What Made This Camera So Special?

Summary

In this video, the Sony PXW-FS7 camera, released in 2014, is reviewed almost a decade after its launch. The FS7 became a game-changer in the filmmaking industry, particularly in broadcast, documentary, and online content production. Its Super 35 sensor, 4K recording, versatile shooting modes, and affordability made it a popular choice. Despite being overtaken by newer models like the FX6 and FX9, the FS7 still offers impressive image quality and adaptability for various production needs. The video also explores the camera’s key features, quirks, and market value in 2023.

Takeaways

• 📸 The Sony PXW-FS7, released in 2014, became a dominant force in the filmmaking community, used across various productions and redefining content creation.
• 📽️ The FS7 overtook the Canon C300 as the most popular video camera in the UK by 2017, but has recently been surpassed by the FX6 and FX9 models.
• 🎥 The camera features a Super 35 Exmor CMOS sensor that delivers fantastic 4K image quality, especially for its price at the time of release.
• 📈 The FS7 offers two shooting modes: Cine EI for cinema-style shooting with greater dynamic range, and Custom mode for broadcast-friendly workflows.
• 🎞️ In Cine EI mode, the FS7 has a native ISO of 2000 and captures up to 14 stops of dynamic range, although it can be tricky to shoot with due to noise and quirks.
• 🎛️ The camera allows recording in various formats like XAVC, MPEG-2, and ProRes (with an external recorder) and supports external RAW recording via attachments.
• 🎬 The FS7 can shoot 4K up to 60 frames per second and HD up to 180 frames per second, offering versatile frame rate options for different production needs.
• 🤳 The FS7’s ergonomic body design, complete with an extendable arm and grip for shoulder shooting, was praised for its user-friendly layout and broadcast appeal.
• 💾 It uses XQD cards for recording, offering a more affordable option compared to other media types at the time, although lacking built-in timecode and genlock functionality.
• 💡 Despite its aging features, the FS7 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious filmmakers, especially given its affordable price and solid image quality in 2023.

Q & A

What made the Sony PXW-FS7 a game-changer in the filmmaking community?

The Sony PXW-FS7 became a game-changer due to its Super 35 Exmor CMOS sensor, ability to shoot 4K, and versatility across different formats, including broadcast and cinema. It was also highly praised for its image quality, dynamic range, and affordable price compared to other cameras at the time.

What is the significance of the Super 35 sensor in the FS7?

The Super 35 sensor in the FS7 was significant because it was the industry standard for cinema production, offering a filmic look. Combined with 4K recording, it allowed the FS7 to produce high-quality images that were competitive with more expensive cinema cameras.

How did the FS7's 'Cine EI' and 'Custom' modes enhance its flexibility?

The FS7's 'Cine EI' mode transformed it into a cinema camera, enabling maximum image quality and dynamic range, while the 'Custom' mode was designed for broadcast and fast-paced productions, allowing for quick, ready-to-use footage. This duality made the camera versatile for both cinema and broadcast work.

What were the key advantages of the FS7's 4K and high frame rate capabilities?

The FS7's ability to capture 4K at up to 60fps and Full HD at up to 180fps provided filmmakers with impressive flexibility. This was especially useful for slow-motion effects, making the camera suitable for both cinematic productions and dynamic, fast-paced environments like documentaries and commercials.

What challenges did users face when shooting with the FS7 in 'Cine EI' mode?

In 'Cine EI' mode, users often had to overexpose the image to reduce noise and manage the quirks of the sensor. Additionally, the S-Log workflow was new to many editors at the time, leading to difficulties in post-production until professionals became more accustomed to handling it.

Why was the FS7 popular among 'run-and-gun' documentary filmmakers?

The FS7 was popular for 'run-and-gun' documentary work because of its shoulder-ready design, lightweight build, ergonomic controls, and flexibility with frame rates, codecs, and formats. Its extended arm grip and intuitive menu system also made it user-friendly for fast-paced shooting.

What improvements were made in the FS7 Mark II compared to the original FS7?

The FS7 Mark II introduced an improved electronic variable ND filter, a locking E-mount for better lens support, and a more adjustable arm grip. These changes enhanced usability, particularly for long shooting sessions and adapting to heavier lenses.

What limitations did the FS7 have compared to modern Sony cameras like the FX series?

The FS7's limitations compared to modern Sony cameras included slower sensor readout speeds, outdated ND filter technology, a clunky menu system, and the lack of built-in timecode and genlock, which required an additional extension unit for these features.

How did the FS7's XQD card system benefit users, and what were its drawbacks?

The FS7's XQD card system offered a more affordable media type compared to the F5 or F55, making it more accessible for filmmakers. However, the cards were still relatively expensive compared to other options, and some users found this to be a limiting factor.

Why is the FS7 still considered a good option for budget-conscious filmmakers in 2023?

In 2023, the FS7 remains a strong option for budget-conscious filmmakers due to its solid image quality, versatile feature set, and relatively low price on the used market. While it lacks some modern conveniences, its reliability and ability to deliver high-quality footage make it a worthwhile investment.