Sony launches PXW-FS7 4K camera

Sony held its press conference this morning at IBC, and announced two new cameras: the PXW-X200 and the PXW-FS7. While the X200 looks interesting, the big buzz was around the FS7, a 4K XDCAM camera with a Super35 CMOS sensor.

New PXW-FS7 being unveiled at IBC

Specifications

• Super35 ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor with 8.8 million-effective pixels. 
• Responsive sensitivity (ISO 2000) and a high signal-to-noise ratio. 
• SlowMotion up to 180 frames per second
• Full HD with 50 or 60 progressive frames 
• High-speed image readout, such as 240fps while recording 2K Raw on an external recorder 
• It supports QFHD up to 60fps at launch, with an upgrade to 4K 4096x2160 resolution will be made available in early 2015
• Compatible with Sony's new XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GoP formats, each supporting 10-bit 4.2:2 sampling for Full HD recording
• By using the optional extension unit XDCA-FS7, the PXW-FS7 is capable of natively recording in Apple ProRes 422 codec, also planned to be available in early 2015 via firmware update
• With the XDCA-FS7’s Raw interface, the PXW-FS7 is capable of 4K/2K Raw recording with Sony’s HXR-IFR5 and AXS-R5, or with a compatible third-party external recorder
• Features two XQD card slots that support simultaneous recording or relay recording 
• To support FS7’s S&Q motion and internal 4K recording, a new XQD G series with ultra-high speed transfer up to 400MBps (read) and 350MBps (write) has been developed 
• Built-in ND filters 

Its form factor influenced by an Aaton film camera maybe?

All the usual controls: Focus, iris, gain (ISO), shutter, audio levels and menu.

Two XLR audio sockets and two SDI out and HDMI

Ergonomic grip when going hand-held

Hand fits snuggly round the handle

The camera has all the usual tripod mount options, but if you are going hand held the supplied adjustable handgrip provides easy access to zoom, record, menu toggle and user defined buttons.

Shoulder mount

Sony also launched the VCT-FS7, a lightweight rods support, with 15mm rods and an adjustable shoulder pad. So you'll be able to add your matte box and with that shallow depth of field you'll be needing a Follow Focus too. 

Yes, it's a viewfinder....

Rear view

The PXW-FS7 uses the E-mount lens system and comes with a new E-mount lens - FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS (SELP28135G), which Sony boasts is the world’s first 35mm full-frame interchangeable power zoom lens. 

The new lens features:

• constant F4 aperture 
• independent rings for Iris, Zoom and Focus control
• dust and moisture resistance
• steady shot stabilisation
• minimum focus breathing 
• Sony’s new SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) to reduce zoom and focus noise while shooting. 

Sony’s optional LA-EA4 A-mount lens adaptor allows compatibility with a wide range of A-mount lenses, giving you the option to use the FS7’s auto-focus function.

The camera will be available in the next few weeks.

By Christina Fox