Sony unveils ‘world’s first’ robotic pan-tilt-zoom full-frame mirrorless digital camera | Engadget

Sony has unveiled an uncommon mirrorless digital camera that basically marries the FX6 cinema camera‘s tech with remote-controlled robotics. Called the FR7, it is the “world’s first” pan-tilt-zoom full-frame interchangeable-lens digital camera with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) robotic know-how, based on the corporate. 

Priced at practically $10,000 with out a lens, it is designed for skilled productions together with actuality exhibits, live shows, dramas, music movies and extra. For occasion, it may very well be mounted on dolly tracks, a crane or a tripod and remotely observe topics round with out getting in the best way. It is also fastened to a automobile, with the pan-tilt-zoom capabilities giving the director extra fascinating angles and pictures.

The giant sensor permits for a extra cinematic picture than typical robotic TV cameras, too. “The cinematic look and feel is rapidly becoming the norm in broadcasting and live production as it opens up new ways to tell a narrative,” mentioned Sony Electronics VP Yang Chen. “In parallel, over the last 2 years, we’ve seen a steep rise in content created remotely or in small locations where access is difficult.”

The FR7 seems a bit like Sony lower the again off an FX6, leaving the mount and small physique fastened to a compact motorized system. It’s designed to easily pan and tilt at speeds starting from .02 to a fast 60 levels per second, whereas shifting from plus or minus 170 levels (pan) and -30 to 195 levels (tilt). You can retailer as much as 100 digital camera presents and management it utilizing an internet app or the optionally available $2,625 RM-IP500 remote controller. 

The 10.3-megapixel sensor is an uncommon alternative, because it is probably not appropriate for some high-end productions as a result of 4K decision restrict. However, it does provide 4K recording at as much as 120 fps or 1080p at 240fps. On high of that, it has a local ISO vary as much as 409,600 with 15+ stops of dynamic vary, making it appropriate for taking pictures in low gentle. It additionally comes with S-Log3 gamma, huge S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine shade areas for HDR and enhanced shade grading capabilities.

It gives the identical autofocus capabilities because the FX6, together with Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, with contact focus accessible by way of the online app. Sony guarantees quick and correct eye-detect AF, which shall be key for issues like actuality exhibits or reside streaming with no bodily operator. It additionally comes with a built-in digital variable ND filter, twin SD/CFexpress Type A slots, an ethernet port for distant management (and energy) and SDI/HDMI video outputs. 

The FR7 costs $9,700 with out a lens, or $12,200 with Sony’s FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 cinema lens. It’s set to go on preorder within the US on September seventh and Sony will present it off at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam later this week.