The Sony FS5 has landed. Is this the Camera that Replaces a Hybrid for Video Capture?

The Sony FS5 has landed.

This is a very interesting camera Sony released today at IBC in Amsterdam. The FS5 is actually a well thought out camera that is unique and purpose built. I’m actually a little surprised by it because it has a lot features and isn’t a severely crippled FS7. Yes the codec isn’t as robust with the new 100 Mbps (in 4K) XAVC-L which is a form of H.264 compression codec. Unfortunately it’s 4:2:0 color space and 8bit in 4K and I wouldn’t have expected 10bit anyway but it would have been nice to at least give it 4:2:2 color in 4K but in HD it does! 10bit 4:2:2 up to 60p and some impressive HFR’s too. The FS5 offers High Frame Rate (HFR) 8-second cache recording at Full HD 10bit 4:2:2 image quality at a frame rate of up to 240 fps. Wow!
The FS5 has 14 stops of dynamic range with a base ISO of 3200. Max ISO 32,000. The camera boots up in less than five seconds. That’s fast.

The FS5 also has some nice output options. SDI and HDMI 2.0 and ethernet. You like RAW shooting? In a future (probably paid) upgrade you can record RAW to an external recorder via the SDI out. If higher quality 4K is needed the HDMI out sends 8bit 4:2:2. Sorry no 10 bit for you! 😀 I like that the XLR is also available on the back of the camera as well as on the handle. Live stream from any event with Wi-Fi or built-in wired LAN. Control FS5 from your smartphone or tablet. Built-in NFC supports one-touch authentication is possible with compatible devices. With the built-in wired LAN jack high-speed FTP transfer of full resolution content can be achieved. This will be great for news gathering.
You like Log shooting? You got it! Slog2 and Slog3 plus S-Gamut3, S-Gamut3.cine on board. Face Detection has been added but don’t expect dual pixel performance from it. I’ve tested this on the new A7rII and it’s really hit and miss.

The body is tiny. It’s clearly design to be used handheld and on stabilizers. In this picture it looks like a really great shooting experience for handheld.

Stripped down the FS5 only weights 1 lb. 13 oz. Yeah, it’s a very small camera. and this has me thinking. If I needed a video camera more than a DSLR or Mirrorless hybrid why would I chose one over this camera? Yes it cost twice as much as a A7rII at $6700 but you get a lot for the extra cash. The codec is pretty much the same at 100 mbps in 4K as the A7rII so image wise it should be better since you’re getting the FS7’s sensor and that to me is a big deal. A purpose built sensor for video capture. Less rolling shutter is also a big deal. I don’t have issues with it on most cameras because I pan very slow but try shooting fast moving objects like trains and cars and things looking tilted is annoying. SO for me this little versatile camera would take the hybrid out of play. I would grab the FS5 over the A7rII any day for video. Not to say the A7rII isn’t a great camera. It is but it overheats when the condition are warm or humidity is high. That could be an issue if getting the shot is important or you need to do an interview. I see this tiny beast as a very solid replacement for the hybrid if video is primary for you. The footprint is small and unassuming making fitting into the environment much easier.

PXW-FS5, body only — $5599
PXW-FS5K, with Sony 18 to 105mm Zoom lens — $6099

The Sony PXW-FS5 will start shipping in November.

The Sony FS5 has a interesting new feature. A built-in, electronic, variable ND system that allows you to dial in anywhere from 1/4 to 1/128th ND filtration. I’m not sure about this feature. Electronic ND could add noise or do something strange to the image. This one we will have see in action to know if it’s a winner.

The camera is modular. You can strip it down to just the body for gimbal use or just to use in tight spaces.  The fully rotatable grip is updated from the FS7 version. It has a electronic rocker that is used for a new feature. The FS5 can zoom electronically while recording. Sony claims that the image isn’t noticeably damaged when you use this electronic zoom. An interesting centre scan mode allows a HD image to be recorded from the centre part of the sensor. This puts the camera in Super16 mode and ENG broadcast zoom lens with B4 mount can be used with an adapter. This is a much better option that using an adapter with and a putting the lens in 2x with the onboard doubler. That tends to make the image soft. I have a B4 lens and would like to try this feature out.

A lot to like about this new Sony entry. I really want to give it try. It outperforms the Canon C100 MKII in HD and adds 4K option. I would hard pressed to get the C100 MKII but I think I would need to try the Fs5 out first. Specs aren’t everything folks! So I know a lot of people are thinking is this the URAS Mini competitor? I don’t think it is. as far as price goes the URSA Mini is more expensive once you add the viewfinder and shoulder mounting kit. You need to compare the feature’s of any camera and choose the one that best fits what you will use it for. No one camera fits all but we sure have some great options to choose from. I do think the FS5 looks like a great option for those that are thinking about getting a A7s or A7rII primarily for video use. This camera has everything you need to work effectively in a all in one body design. No rig is needed long lasting battery life and a pretty decent codec in 4K plus the very good HD codec and that 240 FPS at 10bit 4:2:2. A lot to like.

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For more info check out this Sony FS5 PDF.

PXW-FS5 Handheld Super35 4K Camera

Filed in: 4K • Featured Post • FS5 • New Release • Sony