I down loaded this XQD chart form Sony Recording times etc.

Thanks Monday.
Great chart, thanks Brian!

B & H Photo has just informed me that my pre-ordered FS7 has shipped! It should be here by 12/01/2014

B & H Photo has just informed me that me pre-ordered FS7 has shipped! It should be here by 12/01/2014

Very cool! When did you order it?

Very cool! When did you order it?

Wed 9/17/14 12:14 PM. Yahoo!

Wed 9/17/14 12:14 PM. Yahoo!

Great! Congratulations again!

Of the new FS7 owners - can you tell me what size microphones fit in the microphone holder (without additional spacers) - I have an AT stereo shotgun - 21 mm in diameter. Thanks

I just realized, I've hit a point where I'm completely indifferent to cameras - My FS7 has been sitting in cardboard in front of me since Wednesday and I haven't bothered opening it yet.

I'll crack it open and measure that mic for you after I get a coffee.

Alister - I have tried to look up "Canon 18-35mm Art Lens" and I keep getting redirected to the Sigma 18-35mm f 1.8 for Canon - are they one and the same? I have seen a report where the Sony LAEA4 adaptor works with this lens (Sigma) and allows for proper iris control.

To my knowledge there is no such thing as a "Canon 18-35 Art Lens". It's the Sigma version, and the Sigma version only, that is labeled "art lens".

One thing I have noticed is that the Sony A-mount is also referred to as "Alpha mount" and the Sony E-mount is also referred to as "NEX mount". Where it gets confusing is that E-mount lenses are also referred to as "Alpha lens".

I take it that there are "Alpha" lenses that are A-mount and there are "Alpha" lenses that are E-mount. ( anyone have any idea what "FE" stands for as used in reference to Sony's new line of glass? )

I am considering the rehoused version of the Sigma 18-35 for Nikon since that version has an iris ring on the lens. In theory this lens should work with the Fs7 with a simple Nikon G to non-electronic E-mount adapter. I am curious what the result would be if you used the Sigma 18-35 Nikon version that has an iris ring on the lens in conjunction with a Nikon to E-mount adapter such as the Novoflex adapter that has iris control on the adapter. The result would be iris control on the lens AND on the adapter. What happens if you move the two controls at the same time??

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens for Nikon does NOT have an iris on the lens. Somehow the folks who rehouse the lens add an iris ring to the lens.

Anyone know the extent to which the Sigma 18-35 has the same "fly by wire" feel that the Sony lenses have? Or is the focus action better, more mechanical feeling? Does any version of the Sigma 18-35 have focus end stop? Is any version of the lens truly par focal?

I suspect that every form of the Sigma 18-35 suffers from the same lens flare that the Canon 16-35 EF suffers from. I frequently find myself having to try to use my hand to block extraneous light and there have been instances where I was screwed because I could not adjust focus and shade the lens at the same time.

In the end the Sigma is a still photography lens and it will never perform as well as cinema glass or even a B4 "broadcast tv" zoom. Same with all these "Alpha" lenses from Sony. I don't consider them to be truly professional video lenses and I hate the fact as a result of budget constraints I have to use any of them at all. That said, countless "professionals" are using these still photo lenses for professional video productions. I'm shooting a reality tv show tomorrow that is being shot on C300's with Canon EF glass.

My goal is to ultimately acquire something like the Angenieux DP Rouge zoom and an assortment of cinema primes such as the Schneiders or Cookes. In the meantime it's this unfortunate world of still photo zooms that are not par focal, that flare, that don't have focus end stop, that have short focus throw, and having to control exposure via lens adapter or camera-driven control.

I just realized, I've hit a point where I'm completely indifferent to cameras - . . . . . I'll crack it open and measure that mic for you after I get a coffee.

Well, at least you're not indifferent to coffee! ;-)

I went along to a local demo of the new XDCAMs by CVP at Pacific Quay to see if I might be tempted back to Sony for my next camera. I wish I'd taken the time to read this thread through first - from the few photos I had seen, I was expecting the FS7 to be basically just a box that you mounted on a tripod - like the Canon C100/300 but a bit bigger. I was completely confused on being handed the FS7 in shoulder mount mode and didn't recognise that it was a shoulder mount camera even then, thus causing some mirth amongst those present as I tried to work out how to hold it. :-)

However, after watching a few others try it out I got the hang of it very quickly and came away suitably impressed. While the controls seem well thought out I have one little niggle - the audio gains are not accessible when the camera is shoulder mounted. I know that the audio gain function can be assigned to either the assignable control knob on the handle or the one on the body, but the channels can't be adjusted separately. Perhaps that could be done with a firmware update? I would miss the ability to tweak individual channels on the fly rather than rely on the limiters (which I presume it has?).

Cracking camera and very well built. One last observation - everybody who tried it misjudged at first where the lens rings were when reaching to adjust focus or length (the lens servo wasn't operational) and many a hand was grasping air about a foot in front of the lens, but after a couple of minutes that stopped.

Cracking camera and very well built. One last observation - everybody who tried it misjudged at first where the lens rings were when reaching to adjust focus or length (the lens servo wasn't operational) and many a hand was grasping air about a foot in front of the lens, but after a couple of minutes that stopped.

LOL.
That's exactly what happened at my demo. I did it and a lot of other guys did the same. It'll take some getting used to.

Of the new FS7 owners - can you tell me what size microphones fit in the microphone holder (without additional spacers) - I have an AT stereo shotgun - 21 mm in diameter. Thanks

Looks like the standard Sony one, which is a little chubby. I need spacers for the ME66 mics which are 22mm iirc.

Quick first impressions:
Handle will need an extension for anyone over 6' tall. Build quality is nice. Sweet ND knob. EVF could have been designed a bit better to fit giant headed people.
Should balance great with a V-mount off the back.
Some buttons are in an annoying spot, like power. Some are excellent, like peaking/zebra.
Quite like the handle, well done. Could be reversed backwards for use with a tripod so you may not need an external controller.
No external shotgun microphone was included.
Anyone pulling focus solo is going to be putting their hand up near their chin, not something you think about until you try it, but awkward.

Overall, the few complaints I have are niggly, except for this one...
The only way to use this with a Manfrotto sliding plate type tripod, is by folding the handle all the way up, just because of the width of the head, however, with a long head like a 504, the little cord hooks on the bottom of the arm sit LOWER than the bottom of the camera. This is amazingly annoying, because not only does the camera NOT mount on a 502/504 head without significant jiggling, IT DOESN"T SIT FLAT ON THE TABLE. Did I already say amazingly annoying? I think a lot of owners will be taking a pair of pliers to snap these stupid things off (plastic at least) and just cable tying the grip remote cord to the arm.

Just my two cents: If I actually shot anything, this would be the camera I'd own and use daily over anything else sub $15k. I'd solve the tripod mounting plate problem buy buying a Sachtler or Cartoni.


AnD NOW bACK TO mY COFEeE!

the little cord hooks on the bottom of the arm sit LOWER than the bottom of the camera. This is amazingly annoying, because not only does the camera NOT mount on a 502/504 head without significant jiggling, IT DOESN"T SIT FLAT ON THE TABLE. Did I already say amazingly annoying? I think a lot of owners will be taking a pair of pliers to snap these stupid things off (plastic at least) and just cable tying the grip remote cord to the arm.

AnD NOW bACK TO mY COFEeE!

That is unbelievable (not sitting on a table) with the arm attached!! What an incredible faux pas on Sony's part. What were the engineers thinking?

Not sure if you're being sarcastic and don't understand the problem...

Anyway, there's a weird balance issue with this thing. It's tippy and wants to nose dive and simultaneously flip over. I'll post pics when I'm in the office tomorrow.

Bottom line, if you're using this hand held and need to sit it down, it's going on its side.

Actually, I wasn't being sarcastic. I like to sit my videocam (current one is PMW200) on a flat surface and make adjustments to the camera through the menu system. From what I understand , one has to remove the arm in order to accomplish this on the FS7?

I keep the FS7 arm back so the handle controller is at the back. Sits on a table no problem and you can use the handle to access the menus when it is on a tripod, no problems.

If I decide to go handheld, it takes me all of 20 seconds to loosen the arm and turn the handle.

Actually, I wasn't being sarcastic. I like to sit my videocam (current one is PMW200) on a flat surface and make adjustments to the camera through the menu system. From what I understand , one has to remove the arm in order to accomplish this on the FS7?

Ok, wasn't sure. :)

I think most people will use it like Neil is, reverse mounting the arm, but for those who are doing run n gun (think reality show), there will be some cursing the arm not being able to lay flat in the forward position. Also the remote cable sure is tense at full extension. A quick release for the arm would be handy.

To expand, and some may fairly see this as nitpicking, it's a very wobbly camera sitting on a table even with the arm removed. Because of the shoulder pad, there is very little base to the camera, toss in the viewfinder off to one side and a heavy lens, and this is a camera that simultaneously wants to nose dive and barrel roll. A simple solution is a nice big baseplate, but of course then you can't pop it up to your shoulder instantly. A dual handle design would let it sit balanced, but because there's only one rosette you'll need to add another baseplate, and then you're into a completely different set of ergonomics.

These are all things that can be worked around of course. I think most people will end up ditching the arm completely and going with an aftermarket solution that repositions the remote grip. If I was an owner/operator, this would be the first thing I'd buy/build.

LOL.
That's exactly what happened at my demo. I did it and a lot of other guys did the same. It'll take some getting used to.

Looks like we're all in the same boat... I was staring in the viewfinder trying to figure out why I could see my hand grasping at thin air. :)

I came across the Operations manual for the PXW-FS7 while ordering a Sony part. I apologize if this is a duplicate post from someone else a ways back in this thread

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4562025111.pdf

I like to peruse the operations manual before receiving a long-anticipated camera.

Thanks Barry,

Perfect timing that was on my list to find today. Agree it will be nice to go through it prior to receiving the camera.

Not at all. Just looked online - shipment of 6 cards just released in customs (whew!) so should have delivery tomorrow. They charge what they say online 345 pounds sterling - right now $540 + postage of $40 for - 2-3 day air - same for 1 as for 6 cards so I'm paying around $7 per card.. $550 vs $800!!!

Of course, as with the 4 other cards I will upload and download about 120GB of video files and check times that it takes just to make sure not a defective card (will do same thing with camera when it arrives).



Thanks Barry for the info. on the 128gb XQD cards. I ordered six cards $540.00 each they arrived today. I still do not understand why US prices are so high. My Camera should be here this week.

$ 260 is a big markup and the people in UK are also making a profit.

I ordered the camera with the kit lens - but ordered right after IBC - hope it will be here by end of Dec. The lens is the holdup.

Looking around online, I can't believe the number of companies that have the FS7 in stock - one claims to have 42 in stock yet B&H, Abel Cine and Adorama are still in the "Pre-order" stage. Odd.

Barry, I would question if they really have it in stock? They might just want you to order then say backordered. A lot of lower end retails shops will do that to get the order. I would trust DVinfo sponsors who are great shops.

Bottom line, if you're using this hand held and need to sit it down, it's going on its side.

simple solution: lay the camera down on it's side!

I jest, but that is the solution I arrived at recently when using a C300 robo-cam that only had one extension arm. No rule that a camera has to be placed upright. Although placing the camera on it's side will likely cause wear on the side of the camera or handgrip.

One personal "rule" that I do share with newbies is that a camera can never fall off the ground. I always prefer to place a camera on the ground over placing a camera on a table, even if a camera placed on the ground is counter-intuitive. Yes, a camera on the floor can be accidentally kicked but it's never going to be accidentally knocked off the floor or come crashing down.

I would not say this inability to place the camera down on a flat surface because of the arm / grip is a design "faux pas". I think the designers anticipated it but it's a trade-off for having an arm & control grip.

In regard to placing an expensive electronic device on it's side, we all do it with our cell phones, don't we?

Barry, I would question if they really have it in stock? They might just want you to order then say backordered. A lot of lower end retails shops will do that to get the order. I would trust DVinfo sponsors who are great shops.

Actually my order is in for the FS7K with Abel Cine (as of 9:15 a.m. September 15th) but was just speculating as to where these shops had that amount of stock. I would never deal with them personally.

Understand Barry,

Abel is a first class operation. I have purchased a lot of cameras from them and loads of other gear. Surprised you still do not have your camera but I bet (hope) it is close.

I just ordered mine over the weekend and am told it should be this month. But we really never know until it is in our hands.

Understand Barry,

Abel is a first class operation. I have purchased a lot of cameras from them and loads of other gear. Surprised you still do not have your camera but I bet (hope) it is close.

I just ordered mine over the weekend and am told it should be this month. But we really never know until it is in our hands.

Paul - are you getting the FS7 body only or FS7K with the kit lens (28-135 f4)?

On another topic which pertains to the FS7 regarding on-camera light - (I know this should be on a different area of the forum) but the new Sony HVLLBPC light is really good (already received one). It goes up to 2100 lx at 1 meter and works "intelligently" with the FS7 - looking at the operations manual (for the FS7) you can program it to come on when the camera is turned on or just come on when you press record.
The old Sony light similar to this was anemic and not very good (I have been using the Comer 1800) but the new light blows the Comer away. AND it works on the BPU batteries - in fact, to save weight you can use the BPU 30 and it will run the light for 1 hour 45 minutes.

Barry,

You could not have had better timing with the light info. I have a Z-Light 90 and it is nice but no real punch. And I need a light on just about every shoot I do with interiors and tight spots on all the boats. Also have three Litepanels Croma and they have no punch at all, and are very fluky with AA batteries.

The Sony HVLLBPC light high intensity looks perfect. I just told John at Band Pro to add it to my order.

Thanks Barry for the great timing.

Paul - Glad to be of service. I think you will be pleased with the "punch" of the light and when you use it with the magnifying panel the output is incredible. It also has a wide field.

You didn't mention about the whether you ordered the FS7 or FS7K?

I really like the extra punch when needed and coming on with the camera, I miss that from my older eng's.

I order the body and then the 28-135 lens, which will work well for me on certain shots. I do not want the kit to hold up getting the body.

I really like the extra punch when needed and coming on with the camera, I miss that from my older eng's.

I order the body and then the 28-135 lens, which will work well for me on certain shots. I do not want the kit to hold up getting the body.

The person I am dealing with at Abel Cine tells me the FS7K will be available before the 28-135 lens ships separately - don't know if that is accurate. He also mentioned the first FS7K's may be in from mid to late December but only to people who ordered very early (I believe I am #2 on their list). On Sony Alpha Rumors it indicates the lens will be available in Japan December 19th (from translated Japanese website as well as Sony Store in Japan). Adorama website says mid to end of December and B & H states mid February 2015..

By the end of December we will all know if any of this is accurate.

I am hoping for camera body in Dec, and 28-135 prior to end of Jan. I have two jobs in Jan but do not need the 28-135 for either. Will use a Dulcos 11-16 and Sony 18-105 for both jobs, and I will need the light for both.

I am hoping for camera body in Dec, and 28-135 prior to end of Jan. I have two jobs in Jan but do not need the 28-135 for either. Will use a Dulcos 11-16 and Sony 18-105 for both jobs, and I will need the light for both.

Have you seen this article from NewsShooter?

News Shooter | Sony FS7 lens solutions part 1 – The joy of A-mount and the pain of E-mount (http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/11/09/lens-solutions-for-the-sony-fs7-part-1-the-joy-of-a-mount-and-the-pain-of-e-mount/)

They mention the problems with aperture control (? firmware issue) with some E mount lenses but Dan Chung specifically refers to the Sony 18-105 (even shows a picture of it) and doesn't mention the same issue with it.

Thanks, yes I have seen that video. Really hoping it is firmware. And I have not looked into the A mount lens options, might be worth a look. Even if it is firmware it is hard to count on Sony fixing it fast.

Have you thought of other options in the same range? I am not interested in Canon DSLR glass.

Thanks, yes I have seen that video. Really hoping it is firmware. And I have not looked into the A mount lens options, might be worth a look. Even if it is firmware it is hard to count on Sony fixing it fast.

Have you thought of other options in the same range? I am not interested in Canon DSLR glass.

With regard to lenses - have you seen this brochure (from Sony UK)?

http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/support/brochures/1237493266971

There is a new firmware version out for the FS7 (from Alister Chapman's Blog) but it is only on European sites and, although I have registered in the past, I can't remember my password and cant reset it. Anyway, here is the link. Don't know if this corrects the iris control for E mount lenses though.

http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/product/broadcast-products-camcorders-digital-motion-picture-camera/pxw-fs7/support/

Well, I got the FS7 and I would like to know what this blue noise is. Anyone have an idea?

could it be that dell monitor you're using as a fill light?

:-()

Have you seen this article from NewsShooter?

News Shooter | Sony FS7 lens solutions part 1 – The joy of A-mount and the pain of E-mount (http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/11/09/lens-solutions-for-the-sony-fs7-part-1-the-joy-of-a-mount-and-the-pain-of-e-mount/)

They mention the problems with aperture control (? firmware issue) with some E mount lenses but Dan Chung specifically refers to the Sony 18-105 (even shows a picture of it) and doesn't mention the same issue with it.

I have been using the Sony 18-105 on the Fs7 and the only "problem" with it is that it takes several turns of the iris dial on the handgrip to effect iris change. Same problem as with all glass on the Fs7.

For those of you waiting for delivery of pre-ordered cameras, if you call around you will very likely find one in stock and receive it within a few days. Someone on another forum mentioned that they were at the shop of a seller in L.A. who had several in stock. It seems you have to go to the smaller shops, shops that sell primarily only to pro's. Try Band Pro or California Media Solutions.

If you pre-ordered from B and H there might be 900+ buyers in line ahead of you. You might not get the camera until Spring.

could it be that dell monitor you're using as a fill light?

:-()

blue light from computer monitor + shirt with horizontal bands = "blue banding".

I have been using the Sony 18-105 on the Fs7 and the only "problem" with it is that it takes several turns of the iris dial on the handgrip to effect iris change. Same problem as with all glass on the Fs7.

For those of you waiting for delivery of pre-ordered cameras, if you call around you will very likely find one in stock and receive it within a few days. Someone on another forum mentioned that they were at the shop of a seller in L.A. who had several in stock. It seems you have to go to the smaller shops, shops that sell primarily only to pro's. Try Band Pro or California Media Solutions.

If you pre-ordered from B and H there might be 900+ buyers in line ahead of you. You might not get the camera until Spring.

I wonder if the new firmware (1.01) would solve the iris problem.

I wonder if the new firmware (1.01) would solve the iris problem.

Unfortunately the firmware doesn't address the iris problem.

Thanks Barry,

No, I had not viewed that brochure. At least it lets you see all the Sony glass on one page. The rest is marketing.

David,
I am waiting on Band Pro for a camera, they say a few weeks.

One of the reasons I'm glad I ordered the FS7K package - that lens has manual iris adjustment. The other lens I will be using is an a mount Sigma 18-35 f 1.8 with the LEAE4 adaptor - apparently there are no iris problems with the a mount lenses.

Agree manual iris is what I am looking for also, and manual focus. Auto focus is not going to give me the results I need.


headed on the road

I shot this test with all natural lighting. Not that i would use Cine EI/ S-Gamut3.cine/Slog 3 for low light situations but i wanted to see how it looks. Of course the exposure would have to be pushed up with such mode, and oh ya, proper lighting and monitoring also.
The HG modes produced the cleanest blacks. Nothing has been altered in post and the noise suppression feature internally has been set to high.

FS7 low light test on Vimeo

Sony FS7 Low Light Test - YouTube

I'm confused about lenses & the FS7. Can someone please confirm that the Samyang 12mm T2.2 E-mount lens will not vignette.

"Can someone please confirm that the Samyang 12mm T2.2 E-mount lens will not vignette."

According to others online the Sony 10-18mm E-mount does not vignette on the Fs7. Does that suggest that the Samyang E-mount would not vignette? Or not necessarily so since the Sony 10-18 is an f/4 while the Samyung is faster?

Anyone know if aperture impacts vignetting?

"apparently there are no iris problems with the a mount lenses." - what is meant by "no problems"? Does the Fs7's iris wheel effect a one f-stop change with minimal movement of the iris wheel? Is the iris change stepped or infinitely variable?

Is infinitely variable iris change possible with ANY of these electronic lenses on ANY camera? Are the motors driving the iris even capable of such?

Barry- If you really want smooth iris action for the Sigma 18-35 then you should look into the GL Optics Sigma 18-35. They have taken a Sigma made for Nikon mount and added an iris ring to the lens. Albeit at a price tag of $3500-$4300.

guys, anybody know where to get sample 4k footage from this camera?
thx!