View Full Version : MOTOCROSS 4K @120 fps with F55 and R7


Doug Jensen
July 25th, 2017, 04:26 AM
I recently replaced the AXS-R5 RAW recorder on my Sony PMW-F55 with the newer AXS-R7 recorder. There are two big differences between the two recorders that made it worth it for me to upgrade: 1) The R7 can record 4K RAW at 120 fps slow-motion, which is twice the speed of the R5. 2) The R7 allows me to shoot with a new Sony 16-bit codec called XOCN (eXtended Original Camera Negative) at a lower bit-rate than Sony's regular 4K RAW codec. There are actually two types of XOCN -- "standard" and "light" with different compression ratios. In fact, XOCN-LT provides 16-bit linear RAW files that are smaller than the same resolution 10-bit ProResHQ. The lower bit rate allows me to record more footage onto my AXS memory card. The MX races at Crow Hill yesterday were perfect place to test drive the R7's 120 fps recording mode and the XOCN codec at the same time -- bright sun, fast action, lots of contrast, fine detail, and fun subject matter. Shooting went without a hitch and grading was a breeze in DaVinci Resolve.

BTW, in case any one is interested my mint-condition R5 and a couple of AXS cards are up for sale. If you own and F55 or F5 then you really need to have a RAW recorder. My R5 paid for itself several times over just from stock footage sales alone -- footage that will continue to earn money for years to come. UsedGear1 (http://www.vortexmedia.store/used/UsedGear1.html#R5)

MOTOCROSS RACING -- 4K @120 fps with the Sony PMW-F55 and AXS-R7 on Vimeo

Paul Cronin
July 25th, 2017, 10:50 AM
Nice work Doug,

The F55 really is an amazing camera and the new recorder makes it shine. What glass did you use?

Doug Jensen
July 25th, 2017, 06:50 PM
Hi Paul,

That video was all shot with my Canon 200-400, which even at 200 was a bit too much at times. But I was too lazy to deal with lens changes in such a filthy environment. Have you left for your trip or been delayed by weather. Feels like fall around here. Are the leaves changing yet?

Paul Cronin
July 26th, 2017, 06:10 AM
Ah the Canon 200-400. You have made good use of the lens. I bet it was dusty and not worth changing glass by the course. Fun to shoot at 120fps. Thanks for sharing.

Off early next week. First a solo overnight race on Friday.