Sony PXW-FS7M2 4K XDCAM Super 35mm Camcorder

The Sony PXW-FS7M2 is not a direct replacement to the original , but rather a separate offering in the Sony large sensor/cinema camera line. Key features include:

• 8.8MP 4K S35 CMOS sensor

• 10-bit 4:2:2 in 4K DCI

• Capture up to 60p in 4K DCI or 180p in FHD

• Newly designed locking e-mount plus an electronic variable ND

FS7M2 4K Premium Kit Also Available. As an alternative to this standard FS7M2, we offer a that’s built for renters who want a pick-up-and-shoot 4K rig, but want the flexibility to choose their own lenses.

What’s Different? Since this is not a replacement for the FS7, the most important question is not what’s new, but instead what makes it different from the original. The biggest improvements include a brand new, first-of-its-kind locking E-Mount, Electronic Variable ND (as seen on the ), and general improvements to the construction and user experience.

Reinforced Locking E-Mount. Now instead of docking and twisting, just insert the lens without rotating and turn the locking ring. The new locking E-Mount is a part of a brand new reinforced camera front that has better support for cine lenses.

Electronic Variable ND. The Electronic Variable ND works in one of three different ways. The first is like a conventional ND filter wheel, with 4 set positions you can swap between. Second, you can rotate the knob and ease through seven stops of filtration like a lens front mounted variable ND. Lastly, the FS7 Mark II’s auto ND function allows you to lock your shutter speed and aperture despite changing lighting environments.

Refined Build Quality. The FS7 II features a tool-less design, meaning you can make adjustments to the Smart Grip or the viewfinder on the fly without having to pull out a screwdriver. The number of user programmable buttons has increased from 6 to 10, giving operators a greater level of control.

High Dynamic Range. The FS7M II uses the same super35 as the original model, which means 14 stops of dynamic range. The big upgrade in the II is the addition of the REC BT.2020 color space with full support HDR imagery.

The FS7 has remained one of the more popular cameras in Sony’s video line up, and it has a long list of what I would call design flaws. It seems someone at Sony has listened to our muttered complai…

The FS7 has remained one of the more popular cameras in Sony’s video line up, and it has a long list of what I would call design flaws. It seems someone at Sony has listened to our muttered complaints from the inspection table because they have bestowed upon us the FS7 II, a camera that adds quite a few quality of life improvements for heavy users.

The implementation of Sony’s electronic variable ND system is the biggest get and probably the reason you’d want this over the first version. The new locking E-mount is nice for added stability with large cine lenses, and new square tubed viewfinder rod gets rid of the LCD drooping you may have experienced.

All considered, this is a solid improvement on the FS7, and I see little reason to go back unless you’re dealing with the tightest of budgets. If you want the lowdown on all of the improvements Sony has made, we have an in-depth article over on the Lensrentals blog. You can find that .