Sony NEX-FS700 4K camcorder brings super slow-mo
With up to 960fps slow motion, 4K video, and a price tag lower than its predecessor, this is one to watch out for
Sony’s new high-end camcorder looks set to drain many wallets dry with its 4K high definition recording and up to 960fps super slow motion capturing skills. The Sony NEX-FS700E (in Europe, but also called NEX-FS700U in the US, for obvious reasons) may sound pricey at US$9,000, but for a low-budget production shooter a sub $10k pricetage, it’s actually one of the more affordable offerings.
There is a catch though – early adopters won’t be able to shoot and export 4K footage out of the box, though a firmware update will follow hot on the heels of the 11.6 million pixel Exmor Super 35mm CMOS toting camera’s release. Until then they can enjoy playing with slow motion that comes in three varieties: 120fps for 16 seconds, 240fps for 8 seconds, or the amazing 480fps and 960fps if you’re willing to sacrifice quality. And full quality frame rates aren’t lacking either, with HD 50p and 60p as well as 60i, 24p, 25p and 30p options. Plus, with 3G HD-SDI, it can all be outputted seamlessly.
Here’s a video of us messing about with a paintball gun on a 1000fps camera, to give you an idea of just how slow this badboy can go.
The good news is, while you may be broke from buying the beast, you’ll be able to use nearly any SLR or DLSR 35mm lenses, as well as FS series ones with the NEX-FS700 – a serious one-up on the JVC GY-HMQ10 4K offering. But will this sway you over Canon’s 4K handheld shooter? Whichever you choose, you’ll need some spare cash to watch your 4K creations. Sony offers a 4K projector in the form of the VPL-VW1000ES, while the Toshiba Regza 55X3 4K glasses-free 3D TV is another great option. Better start saving now.
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Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
