The Sony PXW-FS7 Mark2 4K digital cinema camera offers a host of new features including an electronic variable ND filter, a new E bayonet with locking ring and a redesigned body for easier and faster camera preparation for shooting.
Since its introduction in 2014, the FS7 has been one of Sony's most widely used cameras and remains in the company's product lineup. The new FS7 II variant offers new features based on comments from professional filmmakers. The FS7 II is designed for long-form documentary and independent filmmaking and now also supports the BT2020 color space for modern 4K television productions
Electronic Variable ND Filter
The new Electronic Variable ND filter combined with a large image sensor offers a high degree of control over image exposure and the ability to create filter presets. The variable ND filter (in fine steps with smooth gradation up to 1/128) allows precise exposure adjustment and therefore optimal motion capture thanks to the ability to maintain the ideal shutter speed. Thanks to the new ND filter, the aperture can be better used to adjust the depth of field and avoid blurring caused by diffraction or colour defects caused by stacking several fixed ND filters. Changing the exposure parameters while maintaining the aperture parameter will guarantee the same out-of-focus drawing in different lighting conditions. In addition, three ND filter settings can be assigned to the filter switcher for quick setting changes or activate the auto mode to lock exposure and adjust depth of field using the aperture ring.
New E-mount bayonet
The FS7 II also features a new mechanical E-mount bayonet design that allows lenses to be changed by loosening the locking ring on the camera body rather than the entire lens. This eliminates the need (in most cases) to remove the entire lens rig when changing lenses. The new E-Mount is also more durable and is compatible with any E mount lens or the Sony Alpha Mount System line of optics, which numbers over 70 products
Mechanical improvements
Like the other models in the FS series - the FS7 and FS5 - the new FS7 II has introduced several body enhancements aimed at improved ergonomics and comfort when shooting in the field. These changes are based on comments from FS7 users. New mechanical adjustments allow the position of the Smart Grip or viewfinder to be adjusted without the use of tools, making it much easier to prepare the camera for shooting. The detachable viewfinder eyepiece provides an additional stabilizing element when shooting handheld.
XQD cards
The FS7 II supports XQD memory cards designed for high bitrate video shooting. For example, Sony's QD-G256E 256GB XQD card provides read/write speeds of 440MB/s and 400MB/s respectively and allows you to shoot approximately 45 minutes of 4Kp60 video or 3.5 hours of 2Kp30 video
New Sony G 18-110mm lens
A new model in the Sony G lens line for the E mount is designed for Super 35mm size sensors and documentary or movie shooting. The Sony E PZ 18-110mm F4 G OSS covers the area of Super35mm and APS-C sensors and is compact and lightweight (1.1 kg). It has a focal length range of 18-110mm (6x zoom) and is compatible with Sony Alpha cameras including the A7 and professional 4K FS7 or FS5 cameras. Smooth Motion Optics (SMO) technology is used to optimize lens functions during video shooting and minimizes "breathing" and optical axis shift or image blur during zooming. The lens can be purchased with the FS7 II in the PXW-FS7M2K kit.