The New NEX-FS700 (Pictures & Info)

The new Sony NEX-FS700

Sony has just announced the new NEX-FS700.
This is a new Super 35mm camera in their cinema cameras line-up. It's 4K-ready with a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (Total 11.6 million pixels). The 3G-SDI output enables easy integration with highest quality recording formats. It also has super slow-motion capabilities, 10x at full HD or 40x at lower resolutions. The FS700 shows a new top handle which looks a lot sturdier. For anyone owning a Sony NEX-FS100, it will be good to know that the new FS700 has built-in ultra-thin ND filters!

Price and availability
According to Sony's press release the camera with 18-200mm zoom lens will have a suggested list price of less than $10,000 and is planned to be available in June.

UPDATE: You can buy it now from B&H (NEX-FS700 with kit lens)!

More information

- Read more about the NEX-FS700 on Sony's website. 

- Den Lennie spent a weekend shooting with the camera a couple of weeks ago. 

You can read about it here: Sony NEX-FS700 on Location

Hopefully the new side grip will be an upgrade to the one you'll find on the FS100 

E-mount Lens System on the NEX-FS700

On the left you can see the build-in ND filter switch

Rear view of the NEX-FS700 showing the 3G/HD/SD SDI output

Top view of the NEX-FS700

The Sony NEX-FS700U Super 35 Camcorder is a fully professional large-sensor video camera. Hot on the heels of the FS100, this compact, highly modular camera uses a very similar-sized Super 35 CMOS sensor as the FS100. But as a marked improvement over that earlier model's sensor, the FS700 features a native 4K resolution sensor.

Unlike smaller, broadcast-style sensors or the larger "full-frame" sensors of some DSLRs, the NEX-FS700's imaging area matches that of standard Hollywood film cameras, providing complete compatibility with cine-style film lenses (sold separately). The sensor's large size offers a variety of other advantages, including increased control over depth of field, higher sensitivity in low light, lower image noise, and an exceptional dynamic range.

Able to shoot full 1080p video in a range of frame rates up to 60p, the FS700 provides the option of recording AVCHD footage onto SD card/MemoryStick or via the FMU (flash memory unit) port, or it can output 4:2:2 video (with embedded timecode) via HDMI 1.4 or 3G/HD-SDI to an external recording unit. Simultaneous recording to both is also possible when instant backup is called for. There's no stinting on audio, either, as the camera includes not only a shotgun microphone with mount/carrying handle, but dual XLR inputs for recording uncompressed, professional-level sound from an external source.

One unique feature for a camcorder of this class is the FS700's ability to record bursts of super-slow motion video at rates up to a whopping 960 fps. (These bursts range from 8 to 16 seconds, depending of the frame rate). Full-resolution recording is possible at up to 240 fps; at 480 and 960 fps, resolution is reduced.

The 3G/HD-SDI port will get expanded capability when a future firmware upgrade is available (not included). This will allow 4K output via the BNC as a data stream, which can be recorded to an optional Sony 4K recorder.

Other included features--such as a 3.5" LCD panel with detachable with viewfinder attachment, super sensitivity, a built-in ND filter and up to 960 fps super slow motion, all help to set this model in a class truly by itself. Not only will it intercut perfectly as a 2nd unit or B camera, it can stand on its own in applications as diverse as indie film, commercials, music promos and education.

ISO 500 (0 dB) to ISO 16,000 (30 dB) sensitivity

Cranks from 1 to 960 fps for fast motion to super-slow motion

Four ND filter levels: clear, 2, 4 & 6 stops

Four HyperGamma settings (same as F3)

WorldCam 50/60Hz systems

Exmor Super 35mm sensor 11.6-megapixles

Effective pixels (photo): approx. 8,400,000 pixels (16:9) or approx. 7,100,000 pixels (4:3)

Low aliasing (grossly over sampled HD)

Runs cool, no grain and no fan noise

Large buttons and switches with orange backgrounds for easy auto/manual distinction

Arri Rossette with micro-adjusting (for connecting grips, etc.)

Face detection

Auto/manual iris and focus with Sony lenses (lenses sold separately)

Features dual XLR inputs, a DC input, an FMU port for flash memory unit, SD / MemoryStick card slot, BNC connector and HDMI output

Removable grip features four easy-to-use buttons including Start/Stop, Photo, 4x/8x expandable focus and push-button auto iris

Display offers video/film selections for distance (meters/feet), sensitivity (dB gain/ ISO) and shutter (speed/angle)

BNC connector offers 3G/HD-SDI and a planned future firmware upgrade will enable 4K data-stream output

Camera supports 1920 x 1080/60p full HD recording and still image capture

Sony's Press Release

SONY EXPANDS NXCAM LINE WITH NEW
FULL-HD SUPER SLOW MOTION CAMCORDER

NEX-FS700U Delivers High Quality, Flexible and Creative
Shooting Options for Workflows of Today . . . and Tomorrow

PARK RIDGE, N.J., April 2, 2012 — Sony is pushing the creative boundaries once more with the new NEX-FS700U Full-HD Super Slow Motion camcorder, the latest in Sony’s line of NXCAM interchangeable E-mount camcorders. The new Super 35mm model is designed for high-speed shooting, capable of capturing footage at up to 960 frames per second. The camera also features a range of capabilities such as 3G HD-SDI output and built-in ND filters. Additionally, it also offers several creative options, shooting styles, and enhanced ergonomics – all based on customer feedback — to deliver a flexible production tool that can fit seamlessly into a variety of shooting applications.

“This camera opens a new door to creative shooting,” said Juan Martinez, senior product manager at Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America group. “You can record beautiful high speed full HD movies with the freedom of creative interchangeable lens choice. The NEX-FS700U, with its super slow motion mode, is ideal for promos, TV dramas, commercials and documentaries as well as sports and a variety of event shooting.”
The camera delivers full HD quality at 120 and 240 frames per second in a 16 or 8 second burst mode respectively. The NEX-FS700U’s high sensitivity and low noise shooting capability makes super slow motion shooting more convenient without the need for additional equipment. Its 480 fps and 960 fps at reduced resolution are available for faster frame rate recording.

The NEX-FS700U camcorder uses a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (Total 11.6 million pixels). This high-speed readout chip is optimized for motion picture shooting, giving high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing.
The NXCAM line’s E-Mount flexibility is designed to accept virtually all SLR and DSLR 35mm lenses, with the use of simple, inexpensive adapters without optical degradation. FS series owners can use their existing lenses and add more lenses without being limited to brands or mounts.

Users can capture high-quality still images with the NEX-FS700U. The camera also includes “face detection” and auto focus to help ensure that a subject is always kept in focus.
With the NEX-FS700U, operators can take advantage of the camera’s built-in ND filters, with a newly designed ND filter wheel that rotates across the sensor like a turret. The wheel includes positions for Clear, 1/4 (2 Stop), 1/16 (4 Stop), and 1/64 (6 Stop).

The camera is 60/50Hz switchable to give shooters the freedom of working in any geographic region without being restricted to only PAL or NTSC recording.

The NEX-FS700U’s 3G HD-SDI and HDMI connectors can output full HD 50p and 60p, in addition to standard HD 60i, 24p, 25p or 30p frame rates with embedded time code and audio. With 3G HD-SDI, it can output native 23.98, 25, 29.97 progressive signals. Users can elect to output PsF over the 3G HD-SDI. Thanks to flexibility of the digital ports virtually any external recorder can be paired.

Users can save up to 99 camera profile settings on a memory card, and can copy the same setting to multiple cameras. Compatible media includes SD and Memory Stick cards, and Sony’s HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit that attaches to the camera.
The NEX-FS700U features a robust detachable top handle, secured by a pair of screws (a cold shoe, plus two sets of 1/4 and 3/8 inch holes) to allow secure mounting for heavy accessories. The handle is attached with a rosette mount.

A key element of the handle is an “active grip” that features four buttons for commonly used functions – expanded focus, auto iris, still capture and recording start/stop. Function buttons are also enlarged to make operation easy even while wearing gloves.
The camcorder’s enhanced design also includes anchor points for compatibility with third-party accessories and a more durable design than previous models.

Sony is planning a future firmware upgrade that will enable the NEX-FS700U to output 4K bitstream data over 3G HD-SDI when used with an optional Sony 4K recorder.
The NEX-FS700U (body only) and NEX-FS700UK (with 18-200mm zoom lens) are planned to be available in June at a suggested list price less than $10,000.