The following video presents Sony | XDCAM | PXW-FS7M2 Introduction Video:
“This function video introduces PXW-FS7M2’s usability including the intelligence of Sony’s unique Electronic Variable ND Filter, the E-mount with all-new lever lock system, and many mechanical improvements from the original FS7 to best suit to documentary type of shooting.“
Sony recently announced the new FS7 II (models PXW-FS7M2 / PXW-FS7M2K) camcorder, an addition to the FS Series Super 35mm professional family.
Sony FS7 II: LCD monitor with detachable eyepiece
Highlights of Sony FS7 II include:
- Electronic Auto Variable ND: With the variable ND filter, you can control DoF (depth of field) and adjust exposure without changing the iris setting. “Conventionally, we need to change iris setting when we want to adjust the exposure level and that changes depth of field. With the electronic variable ND filter, we can change the ND setting only and retain the beautiful bokeh (background defocus). “
- The FS7 II delivers a maximum of 180 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting in Full HD.
- Slow & Quick (S&Q) motion from 1 to 180 fps in 1 fps increments.
- Record on-board 4K (4096×2160) at cinema standard 24p, 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p or 25p. The camera captures different colour spaces, including the wide ITU-R BT.2020 for Ultra High Definition. Other formats include XAVC I (Intra) 4K at 600 Mbps, QFHD (3840×2160) and Full HD (1920×1080), plus the well-accepted MPEG HD 422, Apple ProRes 422 (with XDCA-FS7 extension unit, sold separately), and even outboard RAW recording (with XDCA-FS7 and outboard recorder, sold separately).
- Assign Buttons expanded from six to ten, all extra-large for use with gloves on.
- Smart Grip telescoping arm adjusts without tools; parks against the camera body for waist-level shooting.
- LCD monitor arm retains horizontal alignment when you reset the position; adjusts with separate clamps on either end.
- Pop up LCD monitor hood in addition to the detachable eyepiece.
- Sony’s Lever Lock type E-Mount holds the lens securely as you operate. As the mount locks using a rotating collar, there’s no need to rotate the lens itself – which can simplify changing lenses and working with rigs..
- Its sealed design prevents the entry of dust, dirt and water spray.*
* Requires that all ports and covers are firmly closed. Dustproof certifies to IEC 60529 IPX5 standard.
Sony FS7 II: Pop up LCD monitor hood
Sony also introduced a new XQD card, QD-G256E — with an industry first 256 GB capacity – which enables a recording time of approximately 45 minutes at 4K 60P and 3.5 hours at 2K 30P.
- Combined with a read speed of up to 440MB/s and write speed of up to 400MB/s, users can shoot for longer without needing to change media cards.
- It can be used with Sony’s PXW-FS72, PXW-FS7, PXW-Z100 as well as some Nikon DSLRs. To use with PXW-FS7 and PXW-Z100, a firmware update will be required.
The following video presents Sony | XDCAM | 4K | PXW-FS7M2 Footage – FRENCH CUISINE:
“The 4K(3840×2160) footage from our brand new Sony PXW-FS7M2..
The footage was shot in 4K(3840×2160) with FS7M2 showing the image quality and capability within the frame.“
The FS7 II is planned to be available the U.S.A. in January 2017.
- Please see the Press Release below for pricing info.
First shipments in Canada are due during January 2017. However regional availability may vary according to local regulations – please contact your Sony Specialist dealer for more information.
PRESS RELEASE
Sony Expands FS Series with New FS7 II Camcorder
by Sony Pro Team 11/09/2016
New Model Delivers Advanced Features for Documentary and Indie Production with Electronic Variable ND Filter, Lever Lock Type E-mount and Refined Mechanical Design
Sony FS7 II with clip-on eyepiece with a pop-up hood attached to LCD monitor
Sony is expanding its FS Series Super 35mm professional family with the addition of the new FS7 II camcorder. The new model builds on the original FS7’s strengths by adding advanced features including Electronic Variable ND technology, a lever lock type E-mount, and a new mechanical design for faster and easier set-up. The new FS7 II camcorder also supports Sony’s α Mount System, which includes more than 70 lenses.
Since its introduction in 2014, the FS7 has become one of the most widely used cameras in a range of production applications, and the original FS7 model remains in the Sony line-up. The new FS7 II now gives creative professionals a broader range of creative tools, with new features all based on end user feedback.
Sony FS7 II (bavk view): Battery
The new FS7 II camcorder is designed for long-form shooting and production applications, especially documentaries and independent filmmaking. Sony is also introducing an FS7 II kit model which includes a new E-mount, Super 35mm lens, model SELP18110G, covering Super35mm and APSC sensors.
Sony FS7 II (top view)
“The FS7 II features state of the art, Sony variable ND technology and a robust locking E‑Mount,” said Juan Martinez, senior product manager, professional digital imaging, Sony Electronics. “Extensive enhancements to the VF support system enables super-fast and secure viewfinder repositioning, while retaining the Zen-like simplicity, flexibility and comfort of the FS7’s ‘multi-award winning’ industrial design.”
Electronic Variable ND Technology
Sony FS7 II: “The system uses a Variable ND filter system (seamless ND attenuation within the camera’s 2~7 stop range) that allows the user to vary the density of the ND filter during shooting and to transition seamlessly between steps. Image Courtesy of Sony
The camcorder’s Electronic Variable ND Filter system, combined with its large sensor, delivers greater exposure control, with the option of preset or variable operation modes. Variable ND mode (seamless ND attenuation within the camera’s 2~7 stop range) allows the user to vary the density of the ND filter during shooting and to transition seamlessly between steps.
The camera’s expanded ND operations also enables fine exposure adjustment by relegating iris to set depth of field, prevents soft focus caused by diffraction, and prevents color shift caused by stacking multiple external ND filters.
Actual FS7 II Screen Capture: Image Courtesy of Sony
Preset mode lets users assign three ND settings to the filter turret, useful in selecting the most appropriate filtration range for changing light conditions. Auto ND mode is also available allowing exposure to stay at a fixed level while adjusting the depth of field with iris control.
E-mount (Lever Lock type) for professional shooting
FS7 II’s new E-mount (lever lock type)
The FS7 II’s new E-mount (lever lock type) gives users the ability to change lenses by rotating the locking collar rather than the lens itself, which means that in most cases lens support rigs don’t need to be removed, saves time during a production.
Mechanical Design Enhancements
Sony FS7 II
Like its counterparts in the FS Series family – the FS7 and FS5 models – the new FS7 II features several design and ergonomic updates for comfortable and functional use in the field.
Sony FS7 II: A knob enables you to quickly extend the telescoping arm, as shown on the left. Release the joint knob to quickly pivot the arm to the most comfortable position, as shown on the right, for waist-level shooting.
The FS7 II’s “tool-less” mechanical design lets users make on-the-fly changes to the camera’s set-up and operation. For example, no tools are required to adjust the Smart Grip or viewfinder positions.
Sony FS7 II: LCD monitor with the square cross-section 15 mm rod. The monitor stays in horizontal alignment when you reset positions. Also, at the right is the XDCA-FS7 extension unit with a V-mount battery pack, both sold separately.
The viewfinder eyepiece provides a third stabilizing contact point when shooting handheld. Durable square section rods and lever-clamps on the LCD and camera body provide simple and precise front-to-back VF adjustment while retaining level positioning.
New Sony 18-110mm Sony G lens
Sony is also introducing an FS7 II kit model including a new E-mount, Super 35mm lens. The new lens, model SELP18110G, covers Super35mm and APSC sensors. Compact and lightweight — 2.4 lbs (1.1Kg) — with an 18 to 110 focal range (6x zoom) it uses a new fully mechanical/servo zoom switchable system, capable of snap zooms and entirely devoid of lag. The focal range is optimized for Super 35 and APS-C sensors.
Sony E PZ 18-110mm F4 G OSS (model SELP18110G)
The lens is compatible with Sony α Mount System cameras, including the α7 series interchangeable-lens cameras and professional Super 35mm 4K camcorders like Sony’s FS7 or FS5. Although perfectly suited for still image taking, filmmakers will fully appreciate the lens’ extended creative capabilities for shooting motion images.
The lens benefits from Sony’s Smooth Motion Optics (SMO) design, which is developed to optimize performance during motion image capture. This lens design eliminates undesirable characteristics and artifacts that do not affect still image capture, but can severely limit a lens’ usefulness for motion shooting, such as:
- Ramping: F stop gradually diminishes when zooming tight.
- Not holding focus while zooming.
- Breathing (angle of view variation while focusing).
- Optical axis shift (image moves in the frame while zooming).
XQD Cards
Sony QD-G256E
Sony FS7 II with new XQD card, QD-G256E -256 GB capacity – in card slot.
The FS7 II supports the XQD memory card format, designed for capturing and transferring high-bandwidth, high resolution files. Sony is also introducing a new XQD card, QD-G256E — with an industry first 256 GB capacity – which enables a recording time of approximately 45 minutes at 4K 60P and 3.5 hours at 2K 30P. Combined with a read speed of up to 440MB/s and write speed of up to 400MB/s, users can shoot for longer without needing to change media cards.
Sony FS7 II: body only
The FS7 II is planned to be available in January 2017 for an estimated street price of $10,000 (body only) and $13,000 for the camcorder with 18-110mm power zoom lens kit.
Sony FS7 II camcorder with 18-110mm power zoom lens kit
For more information, please visit www.sony.com/fs7ii.
The following video presents Sony | XDCAM | 4K | PXW-FS7M2 Behind The Scene – FRENCH CUISINE:
- This footage is the behind the scene of the original footage shot on Sony PXW-FS7M2.
