Getting to grips with a new 4K professional camera can often be a bit challenging and a steep learning curve especially for those coming upgrading to a pro camera for the first time, maybe going up the video ranks from a DSLR world, or even upgrading from a tape based or older generation digital camera. Luckily for those new FS5 owners, and those considering purchasing one soon, Sony camera guru and esteemed DoP, Alister Chapman dives deep into the picture profiles and advanced features of the Sony FS5 camera in the two video tutorials below. Just as a reminder for those Sony FS7 owners or future owners interested in the similar Sony produced tutorials with Alister Chapman on the FS7 can check them out here, and here.
Here’s a list of the advanced features that Alister goes over in the tutorial below.
- Super-Slow motion up to 240fps without loss of resolution (960fps at low res)
- S&Q slow-motion up to 60p
- 2K Centre Scan
- Clear Image Zoom
- Electronic Variable ND Filter (with Auto ND in Firmware 2.0)
- 12bit 4K/2K Raw output with optional license:
- 4K/60p Raw
- 2K up to 240fps Raw continuous
- 4K/100 and 120fps Raw in 4 second burst
- Requires external recorder – such as Odyssey7Q+
Sony FS5 Features
- 4K Super 35 CMOS Sensor
- Sony E-Mount
- UHD at 24/30 fps in XAVC-L (8bit 4:2:0)
- Full HD up to 60p in XAVC-L (10bit 4:2:2)
- 4K DCI up to 60fps Raw output via 3G-SDI (with optional license)
- 2K/240fps continuous slow-motion (with optional license)
- Electronic VariND (with Auto ND fuction firmware 2.0)
- Dual SD Card Slots
- 3G-SDI & HDMI Output
- Ethernet Port
- Supports Wi-Fi and NFC
- Super-lightweight – 890 grams *body only, no lens
- Tool-less design, easy to mount on 3-axis gimbal stabilisers
Depending on your needs and budget, the FS5 can be the right camera for you. Even thought it shares a sensor, lens mount and some common design features with the bigger FS7, the FS5 is not just a more compact version of the FS7. It is vastly different in terms of codecs and features. I’ve used the FS5 a few times and loved it. For run-n-gun work and web content it’s great. If you need to produce 10bit content for broadcast, stick the camera in Full HD and you should be good.
Still, if you want a 10bit intra codec and a more robust form factor and a 10bit 4K/60p in camera without having to resort to an external 4K recorder, maybe the FS7 might be the better choice. In closing, both cameras are different and serve a different customer base – for the more one-man band lower budget shooters, who don’t want to shell out $8K+ for a 4K pro camera, while mostly producing content for the web, the FS5 is perfectly capable of handling docu-work, corporate jobs, weddings and events, while the FS7 is more suitable for more upscale broadcast and commercial work.
via Cinescopophilia
Order links:
- Sony FS5 Body only – (B&H , WexUK / Amazon)
- Sony FS5 with 18-105mm lens – (B&H , WexUK / Amazon)
- Odyssey7Q+ Raw recorder – (B&H / Adorama / Amazon)
- Sony FS7 Body only – (B&H, Adorama)
- Sony FS7K with 28-135mm lens – (B&H, Adorama)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Thanks for the article! 10bit in camera at 50mbps is just shit. i use this camera since 6 months, and using 1080 does not give you any more flexibility in color grading. 10bit in 1080 would at least need 100/200mbps. and using 4K gives you way more details and flexibility in framing, stabilization, etc in post
Returned my FS5 after a week of testing. Image and artifacting way too much. Bought an A7s II that runs circles around it in terms of IQ, sensitivity, etc. I really wanted the FS5 to be a winner but the IQ especially in slo mo were poor. Also, the buffering wait at high speed makes it useless for doc work.