It’s apparent that Sony is positioning itself as a leader in cinema technology. As of today, the company has announced the release of the Sony ILME-FR7 PTZ Camera. This is the world’s first interchangeable lens camera with a full-frame image sensor and PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) capabilities.
Key Features of the Sony FR7 Camera
- Full-frame interchangeable lens camera with PTZ functionality
- Compatible with 70 Sony E-Mount lenses
- Controllable by tablet, PC via web browser, or RM-IP5005
- Up to ISO 409,6006 and 15+ stops of dynamic range
- 1 fps up to 120 fps8 4K (QFHD) / 240 fps FHD
- Auto focus with 627 phase-detection AF points
- Connectivity includes 12G SDI, HDMI A, XLR input, TC, GENLOCK
- Up to 100 programmable quick access preset positions
- 2 card slots, both compatible w/ CFexpress Type A, SDXC UHS-I/II
The FR7 isn’t the usual full-frame interchangeable lens camera. It also comes with the ability to control a PTZ mechanism. This means you have the option to shoot from FR7 camera at a scene and operate its view from another location using a tablet, PC via web browser, or RM-IP5005 (for joystick controlling).
Along with this revolutionary new feature, the FR7 still packs the image quality you’ve come to expect of a Sony camera. It has high sensitivity up to ISO 409,6006 and 15+ stops of dynamic range. It also has hybrid auto focus with 627 phase-detection AF points and real time eye-AF. The FR7’s Cine mode means you can expect cinematic quality directly out of the camera all the while.
There are many ways to share the content produced from the FR7, depending on your preferred workflow. The camera has dual media slots that support CFexpress Type A and SDXC memory cards. It also has a SDI output for a 16-bit RAW signal to compatible external recorders. If your video or audio interface requires something different, the FR7 also has a HDMI Type A, XLR input, TC, and GENLOCK. There are also 100 programmable quick access preset positions for those who use the same shots often.
Why are These Features Beneficial for Users?
This may just be the most adaptable PTZ camera on the market today. You can use any choice of lens from Sony’s extensive E-mount lineup. Not only that, you can use these lens on a body that is capable of panning, tilting, and zooming with remote-control access. You can mount the FR7 with any lens you need, set it up on location, and control it from a secondary location with ease.
How to Use the Sony FR7 Camera
The FR7 can be used in a variety of industries including event coverage, live streaming, or television and film productions. Any situation that calls for reduced manpower, a large field of view, or subject tracking will benefit from the FR7. This can include:
Event Coverage – The FR7 allows for discreet coverage of your event, without the need to have a camera operator on-location. Its impressive auto focus technology can easily scan for subjects and capture the action.
Construction Sites – You can easily manage and report on the progress of a construction site after placing a FR7 camera on the scene. Its 15+ stops of dynamic range and high ISO sensitivity means you can stay in the loop on what’s happening, no matter the lighting conditions on site.
Film Production Sets – Do you need to capture that scene-setting wide-angle shot? Or maybe you want to use the the FR7’s interchangeable lens versatility to capture many different shots? Either way, the FR7 will provide cinema-style footage with its in-camera slow and quick motion from one fps to 120 fps 4K (QFHD)/ 240 fps (FHD).
Final Thoughts
As the first interchangeable lens PTZ camera with a full-frame image sensor, you can expect full versatility with the Sony ILME-FR7 PTZ Camera. You’ll be able to capture all of the action, without the need to be in the middle of the action.
