Sony Electronics has announced the latest addition to its Cinema Line, the FR 7, an E-mount interchangeable lens camera with a full-frame image sensor and built-in pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) functionality. It is designed to offer versatile remote control combined with cinematic features for a variety of in studio, live production and filmmaking settings.  The FR7 features a back-illuminated 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor Exmor R™ with approximately 10.3 effective megapixels and wide 15+ stop latitude in a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera for the first time. In addition to wide dynamic range, low noise, and cinematic full frame bokeh, the sensor also delivers high sensitivity that allows ISO to be expanded up to 409,600 when shooting in low light.  A number of preset scene files are included, including S-Cinetone for natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color, plus soft colors and highlights.  Frame rates up to 120fps 4K (QFHD) and 240 fps FHD as well as slow-motion is possible.

Pan and tilt speed can be continuously varied from 0.02 degrees per second to 60 degrees per second, supporting a wide range of stable and smooth camera movements. The pan angle range is from -170° to +170°, and the tilt angle range is from -30° to +195°.  The FR7 can memorize up to 100 camera position presets. The built-in web application and optional RM-IP500 remote controller allow up to 100 camera position presets to be recalled. Presets include camera direction, zoom, and focus, and can be recalled at the touch of a button.  The FR7 will also support S700 protocol via Ethernet, enabling control of this product from Sony’s Remote Control Panel (RCP) and Master Setup Unit (MSU) with a firmware update. Fast Hybrid AF and pan/tilt/zoom functionalities combine to focus on static or fast-moving subjects precisely and smoothly over a wide area, to avoid blurred images, even when a shallow depth of field is used. The built-in electronic variable ND filter allows seamless ND adjustment. An Auto ND function keeps exposure constant by automatically adjusting the ND filter to match changing light. Remote control is also possible, allowing exposure control at a distance from the camera.

The new FR7 will be available in November 2022 for approximately US$9699.99. The FR7K, which includes the FR7 and SELP28135G lens, will be available for US$12,199.99, while the CIB-PCM1 ceiling bracket will be available for US$119.99. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America. A product video on the new FR7 can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/bSVTOp8nMds. To see it in action, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?