Win the new Sony FS5 with their (almost) global competition “No Limits”

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At IBC this year Sony announced the PXW-FS5, the baby brother/ sister of the FS7. Sharing many features with the FS7, it looks rather nice indeed, although I have never see one in the “flesh” let alone shot with one, although that will change later this month!

It looks very impressive indeed. It has a hell of a feature set and it’s tiny and light…less than half the FS7 at 0.8kg.

DP Mick Jones who made the FS5 launch film with the camera
DP Mick Jones who made the FS5 launch film with the camera

The could be a perfect camera for gimbals! In fact they are actively promoting it for gimbals and drones as you can see from one of their website images!

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These are the key features as per the B&H website:

The 4K Super 35 EXMOR sensor features approximately 14 stops of latitude and a wide color gamut. It offers a choice of XAVC or AVCHD codecs. The XAVC codec can be used for 4K and HD recording, while MPEG-2 is limited to HD recording. The XAVC Long allows you to encode from HD to UHD using Intra-Frame or Long GoP compression with 10-bit 422 for HD and the choice of 10-bit 422 or 8-bit 420 for UHD.
The PXW-FS5 is equipped with an E-mount machined from solid stainless steel for stability and strength. It accepts E-mount lenses from Sony, Zeiss, and other manufacturers. The shallow flange distance allows you to mount most 35mm lens types, such as PL, DSLR, and legacy SLR lenses, including Canon EF, Leica, and Nikon as well as many others with mechanical adapters.
The camera includes an ergonomic handgrip that Sony calls a SmartGrip, which features Zoom, Start/Stop and Assign controls. The SmartGrip facilitates camera operation with the right hand, leaving the left hand free to operate the lens. The handgrip can be positioned at different angles permitting greater flexibility.
The camera features two SD media slots that support simultaneous or relay recording. One of the two SD slots also accepts Memory Stick-type media.
All input, output connectors feature covers for dust protection; this applies even to the DC input and LANC connector. The media card slots and Multi-Terminal are likewise protected from dust by a swing away door.
The camera includes a removable top handle that incorporates a second XLR 3-pin audio input that compliments the 3-pin XLR input incorporated into the body. Both audio inputs feature a selector switch for line/mic/mic+48.
The top handle allows you to attach the LCD viewfinder to the camera, providing you with a choice of using the camera’s built-in EVF, or a larger LCD viewscreen. Audio level control is on the main body of the camera and offers automatic gain control.
A built-in, electronic, variable ND system allows you to dial in anywhere from 1/4 to 1/128th ND filtration in the camera body, allowing you to eschew the use of optical ND filters. The variable ND also features four preset positions; off, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64.
One SDI connector provides HD 10-bit 422 output. In addition, one A-type HDMI 2.0 provides 4K and HD output. Both the SDI and HDMI ports can output REC trigger and TC following Sony’s established transmission method.
The PXW-FS5 records to XAVC-L QFHD 8-bit 420 (up to 30fps) and HD 10-bit 422 (up to 60fps) internally.
The PXW-FS5 has Simultaneous-Recording capability with Individual Rec Trigger. Mirror or back-up recording is possible. There are two Rec s/s buttons: one on the camera grip, the other on the camera handle. The target SD card slot for each trigger is assigned in the Recording Menu.
The PXX-FS5 is capable of simultaneously recording proxy files with the same name and time code as the main recordings.
The camera has a built in Wi-Fi capabilities that enables live streaming to PCs, tablets, and smart phones. When using content Browser mobile, the user can even control the camera wirelessly. One (1) Ethernet connector located on the rear panel of the camera provides robust connections when a reliable Wi-Fi link is not available.
Recorded movie files can be transferred via network to a designated FTP server. The following file format is available for FTP:
XAVC Proxy files
XAVC-L recorded files (4K(QFHD) & HD)
AVCHD files (only m2ts stream files)

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Sony are running a competition to win one, and all you need to do is make a little film (details below) and it’s open to the whole world….EXCEPT if you live in the US, Canada, Japan and (randomly) Italy, I am told there are legal reasons. Don’t take it personally!

Americans, you can always buy the camera from B&H from the below link anyway! 😉

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How to enter!

All you have to do is create a 2-min short film with the theme “No More Limits” then upload it to your own YouTube account and write in the description “This is my entry for the Sony Professional competition.” and also tag it #NoLimits. You must also fill out the entry form. You have until the 31st of October to enter. Any videos entered after that won’t be entered, so will be a really frustrating thing (for you) if you go to all the effort to make the greatest two-minute film ever and upload it on the 1st November!

The videos that receive the most YouTube ‘likes’ from the 1st-15th November will form regional shortlists, an Independent expert from each region will select their favourite (In Europe that’s me! HINT: FEATURE CUTE CATS! 😉 ). These regional finalists will each win a Sony A7S (or equivalent), and will be entered into the global final to win the PXW-FS5. The global winner and regional winners will be announced during a live webinar on 17th December which will be hosted by er…me! 🙂

Some might complain about YouTube “likes” factoring heavily. It’s not idea but it’s a bit of real-world in a way. After all, marketing is a very important part of the business these days, so show you can market your film as well as make it!

I wonder what they mean by “or equivalent”? What’s equivalent to an A7S? Maybe they mean the soon to come out A7SII? Who knows! I can’t imagine them giving out GH4s!

There are lots of rules to follow of course, like being over 18, owning the rights to what you use, and think all gentleman should wear jackets with pocket squares.

Make sure you follow these rules please. Otherwise you will be disqualified and banned from international competition for 4 years and all your camera equipment will be confiscated and incinerated! (that bit is not true!)

For full details and entry click here!

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I look forward to judging you and awarding one of you a brand new FS5! Hang on, I want an FS5…maybe I should enter… ?

GOOD LUCK!!

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