Sony FR7 Is The First Netflix Approved PTZ Camera

Netflix Approved

by Francesco AndreolaDecember 15^th, 2022

Netflix has recently added the Sony FR7 to their list of approved cameras for 4K capture. Sony’s latest full-frame Cinema Line model is the first PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera to receive approval from the streaming giant.

Back in September, the Sony FR7 was the first PTZ camera to join the company’s prestigious Cinema Line. The camera inherits a good chunk of its features from the FX6, but packs them into a different form factor that allows for remote control of pan, tilt, and zoom.

Over the last few months, this full-frame camera definitely drew the attention of live productions and broadcasters, and recently joined other 13 Sony cameras in Netflix’s approval list. Let’s take a look!

Sony FR7 is now Netflix-approved

On the imaging side, it’s not surprising to see the Sony FR7 joining the list of Netflix approved cameras. Indeed, this model shares most of its specs with the Sony FX6, which is already in the list. These include a full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K capture up to 120fps, Dual ISO, built-in NDs, SLog3, Fast Hybrid AF, dual CFexpress A/SD slots, same internal codecs, and even the ability to output 16-bit RAW over SDI.

However, as Netflix explained in a dedicated video, their camera approval process goes way beyond image quality, and also takes into account other factors, such as stability, reliability, and overall usability of the system.

And here’s where things get interesting. Indeed, the FR7 is the first PTZ camera to receive Netflix’s approval. Previously, footage coming from PTZ cameras could only be used for a fraction of the total runtime of a program (about 10%), while the FR7 can now be adopted as the A Cam of the show.

Like with every approved camera, Netflix has released a dedicated Camera Production Guide, which can be found here. Best practices and recommended settings are pretty much identical to those contained in the FX6 guide, and there are no specific mentions to PTZ features.

Do you often use PTZ cameras in your productions? What do you think about the Sony FR7? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!