FS700 vs FS700R

[Svein Rune Skilnand]

Hi.
Does anyone know what the differences between the FS700 and FS700R are? It seems the FS700R is 4K ready, but my dealer told me that the FS700 they are selling ships with the latest firmware also being 4K ready. The FS700 is a little less expensive it seems.

I am a bit confused if the extra cash is worth it for the FS700R.

[Phil Goetz]

FS700R sells for about $200 more. The FS700R is what the FS700 is turned into when you ship it for the 4K upgrade. It is not only firmware, but a physical modification as well. The modification, at one point, was $400, but then I saw it was free with purchase of the Sony HXR-IFR5. You also need the AXS recorder and media to get rolling in 4k.

[Svein Rune Skilnand]

Hi Phil and thanks for your answer. May I ask what physical modification is needed? My dealer only spoke about delivering the camera with the upgraded firmware.

[Alister Chapman]

To upgrade an FS700 to V3 firmware you need to get inside the camera and use a special service port along with a special adapter interface to upload the firmware. There is no hardware change to the camera, just firmware. But you need special equipment to do it.

The FS700R is essentially exactly the same as a Version 3 FS700.

[Dmitri Zigany]

At CVP in the UK the new FS700R is actually cheaper than the older FS700E... Which seems odd... But I'm happy about it cause I'm hoping to get one within a month :)