Sony PXW-FS7 Professional Camcorder
The Sony PXW-FS7 is a 8.8 million effective pixels (4096 x 2160 DCI, 3840 x 2160 UHD) Super 35 cinema camera — with 4K video. Used copies start from $1,052.98 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony PXW-FS7 Professional Camcorder
Used Sony PXW-FS7 Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Sony PXW-FS7
Key Features — Sony PXW-FS7
Super 35 Sensor: 8.8 million effective pixels capture DCI 4K at 4096 x 2160, delivering a cinematic depth-of-field look familiar to film productions.
DCI 4K Recording: Records natively at 4096 x 2160 in XAVC-I and XAVC-L formats, covering both DCI 4K and UHD 3840 x 2160 production standards.
10-Bit Color Recording: XAVC-I and XAVC-L recording at 10-bit provides substantial color data for demanding grading workflows.
S-Log2, S-Log3 & Cine EI Modes: Seven color profiles including S-Log2, S-Log3, Rec.2020, and HyperGamma give colorists wide latitude in post-production.
180fps Slow Motion: Full HD shooting in XAVC-I mode reaches up to 180fps at 1080p, enabling high-speed slow-motion capture for documentary and broadcast work.
Sony E Mount: Compatible with the broad Sony E-mount lens ecosystem, including native E-mount and adapted PL or A-mount glass via third-party adapters.
Camera Specifications — Sony PXW-FS7
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Documentary, Video / Cinematography |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | Super 35 |
| Resolution | 8.8 million effective pixels (4096 x 2160 DCI, 3840 x 2160 UHD) |
| Processor | Not explicitly specified (Sony proprietary image processing) |
| ISO Range | 500 – 8000 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | Not specified (manual focus and basic contrast AF only) |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4096 x 2160 (DCI 4K) still frame from video |
| Burst Rate | 0 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| Max Frame Rate | 180fps |
Description — Sony PXW-FS7
The Sony PXW-FS7 is a professional camcorder centered on a Super 35 sensor delivering 8.8 million effective pixels at resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 DCI 4K. It records to XQD media in XAVC-I and XAVC-L at 10-bit, making it well-suited for productions that require substantial color grading latitude. Seven color profiles are supported — S-Log2, S-Log3, ITU709, Rec.2020, Cine EI, Standard, and HyperGamma — giving cinematographers and colorists meaningful flexibility.
Frame rate options span from 1–60 fps in 4K DCI/UHD up to 1–180 fps in Full HD (XAVC-I) for slow-motion work. The magnesium alloy body weighs 2 kg and measures 156 x 239 x 247 mm. Monitoring is handled by a 3.5-inch, 1,560,000-dot LCD panel and a removable LCD viewfinder at the same resolution.
Audio is captured through dual XLR inputs and a 3.5mm microphone jack, with playback via a 3.5mm headphone output. The camera uses the Sony E lens mount and connects via HDMI Type A. ISO sensitivity ranges from 500 to 8000.
Pros — Sony PXW-FS7
- ✓Super 35 sensor with 8.8 million effective pixels enables DCI 4K recording at 4096 x 2160
- ✓10-bit recording in XAVC-I/L formats supports rich color grading workflows
- ✓Seven color profiles available including S-Log2, S-Log3, Cine EI, and Rec.2020
Cons — Sony PXW-FS7
- ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in rain or dusty outdoor conditions
- ✗No in-body or digital image stabilization of any kind
- ✗Autofocus is limited to contrast detection only, with no subject or eye tracking
Reviews — Sony PXW-FS7
- Sony PXW-FS7 4K Super35 camera - the best of all worlds?
Newsshooter · 2014-09-12 - Sony FS7 Review Part 1
TheCameraStoreTV - Sony PXW-FS7 Review
A&S Broadcast Limited - Sony FS7 - A review - 4 Minute Tech
TopLine Film: Video Production Company - Sony PXW-FS7 Review: Powerful 4K Camcorder for Filmmakers
Melanin Home Reviews
Videos — Sony PXW-FS7
Video Review of the Sony PXW-FS7 by Philip Bloom — Philip Bloom
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony PXW-FS7
What lens mount does the Sony PXW-FS7 use?+
The PXW-FS7 uses the Sony E lens mount. This is the only mount listed in the specifications for this camera.
What recording formats and bit depths does the FS7 support?+
The camera records at 10-bit in XAVC-I and XAVC-L formats, and at 8-bit in MPEG-2. These are the bit depth options explicitly listed in the specifications.
What are the slow-motion capabilities of the FS7?+
In Full HD with XAVC-I, the FS7 can record at up to 180 fps. In Full HD with XAVC-L, it supports up to 120 fps. At 4K DCI and UHD resolutions, the maximum is 60 fps.
What audio inputs does the FS7 offer?+
The camera features two XLR inputs and a 3.5mm mini microphone jack for recording audio. Monitoring is available via a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
What storage media does the FS7 use?+
The PXW-FS7 records to XQD cards, as specified in the storage media field.
Does the FS7 have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that in-body IS, digital IS, and any other stabilization type are all absent. Stabilization would need to be provided by a compatible stabilized lens or external rig.