As previously announced, Sony have confirmed that an upcoming firmware release for the popular Sony PXW-FS7 will enable several new features by the end of the year. The most notable addition will be the 2K center scan function which crops a 2K image out of the middle of the sensor’s 4K frame. The feature, that is also found on the new FS5, will effectively double your lenses’ focal length without losing any stops of light when shooting in HD or 2K modes.
   

This function, which was previously only available on the more expensive F5 and F55 cameras, was originally intended for those wanting to use Super 16mm lenses or B4 2/3″ glass (with an optical adapter) on their cameras. It is also commonly used by operators to double the focal length of their lenses electronically for added shooting versatility. For documentary and news shooters this allows you to run and gun with fewer lenses when shooting in 2K or HD resolutions.

The FS7 will also receive an interval record function that will allow users to capture timelapses that are recorded in camera and don’t require post processing. Noise suppression will be added as an option when shooting in Cine EI mode, potentially useful as the base ISO for shooting in Cine EI is 2000.

It is nice to see Sony implementing new features in the FS7 to give it functionality from the cheaper FS5, although there are no details yet as to when in 2015 the firmware will be available to download.