Sony PXW-FS7M2K XDCAM Camcorder

Introduced by Sony in 2014, the FS7 has rapidly become one of the most popular production cameras in the industry.

Sony is now expanding its FS series of camcorders by introducing an advanced model, the FS7 II. The original FS7 remains in the lineup.

The FS7 II builds upon the proven FS7 platform, adding the latest, state-of-the-art Sony technology, including Electronic Variable ND Filter and a robust "Lever Lock Type" Sony's E-Mount.

Extensive refinements to the viewfinder support system and SmartGrip arm mechanism ensure super-fast and secure "on the run" rig repositioning--all of this while still retaining the Zen-like simplicity, flexibility and operational comfort of the FS7's "multi-award winning" industrial design.

Lever Lock Type E-Mount system

Sony's new mount system securely locks E-Mount lenses to the camera body and enables the use of larger, heavier lenses without need for additional support.

This breakthrough is based on a clever combination of advanced material science and ingenious engineering. The Lever-Lock Type E-Mount securely holds E-Mount lenses and adapters to the camera body. In fact, it can hold unsupported: Long, cine and zoom lenses of similar weight to unsupported PL-Mount lenses on the F55 (under static and dynamic loading).

Operating the FS7 II Lever Lock Type E-Mount is similar to operating the PL-Mount common to cinema cameras.

Place the E-Mount lens in the Lever Lock Type E-Mount opening and then, with your free hand, rotate the locking ring in a counterclockwise direction. This securely clamps the E-Mount lens in the mount. When the ring comes to a stop, a secondary latch automatically locks the ring in place to prevent unintentional disengagement. To disconnect the lens, switch off the secondary latch, then rotate the locking ring in the clockwise direction to release the lens.

All the usual benefits of the E-Mount are retained.

Electronic Variable ND

Sony's unique new Electronic Variable ND technology, first introduced in the FS5, provides "run and gun" filmmakers with a whole new means to seamlessly adjust exposure while shooting.

Variable ND frees the lens iris from the traditional job of exposure control. With Variable ND, the lens iris can be dedicated instead to the important job of setting depth-of-field. In documentary field work, bright exteriors and dim interiors no longer need automatically result in distracting variations in depth-of-field.

Variable ND also permits any lens to be used consistently at its "sweet spot" within its best f-stop or T-stop range (peak optical performance for that particular lens). In so doing, Variable ND avoids the image degradation and softening that typically accompanies opening or closing the lens iris too much.

The FS7 II offers three different Variable ND operation modes: Preset Variable ND, Manual Variable ND and Auto Variable ND. Large, easily accessible switches on the front side of the camera permit quick switching between these modes with the camera on the operator's shoulder.

Preset Variable ND

The ND turret knob enables four presets for ND attenuation. The first preset is "clear," in other words, no ND. That leaves three preset settings, which are user-selectable in 1/3 stop steps within the camera's 2 to 7 stop range.

For example, each of the three user-selectable ND presets might be set to a desired ND density for each of three particular scenes, which, in combination with iris settings, could give each scene a particular look with regard to depth-of-field.

Manual Variable ND

This mode is ideal for "run and gun shooting." The operator can manually adjust exposure by turning either a knurled wheel near the front of the camera or an index-finger wheel on the SmartGrip. In either case, the result is a smooth, seamless adjustment of exposure within a 2 to 7 stop attenuation range. Both control wheels can be user-assigned to control ND density--or one of them can be reassigned to adjust audio level or lens iris.

A smarter SmartGrip arm

The length of the FS7 II's SmartGrip can be changed without any tools. The new design uses knobs contoured to facilitate locking and loosening by hand, even when wearing gloves. Furthermore, the new design enables relocating the SmartGrip to a new position, closer to the camera body. This makes it easier to hold the FS7 II against the chest or underarm to permit shooting more comfortably, from more angles.

Media easier to eject

XQD cards now project twice as much from their slots in order to facilitate card changeover while wearing gloves