FS7: Sony's Electronic Variable ND, the most underrated feature of modern cameras?

[dipstik]

I can’t help but feel like the industry slept on Sony’s electronic vari-ND on the FS7II and FS5II. Since upgrading from the FS7 I to the FS7 II, it feels like a totally different camera in terms of operability and my approach to shooting.

Normally, in documentary scenarios, I ride the aperture in changing light conditions. It’s an imperfect solution but not much choice when dealing with the unpredictability of doc work, and I know we are all guilty of this.

Since starting with the vari-ND, my approach now entails setting and forgetting the aperture, and either riding the ND wheel, or setting it to Auto ND and letting the camera do the work. There are metering adjustments in the menu so you can setup exposure compensation for backlight conditions, etc. Last week I was on a farm moving around crops with our subject on a partly cloudy day. I was able to keep my aperture at T/4, and simply just slowly adjusted the ND wheel as he moved into and out of the shadows. It really made my job a lot easier, and I felt that the quality of my shots was much improved, as I wasn't fighting the aperture ring or having to deal with over/under exposed images.

I know the phrase "game changer" makes people's eyes roll these days, but for me, this feature has indeed changed the way I shoot. One of those things that I couldn't imagine working with out, now that I know how valuable it is.

Anyone else using this and feeling impressed with the capabilities?

 

[Martin.G]

Im still on MK1, but im really looking forward to this feature on Mk3 If i dont go RED by then for the raw.

 

[Run&Gun]

Not exactly a fan of the Fs7mkII, but had to rent a friends for a shoot(they HAD to have a 7 and wouldn't take my F55) and the variable ND was awesome. I would actually put it into the 'game changer' category.

I don't know if there is a sacrifice(like IR contamination not being effectively filtered out as you get darker) with it vs. regular fixed density glass ND, but I'm pretty sure I'd take the eVND in the 7II over the overly course fixed 3 & 6 stops that my F55 has.

 

[Doug Jensen]

Anyone else using this and feeling impressed with the capabilities?

Absolutely. It is definitely a game changer and usng any camera now without electronic variable ND seems like such a step backwards. The most challenging thing about my F55 and original FS7 is the huge jumps between ND filters. It used to seem normal, now it seems archaic.

 

[Run&Gun]

Absolutely. It is definitely a game changer and usng any camera now without electronic variable ND seems like such a step backwards. The most challenging thing about my F55 and original FS7 is the huge jumps between ND filters. It used to seem normal, now it seems archaic.

That’s always been one of my gripes about the 55, only 3 and 6 stops, built-in, when pretty much every other camera I’ve had in the last 15+ years has had 2, 4 and 6. With the P2 Vari’s Panasonic dropped the Cross(star) filter out of the second turret and replaced it with a single stop. But annoyingly enough, they tied it to 3200k.

Some of the Sony “live” handheld cameras actually have dual 5 position turrets.

 

[Grug]

I HATE that all the cameras with ND wheels spread the range out. Having 3 stops and 6 stops (or 2, 4, 6 whatever) does NOT speed up your life on set much.

Having 1 and 2 stops, or better yet 1, 2 and 3 stops. Means you can set your exposure (adding whatever external ND you need for a baseline), and then simply add or subtract a stop or two as your exposure changes (when clouds roll in or out, for example). It’s being able to make the smaller, specific adjustments while shooting that actually makes a difference.

Now that Sony have shown the way with the Venice’s 1-8 stops dual ND wheels. Hopefully every other high-end camera moving forward will follow their lead. That’s a huge development camera-wise, and something that will genuinely put significant amounts of time back into each and every day.

 

[J.Brown]

Most of the time I end up wanting to be inbetween two ND selections on my FS7 and if I could make it happen I would go for the FS7 II. But there`s a new FS soon so better wait.

 

[scorsesefan]

Is there a new FS coming?... I just picked up an fs5 so I haven't used the vari ND much yet but being a "run n gun" type of filmmaker I can see it being a real life saver...

 

[NorBro]

The FS7/5 sensors are both "old" in today's world, so they should be getting updated soon.

Most think this fall. If not, definitely next year.

All companies will see 2020 as an attractive year to release new products.

 

[blackdogdylan]

Is there a new FS coming?... I just picked up an fs5 so I haven't used the vari ND much yet but being a "run n gun" type of filmmaker I can see it being a real life saver...

it’s one of my favorite features on my FS5II & a huge time/weight saver. my only complaint is that because I primarily use an external recorder, I wish there was an indicator light to remind me that electronic ND is engaged (other than in the EVF) since in the heat of the moment, it’s so simple & inconspicuous that it’s easy to forget that I have it in.