Product Review: Sony FS5 II Super 35mm Compact Cinema Camera
Published on
October 1, 2019 at 11:24:40 PM PDT October 1, 2019 at 11:24:40 PM PDTst, October 1, 2019 at 11:24:40 PM PDT
[penci_blockquote style="style-1" align="none" author="" font_weight="200" uppercase="false"]Fully featured, lightweight, compact cinema camera![/penci_blockquote]
What does the product do and what it's intended use?The Sony FS5 II (PXWFS5M2K is a fully-featured HDR compact cinema camera that is affordable and has some innovative features to help you use it for non-scripted 'run & gun' applications. The face detection auto-focus feature with supported lenses is excellent. The Variable ND filter allows you to keep the iris open for a shallow depth of field effect while still retaining the ability to adjust for varying lighting conditions while you are shooting. There is support for up to 120 frames per second in full HD continuously. The Clear Image Zoom feature allows you to utilize the 4K sensor while filming in HD, this allows you zoom further than the lens's optical zoom limit by using the same zoom rocker you use to zoom the included servo zoom lens. The camera body is 800 grams and the small form factor means you can easily fit it in a bag suitable for carry-on luggage. How does the Sony FS5 II Compact Cinema Camera rate for my application?News & Documentary
Yes, but with mixed resultsDigital CinemaPerfect for this!
Commercials & MarketingPerfect for this!
Corporate & EducationYes, but expect challenges.
Live Events & Outside Broadcast Yes, but expect challenges.
Online Video
Perfect for this!What we love about Sony FS5 II CameraSuper 35mm Sensor - great low light sensitivityBeing able to shoot slow-motion footage at 240fps in HD4K Raw SDI output direct from the camera Variable ND - greater exposure controlClear Image Zoom - using 4K technology to provide up to 200% more zoom!
What's not so hot about Sony FS5 II CameraLimited 4K Internal Recording of only 8bit 4:2:0, you may need to record this externally to improve.The limited resolutions of the Display screen and Viewfinder SDXC cards only - slow transfer rates in comparison to XQD cards
What results should you expect from the Sony FS5 II Compact Cinema Camera?Great dynamic range to capture the images in a wide range of applications and lighting conditions without crushing shadow details or blowing out highlight due to its Super 35mm sensor and extensive feature set will ensure the best resultsFeatures of theSony FS5 II Compact Cinema Camera that we love.HDR Workflows: There are two workflows you can use for HDR shooting with the PXWFS5M2 - if you are looking for a fast workflow then check out the Instant HDR workflow and shoot edit and view in the HyperLogGamma (HLG) or if you are looking to gather as much data as possible for colour grading then use S Log 2/3 options. 4K Raw output: The PXWFS5M2 features a RAW SDI output which enables you able to maximise the quality of the 4K signal in real-time to an external monitor/recorder like the Atomos Shogun (Note: this is a ProRes format when you use an Atomos Recorder). High Frame Rate: The PXWFS5M2 also features slow-motion recording options with both burst and continuous modes available. So you can shoot continuously in up to 120 frames per second in very high-quality HD codecs for broadcast, this is really helpful where you just not sure where the action will actually happen and you don’t need to wait for the buffering of a burst mode option. For planned shots, the burst mode can shoot up to 240 frames per second in the same high-quality HD codec.Variable ND: The Variable ND filter allows you to keep the iris open for a shallow depth of field effect while still retaining the ability to adjust for varying lighting conditions while you are shooting. Whilst this feature is not exclusive to the Sony PXWFS5MK2 it certainly is an awesome one to have around for fine-tuning your exposure especially when you are shooting outdoors particularly in really harsh sunlight. So you are able to specify the aperture and shutter speed settings and then apply ND up to a fairly strong 1/128 of ND to get exactly the exposure you need. The auto mode version of this also works well when you are transitioning from harsh lighting to more shaded areas or from outside to inside style of tracking shots.
What's the Alternative?You should also consider these other cameras Panasonic EVA1, Canon C200, Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro G2, check them out in more detail but it is hard to go past the PXWFS5M2 This product has been reviewed by Simon Anderson - Videocraft Production and Education Sales Specialist.