derailed from is the new firmware 4.20
I was joking a bit. The remote controlled rig and the 'how to avoid focussing on the wrong object' were suggestions for a new book or training video. But I get the feeling you are not the right person to make those.
 
Yeah, I knew you are semi-joking. And I believe you are correct that I would not be the person to teach about the glories of AF, but you might be surprised with some of my recommendations for the new Z90. Sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks -- with the right hardware in the right shooting scenario. Several of the action shots in this video (particularly the birds in flight) were done with AF and I think it did a better job that I could have done manually with THAT camera in THAT situation. Believe if or not, I do try to keep an open mind when new stuff comes along.

 
Last edited:
"Pity the poor wretch, though he's my enemy. He's yoked to an evil delusion, but the same fate could be mine.
I see clearly: we who live are all phantoms, fleeing shadows."
- SOPHOCLES, Ajax

"Pity makes suffering contagious."
- FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE, The Antichrist

"Pity in its embrace strangles respect."
- ABRAHAM MILLER, Unmoral Maxims

"Pity and love are nearly allied."
- EDWARD COUNSEL, Maxims

"What is pity but the vice of kindness."
- EMIL CIORAN, History & Utopia
 
Haha -
But Mr. T stole it from Bobby Blue Bland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qstzRJuONVk
Credit where Credit is due. Of course He was talking about himself.

Hey Doug I was just watching your guide to Resolve and am digging it. I previously have tried to slog (pun intended) through Alexis Van Hurkman's tome, but its so long and complete I just get lost. I finally decided i needed something short and to the point to finally get me off my ass and switch over. Thanks for making it available and you do a very good job of isolating what's important.
I can always go back to Alexis for individual issues. Why does yours expire after 6 months?

- I don't always agree with you but I'm very glad you're here.

Lenny
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top