Sony announced they released a firmware update for the FR7, a full-frame sensor-equipped interchangeable lens swivel camera. This will upgrade the software from version 2.20 to version 3.00.
The main content of this update is the addition of new functions that will contribute to improving content creation and workflow, such as PTZ auto framing, remote production, and preset positions. Sony had previously announced at various events and on its website that these functions would be available from June 2025 onwards, and the update has now been officially released.
Sony FR7 Firmware Update 3.00 Details
PTZ auto-framing function
- Supports PTZ auto framing function
- Added eye gap effect to PTZ auto framing function
- Added CGI commands to control PTZ autoframing from external devices
Remote operation function
- Supports multi-matrix Area Indication function
- Supports the following controls (S700 protocol) from the remote control panel and master setup unit:
- Variable ND Mode/Call/Area Indication(GATE)/AWB
Remote Control Panel
RCP-1500/1501, RCP-1530, RCP-3100, RCP-3500/3501
Master Setup Unit
MSU-1000, MSU-1500, MSU-3000, MSU-3500
Camera Remote Control
HZC-RCP5, HZC-CMS10
- Variable ND Mode/Call/Area Indication(GATE)/AWB
- Compatible with camera control network adapter (CNA-2) *1
- Supports IP Tally (TSL UMD V5.0)
- NDI is standard (license pre-installed)
- Improved color fidelity for RTSP/RTMP/SRT/NDI|HX
- Improved camera stability and remote control command response
*1 Compatible with CNA-2 firmware version > 1.20. Firmware availability is scheduled for September 2025 or later.
Virtual production function
- You can now select up to four output destinations for tracking data (free-d)
- Camera offset for tracking data (free-d) can now be entered
Preset position function
- Preset position function allows you to set the time
- Preset position function supports full pixel super-resolution zoom *2
Network functions
- The IP address (192.168.0.100) can be fixed from the SETUP switch *3
Other fixes in Sony FR7
- Improved image quality when using User 3D LUT
- Improved the adjustment range of Matrix/Multi Matrix when Base Look is set to user1 to user16 and Target Display is set to HDR (HLG) *4
- Supports 23.98PsF for SDI output
- Improved the issue where the full pixel super resolution zoom would occasionally transition to 1.0x.
*2 Zooming may not be smooth in the super-resolution zoom range.
*3 The IP address can be fixed regardless of the network settings in the web menu. However, if the IP address has already been fixed, it will need to be re-adjusted.
*4 The effect of the Matrix/Multi Matrix settings has changed compared to Ver.2.20 and earlier. Therefore, if you are using this function, you will need to re-adjust it.
Details of notable update features
Here we take a closer look at some of the most notable aspects of this update.
About the AI-based auto-framing function
Sony has previously offered an autoframing function on cameras such as the SRG-A40 and BRC-AM7, but with the version 3.00 update, the FR7 now also supports the autoframing function.
The auto-framing function, which utilizes AI analytics, allows the camera to automatically track the subject (person) and shoot with a natural composition. This function recognizes people with high accuracy using detailed data such as the person’s pose, head, face, and clothing. This makes it possible to automatically control pan, tilt, and zoom to track the subject. Even if there are multiple people in the frame, it is convenient because you can select and track one specific person.
About the eye-opening effect
The auto framing function is equipped with an eye space effect. This function is intended for use in interview scenes, etc. When the subject changes their gaze while focusing on one person, the camera automatically creates the optimal space within the composition, even without the photographer being present.
The PTZ auto framing function is equipped with an eye gap effect. This function automatically adjusts the composition to create space in front of the line of sight when tracking a person according to the direction of the subject’s face. This enables tracking with a natural composition close to that of professional photography. In addition, the size of the margin created by the eye gap effect can be adjusted in three stages.
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) preset enhancements
One of the new features of the preset position function is improved control when playing back presets. A preset is a function that allows you to recall previously set camera directions (pan), tilt, zoom magnification, etc. with the press of a button. When playing back these presets, in addition to the conventional speed setting, you can now also set the movement time.
This allows operations to be preset in 0.5 second increments and set from 1 to 99 seconds. This expansion makes it easier to link the pan, tilt and zoom movements of the camera body with the operation of external devices such as sliders, dollies and totems. As a result, a wide range of camera work can be achieved with the entire system.
Supports super-resolution zoom presets
When playing back PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) presets, it is now possible to recall the super-resolution zoom range, allowing you to shoot with a wider zoom range and quickly change the camera configuration by recalling saved preset settings.
