Alpha Series |
PXW-FS5 II |
PXW-FS7 II |
PXW-FX9 |
PMW-F55 |
VENICE |
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Sony FS7 FAQ (Scroll Down for Index)
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Index: (Click to jump to selected topic)
What is the difference between the FS7 and the new FS7 Mark II?
What is the latest version of firmware for the PXW-FS7?
Is this a replacement for the FS700 or a cheaper version of the F5?
What is the deal with the new XQD memory cards?
What is the recording time with the XQD memory cards?
What are the resolutions, bit depths, and frame rates of the various codecs it can record?
How does the camera record slo-motion?
What is the deal with this ‘new’ XAVC codec?
What features does the optional XDCA-FS7 give you?
Can I record 4K ProRes with the XDCA-FS7?
What is the battery run time?
What is the transfer speed of the XQD card reader?
What are the differences between the Sony FS7 and the Sony F55?”
Does the FS7 have LUT’s?
Does it record RAW internally?
Does it support center scan (2K) mode?
Is the slow motion recorded in bursts and then rendered out – like with the FS-700?
Is there more compression when you go into HFR mode?
Does the FS7 have the same sensor as the F5?
So why would I want to buy a PMW-F5 instead of a PXW-FS7 – it’s twice as much money?
Why should I buy a PXW-FS7 instead of the newer and less expensive PXW-FS5?
What is the disadvantage of the E-Mount vs. and FZ mount on the F5/F55?
Q: What is the difference between the FS7 and the new FS7 Mark II?
A: The FS7 Mk II is an improved version of the FS7. It costs about $1,500.00 more for the body only and is not a replacement for the original FS7. In our opinion, there are a lot of good updates and refinements in the FS7 Mk II that improve the user experience and some minor functionality, but no changes, such as resolution, codecs, frame rates, etc. For more information, checkout our post that describes the PXW-FS7 Mk 2 in greater detail: https://zsyst.com/sony-4k-camera-page/sony-fs7-ii/
Q: What is the latest version of firmware for the PXW-FS7?
A: Version 4.1, is currently the latest firmware for the original FS7. For details and a download link please click here: Sony PXW-FS7 Version 4.1 Firmware Update.
As of this time there have been no firmware updates to the FS7m2.
Q: Where does the FS7 and FS7m2 fit in the hierarchy of Sony 4k Cameras?
A: Both models of FS7 fall between the Sony PXW-FS5 on the lower end and the PMW-F5 on the higher end. The FS7 offers a more robust set of features than the FS5, but does not offer all of the high end accessory compatibility or 16-bit RAW capability of the F5.
Q: What is the deal with the new XQD memory cards?
A: The XQD memory cards are not really new, having been around for a few years. They are also not proprietary to Sony. Many professional grade Nikon cameras also make use of XQD cards, and there have been XQD’s manufactured by 3rd party vendor’s in the past.
They are very fast, reliable, have a great warranty, and are very affordable when compared with other types of fast camera media like CFast 2.0. No drivers are required on your computer to read them – just plug and play like a thumb drive.
Q: What is the recording time with the XQD memory cards?
A: For the gory details, checkout Sony’s website about the PXW-FS7, but here is a chart:
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Q: What are the resolutions, bit depths, and frame rates of the various codecs it can record?
XAVC-I 10-bit 4:2:2
- 4K DCI (4096×2160) 59.94p; 50p; 29.97p; 25p; 24p; 23.98p
- UHD (3840×2160) 59.94p; 50p; 29.97p; 25p; 23.98p
- HD (1920×1080) 59.94p; 59.94i; 50p; 50i; 29.97p; 25p; 23.98p
XAVC-L 8-bit 4:2:0
- UHD (3840×2160) 59.94p; 50p; 29.97p; 25p; 23.98p
XAVC-L 10-bit 4:2:2
- HD (1920×1080) 59.94p; 59.94i; 50p; 50i; 29.97p; 25p; 23.98p
MPEG-2 8-bit 4:2:2
- HD (1920×1080) 59.94i; 50i; 29.97p; 25p; 23.98p
- HD (1280×720) 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p
RAW 12-bit linear with optional EXCA-FS7 and external recorder solution
- 4K (4096×2160) 60p; 50p; 29.97p; 25p 23.98p
- 2K (2048×2160) 60p; 50p; 29.97p; 25p 23.98p
- 4K (4096×2160) 1 – 60 fps Slow and Quick Motion
- 2K (2048×2160) 120 and 240 fps Slow and Quick Motion
Q: How does the camera record slow motion?
This is one of the highlights of the camera, especially when using the XAVC-I codec. It was wonderful over and under crank options that are super easy to pop in and out of on the fly. No rendering is required. It is all real-time. No buffering or delays.
XAVC-I
- 4K DCI/UHD: 1 to 60 frames (when using a ‘base rate’ of 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p)
- HD: 1 to 180 frames (when using a ‘base rate’ 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p)
XAVC-L
- UHD: 1 to 60 frames (59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p)
- HD: 1 to 120 frames (59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p)
RAW (with optional EXCA-FS7 and a compatable external recorder solution)
- 4K (4096×2160) 1 – 60 fps Slow and Quick Motion
- 2K (2048×2160) 120 and 240 fps Slow and Quick Motion
Q: What is the deal with this ‘new’ XAVC codec?
XAVC has been around now for about 5 years – it was introduced with the Sony PMW-F5 and F55. All major editing software (Avid, Adobe, Final Cut X, Resolve, etc.) can edit it natively now. XAVC is actually a family of codecs that extends down into their DSLR cameras (XAVC-S) and up into the the PMW-F55 (XAVC-I 480). In our opinion, it is a wonderful, ‘next step’ from ProRes422HQ. XAVC-I is the best variant and the go-to codec on this camera. It has the quality of ProResHQ at about 1/3 of the data rate. That means that you can pack 3 times as much material into your video storage, backup footage on set 3 times faster, and your networking requirements for editing in a shared storage environment a lot less stringent. Click here for an XAVC overview.
Click here to watch a short side by side video of XAVC and ProResHQ.
Q: What features does the optional XDCA-FS7 give you?
- Enables 12-bit 4K/2K RAW Data Output
- 1080p ProRes 422 Encoder – the footage is still recorded internally to the XQD card in the FS7 body
- Timecode & Genlock I/O
- Tally Indicator
- V-Mount Battery Attachment
- 4-Pin XLR DC Power Input
- 4-Pin Hirose DC Power Output
Q: Can I record 4K ProRes with the XDCA-FS7?
No. Just HD resolutions:
- ProResHQ 4:2:2 10-bit
1920×1080 23.98p (176 Mbps), 25p (184 Mbps), 29.97p (220 Mbps) - ProRes 4:2:2 8-bit
1920×1080 23.98p (117 Mbps), 25p (122 Mbps), 29.97p (147 Mbps)
Q: What is the battery run time?
Sony is stating 2 hours with a BPU-60 for continuous use. Most of our customers purchase the BPU-60. The camera comes with a BPU-30, but it isn’t very practical. You can get BPU-90 batteries which will extend your run time about 50% longer than the BPU-60, but they are big and long. We don’t recommend the use of 3rd party batteries – a lot of communication goes on between the camera and the batteries and the third party batteries sometimes have issues.
Q: What is the transfer speed of the XQD card reader?
A: 61 GB estimated at 39 minutes from camera to MacBook Air
Q: What are the differences between the Sony FS7 and the Sony F55?
- No SR Codec family
- No ability to dock the AXS-R5 recorder
- 12 bit RAW vs. 16 bit RAW (with optional accessories)
- Native E-mount, instead of FZ mount
- No Global Shutter in the FS7 and F5
- Expansion Unit option required for timecode i/o, v-mount battery, etc.
- Environmentally sealed
- Smaller and lighter
- Comes with viewfinder
- Comes with remote handgrip control
- Doesn’t come with a PL adapter
- ProRes Encoder is in external XDCA-FS7 adapter for FS-7, and is an optional internal board in the F5 and F55
Q: Does the Sony FS7 have LUT’s?
A: Yes, just like the F5/F55, it has a whole bunch of pre-programmed look up tables (LUTs), Look Profiles, and supports user created 3D LUTs and Look Profiles. All of these can be independently applied to the viewfinder, outputs, and internal recordings.
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Q: Does it record RAW internally?
A: No. You will need the XDCA-FS7 Extension Unit AND some sort of external recorder to record RAW. Probably the best choice is the Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q, It is 12-bit RAW, instead of 16-bit with the F5 and F55. In our opinion, recording RAW with the FS7 probably isn’t worth the extra work and hassle, unless you have very specific needs such as 240 fps or wanting to use big SSD’s to extend your record time.
4K (4096 x 2160) RAW 12-bit
- 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p
- Slow and Quick Motion: 1 to 60 fps
2K (2048 x 1080) RAW 12-bit
- 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p
- 120 and 240 fps Slow and Quick Motion
Q: Does it support center scan (2K) mode?
A: Yes, and this allows you to, in some respects, double the focal length of our lens collection
Q: Is the slow motion recorded in bursts and then rendered out – like with the FS-5?
A: No. It is continuous – it will go until the card is full – just like the F5/F55
Q: Is there more compression when you go into HFR mode?
A: Probably, but we don’t know for sure. It seems identical in quality to that of the F5 and F55 HFR XAVC
Q: Does the FS7 have the same sensor as the F5?
A: We are told that the answer is ‘yes.’ It has the same sensor and processing circuitry as the PMW-F5.
Q: So why would I want to buy a PMW-F5 instead of a PXW-FS7 – it’s more expensive with most of the same features?
A: That really depends on your intended use. The FS7 really was intended for smaller, more ‘cinema verite’ style productions – lower budgets, less expensive lenses, smaller crews, etc. If you want to get into true 4K production and are on a budget, the FS7 is a really strong choice. If you want work at a higher level, the F5 or F55 might be a better fit because of the more robust lens mounting system (FZ w/ and included PL adapter), their LCD subpanel (which streamlines operation on-set), the 16-bit dockable RAW recorder (pops on in seconds, no extra wires, cables, or and outboard recorder needed), the superb CBK-55BK ENG build up kit (which makes the F5/F55 into a very traditional ENG shoulder mount camera), the ability to record 240 fps slo-mo internally (due to the faster and more expensive SxS cards that the F5/F55 use), and other higher end features.
Q: Why should I buy a PXW-FS7 instead of the newer and less expensive PXW-FS5?
A: Once again, it depends on your intended use for the camera. The PXW-FS5 is an amazing camera at an amazing price. The main differences, in our opinion, stem from the fact that the FS5 uses (the slower and less expensive) SDXC cards instead of XQD cards. This slower data rate means that you can’t record XAVC-I – you have to use XAVC-L instead and 4k recording is 8-bit 4:2:0 on the FS5. Another implication of the slower memory is that Slow-motion is rendered in the camera (like with an FS-700), so you have to shoot in 8 – 20 second bursts and then wait for the camera to render out the video. ProRes is not available on the FS5.
The FS5, though, is considerably smaller and lighter. It also breaks down and is a great handheld, Ronin, or drone option.
Q: What is the disadvantage of the E-Mount vs. and FZ mount on the F5/F55?
A: The big disadvantage for the original FS7, in our experience, is the ability to support medium to larger lenses without rods and a lens support piece. The E-Mount, like the Canon EF mount, was originally designed for DSLR’s, so it is meant for a small camera – with a small lens you can mount the camera on your tripod and with a larger lens, you support the lens on your tripod and the camera hangs off the back. Because the FS7 is much bigger than a dslr, when you put a medium to larger lens on it, the mount sort of becomes a fulcrum and it isn’t designed to handle that stress without external support.
The FS7m2 has a newly redesigned E-Mount that not only features a locking lever (to eliminate any slop from the SLR type mount), but also improved mounting strength, both at the flange and in the frame of the camera. Sony claims that the E-Mount on the FS7m2 is as strong as the FZ mount on the F5/55, and comes with all of the advantages of the E-Mounts adaptability.
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