The NEX-FS100UK Super 35mm Sensor Camcorder is Sony's
first affordable and fully professional large-sensor video camera. This
compact, highly modular camera comes equipped with a stabilized 11x
zoom lens while using the same S35-size CMOS sensor as the higher-end
PMW-F3. Unlike smaller, broadcast-style sensors or the larger
"full-frame" sensors of some DSLRs, the NEX-FS100's imaging area matches
that of standard Hollywood film cameras, providing complete
compatibility with cine-style film lenses (via optional adapters) as
well as any of Sony's E-Mount lenses. The sensor's large size offers a
variety of other advantages, including increased control over depth of
field, higher sensitivity in low light, lower image noise, and an
exceptional dynamic range.
Able to shoot full 1080p video in a range of frame rates up to 60p, the
FS100 provides the option of recording 28Mbps AVCHD footage onto SD or
Memory Stick media, or it can output 8-bit 4:4:4 video (with embedded
timecode) to an external recording unit. There's no stinting on audio,
either, as the camera includes not only a shotgun microphone with
mount/carrying handle, but dual XLR inputs for recording uncompressed,
professional-level sound from an external source.
Other features--such as a rotating 3.5" XtraFine LCD panel with
detachable viewfinder, SD recording, GPS geotagging, and slow
shutter--make the FS100 an impressive companion to other cameras in the
S35 line. Not only will it intercut perfectly with the F3, F35, or
SRW-9000PL as a 2nd unit or B camera, it can stand on its own in
applications as diverse as indie film, commercials, music promos,
education, and wedding videos.
- Exmor Super 35 CMOS Sensor for Shooting Motion Pictures
- Equipped with a large CMOS sensor equivalent in size to Super
35mm film, the NEX-FS100 enables shooting with the same creative depth
of field as the PMW-F3.
The sensor also features the optimum number of effective pixels
for shooting HD moving images. At a high 60fps in all-pixel scan mode,
this allows images to be captured with less color aliasing, jaggedness
and rolling shutter than DSLR cameras, while providing the sensitivity
to shoot at a minimum illumination of 0.28 lux. Another advantage of
Exmor technology is minimal noise when shooting lowlight scenes.
- E-Mount Interchangeable Lens System
- Sony's E-mount interchangeable lenses let you enjoy a level of
creative freedom unimaginable with camcorders of the past. All feature
precision-crafted optics with aspherical glass elements for compact high
performance, and circular iris mechanisms for smooth background
defocusing. The supplied E-Mount 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens boasts 11x zoom
power, a quiet AF motor for cleaner sound recording, and Optical
SteadyShot image stabilization with an advanced Active mode that lets
you take steady handheld shots while walking around--even without a
bulky stabilization rig. An ultra-compact SEL16F28 wide-angle lens and
SEL1855 3x zoom lens are also available.
Thanks to the E-mount's short 18mm flange-back distance, using a
mount adapter allows shooting with a wide range of existing lenses. For
example, with the optional LA-EA1 mount adapter, you can take advantage
of the abundant lenses (A-mount lenses). Third-party adapters enable use
of an even wider variety of lenses.
- Modular Design for a Variety of Shooting Styles
- Featuring a compact, lightweight body with detachable grip,
handle, and viewfinder, the NEX-FS100 is ideal for a wide range of
shooting situations.
During handheld shooting, the angle of the grip can be changed as
desired, and recording started and stopped with a button on the grip.
Recording start/stop buttons are also provided on the top and lower
right of the camera.
There are also 1/4" and 3/8" screw holes on both the handle and
the bottom of the camera body for mounting various peripheral
devices--plus a tape measure hook and an image sensor position index on
the body.
- XtraFine LCD Panel
- Located on the optical axis, the 3.5"-type XtraFine LCD panel
enables easier, more intuitive framing, especially during handheld
shooting. And the LCD panel can be rotated for stress-free operation
when shooting low-angle scenes and digital signage footage. For easier,
more precise focusing in daylight, the viewfinder comes with a
detachable 1.2x magnifier.
- 1920 x 1080P Slow & Quick Motion
- Recording images at a different frame rate from that used for
playback provides the extra versatility of slow and quick motion
shooting. The NEX-FS100 enables Full HD (1920 x 1080) progressive slow
and quick motion. Frame rates are selectable from among 60fps, 30fps,
15fps, 8fps, 4fps, 2fps, and 1fps. So, for example, when recording at
1080/30p, if the frame rate is set to 60fps, images are recorded in 2
times slow motion. S&Q shooting plus last scene review permits
checking the S&Q effects on-set, immediately after shooting the
scene without drilling down menus.
- Hybrid Recording
- Recording to the directly mountable HXR-FMU128 Flash Memory unit
allows continuous recording for over 10 hours without changing the
recording medium. Simultaneous recording using memory cards and other
media is also possible for secure backup when shooting footage that
can't be reshot.
Note: When recording on different media, the resolution must be HD or SD. HD and SD cannot be simultaneously on different media.
- NXCAM Recording Format
- Like other NXCAM series cameras, the NEX-FS100 uses the well
established AVCHD recording format supported by a wide range of
nonlinear editing systems. Better still, it's ready to shoot with a
maximum frame rate of 1920 x 1080/60p (28Mbps) for even higher quality
recording. For more flexibility, it's also possible to record in
Standard Definition MPEG-2 format.
- Uncompressed 4:4:4 Output with Embedded Time Code
- When shooting, the NEX-FS100 can output uncompressed 4:4:4
footage via HDMI (with an embedded SMPTE Time Code) which can be
recorded onto external media, such as HDD.
- Geotagging with Built-in GPS Receiver
- A built-in GPS receiver makes the NEX-FS100 an ideal choice for
professional videographers. The receiver gives you the ability to
"geo-tag" shooting locations--making it easy if you need to return to
the same location or to create a log when surveying remote locations.
Your locations can be tracked on Google Maps and all GPS data can be
extracted with a PC. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts
your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone when international travel
is part of your assignment.
- Picture Profile
- Six picture profile settings for different shooting conditions
are provided as default settings. Selecting a picture profile for a
particular scene offers an easy way to creatively change your shoot.
- Last Scene Review
- Press a single button to immediately review the last recorded scene.
- Expanded Focus
- Press a button and this enlarges the centre of the displayed
image by 2x, a particularly useful feature when making critical focusing
adjustments.
- Histogram
- Onscreen display of a histogram enables easier exposure
adjustment. The histogram also shows the point where the zebra pattern
appears (the zebra point). This enables confirmation of overall
brightness distribution and the brightness level set with the zebra
function. As well as preventing overexposure, this is useful as a guide
when aiming for optimum exposure of certain parts of an image, such as
faces.
- Peaking
- A peaking function draws a defined line around the subject
displayed in the LCD monitor and viewfinder. Peaking sensitivity and
color (red, white, yellow) can be selected to enable more precise
focusing.
- Markers
- Center, aspect, safety zone, guide frame and other markers can be displayed on the LCD.
- Firmware Update
- Sony has implemented a firmware update scheme for future functions.