Doug Jensen's Sony PXW-FS7 Master Class - Chapter 1

UPDATE: March 2019
"How to Make Money Shooting Stock Footage" • TRAILER for WORKSHOP: ...
I've just completed a new 5-hour Master Class workshop that teaches how to make money shooting stock footage. If that is a topic that interests you, please check it out.
Doug Jensen's Sony PXW-FS7 Master Class is available for on-demand streaming here at Vimeo, but you can watch the first chapter (42 minutes) for free. If you like what you see, please order the other 5 hours!
vimeo.com/ondemand/FS7
With the release of Sony’s PXW-FS7 digital cinema camera, the possibility of recording stunning, cinematic-quality 4K, 2K, and HD images with an affordable camera has become a reality. However, like any professional camera of this caliber, the FS7 is extremely complex and has a steep learning curve. And that’s why this Master Class has been created by Vortex Media to help FS7 owner/operators get started off on the right foot. This 6-hour training video series is the most thorough and efficient way to learn both the fundamentals and advanced features of Sony’s revolutionary PXW-FS7 camcorder.
Doug Jensen, a director of photography with over two dozen Sony camcorder training videos and books to his credit, leads you through all the major features and functions of this amazing 4K camcorder. Not only does Doug tell you "what" a feature does, he also explains "why", "when", and "how" to use it. This is as close to a one-on-one training session with Doug Jensen as you can get without actually hiring him yourself for personal instruction. In no time at all he’ll have you up to speed on all of the camera’s features and functions -- plus Doug shares his favorite custom settings, scene files, best practices, and dozens of tips and tricks.
In the no-nonsense style for which Doug Jensen is known, he cuts through the clutter of confusing, misunderstood, and undocumented features. He demystifies the camera and explains each of its functions while providing practical, step-by-step instructions for how to use them. His suggestions and advanced techniques will improve the quality of your footage, streamline your workflow, and make you more productive.
Topics include: Getting Started, Creating a User Menu, Recording Formats, the Custom Shooting Mode, Paint Menus, Scene Files, the Cine EI Shooting Mode, LUTs & Look Profiles, Setting Exposure, White Balance, Markers, All Files, Memory Cards, Video Monitoring, S&Q Motion, custom Clip Naming, Assign Buttons, Audio Recording, Timecode, Picture Cache, Interval Recording, Wi-Fi Control, System Menus, Playback Operation, Ingesting & Archiving, and much more.
This master class is a completely independent production with no sponsorship, input, or approval from Sony. It delivers unbiased information and professional advice that can’t be found from any other source.

[@christritschler1586]

The amount of time put in to this REALLY shows. In the first piece to camera he really sets out the stall as a pro speaking to pros.

[@christritschler1586]

Doug is wearing black - good start. Comes across like he's a proper cameraman.

[@juanMacko]

Figgin genius. Thanks Doug!

[@davebattle74]

Great video! This might have been intentional but your slide at 32:56 is for the Neutral Density Filter Wheel but you're talking about the battery options. Just in case that's now what yo meant I thought I'd pass it along. Again great job!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thanks for catching the mistake! I will be fixing it ASAP.

[@leighmonk]

Great review! Do you think this is still a good camera to buy in 2021? I have an opportunity to purchase a used kit with 3 lenses and many other accessories for AUD$7000. General opinion so far is that it’s a ‘bargain buy’ Given that it’s 6 years old but all in good condition and well cared for, do you think it’s worth pursuing?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I'm not sure what the market price is today on a good used FS7 with some lenses, but I I can tell you that the FS7 is still a very relevant camera and very much in use around the world. It is probably the single most popular camera among professional freelancers, small production companies, reality shows, documentaries, corporate video, government, military, etc. right now. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the FS7 is still the best bang-for-the-buck camera ever made.

[@vigenk06]

First of all thanks for your video! Do you know if the FS7 can record (burn) date and time seconds?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

+Vigen Kachikean If you're talking about burning-in a visible date and/or time stamp, no it can't do that. But you can set timecode for the time of day and generate a burn in post.

[@vigenk06]

+Doug Jensen Thanks for the reply. Sometimes i do video depositions the date and time has to be recored by the camera we're not allowed to edit the footage.

[@devin119]

Thanks for the free intro Doug. I currently own an FS700 and Odyssey 7Q combo. The images in 4KtoHD mode are fantastic. I've been looking at purchasing the FS7 but I am worried the image quality will not be much of a boost over my current setup. In your opinion is there much of an improvement over the FS700+O7Q combo? I know the F5 sensor is "better" but I can't imagine the XAVC is any better than ProRes. I shoot mostly corporate/industrial and some documentary work. Thanks for any help and I'll certainly purchase your class if I do go the FS7.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

***** I've never shot with an FS700 so I can't say whether the FS7 would be a huge improvement or not. But I will say that the FS7 offers a ton of other advantages (far too many to start listing here) that make it a vastly superior camera to the FS700. The FS7 is like a baby F5 or F55 and that puts into a totally different league than the FS700. But is the picture quality itself dramatically better? I can't say. As for XAVC vs. ProRes, the quality of the images are pretty much the same, but XAVC is 1/3 to 1/4 the file size. In my book that makes it better. I can shoot ProRes with my FS7 because I have the XDCA extension, but I never will shoot ProRes unless a client demands it and I can't talk them out of it. That's my 2 cents. Other people may disagree. :-)

[@devin119]

Doug Jensen Good to know. As a professional editor for 12 years I can certainly appreciate smaller file sizes. I'm sure I'll pull the trigger soon. Thanks again.

[@alexplainlater9770]

I have a question about clip naming...let's say in doing auto naming and the card # good up as you change cards..001 002 003 and so on. does that counter automatically default back to 001 on a different day or do I need to manually reset it for each different shoot day?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

If you have the opportunity to watch my entire master class you will learn that I recommend you do NOT use the camera's default clip naming method. As you have found, it is a mess and requires constant vigilance to keep orgranized. There are two different ways of setting up the clip naming and the second one, the one I teach in the class, is vastly superior for 99% of FS7 owners. vimeo.com/ondemand/fs7

[@HenkLeurink]

Hi Doug, i've seen all the chapters, I bought the course. It's very handy and clear. How can I get the luts and scene files from you. I tried allready via the fortex website but that didn't work out. Is it possible that you send it by mail? greetings Henk Leurink

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

+Henk Leurink Hi Henk, the link to get the files is case sensitive. Please give it another try.

[@HenkLeurink]

Doug Jensen Hi Doug. yes it is case sensitive, now it worked for me, i received the scene files allready, I will try them. Thanks a lot! The masterclass course is very good, I shall recommend it to other Fs7 users, it's really worth the price. Greetings from the Netherland, Henk Leurink

[@romandamon3393]

720 is blasphemy

[@hdstudiosdanaandrobinjenki3992]

A big thanks for your (Expert) Advice... After watching your videos and chatting here with you and after crunching the numbers .... Today we purchased the Sony PXW-FS7K And a Subscription of ADOBE CC We are Blown Away with the Products (Amazing) The Work Flow from Video/Photo & Audio to Animation & Film Production with this Suite and the FS7 is a Fantastic( budget) Fit for us. Thank You again for your EXPERT advice! (New Sony and Adobe buyers Thanks to Doug Jensen) Dana and Robin Jenkins,, 3/21/2016 We are also getting this Master workshop for i think around $90. We are independent film makers in Texas. We are just people starting out.. ( NOT sales persons for these products) We are just glad they exist.

[@christritschler1586]

Great to see someone who isn't in his teens, introducing us to a camera. The depth of his experience informs almost everything he says.

[@somaxperformance]

Great video. The production values, the sample videos and the instructional value are so much better than the other FS& reviews posted on KZbin. Top notch Vortex quality!

[@markmolesworth106]

Thanks Doug, I'm an F5 owner but have to use an FS7 in some sink hole near Tampa next week. It's great to have your expert tutorial!

[@johnburton3763]

The red flash at 11:06 has subliminally encoded god-knows-what into my brain, and I'm suing.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes, an FS5 video is already in the works. It will be released in January. Thanks for asking. And here it is . . . vimeo.com/ondemand/fs5

[@Big7media2011]

Doug, any chance I could purchase 1 part of your video? I am looking to understand the LUT picture profile part. I bought Berts 709a color profile a while back and I need to apply it to use so I can deliver my footage all already in great color. I have looked all over KZbin for some tutorials and can not find anything explaining. I have had my FS7 since it came out like over 2 years ago but I have not used it to it's full potential. Hopefully I can purchase the whole course by christmas. Wife might be good to me then, haha.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Hi Joe, I'm not sure what you mean when you ask about purchasing part one of my video because it is actually broken down into 26 chapters. And those chapters cannot be purchased individually because the concepts and topics covered in them are all interrelated in complex ways and do not stand alone. If someone wants to master their camera it is important to understand the entire camera and not try to focus on just one aspect of it -- because that won't work. And if you want to deliver WYSIWG footage to a client that won't require grading, you shouldn't be recording a LUT anyway. That's not what Monitor LUTS are intended for. Instead you should be using a Scene File in the camera's Custom Mode so you have full control over white balance and other settings that are excluded from LUTs. You may find these two articles I wrote of interest. There's even a free Scene File you can download. www.vortexmedia.com/LUTS_VS_SCENE_FILES.html www.vortexmedia.com/DJ-LC709typeA_Scene_File.html

[@StrongFrontTV]

Hi Doug, I just bought this camera and always watch all your videos. I purchased your videos for the Z150, Z90V and now the FS7. Do you have any new 4K picture profiles for this camera you can share? Thanks in advance.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you for your support over the years, I really appreciate it. No, I don't have any new scene file recommendations for the FS7. I almost always shoot S-LOG, and on the rare time I do shoot with a scene file I use one of the files I provide in my master class and book. After all these years, the FS7 is still a great camera!

[@StrongFrontTV]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia ps thank you for the scene files, I use them on all my cameras.

[@FranklynGrant]

This guy "Doug Jensen" is INCREDIBLE! Love the tutorial. It was because of this video and Phillip Bloom I purchased eeeeeverything for this camera,... and I'm a Noob Thanks Doug

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thanks Franklyn, that is high praise indeed. You've made my day.

[@FranklynGrant]

No problem,.... I posted you on the FS7 Group Facebook

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

+Franklyn Grant Thanks!

[@hdstudiosdanaandrobinjenki3992]

I am buying Sony PXW-FS7 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens Sony 32GB G Series XQD Format Version 2 Memory Card times 2 How can I get the XQD Cards (DATA and what kind is it } to my computer and view in Windows 10 pro and to , edit and render these files in Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13 suite 4K 4096 x 2160 12-bit RAW, UHD 3840 x 2160 , 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC-I, 8-bit 4:2:0 XAVC-L , 2K 2048 x 1080 12-bit Raw, HD 1920 x 1080 , 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC-I, 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC-L, MPEG2 4:2:2 , HD 1280 x 720 , MPEG2 4:2:2 please help

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

+Dana Jenkins Hi Dana, The Sony G series XQD cards will come with a USB3.0 reader that will allow you to transfer files to your computer. However, I can't answer your questions about Sony Movie Studio because I don't know anything about it. It's not considered professional video editing software and so it's possible that it might not even be compatible with files from the FS7. If you're going to use a camera such as the FS7 you really need to upgrade to Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

And I am happy to announce that I have released a new 3.5 hour training video called "Doug Jensen's Guide to Grading Sony S-LOG & RAW in DaVinci Resolve" vimeo.com/ondemand/resolve

[@StrongFrontTV]

Hi Doug, another question, how does the FS7’s XAVC L codec matchup with the latest Z90V and Z190. Are they exactly the same or is it a little older tech?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Anytime you see the same codec on two different Sony cameras, you can be sure they are exactly the same. Of course the cameras themselves are very different so the images will not look identical, but the codecs are exactly the same.

[@StrongFrontTV]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia thank you Doug that is good news, I plan to use it for longer record times in my live event work. I had the Z150 since it came out and love the recording times I got with 512gb cards. Understanding that since it is 420 in 4K, I will need to use a Color scene file and not log.

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

Doug, I recently acquired an FS7 Mk 1 to accompany my FS5. Both are fitted with Sony 18-110mm servo zooms so with the 5, I use auto iris a lot but have the handgrip dial set for +/- Iris trim - a very handy feature. I cannot find the same feature in the FS7 menu even with the latest firmware. Does it exist?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I never use any form of auto-exposure, but there is a function called "Auto Exposure Level" that be assigned to one of the buttons or dials. I think that will do what you want.

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia thanks for that, I'll look for it. I find controlled AE still has some benefit with Rec709.

[@ErichHaubrich]

I really enjoyed this. We do a lot with the FS-7 at work and I'm going to buy the course to be sure I know all of the operational do's and dont's.

[@OpaNa69]

Fantastic Video, thank you very much Doug!!!

[@mageefilms]

Thank you Doug - just saw your introduction tutorial on the FS 7 - brilliant presentation! The FS 7 covers most of what is needed in a corportate or doc film. The only reservation I have before buying this camera is the viewfinder. Is a Zacuto Viewfinder via HDMI connection a better option to set the focus perfectly?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you for the compliment. You can put your reservations aside about the viewfinder because it is beautiful and you will love it. I have no complaints about it at all. In fact, during production of my training video I was given a Zacuto VF to try out. If I liked it and wanted to talk about it in the video I could have kept it. I sent it back. It is a very nice product but not needed on the FS7 where the camera already comes with a great viewfinder. Also, with the Sony viewfinder you don't have to worry about powering it, extra cables, tying up on of the video outputs, etc. So relax, you will live the Sony viewfinder.

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia exactly my thoughts. Initially, I planned to replace the Sony VF with a spare Zacuto I had on the shelf as it is slightly shorter but after working with the stock item for some time, it is not as bad as made out. Even the much criticized circular rod support on the Mk 1 is machined with a groove to stop it rotating off axis. I wonder it that was missed by a lot of early reviewers as the second hand FS7 I bought had this part (and some other hardware) assembled incorrectly.

[@michaelcorcoran6956]

Thanks for the video! Any chance you plan on creating a master class for the Sony F5?

[@net2010b]

Very good review, thanks!

[@victorialeandra]

This is great. THANK YOU!

[@felixhess4691]

Thanks for the great introduction to the FS7. And GO NINERS!

[@abyhamouda3813]

Thanking you a million times will never be enough.

[@ProfessaJ]

the best tutorial on youtube ive seen

[@simongentry]

thank you Doug!

[@SF_Curious]

At 27:30 you are talking about PLAY BACK but the image shown is a Master Class card. Also at 33:02 you are talking about batteries but the image shown is ND filters. Just to let you know to correct that on your edit. This was very useful thank you.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Casa, thanks for pointing out the mistakes. Very sloppy on my part! Unfortunately KZbin doesn't allow me to replace the video with a corrected version so it will have to stay that way.

[@original01.21]

Amazing work!

[@anwardi]

Hi, am shooting a feature on an island, would Fs7 mk II be ideal?

[@shivambiharimusic]

anwardi jamil depends on what are your requirements..

[@TonyMwauraAMP]

I need help, after using a Rokinon 85mm lens I started getting very heavy scanlines when I switched back to my normal canon lenses. So I performed the all reset, now the scanlines are gone but I can't change any setting and the only way to access the menu is via THUMBNAIL.... also I have nothing on display just the picture.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Sorry to hear about the problems. I've never heard of anything like that before so you may need to send the camera into Sony for servicing. Good luck.

[@hdstudiosdanaandrobinjenki3992]

I am on windows so fcpx is out .adobe has that cc which doesn't work off line unless I miss understood and I am not a big fan of subscriptions, But I have found that I can get Vegas pro suite along with catalyst production for students pretty cheap 300 for Vegas Pro suite or 200 for catalyst suites. I wont really need the catalyst but the Free download of the catalyst browser will help me see the footage until I get the camera and start upgrading the software,the lens to cinema primes and Q7+larger media cards.I do think its really cool that you took the time to respond and would like to here what you think about my plan of attck on atleast starting to get into the more professional videography who knows maybe ill get a epic and be able to afford it all one day! thanks again Dana

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

+Dana Jenkins Vegas would probably be a good choice for you since you are on a PC, but the Adobe suite is so much more powerful and includes all the other programs you definitely need for professional video production -- such as Photoshop, After Effects, Bridge, Media Encoder, etc. And don't let the subscription basis bother you. You don't need to be online for it to work (maybe once every few weeks so it can check your status) and you still store all your files on your own hard drive. There is nothing different about it that any other software except you get to pay $50 monthly rather than thousands of dollars very few years for a major upgrade. I like it.

[@lestudionewton7375]

Merci beaucoup c’est très utile ! :)

[@prettypictureful]

Great video. Goes above and beyond typical reviews etc.

[@sergiiganzelynskyi5883]

Isn't this camera is too heavy on the front side so Sony is just telling us to get a bigger battery? It's ugly.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I totally disagree. I think the camera looks great with or without the optional XDCA back-end. And you are 180 degrees wrong in your insinuation that Sony is trying to sell batteries or upgrades by keeping the camera light and small. What Sony did was release the FS7 without having certain advanced features, such as a v-lock battery mount, timecode in/out, genlock, ProRes internal recording, RAW output, etc. that many people don't need and don't want to pay for. So that is the stock FS7. But for those people who DO need all or some of those advanced features, then they have the option of buying the XDCA as an optional accessory to complete the camera. Once the XDCA is attached, it becomes part of the camera. In my opinion, the FS7+XDCA should be though of as the "full" camera, and the FS7 without the XDCA is the "lite" version. And some people only need the "lite" version. Therefore, I think it is great that Sony gives people the option of choosing the configuration that suits them best. I don't understand why some people twist this around as a slam against Sony.

[@bwest6275]

Great intro video to the FS7. Thank you! By the way, was the wrong slide inserted @32:56?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Brian Westfield Yes you are correct, I fixed it on the Vimeo version but never got around to fixing it here. Now I'm too lazy to do it. :-)

[@rameshpolimer77]

i really Love the master class tutorial thank you very much

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

You're welcome!

[@CMOOREDESIGN]

Great job!!

[@angelisone]

Can this camera uses the Sony HVL-F60M flash as well as shooting RAW photos? And if it can shoot photos then what is maximum frame rates? Very nice tips, Doug.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

angelisone Sorry, the FS7 is a video camera only and cannot shoot still frames.

[@angelisone]

Doug Jensen That's really too bad. Then the Samsung NX1 can do 4K plus stills. Plus the Panasonic GH4 & Sony A7s can. A7s can't save one card. Sony FDR-AX100 can do 4K & stills but the 8.8mm sensor is dinky. $12,000.00 is steep for many today that claimed to be cine/video/photographers when they are really beginners. But I think it is better than getting Red or 1D C because you can place a lot of lenses on the PSW-FS7. Thank you for getting back.

[@RedTVProductions]

angelisone From my experience, if you need to do stills, you need a still camera. This is a pro video camera. Its what I am going to buy but I already have the Canon Mark 3 for stills. I have been using the mark 3 for 2 years and want to get back to a proper video camera. The Mark 3 has been good but I miss a good DR. These cameras are so cheap but I don't think you can expect to have a pro camera that does the same thing as a consumer cam like the ones you mention.

[@venkyvenkatesh3276]

Is your masterclass will be useful for FS7M2

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes, the FS7M2 is operationally nearly identical to the original FS7. Most of the changes were just physical upgrades. The one exception is the electronic Variable ND filter and I have added some information about that to the master class. Thanks for asking.

[@abhisheksuraj]

buddy, next make a 10 hour video on how to use an iphone effectively. I am sure you'll find many watchers and even buyers.

[@akshayjagtap5721]

Hi! Sir, Kindly let me know if later chapters are released, if yes plz share link, Those are Pretty helpful facts. Thanks for sharing.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Hi Akshay, the other 25 chapters (6 hours) have been online for about 2 years. vimeo.com/ondemand/fs7 Thanks for asking.

[@akshayjagtap5721]

Thank you

[@Pano526]

Hello Sir. How do you secure data in the camera and if not possible, how do you recover lost data from a Sony FS7? Thanking you kindly and in advance.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I'm not sure what you mean. I have 100% confidence in the performance of the XQD cards and I do not do anything special to secure the data in the camera. I do not record on both cards simultaneously. I do not use an external recorder. And I have never had lost data from the FS7 or any of my other Sony cameras -- from my EX1 in 2007 all the way through to my F55 today. The issues you raise or not even on my mind. :-)

[@Pano526]

Well, let me clarify it. We shot on Sony FS7 and the camera assistant formatted the card before it was ingested into the laptop Basically, the footage was deleted. Now, we have lost that footage. Is there a way of retrieving straight from camera.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Unfortunately you cannot recover footage from a card after it has been formatted. I know it doesn't help you right now, but for future reference, there are protocols, policies, and procedures that a production should put in place to ensure this cannot ever happen.

[@Pano526]

Thank you, Doug. I also think this is an opportunity for Sony to device means to secure footage on camera just in case protocols, policies and procedures fail. Just a thought. Thank you. I'm a fan of your work and I'll taking your classes soon.

[@beepboop4310]

subscribed - thanks for the video

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

You're welcome, and thanks for signing up. I appreciate your support.