Sony Evolves FS7 and FS7 II Camcorders for News Production with ENG-Style Build-up Kit and B4 Lens to E Mount Adapter

LAS VEGAS — April 7, 2019 — Sony’s popular PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM camcorders are now further optimized for news gathering thanks to a new ENG-style build-up kit and a new B4 lens to E mount adapter. The build-up kit, CBK-FS7BK, enables extended shoulder mount usage, making the camcorders ideal for news production, interviews, documentaries and reality television shooting. Combined with a new lens mount adapter, the LA-EB1, not only E mount but also B4 lens assets can be used on an FS7 or FS7 II, allowing users to capture images with deep and shallow DoF – all with a single camera.

The CBK-FS7BK build-up kit and LA-EB1 mount adapter will be shown for the first time during NAB in Sony’s Booth #C11001.

“The new build-up kit and lens mount adapter give the FS7 and FS7 II camcorders the ergonomics, networking features and zoom ratio of a traditional run-and-gun, shoulder-mount camcorder, allowing crews to quickly adapt their shooting style with minimal equipment,” said Theresa Alesso, Pro division president, Sony Electronics. “As video production evolves, the demand for cinematic-style shooting has permeated into every facet of the industry, including broadcast news. FS7 shooters will be excited by the possibilities and adaptability the new build-up kit and lens mount adapter provides.”

The CBK-FS7BK build-up kit includes: an extension unit with a wireless audio receiver slot and built-in network capability, providing advanced network operation for broadcast usage; a viewfinder and a cheese plate with enhanced robustness; and an adjustable shoulder plate designed to achieve optimal weight balance. Streaming and file transfers are possible via a wireless LAN or a 4G/LTE connection. QoS performance streaming is provided through the camcorder’s Dual Link connection, which enables the multiplexing of two cellular networks.

With the new LA-EB1 mount adapter, a B4 lens can be attached to FS7 and FS7 II camcorders.*¹ The addition of a B4 lens on the camcorder makes it possible to shoot deep Depth of Field (DoF) with the high zoom ratio necessary for traditional news production.

Through DC supply from CBK-FS7BK or FS7 extension unit XDCA-FS7, compatibility with the B4 mount’s communication interface allows start/end recording using the lens REC button, and information such as iris and focus is displayed on the viewfinder of the camera and recorded as metadata. This streamlines post-production efforts. The adapter also works as a hub for the power zoom of the lens, enabling one-hand operation via the servo zoom.

Other highlights of the CBK-FS7BK build-up kit and LA-EB1 mount adapter include:

• Support for various interfaces, including genlock/timecode for multi-camera operation and RAW output
• Compatible with Sony BP-GL and BP-FL series batteries
• Newly designed shoulder plate with an extended slide mechanism allows users to find the optimum weight balance with their choice of lens
• ENG-style LCD viewfinder included
• Exchange lenses on location with no tools required
• Image circle is expanded to 13.5mm by magnifying the optical system. The F drop is as small as 0.6, which can capture bright images*²
• ALAC (Auto Lens Aberration Compensation) decreases chromatic aberration caused by the lens*³*⁴

The ENG-style build-up kit and mount adapter for FS7 and FS7 II will be available in December 2019.

About Sony Electronics’ Imaging Products and Solutions – Americas

Sony Electronics’ Imaging Products and Solutions – Americas group develops and manufactures video and audio technologies and solutions for a range of professional applications. These include broadcast television and motion picture production, live event production, ENG/EFP, digital cinematography, and more. Sony professional technologies are used in market segments including media solutions, imaging solutions, education, visual simulation and entertainment, theater, healthcare, and sports. Visit pro.sony for more information.

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

*¹ Need to hold the lens with CBK-FS7BK or VCT-FS7.

*² Only support HD and 2K center scan mode.

*³ By Ver1.1 planned in early 2020.

*⁴ Need to supply DC from CBK-FS7BK or XDCA-FS7