Sony FS5 Review (After One Year)

[@Levi_Allen]

The segment at the end was fantastic. More of this is would be amazing. Love the real world goals vs. real world results and trying to meet the two in the middle. That's how real life works. Great stuff guys, thanks Jordan and Chirs. I would love to see the 300 hundred scene of the kick into the pit, full costume and all "this is sparta!!!"

[@Levi_Allen]

Quick question for Jordan, did the shot at 24:44 have post stabalization on it? When he breathes forward and such the frame moves with him slightly and I'm just curious what is causing that.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

There is a digital crop as well as physical movement going on simultaneously, which resulted in some weirdness. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We loved doing the Wooden Niccolls segment, it'll be appearing much more in the future! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@Levi_Allen]

ah good to know. Thanks.

[@onboardaddicts]

Yes pls ! :D

[@Levi_Allen]

Very thankful for this review. I'm hesitant to invest because I don't want them to replace it soon, and be stuck with an older model. The low noise really makes it feel like I need to have both an as7ii and fs5 on projects to cover the whole documentary spectrum. Also, with the name Levi it feels super trippy having you address the camera and say my name as if you were talking to me directly. Makes me feel kinda special.

[@tyroney2]

Leftcoast I think the FS5 is still in its prime. I agree with Jordan that Sony next gen sensor is going to debut in he follow up to the F5/55 next year, and then slowly work its way down. I have an FS7 and an a6300, and there isn't a huge difference (8-bit vs 8-bit). The photosites on the FS5/7 sensor are still twice the size as they are on the a6300/6500's.

[@Levi_Allen]

You make some great points. I think my first cinema camera investment will be a fs5. I really love the high speed options. I think fs5 and a7sii is my ideal documentary kit. I'm currently using a a7s and g7/gh4 and really want more highspeed options.

[@brandonmattingly]

My production company has has 2 FS5 that we have been using for the past ten months. We actually owned a FS7 and loved it, but traded it in to get the two FS5s. The reason being for us is because we wanted to up our wedding film game (requires 2 cameras). We were using 5DMIIIs for weddings prior. But we also wanted to keep something around to help us to continue to produce great corporate and commercial work like the FS7 could. We bought the FS5s in full knowledge that we would be using them in the 1080p 10bit mode because color space improvement was a major goal of our for weddings. We also mostly shoot in the cinegammas which I've come to love because they save a bit more shadow info in low-light situations (which is most of a wedding day and 1/2 the time in run n gun). I love the camera to almost all the same reasons you mentioned. We've produced narrative commercial work and run n gun content that all turned out great! For the price, I think it's a really great, well-rounded camera. I believe it does what it was made for really well. It's not as low-lighty/easy to use as DSLR & mirrorless and it's no Red or Arri. But's a great in-between! Thanks for doing this well thought out review. My first time watching your guys' stuff and appreciate some good reviews. One small thing I think could be nice is to just see more footage in different types of circumstances just to show what it can and can't do visually. Learning and seeing the limitations of the camera visually would be a really nice education bit for potential buyers. Thanks again and Cheers!

[@brandonmattingly]

To see the dynamic uses we have used it for check out oldnorthmedia.com (commercial) and oldnorthfilmcompany.com (weddings). Most of our 90% of our work up is FS5.

[@1337flite]

Wooden Niccols. Gold segment title. Jordan is a lot less wooden these days - good work guys.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Jordan, is the color banding of the wall above the fireplace there in the full-quality file, or is it something induced through KZbin's compression? Great review -- and now I'm lusting after the FS5. Just need to save up the pennies for one.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

No banding in the final exported video. Just KZbin compression issues. I agree, it's pretty gross. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@MarcoPeru]

I always love your professionalism as well as the quality of your videos, always top notch! You're my main source for techy videos when I look for excellent content! Ciao from Italy!

[@3BMEP]

I almost peed myself watching the inaugural episode of Wooden Niccolls - guys, this is brilliant!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks Hugh!

[@LeeZavitz]

Awesome review guys! I wish every camera had an electronic ND. Thats on the wish list for the GH5 haha

[@UniquePhotoandVideo]

I wish more cameras could record RAW video. 12 Bit RAW files for Time-lapses are awesome!

[@SirRelith]

I'm very excited for future Wooden Niccolls episodes! Loved the review and the first episode! Solid video as usual.

[@vorpled]

Wonderful review. One thing we all learnt: whatever the lack of limitations in the camera, it will never overcome bad acting.

[@TheEmbassy33]

I'm South African (south of Zimbabwe) and your accent was spot on :D Very tough accent to nail, well done.

[@Rafaelinux]

Round of applause! Nice presentation, information, review, segments, ideas. Really well rounded video! Congrats. (P.S.: The main shot of you reviewing the camera inside has the most awful banding in the white walls, ugh!)

[@TheThrillerZone]

You guys just really rock. I was mesmerized at all the information. I appreciate both of you going to such long lengths to explain and educate without so much "foolish jabbering" like is heard from guys who just want to either be funny, or gloss over the fact they aren't as educated as is necessary. Thank you!

[@Kenslyfresh]

Great review. Your honest opinion on the FS5 or the URSA Mini 4.6k? I think with the raw upgrade and getting an external monitor to record with the FS5, you just a few hundreds shy of the FS7. So with all things considered and heavily considering budget, which one do you choose: FS5, FS7, or URSA Mini 4.6k?

[@tptrsn]

This review was worth the wait Jordan (and Chris). Excellent work as always guys!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks!

[@damaster692]

Fs5 raw looks fkn sharp. a6300 sharp , PS the FS7 does look sharper in motion than the FS5 in that windy shot ,

[@davidunoi7099]

Specs & technical information, followed up by application...guys, this was outstanding!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+david Unoi Thanks David! We're hoping to do more videos with this format in the future! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@DarinHohman]

Great review and insight. Thanks for posting this. Do you have a gear bag or travel case that you recommend for this camera? And do you tear it down or keep it assembled when traveling? thanks!

[@TRifficVision]

Love your reviews! Really helps me decide on many occasions to buy (or not buy) certain gear! Thanks for all the insights, clear and honest remarks and tips! Keep on doing this, because we can never have enough gear!:)

[@JamesNorden]

Great review - just purchased an FS5 this week and looking forward to seeing what it can do. Thanks for the time and effort you guys put into these vids.

[@dkirk335]

Great review! You really covered all the bases. As the autofocus keeps getting better on the smaller Sony's (6300/6500) I am looking forward to what Sony will do with their Cinema line.

[@sin3rgy]

Yes! Finally, awesome review. I was back and forth about getting the Raw update, but after your explanation i'm definitely getting it.

[@williamrowbottom5246]

Thanks for coming out with the fs5 review. For video use which is better to get.The Sony a99II or the Sony a6500. Which is better and easier to use the a99II or the 6500? Which shoots better video? Will you come out with the Sony a99II review?

[@LiveUPMedia]

hey lovely production - so is this RAW? i know this is SLOG2 but RAW? also i cant afford the big atomos yet, if I get a cheaper one and record SDI/HDMI out could i record prores? would love to know your thoughts

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The Wooden Niccolls segment was just ProRes. I wish we'd shot it RAW, I had no idea how hard I would have to push the footage! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@Doct0r0710]

So the FS5 review is here, Half Life 3 should be just around the corner.

[@simongentry]

>>> What Difference Does $3,000 Make?

[@denisgehlhaar8902]

That was worth all the wait! Thank you guys for the excellent video.

[@13StopsPocketFilms]

Love that ending segment. An excellent and robust review. Bravo guys.

[@KevinSnyman_film-making]

Great review - thank you all three, and nice rack focussing towards the end... Chris also really nailed the Saffer accent

[@pretendawatch]

In the Wooden Niccolls here seems to be warp stabilisation on the close which follows his nose which is a little disconcerting. But overall I enjoyed the episode. I look forward to seeing more! Great review, and I really enjoyed you guys doing video content!

[@SimonHergott]

The roof top scene from Blade Runner. Don't forget the Dove. That south African accent sounds authentic! Thanks for the entertaining review. You guys do it up right every time.

[@truecuckoo]

The raw comparison side by side shots look like two completely different cameras... Huge difference. (I know they're two completely different scenes, but still.. very different.)

[@nicolaswalcott7600]

Thank you for the review! We just got our FS5 is this week at my job and I have been struggling with the picture profiles. Seeing Which ones you use for what situations was very helpful. Love this camera, but it is going to take a bit to get used to coming from a canon DSLR. Thank you for always putting out great reviews.

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Great review! Wooden Niccolls!!! MORE!!!

[@petterinnholdprodusentensr7216]

I just love what you guys are doing. Informative, educational, helpful and entertaining. Great job, Petter, Norway

[@AnandaSim]

I know nothing about video but the Wooden part is hilarious.

[@UniquePhotoandVideo]

I noticed some flicker and shifting bands at the top of the frame around 0:54. Is this the result of KZbin's compression? That RAW footage looks incredible! Great review!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That's KZbin compression issues. The banding is not visible in the original video.

[@UniquePhotoandVideo]

Thanks! Keep up the excellent work!

[@trevorpinnocky]

I've been waiting ages for this review. :D I've been happily shooting my a7s ii but a lot of the advantages mentioned in the video are what I want next. This is probably my next camera in all likelihood. As a bug in your ear. NO ONE has done a respectable review of the the gammas in Sony cameras, when to use them, and their respective limitations. Sony will never do anything, I'm sure, and the amount of misinformation floating about is pretty tremendous. If you have any interest in doing so, I'm sure the community would be highly grateful. cheers.

[@DeistBeats]

so proud of guys! that took dedication!

[@raredreamfootage]

Nightcrawler! The tense negotiation scene with the night editor!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Good call!

[@markwang77]

i think it's a testament of how engaging you guys are when I wanted to see this review and have zero interests in video. i too would love to see an auto vari-ND built into stills cameras! lastly, loved the 'wooden' segment - who would have thought chris could pull off a genuine south african accent? and that jennifer connelly bit damn near had me spit out my drink! lol

[@nikinik7503]

Hello from Bulgaria guys! Great channel! To be honest i will be glad to see you both switch places and to make same amount of videos where Jordan is the host and just present video cameras.There are plenty good prosumer cameras like sony z90 or z150 that worth make videos for. This is my idea, if you like it ,go ahead!

[@jamelukeholloway]

My exact setup! Fs5 & a6300 such a good combo! Great to learn more about the upgrade program & raw ability. Thanks so much!

[@pjlong]

Can't wait for more Wooden Niccolls. Great job!

[@richardburton7945]

Excellent review. Worth the wait. Love to see more Wooden Nickels episodes. I use the a7rII and would love to see the variable ND in the next upgrade if it's possible,.

[@joshlky]

I LOVE the new segment! So much fun!

[@leapnlarry]

I have watched a bunch of TCSTV episodes, the Wooden Nicholl's episodes are awesome, great job on the Blood Diamond shoot.

[@JorgeDourado]

Hi guys, great review. What about the fs5 with the raw vs the Ursa Mini 4.6K in terms of image quality, what do you think? Thanks, cheers.

[@TheLuNaMaStEr]

Great episode guys. Loved it to death. Really excited to see more Wooden Niccols.

[@MetalCoreVocalCovers]

Yesss! Thank you guys, love this. Just had a question for you Jordan - I'm shooting with an A7ii right now for most of my video work, and that only shoots 1080 at 4:2:0 at 8bit, would you guys say that the FS5 would be better at 4K because it takes in more information even though its still 8bit 4:2:0?

[@MichaelLaing71]

Great video. Liked the Wooden Niccolls segment. Well done :)

[@matrodmedia]

I know this is an older review but I just wanted to pop in to say: it's important to remember what Jordan said is important to remember: the age of the sensor. But I'm bringing the perspective around in a more positive sense; it looks/processes a LOT like the F5. It is the same sensor, but not the same processor obviously, so it won't be identical, but, the raw single looks REALLY similar to me, and I've seen a lot of F5 footage straight off the card/drive. This is an AWESOME advantage for budget guys or one-man-band people that enjoy the more philosophical side of the "cinematic look." I truly do believe that because of it having the older F5 sensor, it looks really cinematic in an F5 type of way, when using that raw signal.

[@buildingsheriff]

Great South African accent, Chris. I'm impressed.

[@alexanderverdoodt]

Yes! I've been waiting for this one.You guys made my day! Greetings from Belgium

[@juiceplanet147]

Wow! Its like watching a awesome TV show! Jordan explains video gear very well. Thanks.

[@HamudiChi]

Amazing review! About the segment at the end, I only have one suggestion. Stitching. For the last two shots, when he reaches the sand and holds it, then we see him looking at it which was good, however at the last shot when the camera is panning out. I felt like it didn't fit correctly, He should have still had the sand in his hand OR in the motion of letting it go while as lies back. BUT!! AMAZING WORK!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

You're absolutely right! Unfortunately, we were too cold to worry about continuity at the end of the shoot. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@fredericrecki5220]

Great review! However I have one question, Jordan how did you get the cdng files from the Raw recorder to work in fcpx? Did you transcode them first?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Just roughly processed in Davinci Resolve before importing into FCPX. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@MiladJPanah]

[@lachimsojdag]

amazing review!!! congrats on the wooden nic. part !

[@AlbaAdventures]

This is great. How did I miss this episode.. Love the acting!

[@joshbailey-tv]

Incredible review! The Wooden Niccolls was excellent!

[@vegetablepolice]

What's the best camera for talking head and green screen videos?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I always recommend a 10-bit 4:2:2 for green screen. The FS5 in 10bit is great, as is the Sony PXW-Z150 if you don't need a large sensor and interchangeable lenses. The Blackmagic cameras are also great for these purposes. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@vegetablepolice]

Thanks ;)

[@Photographicelements]

OH MY GOD!! JORDAN!! YOU FINISHED THIS REVIEW!! (it was worth the wait :)

[@ChrisProuse]

Solid review! Thanks for sharing, and keep up the great work! A scene from The Revenant would be pretty cool, or the sandwich scene from When Harry Met Sally, lol... though totally understand if you're only comparing with scenes shot digitally :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Oh, we'll be doing movies shot on film as well! Thanks for the suggestions. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@ShilohWorshipMusic]

This video was instrumental in our decision to get the FS5. We've had the FS5 for a couple of months and it is a superb camera and very pleased with it. Our KZbin Channel Trailer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6fEloWYl8udprs&spfreload=10

[@SimeonKolev]

Nice review :). I have some things to say about those PP settings and more specifically how I customize them. So shortly here is my PP for no grading on the A7rII(on A6300 is the same but I prefer the S-Gamut3 if I shoot only with it, if the project involves the A7rII I stick to the S-Gamut because it is easier to match the footage) Gamma - Cine4 Black gamma - Narrow 0 Color Mode - S-Gamut Saturation +28(here I play with this one depending on the scene, if it is not going to burn any color I set it at the max 32 setting) Color Phase +3 Color Depth R4 G5 B5 C7 M5 Y2 Detail 0 If the scene has some dynamics in it with higher contrast I change the Cine4 to Slog2 and overexpose it +2.0. Overall I try to shoot unflat as possible and to the right :D. The idea is that flatness is making problems later when grading due to the heavy compression of those cameras(the FS5 is not the same but I suppose on the 4:2:0 4K there will be huge improvement). You just have to watch out for clipping and overexposing stuff. Also now I can grade in ACR or Lightroom because I have found this awesome tool generator.iwltbap.com/ and it is doing great job so far. It is allowing me to grade in a powerful tool like ACR without so many efforts and I like it a lot! If you are interested check my settings on the FS5 I will be very curious to see what is going on there. I have started to modify the PPs because I was trying to get more from my cameras and I saw that the FS5 and the A7sII are shooting different in Slog2 and the FS5 was not that flat. So this gave me the idea to try and shoot not that flat, the custom LUTs over the internet created to grade LOG will not work but they are making more damage to the footage most of the time anyway. From what I have tested so far the not so flat Cine4 custom profile is getting actually the same amount of dynamic range as the standard one but after grading there are no big color artifacts and the banding in Slog2 is much less pronounced. So I started to shoot with 3 picture profiles with different flatness depending on the scene and what I need not to be clipped. I guarantee that there is no dynamic range loss. BR Simo

[@paulwalsh6817]

Guys you should be doing these wooden nicholls clips as as standalone on KZbin - they'd do well on SEO alone that way. Thanks for the video, subbed!

[@JasonFiske]

Brave men! Love the wooden Nichols section.

[@elishakriis360]

Amazing ! What was the lens you used?

[@danieldougan269]

So can you swap out the screen for a better one -- preferably an external recorder -- and/or add something like a Gratical Eye to mitigate the viewfinder issues? I know that's extra cost, but if you can, that makes it a lot better. For the FS5 II, Sony should have addressed the ridiculous viewfinders.

[@FlamingTree]

Great review and love the new segment. Super useful information. Thank you!

[@markshirley01]

excellent review as usual - guys I have a D750 would I be better dialing down my flat profile ie minus the contrast and saturation as far as possible.

[@bogrunberger]

Really nice review. I'm fairly new to video, but these videos are a big help. I could use some more focus on audio. For instance I can't really figure out how big a difference a XLR plug makes instead of a mini jack. Would be really nice with a little bit more on the audio side. But other than that. A big cheers! Really good programs you're making! By the way. It would be very nice to see Chris reenact the fantasy bed of red rose petals in American Beauty!!! :D

[@pa6ka10]

It's awesome episode!! Like it very match! It's the best way to understand how camera handled in real life)) Simple short project from start to end - great idea!!

[@TolulopeOlamideAjayi]

Jordan you are "world famous" . Greetings from Lagos Nigeria. Great review.

[@dewforeveryoung343]

Awesome! Definitely going to watch this segment.

[@genjii931]

Okay, but now we want to hear your thoughts on Andrew Reid (of EOSHD.com)'s new EOSHD Pro Color profile; it supposedly works on the FS5. Also Dave Dugdale says he's closing in on a post color workflow to get Canon-like colors out of Sony cameras. Comparing those two things should be pretty interesting. I think the camera I want is what I would expect from a second generation FS5: add IBIS and in-camera 10-bit 4:2:2 4K. I'd love to be able to use the E-mount Veydra lenses with IBIS and Auto-ND. Oh well, I'd also like really excellent Eye-AF ability, so that would require AF lenses. C'mon, Veydra.

[@ashleesayles2032]

I don't plan on buying a FS5 anytime soon, but this review was stellar. I'm looking forward to more Wooden Niccolls segments! LOL By the way, Jordan. I always find your explanations regarding the various color profiles/grading to be very helpful. Thanks!

[@sasatrifunovski]

TOm Hanks shooting at the tank in "Saving Private Ryan"!!! I think Chris might just nail it to the bone :) Great job guys, as always =)

[@JavierMercedes]

such an amazing review. thank you.

[@PostColorGear]

I love how Chris was talking to himself haha and that British accent. Amazing lol thanks for the review guys

[@reg171reg]

British?

[@PostColorGear]

I was on my phone. I didnt analyze the accent and I've never seen the movie. I'm guessing I was wrong?

[@milesmetcalfe94]

Zimbabwe

[@KoenSpaansen]

30 minutes of camerastore time... great guys! Got one question, is saw Chris is using a (for me not familiar 25mm lens, can you make a 30 minutes video about the best video lenses?!?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We had the Veydra lenses on the FS5 for this video. We shot an episode about them you can check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZXHaH5_hah6e68 Jordan @ TCSTV

[@KoenSpaansen]

Didn't see that one coming! How could i miss this?!?!? thanks Jordan

[@_rhapsodist]

Hello guys, will you have a C200 review with another episode of Wooden Nicholls?

[@hidekigomi]

Learned a lot about the video side of it. Chris really should get into acting. Man, but I love Jordan!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Love you too! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@soulglo3569]

Hi! So did you transcode 4K Raw to Prores before editing or this was shot 4K Prores with the Shogun Inferno?

[@thenerdherdforum]

I'd definitely love to see some scenes from Revenant :]

[@Photographicelements]

you mean chris being attacked by a bear?

[@NarekAvetisyan]

If this had Global Shutter like the Sony F55 I would buy it instantly. But other than the Variable electronic ND I don't see any other reason to upgrade from the a6500. Which reminds me, they should also put IBIS in there, for the next FS5 II model.

[@rosto99]

If one does not intend to transcode or use proxies, can I still get fluid playback on the timeline inside FCPX with the 10-bit HD XAVC-L on the latest iMac 5K? Btw, really enjoy your reviews, Thanks.

[@Ranger7Studios]

How does this camera fare against the Canon c300 and the c500? I'd be interested to know your thoughts as I am moving into my first cine camera soon.

[@krazyfrog]

I really hope you guys do a review of the RED Weapon 8K with the Helium sensor.

[@MrChristopherwren]

Love the dynamic range.

[@cameradavinci]

Question for Jordan: Did you ever use Clear Image Zoom feature with this sweet Prime Lenses? Is there a visible quality diffrence when using it? Can you use a zoom rocker on FS5 to do that? This could give you 2x zoom for every lens you use.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I should probably use clear image zoom more, I always forget it's there. Usually I just shoot 4K and crop in post, but I'm throwing colour information away doing that. You've changed my process! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@sebastianyuan]

Would you guys do a XT2 video-wise review? (since the last one, which was a wonderful review, was based on the preproduction firmware.)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We plan to do that episode early in the New Year. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@sebastianyuan]

TheCameraStoreTV Awesome, looking forward to that video.

[@techhealthandfood9952]

Awesome video which vedrya mini prime is the most useful for run and gun ? 19, 25, 35?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I love the 25mm, but if you want to keep plenty of the environment in your shot, the 19mm is the way to go. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@zanin.lindsay]

How would you compare it to the C300 Mk 2? I am looking to invest in a 4k cinema camera without breaking the bank by jumping for the RED.

[@dudemanismadcool]

South African accent is on point!

[@arnenoot9948]

Would like to see you guys try the opening/closing sequence of either Apocalypse now, (although that would be hard with the helicopters, probably), or Gone Girl.

[@kevinevans651]

Well done guys - GREAT Job all round :)

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

I've only ever shot 1080/25P on my FS5, direct to low cost SSDs. (Samurai Blade SDI) Ultra clean, almost uncompressed 10bit 4:2:2 off the SSD remains so easy in Post, even on low spec field laptops. If you want a 4K release, simply up-rez your HD Master with Topaz AI as the result will be far superior to the FS5's internal 8bit 4:2:0 4K.

[@BrokenLifestyleFilms]

Been looking at one for months. Hopefully in a few more when I have the funds it won't be outdated.

[@randallherreraNyc]

great review!! as usual from one of my favorite youtube channels.. for wooden niccolls ... Al pacino in Scarface.. would like to see how well he can do accents ! :)

[@niccollsvideo]

Randall Herrera I can do the accent no problem. However were gonna end up only doing pacino scenes at this rate. CHRIS@TCSTV