Sony Evolves FS7 And FS7 II Camcorders For News Production

Posted by Sony

Sony’s popular PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM camcorders are now further optimized for newsgathering thanks to a new ENG-style build-up kit and a new B4 lens to E mount adapter. The build-up kit, CBK-FS7BK, enables extended shoulder mount usage, making the camcorders ideal for news production, interviews, documentaries and reality television shooting. Combined with a new lens mount adapter, the LA-EB1, not only E mount but also B4 lens assets can be used on an FS7 or FS7 II, allowing users to capture images with deep and shallow DoF – all with a single camera.

The CBK-FS7BK build-up kit and LA-EB1 mount adapter will be shown for the first time during NAB in Sony’s Booth #C11001.

“The new build-up kit and lens mount adapter give the FS7 and FS7 II camcorders the ergonomics, networking features and zoom ratio of a traditional run-and-gun, shoulder-mount camcorder, allowing crews to quickly adapt their shooting style with minimal equipment,” said Theresa Alesso, Pro division president, Sony Electronics. “As video production evolves, the demand for cinematic-style shooting has permeated into every facet of the industry, including broadcast news. FS7 shooters will be excited by the possibilities and adaptability the new build-up kit and lens mount adapter provides.”

The CBK-FS7BK build-up kit includes: an extension unit with a wireless audio receiver slot and built-in network capability, providing advanced network operation for broadcast usage; a viewfinder and a cheese plate with enhanced robustness; and an adjustable shoulder plate designed to achieve optimal weight balance. Streaming and file transfers are possible via a wireless LAN or a 4G/LTE connection. QoS performance streaming is provided through the camcorder’s Dual Link connection, which enables the multiplexing of two cellular networks.

With the new LA-EB1 mount adapter, a B4 lens can be attached to FS7 and FS7 II camcorders.*¹ The addition of a B4 lens on the camcorder makes it possible to shoot deep Depth of Field (DoF) with the high zoom ratio necessary for traditional news production.

Through DC supply from CBK-FS7BK or FS7 extension unit XDCA-FS7, compatibility with the B4 mount’s communication interface allows start/end recording using the lens REC button, and information such as iris and focus is displayed on the viewfinder of the camera and recorded as metadata. This streamlines post-production efforts. The adapter also works as a hub for the power zoom of the lens, enabling one-hand operation via the servo zoom.―BCS Bureau