Sony has announced the latest in its Cinema Line, the ILME-FR7, a full-frame E-mount interchangeable lens camera with built-in pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) functionality. It takes its current imaging technology and combines it with remote-controlled robotics. These versatile remote control and cinematic features make it a great fit for studio, live production, and filmmaking settings.
To clarify, the FR7 isn’t some kind of camera/gimbal hybrid. It is a stand-alone PTZ camera that is primarily targeted for use in reality shows, episodic drama, talk shows, cooking shows, and music videos according to Sony. But the creative possibilities are not limited to this of course, and can be used in fixed event spaces, houses of worship, streaming events, concerts, wedding venues, fashion shows, sporting events, and theatres. The FR7 not only has smooth pan/tilt/zoom functions, up to 100 presets, PoE++, and IP remote control, but it also has a full-frame cinema sensor with 15+ stops of dynamic range, dual media slots, genlock, timecode, and a Sony E lens mount for interchangeable lenses.
“The cinematic look and feel is rapidly becoming the norm in broadcasting and live production as it opens up new ways to tell a narrative. 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.”
Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
Let’s delve a little deeper:
The FR7 features a back-illuminated 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor Exmor R™ with approximately 10.3 effective megapixels and wide 15+ stops of dynamic range in a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera for the first time. In addition to wide dynamic range, low noise, and cinematic full frame bokeh, this sensor also delivers high sensitivity that allows ISO 800 to be expanded up to 409,600 when shooting in low light, which Sony says makes it ideal for places where lighting cannot always be controlled.
Fast Hybrid AF and pan/tilt/zoom functionalities allow you to focus on static or fast-moving subjects precisely and smoothly over a wide area, to avoid blurred images, even when a shallow depth of field is used. The same BIONZ XR™ processor found in the FX3, FX6, and a7S III is integrated into the RF7. This further enhances the camera’s detection performance for pinpoint eye focus in your subject, allowing you the confidence to concentrate on composing the best shot. Touch Focus can be used to initiate focusing with Real-time Tracking on the desired subject when using the FR7’s web app, with Real-time Eye AF if an eye is detected. The camera has a smooth pan tilt zoom operation that can be as slow as 0.02 degrees per second speeding up to around 60 degrees per second. Pre-sets can be set for smooth or fast pan and tilt, or rapid repositioning. The pan angle range is from -170 degrees to 170 degrees and the tilt angle range is between -30 and + 195 degrees in normal upright orientation, and -210 to 15+ degrees suspended from a ceiling mount.
A big feature of the RF7 is the ND auto setting (like the one found in the FX6 and FX9.) This impressive electronic variable ND system provides a clear filter and 3 user-definable pre-sets. The variable ND can be adjusted to provide between 2 and 7 stops of ND. It lets you keep your ISO, shutter speed and f-stop locked and then the electronic ND will automatically adjust keep your exposure correct. With this system, you can also do things like adjusting the depth of field in real-time as the variable ND will compensate automatically when you make changes to the f-stop.
The FR7 is built to work seamlessly alongside other Sony Cinema Line cameras in live or multi-camera environments. The camera can integrate and adapt to many workflow scenarios, from simple plug and play to more complex high-end productions, thanks to a comprehensive selection of video inputs and outputs, IP streaming, power supply, and synchronisation with other devices. With a new dedicated web application, pan, tilt, zoom, focus, record, playback, and all camera settings can be intuitively controlled from a tablet or computer. With its integrated remotely controllable pan/tilt mechanism, the FR7 can be mounted on a tripod, on a ceiling with the dedicated CIB-PCM1, or in other locations with limited access so that subjects can be unobtrusively followed and recorded from unique viewpoints. It is also compatible with Sony’s RM-IP500 remote controller for multi-camera production, expanding creative potential while reducing the need for dedicated staff in production studios and other shooting situations. Multi camera monitoring allows multiple cameras to be viewed remotely on one device, and multiple people can monitor footage remotely at the same time.
The FR7 essentially, has the same recording options as the FX6. It supports a wide range of formats including up to 120p at 4K and high-quality 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit out via HDMI and SDI, and sports dual slots for CFexpress Type A or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. There are also XAVC Long GOP recording options as well if you want to minimise card space.
The FR7 has several of Sony’s Cinema Line features built into it to deliver that cinematic look and feel. These include a number of pre-set scene files such as S-Cinetone for natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin colour, as well as soft colours and stunning highlights. Since the desired look can be created while shooting, you can save time spent in post-production. Shooting up to 120fps 4K (QFHD) and 240 fps FHD 6 slow-motion is possible, again creating that emotional possibility offered by a cinematic look.
The camera itself has no audio capture capability, but it can accept microphones via XLR.
KEY FEATURES:
- Supports up to UHD 4K120 Video
- Sony E-Mount Lens Interchangeability
- 4K Full-Frame Sensor
- 12G-SDI, HDMI & Streaming Output
- Variable Electronic ND Filter
- Smooth, Slow Pan & Tilt Movement
- IR, IP & Web App Remote Control
- Flexible PoE+ Installation
- Genlock, Timecode & Tally Lamps
The Sony FR7 is set to be available November 2022.