Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

The lens was a 'pre-production-prototype' model that was not finalized yet.

So... let's just wait and see when the first reviews drop in with actual production models. Will follow this closely!

In the mean time: what other lens options we have? Must be: E-mount, wide angel, optical stabiliser, electronic controlled iris and focus? (not that I like to use auto focus, but an assisted focus would be nice because the FS7 screen is too small to asses focus)

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Does anyone know if you can control the aperture on electronic EF lenses with something like a Metabones adapter?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Yes you can.
IS also work. But AF shouldn't be counted on.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Does anyone remember the days when if you wanted wider, you just screwed on a wide angle adapter? :)

As far as the 28-135 range goes, this is amazing for FF of course and I'll get one for the A7s. For Super35, hey that's a pretty usable range for live event shooting, what is it 42-210ish?

If low light and wide angle are needed... Sigma 18-35 f1.8 on a Speedbooster should do the trick (hurry up and make a cine version of that Sigma!)

Oh and I ordered the body only kit. No price break for getting the lens, so no point.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Dylan, have you found a canadian dealer that accepts pre-order? I can't find any.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

No, I went through all the big places and no one had pre-order set up, which is a shame. I went through B&H who are great for shipping up here, reasonable rates, low brokerage (like $15?) and a DVinfo sponsor. I've ordered from both Omega and Abel as well, all equally good to deal with in my experience.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Dylan have you used the Speedbooster on other cameras? I have zero experience with it.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Just called my guy in Hamilton for you. They aren't as Sony Canada hasn't given then a piece yet.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

I do with Dylan's cameras. Works great but I don't use lenses without iris rings. Just rented Dylan's fs700 with the speed booster and mounted some Zeiss lenses. Worked great.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Cine Version of the Sigma F1.8 18-35mm from China



Customized Cine Lens SIGMA18 35mm F 1 8 EF Film Lens Cinematics V2 for SLR Camer | eBay

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

I think with the speed of innovation today, cameras are rapidly becoming disposable items. Not so with lenses. Over the past two years, I've made a considerable investment in full frame lenses. (Carl Zeiss 'Contax' primes in my case) FF lenses can always be adapted 'down' to smaller sensors but those who have made a large investment in APS-C lenses for example are usually restricted to that sensor format or smaller.

I use one of the rare Metabones C/Y to E-Mount 'Speed Boosters' with my Zeiss collection which optically compensates for the 'correct' full frame field of view when used on a S35 sensor and of course, offers that extras stop of light. My Zeiss 50mm F1.7 lens becomes a 50mm lens again but with an improved speed of F1.2. The Metabones product also corrects artifacts which can be experienced when using some 35mm 'film' lenses with digital cameras. I've found one of the best ways to get that so called 'film look' with digital cameras is to shoot through 'film' lenses.

As for lens diameter mentioned in another comment, my Zeiss Contax 300mm telephoto lens weighs nearly 2Kg and has a front glass diameter of nearly 5 inches. It is conservatively rated at f4.0 which of course becomes F2.8 with the Speed Booster attached. Even with my 2x extender, I'm achieving 600mm at only F4.0.

Another advantage of Zeiss 'Contax' series of lenses is that they are totally manual, they can easily be 'de-clicked', they all offer massive focus rotation (in the correct direction too) and they share the same wonderful T* coating as Zeiss CP2 'cinema' lenses, at a fraction of the price. (Be quick though, because 'used' prices seem to be rapidly trending up. For example the legendary Contax 21mm F2.8 prime consistently brings $2000 to $2500 second hand on ebay.)

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

The Sigma 18-35 f1.8 is an APS-C lens, will cause vignetting if used with a speed booster...

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

The Sigma 18-35 is DX format lens (similar to s35), so you don't need a speed booster for this lens.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Wouldn't it cause problems without the speed booster being made for APS-C sensors?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

There is no speedbooster for APS-C lenses because their image circle is already sized for APS-C (approximately S35) sensors.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Do you think the Sigma 18-35 would work for low light situations with the FS7? I am concerned about the kit lens available with the camera being F4.

I thought APS-C sensors only went up to a maximum of 28mm or so. Wouldn't there be cropping with a S35 sensor like on the FS7?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

All I heard is that it works great on S35 sensors (they are almost same size as APS-C).
So with a Metabones adapter (not speed booster) it should work well. Not sure if it's available in a-mount, then you could use the Sony adapter if auto focus is important.

As it's f1.8 it should be good in low light in combination with the FS7.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

I use the 18-35mm on my F5 and it's a great combination, produces some extremely nice images. I've stopped using my 24mm and 35mm primes since getting this lens, it's that good. It should also be excellent on the FS7.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

The Sony 28-135mm lens is a great all round lens. Sure it would be nice to have a wider lens for some applications but then it would probably end up being something like a 17-70mm f4 in a similar size and weight package, so lacking at the tele end. Being realistic if you want a compact parfocal zoom you are not going to get both wide and long at the same time. But that's the beauty of a camera where you can change the lens.

I like that the lens is full frame. This means I can take just one set of lenses on a shoot that can be used with either my A7s or FS7 once it arrives. The lens is pretty sharp through the zoom range, although it does soften up a little when wide open, but what do you really expect at the price? Remember that a similar parfocal zoom would normally cost 5 times as much. The lenses at IBC were all very early pre-production units so there may be some improvements in IQ and response times between now and delivery in December. CA and other aberrations appeared well controlled. I did notice that there was a lens compensation setting in the FS7's menu so maybe it will be able to correct for CA and other distortions.

I suspect (but do not have knowledge) that this is the first in a line of lenses and that we will see a wide angle zoom and possibly a more telephoto zoom in the future.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Thanks Alister. So can you confirm that the 28-135mm is parfocal? That is, to me, a critical aspect of zoom lenses for video.

Thanks.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Thanks for the opinion on the Sigma 18-35. I am assuming that this would be the lens to use in low light situations versus the Sony 28-135 since it is f1.8 compared with f4 for the Sony?

On another topic - do you have enough experience from IBC working with the FS7(K) to write a review or will you wait until you receive your own camera? Looking forward to reading it.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Would the new Zeiss FE 16-35mm be a good combi with the FS7?

and: that Sigma 18-35 you talk about here, is that available for e-mount? (couldn't find it)

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

It sounds like the Sigma would work with adaptor (see below).

Here is the lens for Sony:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/983905-REG/sigma_210_205_18_35mm_f1_8_dc_hsm.html
And here is the description. From the Sony website:

"α Mount System for a wide selection of lenses and E-mount that is suitable for movie shooting
The PXW-FS7 incorporates the α Mount System, with an E-mount lens mount. This is especially useful for motion-picture shooting because the system supports power driven silent auto focus, iris control, power zoom and more, as well as SteadyShot image stabilization and other functions. Moreover, the E-mount system's short flange-back distance (the distance from the lens-mounting surface to the image sensor) enables use of A-mount lenses via LA-EA4 lens adaptor, as well as various other lenses via third-party adaptors. The E-mount system thereby makes it possible to take advantage of a wealth of lens resources suitable for creative, versatile video expression."

I would assume with the mentioned adaptor the Sigma would work.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

But the LA-EA4 lens adaptor is quite an expensive adapter with build-in AF motor, aperture-drive mechanism and Translucent Mirror... seems to me that this is not what we need. And: the Sigma has it's own HSM focus motor. Puzzled.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Dylan, could you tell me how did ou manage to pre-order it from BH? I just tried and got this message"Due to export regulations and/or manufacturers restrictions, we are unable to accept orders with a shipping address in CANADA for the following item(s):"

Have you been able to pre-order it before they apply this rule ?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

You're right of course, mental slip on my part!

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Jean-Philllipe, I'm not sure why, but it let me order. It's possible they'll realize the mistake (if it is one) in a month when it's ready to ship, refund my money (they charged on order, not ship, for international) and dropping me way behind in the lineup to get one. :)

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Does anybody know if that ISO 2000 figure I've seen published is really as low as the FS7 will go in ISO? If that's the case then it would need the ND filter even for indoor shooting. I know the internal filter has a 1.8 as its highest ND, which would be 6 stops. That's not enough for being able to shoot fairly wide open in bright light, so an additional ND would be needed on the lens. I'm hoping that 2000 figure is maybe as low as it goes when using the S-log, sort of like the A7S at its minimum 3200. But does anyone know what the deal is here?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

If you use the standard gamma (which I wouldn't) th elowest ISO is 800 (at -3 db).
With the hypergammas you rlowest ISO will be 1600 (at -3db).
SLog3 will give you 2000ISO at -3db.

When using the hypergammas and the 1/64ND (6 stops!) you can record with an
equivalent of 25 ISO...

Maybe not enough to use F 1.4 in the sun, but fine for R+G anyways.
If you like to do controlled shots, you'll use matte box + ND...

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

What strikes me about this camera mostly is what a bold marketing move it is.

At this pricepoint and even beyond it is going to capture a huge market. It really makes the likes of the C300 look like an archaic offering. It even trumps off the 'cheaper' brand options like Ursa/Cion imo. Great flexibility in formats and framerates wrapped in a very useable form factor.

A find it really surprising and I'm pretty sure it will become a tv staple !

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Before I retired as a Sales Rep in the Broadcast TV market, we had a saying that 'no Chief Engineer ever got the sack for ordering Sony equipment'. Many went off on tangents, with esoteric camera choices like Thompson, Bosch and Ikegami. Some paid the price for poor decisions but Sony was always a safe bet and their After Sales Service was legendary. I wonder if the same is true today?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Will Sony be at DVExpo in Pasadena (now Next | Video conf) next week? They are not on the exhibitor list. I want to see and hold an FS7. I'm in San Diego, and don't know what a good opportunity to hold one would be.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

I would like to get some feedback about the S-Gamut3.cine/S-log3 and other log curves available on the FS7. I understand that when video is shot in these modes, the full 14 stops of dynamic range is available and also the native ISO of the camera is locked at 2,000. I have very little experience with higher end color grading (I use Edius Pro 7) and no experience with software such as Davinci.

My question is this - is basic (I'm not talking about studio quality) color grading that difficult or time consuming to bring the flat images produced by the log curves up to par? I'm also wondering if all of this could be accomplished in the new Catalyst Prepare software being released September 30th:

https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/catalystprepare

I want to be able to realize the full potential of this camera and not be hindered by my lack of experience and time constraints.

Any comments from the professionals on this forum would be greatly appreciated.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Using LOG is a different beast than shooting 709 based curves. You need to understand the correct way to expose it to get all the DR the camera offers. That will require more work in post to create an image that is what your audience expects.

On the plus side - IF you expose your image properly then you can use a LUT to get you in the ball park for a 709 look. This can save you a lot of time but in the end it doesn't replace the work of color correcting to get to the final image you want.

So the question you need to ask yourself is this - Do I need 14 stops of DR to capture the image I'm trying to convey?

If the answer is yes then you should read up on LOG and how to shoot it correctly first. Then you'll need to put time into learning how to grade it to get the most out of it. It will be more work but worth it if you really need it.

And additionally if you are looking for a plug-in drop and go solution then I would not recommend shooting LOG. Its not likely going to help you over shooting one of the CINE curves.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Chris - I appreciate your comments. The last sentence hit the mark - I was looking for a plug-in drop and go. I'll stick with the CINE curves and am sure I'll be happy with them considering the capabilities of this camera. I just don't have the time (and energy) to devote to all the complexities of color grading.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

One of the nice things about this camera, like the F5/F55 is that when you use the CineEI mode you can if you wish choose to bake in the LUT. Shoot some simple test S-Log3 clips and then take these into you're preferred grading package. Grade the clips until you get the look or style that you want. Then save the LUT as a 3D Cube LUT. Then load the LUT into the FS7 as a user LUT.

Normally you will have the LUT's set so that they are added to the viewfinder output, HDMI out and one of the two HDSDI outs. The recordings remain LUT free, so they are S-log3. Then normally you would bring the Slog3 footage in to the grading suite and apply the same LUT either globally (as an output LUT) or on a clip by clip basis. The footage will then have the look you created when you did you test shots. This is actually a VERY simple workflow. If you edit with Adobe Premiere CC you can use the Lumetri plugin to add the LUT very quickly.... job done... no need to grade, the LUT will do all the work. This workflow has the benefit of allowing you to change your mind. If you decide you don't like the look it's just a case of creating a new LUT or grading the underlying S-Log3 material.

The less conventional approach is to turn on the LUT's for the internal recordings. When you do this the LUT is applied to the recordings. This way the footage will have your desired look baked in, so there is no need to do any grading. In effect you are grading as you shoot. But the downside is that once the LUT is baked in you won't have the same degree of adjustability if you change your mind as your recordings are no longer S-log3.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

I have written a review and posted some footage from the FS7. Sony’s new PXW-FS7. First Impressions. | XDCAM-USER.COM

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Alister - I know this is off topic but it still concerns the upcoming FS7. How do you go about previewing 4K 60p on a calibrated preview monitor? I have a Dell 32" 4K monitor that is capable of 4k 60p but only through displayport 1.2. - through HDMI it is capable of 4k 30p. The new Blackmagic Decklink Extreme 4K 12G cards handle 4K 60p and pass it through 12G SDI or HDMI but I can't find a monitor that will work with that (with SDI inputs) unless you are in the $15-20K range. What do you use for the F55 to preview 4K 60p?

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

The short answer is you can't. There are very, very few 4K 60P pro monitors. The Sony X300 is one and very nice but very expensive. Normally I would use a 4K HDMI consumer TV with HDMI 2.0 or down convert to HD if I want to make color critical assessments and use an HD 60P monitor. Not ideal, but affordable at least.

Re: New Sony FS7 4K XDCAM at IBC 2014
 

Here is one that costs $1900 and uses 12G SDI from the Blackmagic Extreme 4K 12G preview card for connections - will do UHD60p at 4:2:2 and 4:4:4.Arrives in December. The kicker is that it is only 15.6". At least this is a start hopefully there will be others on the way.

Blackmagic Smartview 4K : https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/smartview4k

Blackmagic Decklink Extreme 4K 12G: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/pro...ink/techspecs/