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Sony launches the new PXW-FS7

PRESS RELEASE

 At IBC in Amsterdam, Sony has launched the PXW-FS7, the first 4K XDCAM camera to feature a Super35 CMOS sensor. Capable of shooting in 4K Quad Full HD (QFHD) and super slow-motion Full HD, this latest member of the XDCAM family has been designed for documentary, music video, online content creators and corporate filmmakers looking for beautiful picture quality and an unrivalled choice of recording formats.

The 11.6 million-pixel Super35 Exmor CMOS sensor in the PXW-FS7 delivers stunning sensitivity, shallow depth of field, a high signal-to-noise ratio and fantastic low light performance. The camera has the ability to record QFHD with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling up to 600 Mbit/s, with support for a variety of recording formats including XAVC Intra and Long GOP, MPEG HD422, plus Apple ProRes 422 available in early 2015 by firmware update.

Ergonomic design ideal for one-person operation in demanding conditions

The new camera has been purpose-built to provide a versatile range of creative shooting options while sitting comfortably on the shoulder, even after hours of operation. The supplied grip, easily adjustable viewfinder and fully sealed, die-cast magnesium chassis have been designed to provide robust usability in dusty or humid environments and for ‘run and gun’ applications.

“Filmmakers around the world have told us they want a package which links high quality codecs, unlimited slow and quick-motion recording and the flexibility to switch between various lenses, but without the need for a rig,” explained Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager, Sony Professional Solutions, Australia and NZ. “We’ve built the PXW-FS7 to give customers a vast range of production style and format choices in a form factor which allows the operator to do it all, right from their shoulder.”

α Mount System offering a variety of expression

The PXW-FS7 features Sony’s revolutionary α Mount System, which benefits from Silent Focus Technology and electrical iris control. Sony has also launched the PXW-FS7K, which includes the new powered zoom E-Mount lens FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS (model name SELP28135G), ideal for the requirements of today’s video production teams. Customers also have the flexibility to use a huge variety of other lenses with 3rd party adapters.

Key features of the PXW-FS7

• Super35 Exmor CMOS sensor with 8.8 million-effective pixels. The PXW-FS7 is able to capture great image quality without needing significant additional lighting. Its sensor has high-speed image readout characteristics, such as 240 fps while recording 2K RAW on an external recorder, responsive sensitivity (ISO 2000) and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The PXW-FS7 supports QFHD up to 60 fps at launch, with an upgrade to 4K 4096 x 2160 resolution due to be made available in early 2015.


• Flexibility across recording codecs. The PXW-FS7 is compatible with Sony’s new XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP formats, each supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for Full HD capture. Other recording possibilities include QFHD resolution (3840 x 2160), slow motion up to 180fps in HD or even Full High Definition with 60/50 progressive frames. By using the optional XDCA-FS7 extension unit, the PXW-FS7 is capable of natively recording in Apple ProRes 422 codec, planned to be available in early 2015 by firmware update. In addition, thanks to the XDCA-FS7’s RAW interface, the PXW-FS7 is capable of 4K/2K RAW recording via Sony’s HXR-IFR5 Interface Unit to an AXS-R5 RAW Recorder, or with a compatible third-party external recorder.


• A vast range of creative choices. The PXW-FS7 features two XQD memory card slots that support simultaneous recording and relay recording. The camera includes a low-pass video filter, progressive pixel reading and advanced camera processing, enabling a broad span of creative treatments, and benefits such as high speed recording, high resolution, high sensitivity, less aliasing and less rolling shutter. To support the FS7’s S&Q motion and internal 4K recording, a new XQD G series card has been developed, with ultra-high speed transfer up to 400MB/s (read) and 350MB/s (write). The XQD G series card is designed specifically to further enhance the PXW-FS7 workflow. In parallel, the camera’s built-in ND filters offer exceptional shallow depth-of-field control, allowing users to further expand their shooting styles without requiring external ND filter equipment. S-Gamut3/SLog3 & S-Gamut3.Cine/SLog3 are supported for maximum flexibility in post-production.


• Easy mobility and choice of shooting style. Sony has also today introduced the VCT-FS7, a lightweight baseplate, featuring 15mm rods and an adjustable shoulder pad. This enables the use of additional matte boxes, or easy attachment of follow focus systems, or an external recorder. In addition to the on-shoulder operation, the PXW-FS7 can also be set-up on a tripod and as a handheld camera. The supplied handgrip provides easy access to required functions.


• α Mount System enables auto exposure and SteadyShot stabilisation during shooting.
The PXW-FS7 uses the E-mount lens system, part of Sony’s α Mount System family. The camera comes supplied with a new E-mount lens FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS (model SELP28135G) which is the world’s first 35mm full-frame interchangeable power zoom lens. The new E-mount powered zoom lens features constant F4 value, independent rings for iris, zoom and focus control and is also dust and moisture resistant. The SELP28135G has steady shot stabilisation, minimum focus breathing and is enabled with Sony’s new SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) to reduce zoom and focus noise while shooting. Furthermore, Sony’s optional LA-EA4 A-mount lens adapter allows compatibility with a wide range of high-quality A-mount lenses, benefiting from the PXW-FS7’s auto-focus function for quick and convenient operation.


The PXW-FS7 camera will be available from October 2014, the XDCA-FS7 Extension Unit from November 2014 and the PXW-FS7K version including SELP28135G zoom lens from December 2014.

4K (4096 x 2160) shooting will be available in early 2015