Here's one of the latest videos for Sony's PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System. Not quite the image quality you would get from the more expensive FS7, but still an exciting new camera that offers many features in a small and lightweight form factor. Features like XLR Audio Inputs, built in Variable ND Filter, and Clear Image Zoom (faux servo zoom), make it feel closer to an actual video camera while the small size should still appeal to those who like the DSLR form factor.
Internally at 4K you're getting 8bit 420 (Sony A7sII and A7rII is also 8bit 420), but at 1080HD you can get 10bit 422 which is much better quality. Hopefully they'll update this and allow RAW recording output to use an external recorder. A benefit is that it does allow the use of affordable SDXC Cards for recording media which is a big plus if you shoot hours of footage. Basically, if you've been happy shooting with a Sony A7s, A7sII, or A7RII the FS5 is an excellent step up. The super slow motion without crop, built in ND filters, XLR audio inputs, and better battery system are worth the upgrade from an A7 body for many.
The Sony PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System is available now and in stock via B&H.
Sony PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System
Rob S.
I'd also like to mention that the C100 has the LCD on back which has always been ergonomically awkward rigged or otherwise. It looks as if you can shoulder rig the FS5 without having to buy an expensive EVF since the screen is in the same sensible place as the C300/500.
Rob S.
@Jeff It's far more than just slow mo and 4K. The FS5 also has SDI out, better codec options, incremental ND, compatibility with standard LANC controllers vs overpriced Zacuto options and better color space out of the box. I know shooters that went up to the C300 Mki just to get the broadcast codec and 422 8-bit color alone; and this camera even exceeds the C300 mkii in several categories. I've also shot with C100s for years so fully know the limitations of that camera.
Johnny
I hate to say it, but Sony always hires really mediocre "cinematographers" to film their promo videos. All that aside, for me, the FS5 is a 10bit 1080P camera that can shoot 10bit 1080P up to 240FPS - which is perfectly fine as I think 4K is overrated and would go 10bit 1080P over 8bit 4K any day.
Mark
Really? I've always found Canon to be too orange indoors. Everything has a gross yellow-red shift unless you're shooting in broad daylight. Sony looks a lot more accurate.
Saiaf
Jeff, we own 6 c100s. The c100 can't be color graded without making the footage look grainy, its colors are always leaning to the magenta and it's the same price as the fs5 but has no 4k whatsoever. The fs5 has slow mo, 4k, is 422 HD and has face detection auto focus. I promise the FS5 blows the c100 out of the water.
Jeff
The 3 year old C100 has a 4k sensor that's why 1080p is so sharp on them. This camera isn't much of an upgrade unless you're niche and 4k and slow motion is important. The form factor/ergonomics are virtually identical.
Rob S.
Really puts the C100 to shame featurewise. If Sony could just up the ante with their color science, they'd really bury Canon.