Sony’s newest addition to its cinema lineup is the FR7. It takes its current imaging technology and combines it with remote-controlled robotics, creating the world’s first full-frame interchangeable lens (ILC) PTZ camera.
Sony says the new camera inherits the look of the cinema line and offers a “new world” of remote shooting with precise and smooth robotic pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ), making it the first camera to combine lens interchangeability, a full-frame sensor and PTZ functionality.
The company says it’s primarily intended for use in reality shows, episodic dramas, talk shows, cooking shows, and music videos (for example, in cooking shows it would be easier to move a camera around a chef without getting in the way).
Additionally, the camera could be deployed in more traditional use cases for PTZ cameras, such as fixed event spaces, houses of worship, streaming events, concerts, wedding venues, fashion shows and theatres.
Sony says the camera relies on three tenants: looks, operability, and workflow.
The “look” is the camera, which is identical to the FX6 camera and features a back-illuminated 10.3-megapixel full-frame sensor with over 15 stops of dynamic range and ISO performance starting at ISO 800 and expandable to 409600, which Sony says makes it ideal for placement where lighting cannot always be controlled. It supports a wide range of formats, including up to 120p in 4K and high-quality 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit via HDMI and SDI.
It also features Sony’s autofocus technology, such as real-time eye AF and real-time tracking to keep subjects sharp.
One difference between the FR7 and the FX6 is that it has no audio capture capability, although it can accept microphones via XLR.
Although it works with 70 E-mount lenses, control of the “Z” in PTZ relies on lenses with built-in motors, and Sony says it’s one of the only companies currently producing lenses with zoom lenses. integrated servos which are essential for this line. The 28-135mm f/4 is considered the best choice and will be offered as a kit option.
As far as “functionality” goes, the camera has smooth pan and tilt zoom that can be as slow as 0.02 degrees per second or as fast as around 60 degrees per second. Presets can be set for smooth or fast panning and tilting, or quick repositioning. The pan angle range is -170 degrees to 170 degrees, and the tilt angle range is -30 to +195 degrees in normal vertical orientation, and -210 to 15+ degrees hanging from a floor mount. ceiling.
At the moment it does not follow the use of the PTZ function to track subjects, only autofocus currently works for this. To pan and tilt, it must be done manually or via pre-programmed functions.
When it comes to workflow, the camera uses a web app for brand new camera control as well as the RM-IP500 Pro Multi-Camera Remote. The web application interface is accessible from a tablet or PC and utilizes a smart screen design and intuitive touch AF control operation. The camera has an easy connection which is achieved by scanning a unique QR code which is on the camera itself and can be scanned with a tablet. It can be used via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The camera itself can record media in a variety of ways, including support for CFexpress Type A and SDXC memory cards which are built into the base of the model, not the camera module. It has SDI output, optical output, HDMI type A output, audio input connector (5-pin XLR type) and can be powered via LAN or DC IN.
The camera will be available in late November for $9,699 body-only, while the camera kit costs $12,199 which includes the 28-135mm f/4 PTZ lens.