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Description
When you're ready to elevate your filmmaking game, the Sony PMW-F55 is your go-to digital cinema camera. Built for the modern cinematographer, this camera boasts an impressive 8.9MP Super 35mm image sensor that captures stunning 4K, 2K, and HD video. One of the standout features is its electronic global shutter, a trailblazer that eliminates motion skew and rolling shutter distortions, ensuring crisp, distortion-free footage even during fast-paced action sequences.
The F55's modular design means it's tailored to grow with your needs. Choose from an array of optional components like bolt-on recorders and digital viewfinders to customize your shooting experience. Thanks to its native FZ mount and included PL mount adapter, you're not limited to specific lenses—swap them out to suit any project or aesthetic.
Boasting a dynamic range of 14 stops, the F55 rivals traditional film in its ability to handle highlights and shadows with finesse. For those who demand the utmost in color precision, you'll appreciate the camera's wider-than-film color gamut, made possible by the same color filter array technology found in Sony's flagship models.
Whether you're filming a music video or a cinematic feature, the F55's high-speed SxS PRO+ memory card recording and intuitive one-touch interface put creative control at your fingertips. Expect nothing less than professional-grade results with this cutting-edge piece of kit.
Key Features:
- 8.9MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor for true 4K capture
- Electronic global shutter to eliminate motion skew
- Modular design with optional components and adapters
- Supports 14 stops of dynamic range
- Wider color gamut than traditional film
- High-speed SxS PRO+ memory card compatibility
- Intuitive one-touch interface for key shooting parameters
Videos
CVP
This 10 Year Old Sony Cinema Camera Can Shoot 4K 120 FPS 16-bit RAW!!
This 10 Year Old Sony Cinema Camera Can Shoot 4K 120 FPS 16-bit RAW!!
CVP
ARRI AMIRA vs Sony F55
Shift 4
At the Bench: Introduction to the Sony PMW-F55 - Part 2
AbelCine
At the Bench: Introduction to the Sony PMW-F55 - Part 1
AbelCine
First look at Sony's PMW-F5 and PMW-F55 camcorders
CVP
10 Years with the Sony F55 - Reel
Venture Films
A Tour of the Panavised Sony F55 Digital Camera
Panavision
How to set up camera PMW F55 Sony in professional way for shooting
CAMERA TECHNOLOGY CAM
Reviews
PROS
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Offers multiple shooting formats: MPEG, 2K, and 4K with the same rig
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Exceptional performance in extreme temperatures, from -35F to 120F
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Seamless integration with other Sony cameras, ideal for multi-cam setups
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Known for its use in professional media productions like 60 Minutes and Dateline NBC
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Outstanding picture quality with internal debayered 4K on SXS cards
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Future-ready design with the option for 4K RAW recording via AXS recorder
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Compact and versatile, catering to diverse cinematic needs
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Preferred by cinematographers and directors for its superlative 4K quality
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Offers near-limitless creative options for filmmakers
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sony PMW-F55.
User experience
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Shooting in raw requires strategic exposure, as highlights use more of the available 16-bit data, ensuring better image quality.
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Owners report that the F55 has excellent battery life, achieving approximately 3.5 hours with a 95Wh battery.
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Handling the F55 involves a slower, more deliberate shooting process compared to smaller, gimbal-friendly cameras, which some users find beneficial for composed shots.
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Owners highlight the camera's weight and ergonomics, suggesting the need for additional support like tripods or grips to improve handling during shoots.
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Software and compatibility
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The F55's accessories, such as the EVF and R5 recorder, maintain compatibility with newer Sony models like the Venice.
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Comparisons
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The camera is noted for its robust design, though it is heavier than modern counterparts, affecting portability during shoots.
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The F55 is considered more reliable than older RED models, with fewer reports of crashing, providing stability for intensive shoots.
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Some users find the F55's colors less pleasing than RED's, but appreciate the camera’s global shutter and extensive I/O options.
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Use cases and applications
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The F55 is praised for its versatility across genres, having been used in sports, documentaries, news, and series like "The Crown."
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Despite its age, the F55 is still actively used in network TV productions, particularly in sitcoms and certain Disney shows, indicating its lasting relevance.
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The F55's ability to shoot 4k60p and support the AXS-R7 recorder for 4k120p makes it suitable for high-frame-rate projects.
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The F55 was notably used on "Parts Unknown" and praised for capturing stunning imagery in non-fiction television.
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The F55 is praised for its performance in documentary and non-fiction productions, credited to its global shutter and usability for shoulder-mounted shooting.
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Value and pricing
Features and functionality
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The F55 includes only three white balance presets: 3200K, 4300K, and 5500K, which can limit flexibility in dynamic lighting environments.
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The Sony F55 requires an external R5 recorder for 16bit RAW, which is sometimes unreliable in mounting, impacting trust on set.
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The XAVC codec provides 10bit intra-frame 4:2:2 quality with lower bitrates than ProRes, praised for its efficiency and quality.
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The internal ND filters offer 3-stop increments, which can be limiting compared to newer models with variable ND capabilities.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Must have to be creative !
Compact, versatile and future-ready, the F55 gives cinematographers and directors plenty of good reasons to pick CineAlta. Find out why it’s the prime choice whenever you need superlative 4K picture quality and near-limitless creative options – today and tomorrow.
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