Sony FS-100: Enough Camera For You?
By danseitz
One of the big disruptions in cameras lately has been the rapid rise of professional level digital video. The Canon 5DMkII suddenly became a filmmaker’s darling because it was (relatively) cheap and had interchangeable lenses. The camcorder industry is still getting over this drop kick to the face even as the stills side of things rushes to add 1080p video to everything, right down to their point-and-shoot cams to compete with the Flip.
This is Sony’s NEX FS-100. What’s under the hood, and does it measure up?
Survey says: nope. It’s got 1080p AVCHD recording, over and undercranking, and XLR inputs, but (barf) a proprietary lens mount, the E mount, because it just wouldn’t be Sony without some proprietary garbage you have to deal with.
Also, there’s no 4:4:4 recording option out of the box. That, of course, you have to pay extra for, because it’s not enough that you’re shelling out a fortune for lenses, recorders and other equipment: you need to pay for functionality which should really come standard in a $6000 camera at this point.
In short, we have yet another camcorder Edsel on our hands: trying to please everybody, including the corporate masters, and pleasing nobody. If I’m paying six grand, I’ll just get a 5D and a better set of lenses, guys.
Thursday, March 24, 2011 10:04PM
The E-mount will accept any other common lens mount with an adapter. The flange focal distance is very short, allowing sufficient room for mechanical lens mount adapters. Every type of lens-mount is at least somewhat proprietary-Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc. The E-mount is very open if you think about it.
Sunday, March 27, 2011 12:25PM
"(barf) a proprietary lens mount"
What kind of stupid article is that? What lens mount isn't proprietary? Canon, nikon, Pentaxm M4/3, all these mounts are proprietary, you dumb moron
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:08PM
I disagree with this survey 100% Forget about the hassle with the dslr cameras, this camera will fix most of that, and in my opinion is what film makers are looking for.
First, "film makers" will film just about anything that their little hearts desire, and I believe this camera will do exactly that! I, myself, film events, weddings, short films, commercials, music videos, sports and just about anything I'm asked to do. Heres my take, the advantages compared to the dslr cameras. Which by the way, in no way am I talking down on dslr cameras, they are what they are and where they are at now and they get the job done nicely. And they are great, but this camera in my opinion is better, heres why.
1. you can get a mount for this, to put on any lens you want from the Canon, zeiss lens, nikon and more. So who cares if it comes with a certain mount already for sony.. Yea yea, thats 1 downfall but c'mon.. its Sony we're talking about.
2. you can shoot 24p,30p,50p, and 60 p all at 1080p FULL HD.
3. better dynamic range! This means you dont have to shoot stuff so dull with your dslr cameras, and fix it in post. Coming from a Pansonic HVX200, then to Sony z7u which had way better low light and better saturiation than the panasonic, then going to the 7d… All the cameras always had something better than the other, and lacking in another.. This camera seems to have everything you need as of now..
4. XLR
5. cheap media, and long length.. Also mention the internal Hard Drive to record a ton of HD footage too!! Backing up, and like on the sony website says. PEACE OF MIND!! This is perfect for shooting events like weddings and having an important moment coming up to shoot!
6.battery length is very long! Unlike switching batteries on the dslr, and having to carry around A TON of batteries
7. Just like the HDSLR line of cameras, this camera needs a rig to have proper filming. This is a necessity with all cinematographers working with big lenses, follow focus and doing everything manually..
Now, I don't know who wrote this review without testing the camera, but from seeing test footage and actual film makers in the industry use this.. It looks like a score and 100% awesome, and a leap ahead of the HDSLR line of cameras in my own opinion.
Keep an eye out on this, I believe a lot of people will be selling their DSLR cameras and going with this.. it has better dyanmic range, better image, great low light , shallow depth of field, so many places to screw on things where needed, xlr, long battery life and long filming capability… This thing is beautiful. I will be looking more into this and hopefully purchasing.. I love it.
Thanks for your time to read this!
Cory Cross