I have an used F55 for 2 1/2 years now. I got it with an full package (AXS-R5 Recorder with media, viewfinder, SXS-cards etc). Great camera! A workhorse. In my opinion this camera will still hold up for many years.
@AaronBrown-rr6yu Relax comrade. I don’t personally feel that way. I was speaking on the general consensus of ppl in these spaces(The latest is the greatest crowd)
I love these series. They bring me so many "If I won the lottery I would buy it" memories from when I started learning filmaking... 😂 It's amazing to see how good still look nowadays!
Damn. For months I’ve been saving up for one of these, and they’ve all been $4000 or less for a while. I was finally getting close and a handful of popular TH-cam channels started dropping videos like this in the past several weeks for this camera. Now I can’t find a good used one for less than $8000-$10,000… Literally some of the same listings that were under $5000 are now closer to $10,000. Thanks a lot guys… Every time a youtube channel exploits older camera gear for views and traffic, prices sky rocket and end up staying there.
I had the pleasure of being a camera op on one of these on a big multcam shoot, loved the image, and paired with a cineservo lens, this thing is a dream
Love these videos, and your timing is always impeccable. I picked up an Arri Alexa Classic a while back; and then a week or two later, you dropped your Alexa Classic in 2022 video. I also just picked up one of these F55 cameras with a R5 external recorder, and then you dropped this video a couple days post-purchase. I love it. ♥️
This camera is still used at NRK (Norwegian National TV)! We used it for a kids show called Bablo, and it gave great results for such an old camera compared to our newer ones. A bit more finnicky, but with an experienced DP that was no problem
We have owned a F5 version since 2011. It is STILL our primary interview camera. We’ve invested so much in lenses, batteries, a monitor, cables an a heavy duty tripod there is no financial incentive to replace it. It has always been our policy to ‘invest in the best’ so the equipment postponed obsolescence for as long as possible. But this unit defied all expectations. And it has endured the Canadian Arctic, the bottoms of iron mines, the bowels of industrial rubber operations, deep damp forests and yet was always ready and waiting for studio work. That said: the slow startup, the huge expense of the raw optional accessory, the huge expense of the cards to record raw and it’s overall unergonomic form factor means we would likely not pickup a second used unit. Still… great, great investment for us.
I was 🤏🏽 close to buying this camera. The deal breaker was the crazy ridiculous pricing for the memory cards. I wanted this camera so bad. Man. If they rereleased this camera with cf express I would’ve bought it in a heartbeat. Edit: after reviewing your site, I noticed how much cheaper the media cards are for the R5. Man I wish I would’ve saw this. I’m still very happy with my z cam purchase but this f55 is still on the menu for a next camera purchase. 4k will be not be irrelevant for another decade. Camera is still incredibly relevant.
Hey! thanks for the info mate. which Zcam do you have btw and how is the editing process (easy vs complex) and how's it holding up in grading? Is it a reliable camera?
@@killjoythunderbolt z cam has all 422 prores flavors so it’s very very easy to edit. Best camera I’ve ever owned next to pocket 6k. Z Cam is criminally underrated because the company is still fairly new. But it’s easily the best modular cinema camera under 6k. Its been very reliable and not issues at all.
Still own own one, still use it for multiple Nat geo shoots. On my last shoot out in south america I tried to make the transition from F55 with DVF 200 to FX9 with Zacuto Kamelion.... Lasted one day with it. Went back on to the F55 which we had as our back up camera set up. The Sony EVF is so far superior to anything else out there, and so far Sony haven't produced one for the FX9, and I don't think the Venice is as good operating wise as the F55, with all the assignables in the right place on the body for docs which the Venice lacks, not to mention the crazy over pricing of the Venice. Long live the F55.
These "blast from the past" videos are super fun and informative! I had forgotten about a lot of these older Sony cinema cameras. I'd love to see a workflow comparison video in Resolve showing how all the various RAW formats handle in terms of playback and pushing the grade (Canon Raw Light, Red Raw, BRaw, Sony Raw, X-OCN, etc). Did you notice much of a difference between editing and grading the full 16 bit Raw vs. the X-OCN ST and LT? Or is it a similar scenario like with Red Raw in that LT is fine for almost all situations and the only reason to go for ST or full Raw is if you are doing VFX work?
Let me ask you. How does the file sizes compare to cdng files? I have an fs700 and film in cdng a lot. To my understanding, the f55 file sizes are lower. Is that true?
I use a PMW-F5 without raw recording and it looks far better than other newer smaller cameras that I own. It is very filmic in the images it produces. 👍
I own an used F55 and I had the pleasure to shoot a lot with the F5 too. The F5 is still a great camera. Every time I used the F5 I was very happy with the results.
I own an F5, too. I refuse to part with it. They are great cameras. I switched to the FX6 about a year ago as clients were requesting it, but the last project I used my F5 on was the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last summer shooting interviews, live coverage, etc, and the clients (Discovery Eurosport) loved it. The F55 is great too. Many TV shows and movies (The Queen, Ex Machina, etc) were shot with that camera and look amazing.
@@tumbleweedcabo I’m glad to hear your story. The FX6 has a different look to me than the F5 has. I look for the CineAlta badge. The F3 looks amazing to me as well, which is also in the CineAlta category. I’m definitely a little interested in the F55 with the global shutter but I’m still very happy with the F5 look for sure. I’m glad to hear that your clients are liking the F5 look as it is a look that in my opinion stands the test of time. 😊👍
I was the first (or second) person in Australia to receive the F55 when it was released. Still use it today as my main workhorse alongside an FX6 and FX3. Love the image and to attached to it to get rid of it. Think it will get mounted on my office wall when it retires!
@@tuckerandersonfilms I find the image holds up nicely to the FX3/6 when taken through a proper colour pipeline. I’m noticing it’s easier to get a nicer image straight out of camera with the FX3/6 but when it’s time for the grade I’m able to match them up fine. There’s things I prefer about the F55 like the ability to record XAVC Class 480 and 16-bit linear RAW, 2K 240fps RAW (anything over 120fps on the FX6 looks like dirt) but then there’s things that I prefer with the FX3/6 like the ability to custom WB in CineEI mode, variable ND on FX6, high base EI of 12800 that looks super clean etc. In summary it seems easier to get a great looking image straight out of camera with the newer Sony’s but if you’re going through a proper colour pipeline than there’s not a huge difference IMO…
This camera is a tank! We use it every day at CBC/Radio-Canada (public broadcaster in Canada) for our public affairs shows, music videos, documentaries and much more. I'm still amazed by the image quality of this 10+ years old camera. When paired with some good Zeiss or Canon cinema prime glass, this camera produce really really good image. Only complains: it's not a good camera for run-and-gun scenario, specially if you want to adjust your audio or change your frame rate on the spot. It takes a long time to boot up and everytime you are changing your your base project setting the camera has to reboot. Also, you'll need an ND.3 and ND.6 filter cause your only stuck with two internal ND filters. Other than that, it it still a killer camera for its price.
No lie i’ve been eyeing this camera for some time now but there isn’t much recent reviews as all of them are already from quite some time ago, so thanks CVP!
I have the F55 and R5 16 bit raw recorder, the Sony Japan six pack of SCL T2.0 Cinema PL primes. I also have the Ursa Mini Pro 12K but the F55 is still so relevant today, there is no reason not to keep using it.
Everyone always overlooks the F5. Sony gave the F5 a firmware update to include nearly every feature of the F55 other than the global shutter and extended color gamut which are inherent to the sensor. I picked up a rigged out upgraded F5 for under 3k.
this is the first camera that really called out to me years ago because i want to start doing camera stuff. fast forward/rewind to June, i bought a bundle of a F55 package from Adorama for about $4600. got the travel case, battery, dual battery charger, viewfinder, shoulder mount, arri top plate. can’t wait to get it fully operating. also love seeing current videos of this camera, thanks CVP
@@memcrew1 i need to take it out soon and play with it. beast is kinda heavy so i need a tripod and/or some handles for shoulder mount. whichever comes first
At the time when the Alexa Classic was selling for $6K USD, I was contemplating the Sony F55 as well. This was going back to 2020. In the end, I went with the Alexa. I haven't regretted that decision.
Another point to make is that this camera has some drawbacks and reasons to get sort out of rental houses. We should not forget about it. ;) Now I can comment this here since CVP seem to successfully sold their stock of them :) - Apart from that the price should be looked at twise: The body is cheap today, yes, but the 4K recorder is still very expensive and all together you get far better cameras today for less in this range recoding 4K in the body and on the same reputation level. And I am not talking about prosumer cams or those who are known for sensor issues ;). The F-55/56 series is an extraordinary cine cam no doubt, but had always issues with red/magenta skin tone rendering, produces great images yes, but there are competitors better in color than those.
I use this camera on most productions for almost 10 years. My normal setting is 4k 50p RAW. I love it! The image quality is infinite better than fx6 and the fx9. I shoot a lot in harsh conditions and the robust F55 build is just great. I’m looking at a Venice 2 to replace it with, but it is so pricey. Why isn’t there a Sony cam between fx9 and Venice? Massive gap between those!
@@mr.frandy7692Yes! I own a FX9 and work with FX6 footage often. First off the FX9 is just a bad build, basically just plastic. It can’t film in 4K DCI 50p only in UHD 25p (with full sensor). Using it for slow motion you have to crop the sensor and go down to HD and reboot the camera. It’s really annoying! The FX6 is better here. When grading the footage from FX9 and FX6 compared to the F55 there is a lot of difference. You can take the F55 footage a lot further and the image is way better in both darker and brighter areas. The cost is much bigger files from the camera. Most time you can grade FX9 and FX6 footage to where you want but it demand more care and effort, taking a bit more time. The only benefit using FX9 and FX6 for me is that it’s more suited for ENG with light zoom lenses. I will sell my FX9 soon since I have ordered the Burano. Finally (I hope) Sony has filled the huge gap between the Venice and FX9! Waited a long time for that! I will keep my F55 though!
Can you all do a revisiting video on the Canon Cinema line? Particularly one the C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II? These cameras were incredible offerings from Canon, but maybe they were released at the wrong time and price. They are also modular cameras that use the same accessories, which I would expect productions to love. Canon currently has the following: R5C, C70, C200, C300 Mark III, and C500 Mark II. - All Raw Capable I feel like Sony has dominated their segmentation: A7SIII, A1, FX3, FX6, and FX9. - All full-frame cameras Would love to see a comparison of the two lines as well.
Advantage to more affordable cameras is if you can afford 2 or 3 identical models you can get close and wide shots simultaneously or have a backup camera on hand if one starts behaving erratically. Backup cameras are more of a concern when there are more people on set, more actors, more crew, etc. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time by not shooting because of technical issues. When possible I try to have backup equipment on set and ready to go.
The F55 was always a good camera, it, along with the F65, Arri Alexa, and AJA Cion, were the only bodies that would output Linear direct from the sensor, though the Sony's recorded Compressed Raw and the Arri and AJA Uncompressed. The ergonomics of the F55 didn't match the Cion, but with the right shoulder mount and rails it got close. Both the Alexa and F65 were worse, and both of those much heavier before being rigged ready to shoot. Of the four with Linear and Raw, the Alexa had the worlds best Rolling Shutter, the F65 a Mechanical Shutter, and the F55 and Cion Global Shutter. The prices of them though, directly reflected the capabilities, and the F55 still holds a higher percentage of it's initial cost then any of the rest, and for good reason.
F55 is a future-proof camera builded by SONY, I bet it still shine in another 10 years. Never seen any better camera in the market compare to F55. As we all know FS5, FS7, FX9, FX6 are toys, while the real beast is F55 + R7 raw recorder.
I wanted to shoot a film with his camera 7-8 years ago. Unfortunately it had a huge fixed pattern noise that was a nightmare in low light. It was replaced by an arri studio
Great video and great plug for what is arguably one of Sony's best workhorse cameras. It truly is the Swiss Army Knife of pro cameras. The R7 really breaths new life into the F55. It's almost like a new camera. X-OCN is a dream to work with, plus the higher frame rates in 4K with no pixel binning or cropping. It's a shame that the R7 and media are so expensive. If you have a need for it, it's definitely worth it. This camera pays for itself in no time.
Been toying with the idea of getting one of these along side my FX6. I shoot automotive and the 240fps is the big draw as the FX6 above 120fps is, in my opinion, unusable. If anyone has any experience of using one of these along side an FX camera I'd love to hear your opinions about working with it and also the image quality comparison. Thanks CVP for the great video!!
Can recommend the Blackmagic UMP12k if you're looking for a more modern solution. Very good performer when it comes to slow motion and in general just a great sensor rly.
God how useful this video is!!! thanks Man, I watched whole video and I found that I knew about camera. please make more useful contents like this about alphabetic expressions of photography and Video camera. thanks a lot, subscribed
Thanks so much for that. For sure a great camera and in many ways that and the amira represented the perfect on shoulder camera design and pro ui layout. I’m not sure that we have moved forward as much as we had hoped but I guess I remember having one and a 5d ii and A7sii on the same shoot. It did feel like something was changing. I always loved it’s image. It’s a shame that the essential extras to keep it in the game today are still so expensive and that’s the real reason why I thinks it’s been replaced almost entirely with the fx9 and which now spans that Venice gap probably best for many jobbing pros. I would love one if nothing else for a 4K cine camera that has an evf as standard that’s affordable. The simplicity of the raw module makes the fx9s solution look ridiculous. So many things to love about it and thanks as always for the excellent video. Tempting?!
I didn't know abo this camera, I see that even the last seasons of the Blacklist TV show was shot on it ! stunning image quality. Anyone knows where I can find some video footage ?
If sony were to bring out a new RAW recording unit that included standard NAND SSD, that would improve workflow to such an extent that they would sell thousands instantly, garenteed
Hi, I do have a question. is 3000 System Hours are too much for this F55? and what is the life od this camera? at what point or hours this camera is expire?
Anyone got any tips for affordable recording options not using the default SxS cards or the bolt on Sony recorders ? It seems Atomos support is good so that is an option (if you don't want >60 fps). I've seen SxS to SDHC card adapters but no experience, anyone ? And what about SSDs as media, is that possible ?
I’m curious about the DR of this camera as measured by Imatest compared to other modern cameras. Does the FX6 outclass this Pro camera from 10 years ago? That’s a really interesting question.
No. Dynamic range on this camera is better and also global shutter. But size and weight are an issue. However, having a bigger camera can have its advantages. People always are drawn to big cameras Bcz they look “professional” in a world of DSLR shooters and smart phone DPs.
Interesting bit about the level of sturdiness. I love my fx6 but all the doors and ports don't inspire confidence. I've been through a couple of rough shoots and so far so good, but I wish the camera was heavier and more robust. I'm probably in the minority though. Thanks for the video! Quite an interesting camera the F55
Nice film about the Sony F55. I have the F5 with a Raw recorder too. But you forget the card reader in the calculation with the recorder and card. The AXS-CR1 is not available and the AXS-AR 3 is very massive from the price
Can one combine the F5 with atomos ninja v stand alone to record Raw without using AXS-CR1 or AXS-AR. Just curious to know because am thinking of investing in F5.
You can, but you’re going from 16 bit linear RAW, to the 12 bit Atomos RAW. There was/is an upgrade for the same ProRes codecs internally but requires a codec board to be supported installed into the camera. The R7 will give you X-OCN with the F55. Man what a beast and I absolutely love mine.
Great camera only hated the ND filter... Only 0.9 and 1.8 there isn't an in-between... Love the images of what it churns out. . This over komodo anyday of the year... And with DVL 200 i cannot ask for more... Komodo 1 sdi port... This gives u 4 and genlock and timecode and audio module... With the back module R7 16bit is magic....
And what about Arri? In almost very regular model (the big ones - except the Studio version) there was NO internal ND - and almost nobody would see that as a disadvantage. 10 years ago a Three-Step-ND was a quite nice feature for a cinema camera (and - looking to RED - it is still today).
What older cameras should we take a look at next? Let us know down!
BMPCC Original, BMCC 2.5K, ARRI Amira, ARRI Alexa Classic, & Sony Fs700.
Take a look at varicam and varicam lt!
Sony F3!
F3 🫶
How about old c100 DAF?
I have an used F55 for 2 1/2 years now. I got it with an full package (AXS-R5 Recorder with media, viewfinder, SXS-cards etc). Great camera! A workhorse. In my opinion this camera will still hold up for many years.
I remember when that camera was the bee knees, now it’s an afterthought.
@AaronBrown-rr6yu Relax comrade. I don’t personally feel that way. I was speaking on the general consensus of ppl in these spaces(The latest is the greatest crowd)
Any problems with the r5 recorder? Would love to rent out for a proj. (Just scared bc of stories related the recorder detaching)
@@cy_lintz No problems so far. The recorder fits tight and works without any flaws.
@@panoramavideoproduktionrob3325 thank you :)
I was a PA on a gig where the DP had one of these. He loved it. It was his Honda Civic of cameras, tons of reliability! Really want to try one soon.
I love these series. They bring me so many "If I won the lottery I would buy it" memories from when I started learning filmaking... 😂
It's amazing to see how good still look nowadays!
I had mine for 7 years. Best camera I ever owned
Damn. For months I’ve been saving up for one of these, and they’ve all been $4000 or less for a while. I was finally getting close and a handful of popular TH-cam channels started dropping videos like this in the past several weeks for this camera. Now I can’t find a good used one for less than $8000-$10,000… Literally some of the same listings that were under $5000 are now closer to $10,000.
Thanks a lot guys…
Every time a youtube channel exploits older camera gear for views and traffic, prices sky rocket and end up staying there.
Its the market ... Sadly...
Sucks to suck
Google it again, it's under 4k again...
Yeah I see some for little over 3000, which is damn good considering it was like 30,000 new 10 years ago@@PavelRadu
Get a black magic. They are way cheaper and the video quality is amazing for a fraction of that price, unless you are wanting the sony ecosystem.
I had the pleasure of being a camera op on one of these on a big multcam shoot, loved the image, and paired with a cineservo lens, this thing is a dream
Love these videos, and your timing is always impeccable. I picked up an Arri Alexa Classic a while back; and then a week or two later, you dropped your Alexa Classic in 2022 video. I also just picked up one of these F55 cameras with a R5 external recorder, and then you dropped this video a couple days post-purchase. I love it. ♥️
This camera is still used at NRK (Norwegian National TV)! We used it for a kids show called Bablo, and it gave great results for such an old camera compared to our newer ones. A bit more finnicky, but with an experienced DP that was no problem
What newer cameras do you use?
We have owned a F5 version since 2011. It is STILL our primary interview camera. We’ve invested so much in lenses, batteries, a monitor, cables an a heavy duty tripod there is no financial incentive to replace it. It has always been our policy to ‘invest in the best’ so the equipment postponed obsolescence for as long as possible. But this unit defied all expectations. And it has endured the Canadian Arctic, the bottoms of iron mines, the bowels of industrial rubber operations, deep damp forests and yet was always ready and waiting for studio work.
That said: the slow startup, the huge expense of the raw optional accessory, the huge expense of the cards to record raw and it’s overall unergonomic form factor means we would likely not pickup a second used unit.
Still… great, great investment for us.
I was 🤏🏽 close to buying this camera. The deal breaker was the crazy ridiculous pricing for the memory cards. I wanted this camera so bad. Man. If they rereleased this camera with cf express I would’ve bought it in a heartbeat.
Edit: after reviewing your site, I noticed how much cheaper the media cards are for the R5. Man I wish I would’ve saw this. I’m still very happy with my z cam purchase but this f55 is still on the menu for a next camera purchase. 4k will be not be irrelevant for another decade. Camera is still incredibly relevant.
Hey! thanks for the info mate. which Zcam do you have btw and how is the editing process (easy vs complex) and how's it holding up in grading? Is it a reliable camera?
@@killjoythunderbolt z cam has all 422 prores flavors so it’s very very easy to edit. Best camera I’ve ever owned next to pocket 6k. Z Cam is criminally underrated because the company is still fairly new. But it’s easily the best modular cinema camera under 6k. Its been very reliable and not issues at all.
Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown was shot primarily on this camera, along with the F5.
Good to see the F55 getting love!
Still own own one, still use it for multiple Nat geo shoots. On my last shoot out in south america I tried to make the transition from F55 with DVF 200 to FX9 with Zacuto Kamelion.... Lasted one day with it. Went back on to the F55 which we had as our back up camera set up. The Sony EVF is so far superior to anything else out there, and so far Sony haven't produced one for the FX9, and I don't think the Venice is as good operating wise as the F55, with all the assignables in the right place on the body for docs which the Venice lacks, not to mention the crazy over pricing of the Venice. Long live the F55.
These "blast from the past" videos are super fun and informative! I had forgotten about a lot of these older Sony cinema cameras. I'd love to see a workflow comparison video in Resolve showing how all the various RAW formats handle in terms of playback and pushing the grade (Canon Raw Light, Red Raw, BRaw, Sony Raw, X-OCN, etc). Did you notice much of a difference between editing and grading the full 16 bit Raw vs. the X-OCN ST and LT? Or is it a similar scenario like with Red Raw in that LT is fine for almost all situations and the only reason to go for ST or full Raw is if you are doing VFX work?
I loved the F55 and it paired with Venice 1 really well. The only draw back was the heavy data rate of the R5 raw files, X-OCN was a godsend.
Let me ask you. How does the file sizes compare to cdng files? I have an fs700 and film in cdng a lot. To my understanding, the f55 file sizes are lower. Is that true?
I use a PMW-F5 without raw recording and it looks far better than other newer smaller cameras that I own. It is very filmic in the images it produces. 👍
I own an used F55 and I had the pleasure to shoot a lot with the F5 too. The F5 is still a great camera. Every time I used the F5 I was very happy with the results.
I own an F5, too. I refuse to part with it. They are great cameras. I switched to the FX6 about a year ago as clients were requesting it, but the last project I used my F5 on was the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last summer shooting interviews, live coverage, etc, and the clients (Discovery Eurosport) loved it. The F55 is great too. Many TV shows and movies (The Queen, Ex Machina, etc) were shot with that camera and look amazing.
@@tumbleweedcabo I’m glad to hear your story. The FX6 has a different look to me than the F5 has. I look for the CineAlta badge. The F3 looks amazing to me as well, which is also in the CineAlta category. I’m definitely a little interested in the F55 with the global shutter but I’m still very happy with the F5 look for sure. I’m glad to hear that your clients are liking the F5 look as it is a look that in my opinion stands the test of time. 😊👍
I was the first (or second) person in Australia to receive the F55 when it was released. Still use it today as my main workhorse alongside an FX6 and FX3. Love the image and to attached to it to get rid of it. Think it will get mounted on my office wall when it retires!
Curious as to how the image compares to the newer sonys. I imagine it still holds up nicely, but I wonder if it ever seams lacking at all
@@tuckerandersonfilms I find the image holds up nicely to the FX3/6 when taken through a proper colour pipeline. I’m noticing it’s easier to get a nicer image straight out of camera with the FX3/6 but when it’s time for the grade I’m able to match them up fine. There’s things I prefer about the F55 like the ability to record XAVC Class 480 and 16-bit linear RAW, 2K 240fps RAW (anything over 120fps on the FX6 looks like dirt) but then there’s things that I prefer with the FX3/6 like the ability to custom WB in CineEI mode, variable ND on FX6, high base EI of 12800 that looks super clean etc.
In summary it seems easier to get a great looking image straight out of camera with the newer Sony’s but if you’re going through a proper colour pipeline than there’s not a huge difference IMO…
That’s great! Thank you so much!
@@tuckerandersonfilms No problem 👍🏼
Shhhh… this was supposed to be a secret haha
This camera is a tank! We use it every day at CBC/Radio-Canada (public broadcaster in Canada) for our public affairs shows, music videos, documentaries and much more.
I'm still amazed by the image quality of this 10+ years old camera. When paired with some good Zeiss or Canon cinema prime glass, this camera produce really really good image.
Only complains: it's not a good camera for run-and-gun scenario, specially if you want to adjust your audio or change your frame rate on the spot. It takes a long time to boot up and everytime you are changing your your base project setting the camera has to reboot. Also, you'll need an ND.3 and ND.6 filter cause your only stuck with two internal ND filters. Other than that, it it still a killer camera for its price.
4K 120p 16-bit raw is an insane spec
No lie i’ve been eyeing this camera for some time now but there isn’t much recent reviews as all of them are already from quite some time ago, so thanks CVP!
No worries, thanks for watching! Jake
I have the F55 and R5 16 bit raw recorder, the Sony Japan six pack of SCL T2.0 Cinema PL primes. I also have the Ursa Mini Pro 12K but the F55 is still so relevant today, there is no reason not to keep using it.
it’s a gorgeous camera! it’s light, global shutter and the sony raw 16bit is creamy. the FZ mount is easily made into what you need, PL or say EF
Everyone always overlooks the F5. Sony gave the F5 a firmware update to include nearly every feature of the F55 other than the global shutter and extended color gamut which are inherent to the sensor. I picked up a rigged out upgraded F5 for under 3k.
This has been my dream camera since 2020. And now the eBay price is going to shoot right back up 😭
this is the first camera that really called out to me years ago because i want to start doing camera stuff. fast forward/rewind to June, i bought a bundle of a F55 package from Adorama for about $4600. got the travel case, battery, dual battery charger, viewfinder, shoulder mount, arri top plate. can’t wait to get it fully operating. also love seeing current videos of this camera, thanks CVP
Was this a recent purchase?
@@memcrew1 yup. back in June
@@derrwolf Nice!
@@memcrew1 i need to take it out soon and play with it. beast is kinda heavy so i need a tripod and/or some handles for shoulder mount. whichever comes first
We used Sony F5 for product shoots with 6 prime lenses 20-25-35-50-85-135 one of the best cine cameras from sony 😍
At the time when the Alexa Classic was selling for $6K USD, I was contemplating the Sony F55 as well. This was going back to 2020. In the end, I went with the Alexa. I haven't regretted that decision.
Another point to make is that this camera has some drawbacks and reasons to get sort out of rental houses. We should not forget about it. ;) Now I can comment this here since CVP seem to successfully sold their stock of them :) - Apart from that the price should be looked at twise: The body is cheap today, yes, but the 4K recorder is still very expensive and all together you get far better cameras today for less in this range recoding 4K in the body and on the same reputation level. And I am not talking about prosumer cams or those who are known for sensor issues ;). The F-55/56 series is an extraordinary cine cam no doubt, but had always issues with red/magenta skin tone rendering, produces great images yes, but there are competitors better in color than those.
I use this camera on most productions for almost 10 years. My normal setting is 4k 50p RAW. I love it! The image quality is infinite better than fx6 and the fx9. I shoot a lot in harsh conditions and the robust F55 build is just great. I’m looking at a Venice 2 to replace it with, but it is so pricey. Why isn’t there a Sony cam between fx9 and Venice? Massive gap between those!
You think the image is way better than either fx6 and fx9? explain in what ways in your opinion
@@mr.frandy7692Yes! I own a FX9 and work with FX6 footage often.
First off the FX9 is just a bad build, basically just plastic. It can’t film in 4K DCI 50p only in UHD 25p (with full sensor). Using it for slow motion you have to crop the sensor and go down to HD and reboot the camera. It’s really annoying! The FX6 is better here.
When grading the footage from FX9 and FX6 compared to the F55 there is a lot of difference. You can take the F55 footage a lot further and the image is way better in both darker and brighter areas. The cost is much bigger files from the camera. Most time you can grade FX9 and FX6 footage to where you want but it demand more care and effort, taking a bit more time.
The only benefit using FX9 and FX6 for me is that it’s more suited for ENG with light zoom lenses.
I will sell my FX9 soon since I have ordered the Burano. Finally (I hope) Sony has filled the huge gap between the Venice and FX9! Waited a long time for that! I will keep my F55 though!
Can I use Shogun 7 with Sony PMW-F55 to record Prores RAW?
Can you all do a revisiting video on the Canon Cinema line? Particularly one the C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II? These cameras were incredible offerings from Canon, but maybe they were released at the wrong time and price. They are also modular cameras that use the same accessories, which I would expect productions to love.
Canon currently has the following: R5C, C70, C200, C300 Mark III, and C500 Mark II. - All Raw Capable
I feel like Sony has dominated their segmentation: A7SIII, A1, FX3, FX6, and FX9. - All full-frame cameras
Would love to see a comparison of the two lines as well.
Advantage to more affordable cameras is if you can afford 2 or 3 identical models you can get close and wide shots simultaneously or have a backup camera on hand if one starts behaving erratically. Backup cameras are more of a concern when there are more people on set, more actors, more crew, etc. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time by not shooting because of technical issues. When possible I try to have backup equipment on set and ready to go.
The F55 was always a good camera, it, along with the F65, Arri Alexa, and AJA Cion, were the only bodies that would output Linear direct from the sensor, though the Sony's recorded Compressed Raw and the Arri and AJA Uncompressed.
The ergonomics of the F55 didn't match the Cion, but with the right shoulder mount and rails it got close. Both the Alexa and F65 were worse, and both of those much heavier before being rigged ready to shoot. Of the four with Linear and Raw, the Alexa had the worlds best Rolling Shutter, the F65 a Mechanical Shutter, and the F55 and Cion Global Shutter.
The prices of them though, directly reflected the capabilities, and the F55 still holds a higher percentage of it's initial cost then any of the rest, and for good reason.
F55 is a future-proof camera builded by SONY, I bet it still shine in another 10 years. Never seen any better camera in the market compare to F55. As we all know FS5, FS7, FX9, FX6 are toys, while the real beast is F55 + R7 raw recorder.
I wanted to shoot a film with his camera 7-8 years ago. Unfortunately it had a huge fixed pattern noise that was a nightmare in low light. It was replaced by an arri studio
Great video and great plug for what is arguably one of Sony's best workhorse cameras. It truly is the Swiss Army Knife of pro cameras. The R7 really breaths new life into the F55. It's almost like a new camera. X-OCN is a dream to work with, plus the higher frame rates in 4K with no pixel binning or cropping. It's a shame that the R7 and media are so expensive. If you have a need for it, it's definitely worth it. This camera pays for itself in no time.
Can you also make a review of the Panasonic varicam 35 or the LT? Quite hard to find a decent review of it nowadays.
Awesome. Im currently testing an F55 and enjoyed watching this. Still on the fence if this is what I need or not!
Its crazy that nowadays, if you want global shutter + genlock, the only option is komodo. F55 is an excelent camera for ICVFX with a led volume.
I always wanted this camera 😍
OH!!! I loved this camera!!!
I learnt filmmaking on this one!!!
Lovely piece of kit 👌
I still hold on to my Canon C500 MKI.
Used this system on a recent shoot and really want to buy one.
i would love to see a comparison of the f55 and komodo and maybe even the z cam global shutter camera ... or even the v raptor x
We still use the F5/55. As long as you’re not needing crazy low light performance, these cameras are total workhorses.
I loved my f55, I do regret selling it!
Sony was early in the digital camera market, that is impressive
How so?
@@memcrew1 It's a 10 year old camera that does what the latest flagship boast about now!
@@nyambe I know it’s a kick ass camera even today, but I was asking about your “Sony was EARLY in the digital market” comment.
13:57 Wouldn't that be the Burano?
The fact that this camera is now 10 years old makes me feel very, very old.
That would make one hell of live streaming cam.
Been toying with the idea of getting one of these along side my FX6. I shoot automotive and the 240fps is the big draw as the FX6 above 120fps is, in my opinion, unusable. If anyone has any experience of using one of these along side an FX camera I'd love to hear your opinions about working with it and also the image quality comparison. Thanks CVP for the great video!!
Can recommend the Blackmagic UMP12k if you're looking for a more modern solution. Very good performer when it comes to slow motion and in general just a great sensor rly.
Thank you for making this!
God how useful this video is!!! thanks Man, I watched whole video and I found that I knew about camera. please make more useful contents like this about alphabetic expressions of photography and Video camera. thanks a lot, subscribed
Something about those coffee beans falling into water always disturbs me.
New Sony cameras look like toys when compared to these ones.
Love these segments.
Thanks so much for that. For sure a great camera and in many ways that and the amira represented the perfect on shoulder camera design and pro ui layout. I’m not sure that we have moved forward as much as we had hoped but I guess I remember having one and a 5d ii and A7sii on the same shoot. It did feel like something was changing. I always loved it’s image. It’s a shame that the essential extras to keep it in the game today are still so expensive and that’s the real reason why I thinks it’s been replaced almost entirely with the fx9 and which now spans that Venice gap probably best for many jobbing pros. I would love one if nothing else for a 4K cine camera that has an evf as standard that’s affordable. The simplicity of the raw module makes the fx9s solution look ridiculous. So many things to love about it and thanks as always for the excellent video. Tempting?!
I didn't know abo this camera, I see that even the last seasons of the Blacklist TV show was shot on it ! stunning image quality. Anyone knows where I can find some video footage ?
Still one of my favorite cameras out there.
If sony were to bring out a new RAW recording unit that included standard NAND SSD, that would improve workflow to such an extent that they would sell thousands instantly, garenteed
Hi, I do have a question. is 3000 System Hours are too much for this F55? and what is the life od this camera? at what point or hours this camera is expire?
awesome video. this camera changed the game.
Anyone got any tips for affordable recording options not using the default SxS cards or the bolt on Sony recorders ? It seems Atomos support is good so that is an option (if you don't want >60 fps). I've seen SxS to SDHC card adapters but no experience, anyone ? And what about SSDs as media, is that possible ?
I’m curious about the DR of this camera as measured by Imatest compared to other modern cameras.
Does the FX6 outclass this Pro camera from 10 years ago? That’s a really interesting question.
No. Dynamic range on this camera is better and also global shutter. But size and weight are an issue. However, having a bigger camera can have its advantages. People always are drawn to big cameras Bcz they look “professional” in a world of DSLR shooters and smart phone DPs.
@@AlexDerrick_DP Show me your tests demonstrating that.
Ben Cridge spotted. Great acting
F55 Mark II
Jeez the specs are amazing - i wonder why canon or Sony refuse to offer an attached external recorder on the mirrorless offerings ??
Stil using the Fs700 w/ an Atomos Shogun7. Great for corporate and web content.
Everyone shits on cameras until TH-cam tells them they should like them. lol.
Interesting bit about the level of sturdiness. I love my fx6 but all the doors and ports don't inspire confidence. I've been through a couple of rough shoots and so far so good, but I wish the camera was heavier and more robust. I'm probably in the minority though.
Thanks for the video! Quite an interesting camera the F55
Amazing video and amazing camera.
Nice film about the Sony F55. I have the F5 with a Raw recorder too. But you forget the card reader in the calculation with the recorder and card. The AXS-CR1 is not available and the AXS-AR 3 is very massive from the price
* And there is no way to read out the AXS cards internally 🥲
Can one combine the F5 with atomos ninja v stand alone to record Raw without using AXS-CR1 or AXS-AR. Just curious to know because am thinking of investing in F5.
Review the Sony CineAlta mkii lens set!!!!
Still saving money to buy this camera, F5 or F55
Great video!
The form factor is incredible even in 2022.
It really is! Jake
can you record to a blackmagic video assist without the external r5 recorder?
Could you make a video on the sony f65 because I would like to buy this camera. Is it possible to buy it in reserve with 50% of the amount? Thanks !
Well shiiiit. I might have to pick one up!!
Great video as always guys! Just a quick question, which monitor was used with the F55 at stamp 2:28?
Thanks for watching Casey, it was a SmallHD Cine 7. Jake
Love it
could you also use an atomos to record the raw? or is the sony recorder mandatory?
You can, but you’re going from 16 bit linear RAW, to the 12 bit Atomos RAW. There was/is an upgrade for the same ProRes codecs internally but requires a codec board to be supported installed into the camera. The R7 will give you X-OCN with the F55. Man what a beast and I absolutely love mine.
Except that it's 1000x more complicated that what it seems
Do you all ship to the US or just the UK?
interesting
Arent those the same specs as the FS700?
Imagine this sensor in like an FX30
is the a7s iii really far from this one?
FS7 killed the F5 and F55.
i want it
Does anyone knows, why my GMS soft soft is diffrent ?
How about a Sony HDW F900R from 1999. Full HD.
Love this series. Wanted to know can this camera be paired with an Atomos Ninja V? Thanks.
Thanks for watching! You can see what you can record with an ATOMOS here - www.atomos.com/compatible-cameras/pmw-f55 Jake
@@CVPTV Thanks!
Sir please review sony FX9 camera thanks & u r Best 💐💐❤️❤️
We already have!
th-cam.com/video/2-kYtjH3eEs/w-d-xo.html Jake
Great camera only hated the ND filter... Only 0.9 and 1.8 there isn't an in-between... Love the images of what it churns out. . This over komodo anyday of the year... And with DVL 200 i cannot ask for more... Komodo 1 sdi port... This gives u 4 and genlock and timecode and audio module... With the back module R7 16bit is magic....
Yes the NDs definitely are where this camera shows its age in 2022. They have zero IR cut as well.
And what about Arri? In almost very regular model (the big ones - except the Studio version) there was NO internal ND - and almost nobody would see that as a disadvantage. 10 years ago a Three-Step-ND was a quite nice feature for a cinema camera (and - looking to RED - it is still today).
Both the F5 and F55 were taken down by the unbeatable price of FS7.
Is there any E-Mount adapter for the F55?
Unfortunately not, you can however get FZ mount adapters to larger flange lenses like EF. Jake
@@CVPTV Thanks. It’s a pitty. I actually own a lot of E-mount lenses, so buying another set makes no sense to me. And the F55/F5 are very tempting.