Sony PXW-FS7 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System

The Sony PXW-FS7 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System is designed for versatile productions, from “Cinéma Vérité”-style documentaries to reality TV, commercials, and corporate applications. It offers a flexible 4K camera system with a Super 35mm sensor that delivers cinematic depth of field. The E-mount, crafted from stainless steel, provides compatibility with E-mount lenses and, with optional adapters, supports PL, EF, Leica, and Nikon lenses.

The PXW-FS7 captures footage onto XQD media cards, supporting resolutions of DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) and UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 60 fps, and HD up to 180 fps. Recording formats include XAVC-I, XAVC-L, and MPEG-2, though MPEG-2 only supports HD recording due to limited data rates. The camera’s dual XQD card slots allow for simultaneous or relay recording, and the ergonomic handgrip includes an adjustable support arm for easy control of the camera’s functions.

Firmware Updates

• XQD-G-E Card Firmware: To support faster XQD-G-E cards, firmware version 4.00 is required and can be downloaded from Sony.
• Firmware 2.0: This update, which can be installed by users, adds key enhancements:
  1. Expands audio to four channels at 24-bit, 48 kHz.
  2. Enables DCI-compliant 4096 x 2160 XAVC-Intra recording up to 60 fps.
  3. Adds HD Apple ProRes codecs, allowing HQ and 422 recording.
  4. Corrects magenta cast in WB preset mode.
  5. Renames the “Color Temp” menu to “Preset White.”
  6. Steady Shot stays enabled after power cycling.
  7. Paint menu settings are retained after power cycling.

Key Features

The 4K Super35 EXMOR sensor offers 14 stops of dynamic range and a wide color gamut. XAVC codecs support 4K and HD recording, with options for XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP compression, providing flexible encoding from HD to UHD. The XAVC Intra format uses efficient intra-frame compression, while XAVC Long offers extended recording time with high-quality, low-noise results. The camera provides 10-bit 422 color for HD and a choice of 10-bit 422 or 8-bit 420 for UHD.

The durable, lightweight magnesium body weighs only four pounds and includes a shoulder pad, allowing for comfortable shoulder-mounted operation or hand-held use with the SmartGrip extended in front. The SmartGrip itself provides Zoom, Start/Stop, and Assign controls, enabling easy operation with the right hand and freeing the left hand to operate the lens. The grip’s arm and angle are adjustable for maximum flexibility.

Recording Capabilities

The PXW-FS7 records 4K internally up to 60 fps in UHD (3840 x 2160) and HD up to 180 fps in XAVC-I, or up to 120 fps in XAVC-L. Recording Apple ProRes to the internal XQD slots requires the optional EXCA-FS7 extension box. For 4K (4096 x 2160) recording, an external recorder is needed.

The camera includes two XQD media slots that support simultaneous or relay recording and an SD card slot for saving configuration data (not for video recording).

Sony PXW-FS7 Specifications

Built-In ND Filter

• Type: Mechanical Filter Wheel
• Stops: 2-Stop (1/4), 4-Stop (1/16), 6-Stop (1/64)

Gain

• Range: -3 to 18 dB

Gamma Curve

• Preset: Sony S-Log 3

Audio Recording

• Channels: 4-Channel
• Quality: 24-Bit, 48 kHz

Video I/O

• Outputs:
  • 2x BNC (3G-SDI)
  • 1x HDMI 2.0

Audio I/O

• Inputs:
  • 2x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line with +48V Phantom Power
• Output:
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone

Power I/O

• Input: 1x Barrel

Other I/O

• Data: 1x Mini-USB Input/Output
• Control: 1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control Input

Battery Type

• Compatible with: Sony BP-U Series

Power Consumption

• Consumption: 19 W

Accessory Mounting

• Thread: 1x 1/4"-20

Packaging Information

• Package Weight: 11.65 lb
• Box Dimensions (L x W x H): 15.8 x 13.5 x 12.5 in

In the Box:

• Sony PXW-FS7 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System
• Body Cap
• Viewfinder
• Eyepiece
• Grip Remote Control
• Sony Wireless LAN USB Module (IFU-WLM3) – Compatible with Sony VPL-E200 Series Projectors
• Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-845)
• WA Adaptor Bracket
• Sony MPA-AC1 AC Adapter – Compatible with EVI D100 CCD Camera
• Sony BC-U1 Battery Charger
• Sony BP-U30 Lithium-Ion Battery
• 2 x Power Cords
• USB Cable
• CD-ROM with Manuals