Sony FR7 Cinema Line PTZ E-mount Camera Announced

Sony has made a new addition to their cinema line with an E-mount camera called the FR7.

The FR7 takes current imaging technology from the FX6 and combines it with remote-controlled robotics, creating the world’s first full-frame interchangeable lens (ILC) PTZ camera.

Sony says that the new camera inherits the look of the cinema line and provides a “new world” of remote shooting with accurate and smooth pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) robotics, making it the first camera to combine lens interchangeability, a full-frame sensor, and the PTZ functionality.

The camera is primarily targeted for use in reality shows, episodic drama, talk shows, cooking shows, and music videos.

Additionally, the camera could also be used in more traditional use cases for PTZ cameras, such as fixed event spaces, concerts, wedding venues, fashion shows and more.

The camera is identical to the Sony FX6 camera and features a backside-illuminated full-frame 10.3-megapixel sensor with 15+ stops of dynamic range and ISO performance from ISO 800 and expandable up to 409,600. It supports a wide range of formats including up to 120p at 4K and high-quality 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit out via HDMI and SDI.

Sony’s autofocus technology such as real-time eye-AF and Real-time Tracking are also on-board to help keep subjects in focus.

One difference worth mentioning between the FR7 and the FX6 is is that it has no audio capture capability, microphones can be accepted via XLR.

Although it supports all of Sony’s E-mount lenses, the control of the “Z” in PTZ relies on lenses with built-in motors. The 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens is being offered as a kit option.

The camera features a smooth pan tilt zoom operation that can be as as slow as 0.02 degrees per second or as rapid as about 60 degrees per second.

Presets can be set for smooth or fast pan and tilt, or rapid repositioning. The pan angle range is from -170 degrees to 170 degrees and the tilt angle range is between -30 and + 195 degrees in normal upright orientation, and -210 to 15+ degrees when suspended from a ceiling mount.

The FR7 makes use of a web app for a totally new camera control as well as the RM-IP500 Pro multi-camera remote controller. The web app interface is accessible from a tablet or PC and uses a smart screen design and intuitive operation by touch AF control.

CFexpress Type A and SDXC memory card support is built into the base of the model. There’s an SDI out, optical out, HDMI type A output, Audio in (XLR type 5-pin) connector that can be powered over LAN or DC IN.

The camera will be available from the end of November 2022 for $9,699 body-only in the US, whilst the kit option with the 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens is $12,199. Preorders start at 10am ET, Wednesday Sep 7.