Sony has just announced the FR7 Pan-Tilt-Zoom full-frame cinema camera, making it the first PTZ cinema camera on the market.
The convergence of a robotics camera platform with Sony’s mirrorless cinema technology marks a convergence of technologies that the company says will open creative possibilities in the studio, on the film set, and during live productions.
“The cinematic look and feel is rapidly becoming the norm in broadcasting and lives production as it opens up new ways to tell a narrative,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“In parallel, over the last 2 years, we’ve seen a steep rise in content created remotely or in small locations where access is difficult. At Sony, we are always listening to our customers. We are thrilled to announce the FR7 that combines the flexibility of a standard PTZ camera with stunning visuals through advanced cinematic features.”
The FR7 offers a backside illuminated full-frame Exmor R image sensor with 10.3 MP and 15+ stops of dynamic range.
The FR7 is capable of capturing 4K video at up to 120 fps, and 1080p video at 240 fps per second.
Image Credit – SONY
The FR7 also has a number of cinematic preset scene files including S-Cinetone for natural-looking skin color and soft color highlights.
Using Cine El mode, the FR7 can be set in either ISO 800 or ISO 12800 and match lighting conditions with minimal noise.
The camera can also capture using Sony’s original S-Log 3 gamma, wide S-Gamut 4, or S-Gamut 3.Cine color schemes.
Image Credit – SONY
The camera can focus on subjects using real-time Eye Autofocus and tracking, to cover static or fast-moving subjects without losing focus over a wide area or compromising a shallow depth of field.
EyeAF can also stay locked onto the subject, even when looking at steep angles. The FR7’s Touch Focus feature can adjust the focus on an image with real-time tracking as well.
With the capability to remotely operate the FR7 with robotic pan, tilt, and zoom, the new cinema camera also offers zoom, focus, and other camera functions through a connection by tablet or computer web browser.
The software can connect multiple cameras for monitoring and control with one device, while the FR7 can be mounted either to a traditional tripod or hanging from a ceiling.
Image Credit – SONY
The PTZ configuration enables a pan and tilt speed ranging from .02-60 degrees per second, a pan angle from -170°-+170°, and a tilt angle range of -30° to +195°. With those increments, the FR7 can program custom settings for up to 100 camera position presets.
Other features include a built-in electronically controlled variable NF filter with an auto NF function to automatically adjust during changing lighting conditions.
The FR7 is also compatible with Sony’s RM-IP500 remote control, which can operate up to 100 PTZ cameras with joystick control operation.
The camera system can also be controlled utilizing the S700 protocol via Ethernet or through Sony’s RCP Remote Control Panel and Master Setup Unit (MSU).
The FR7 also utilizes internal XAVC recording to dual media card slots for CFExpress Type A and SDXC memory cards but has the option of external 16-bit RAW recording through SDI output to a compatible external recorder.
The FR7 also saves footage to dual media card slots for CFExpress Type A and SDXC memory cards.
Image Credit – SONY
Other connections include HDMI Type A and 12G-SDI connections. Ethernet will also connect the FR7 for not only camera control, but live streaming through RTSP, SRT, and DNI streaming protocols.
The FR7 also has Genlock, Timecode & Tally Lamps, and with a full-frame E-mount lens mount, the camera works with a wide range of lenses supported from 12mm to 1200mm.
Pricing for the Sony FR7 starts at $9699.99 USD. The FR7K Camera Kit is also available with a SELP 28-135mm lens, which will be available for $12,199.99 USD. Both configurations are scheduled to ship in November of 2022.
Sony will also be showcasing the FR7 at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam from September 9th to the 12th.
[source: Sony]
Order Links:
- Sony FR7 Cinema Line PTZ Camera (B&H)
- Sony FR7 Cinema Line PTZ Camera Kit with 28-135mm Zoom Lens (B&H)
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