Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 19, 2018. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The update to Sony’s little brother FS7 raises the question for many of what is really new about it… After all, the sensor and body appear to be identical to the predecessor FS5.
RAW “for Free” & Instant HDR
Sony is generous enough to provide an integrated RAW output with the successor—a feature that previously cost extra money with the original FS5. The same applies to the Instant HDR workflow, which was also already present in the FS5 with corresponding HLG support.
Internal 8-Bit 4K Capturing
Unfortunately, the successor still cannot manage XAVC-1 or any other 4:2:2 10-bit capturing in 4K. The internal XAVC-L Codex has not changed, which is why it remains stuck at 8-bit for 4K at 30fps. Or at 120fps for HD.
Cost Factor of the FS5 II
Since the original FS5 will remain on the market, its price can be expected to drop by around $800. Its successor will adjust accordingly at around $5,000 body-only.
Overall, the FS5 II seems mainly to be an update to free RAW formats and high frame rates that originally had to be paid for additionally. Features that, as already mentioned, cost extra money with the FS5. This means the additions should probably be regarded as rather mild.
