Audio capabilities of the FS 5&7

[Peter Newsom]

I'm weighing the advantages/disadvantages of the FS5 and FS7, and the audio capabilities are of some concern to me. I'm used to having four channels on my current camera which allow me to run a stereo camera mic on 3&4, and talent mic's on 1&2.

The FS5 specifications only show two channels of audio were as the FS7 lists four channels. However in brackets Sony indicates that only two channels of record/playback is possible on the FS7.

Is it possible to record four sources at the same time on an FS7? I know there are two xlr inputs on the FS7, and integrated input capability on multi interface shoe. Can you put two wireless channels through the interface?

[Doug Jensen]

Yes you can record 4 channels from a combination of 5 different possible sources on the FS7. But you need to have a XLR-K2M or XL-K1M accessory to feed channels 3 and/or 4.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1078571-REG/sony_xlr_k2m_xlr_box_mi.htmlhttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892383-REG/Sony_xlr_k1m_XLR_Adapter_Microphone_Kit.html
The five potential sources are:

1) XLR1
2) XLR2
3) Internal Mic
4) XLR3 via K2M or K1M
5) XLR4 via K2M or K1M

Be aware that there are also some limitations on which inputs can be routed to which of the four channels, and which channels can be monitored at any given time.

Doug Jensen's Sony PXW-FS7 Field Guide Book

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[Peter Newsom]

Thanks Doug, that's very helpful. Now if only the FS7 had the variable ND filter! No doubt that feature will be added to the next iteration of the camera. I suppose adjusting the ISO of the camera has a similar effect?

[Dave Sperling]

Originally Posted by Peter Newsom

Thanks Doug, that's very helpful. Now if only the FS7 had the variable ND filter! No doubt that feature will be added to the next iteration of the camera. I suppose adjusting the ISO of the camera has a similar effect?

Hardly... a range of 1/4 to 1/128 is significantly more than you would want to do with ISO - unless you don't mind running with it really high! I love having a variable ND option when it's a partly cloudy day (going back and forth between direct sun and dense clouds!)

[James R. Wilson Sr.]

Being a relative newcomer to all things cinema, and my FS/7, I learn multiple things each time I fire it up. Apparently my audio is not set correctly because the jet engine audio is breaking up at the high end. I was working with the F/22 Raptor Demo team in August and I noticed a little clipping as they taxied close to me, less when they were performing above me. Today the audio was pretty much trash peaking at around -6 to -8.

[Doug Jensen]

Originally Posted by Peter Newsom

Thanks Doug, that's very helpful. Now if only the FS7 had the variable ND filter! No doubt that feature will be added to the next iteration of the camera. I suppose adjusting the ISO of the camera has a similar effect?

The variable ND filter is a cool idea and I agree that we'll see it on more cameras but the 3 built-in ND filters of the FS7 are more than sufficient for getting your exposure in the right ballpark without touching the ISO/Gain. Personally I almost never touch the ISO/Gain setting on a shoot. The advantage of the variable ND is that you'll be able to fine-tune the exposure without touching the iris, which of course, can affect depth of field in ways you may not want.