The 4K Sony FS7 shattered price boundaries and expectations when it was unveiled at last year's IBC trade show in Amsterdam, and ever since then has been one of the most popular cameras for professionals. Giving substantial performance at 4K/60p plus the ability to output 4K Raw to external recorders, the FS7 has become the de-facto go-to camera for people who are on a budget, but want the flexibility of the XAVC 4K codec and the ability to shoot high-frame rates at 1080p. While the Sony FS7 filled the need for professional 4K in the sub-10K price range, the Panasonic Varicam 35 has been taking the high end production spectrum by storm. The 4K powerhouse from Panasonic features dual native ISO's, one at the staggering ISO 5000 providing clean shadows and unprecedented sensitivity for those productions who need to push the capabilities of the camera to the fullest. Amazon Studios and other narrative drama commissioners have already started shooting episodic drama on the Varicam 35, and their choice of camera is not surprising at all – the Varicam 35 can recorder high end 4K on board, while simultaneously also record proxy files at lower resolutions for a more flexible post-production workflow and huge times savings. But in the modern world, what is a camera just by itself. That's where ARRI comes in with their uber quality professional accessories in the PCA range (which stands for Pro Camera Accessories) they have just developed for the Sony FS7 and the Varicam 35. In addition to these accessories, ARRI have a new Studio Matte Box – SMB-2 taking the already very popular and highly regarded SMB-1 to the next level.

Studio Matte Box SMB-2

The SMB-2 Matte box from ARRI features a smaller foot print than its predecessor, and is optimized for 4" x 5.65" Panavision size filters positioned either vertically or horizontally, the SMB-2 suits most prime lenses and smaller zooms. When recording a standard 2.8K image with ALEXA and using a 3-filter stage configuration, the SMB-2 covers lenses up to the 14 mm Master Prime and 14 mm Ultra Prime, as well as all Alura zooms.

The SMB-2 Tilt variant features an integrated tilt module that counteracts reflections and all versions benefit from stackable filter stages, allowing quick reconfiguration. For anamorphic filming the 4:3 spherical sunshade and accessories can be replaced with a separately available anamorphic conversion set, comprising a 2:1 ratio sunshade, side flags and mattes.

ARRI PCA for Sony PXW-FS7

The Sony PXW-FS7 is also getting ARRI PCA treatment, with a built-in 15 mm rod console, the ARRI Plate for FS7 is compatible with standard studio bridge plates and VCT-style tripod adapters. Sturdy extended rosettes fit Sony's telescopic handgrip as well as all other rosette-based hand grips, and the ergonomic shoulder pad can remain in place for both handheld and tripod shooting.

One of the key functionalities of the Sony FS7 is the native E-mount, which allows users to adapt a wide variety of poopular third party lenses with Canon EF, PL and/or Leica R mount among many others. Compatible with the Plate for FS7, the ARRI Lens Adapter Support LAS-1 equips a wide range of third-party PL and EF mount lens adapters with pillar support. It also supports special optical adapters such as the Metabones Speed Booster and Smart Adapter Mark IV.

The ARRI Top Plate for FS7 can accommodate an ALEXA or Sony top handle and features numerous threaded interfaces, two focus hooks and an optically-centered console, while the ARRI Viewfinder Bracket for FS7 offers unrivalled adjustment range and sturdiness.

ARRI PCA for Panasonic VariCam 35/HS

The Pro Camera Accessories for VariCam 35 and the HS variant equip the two Panasonic cameras flagship cameras for traditional rental environments and productions, offering compatibility with most industry-standard accessories and swift transitions between handheld and tripod operation. ARRI's Plate for VariCam 35/HS provides 15 mm rod support and has a wide footprint for reassuring stability on a worktop. It is compatible with industry-standard studio bridge plates and, with the supplied wedge adapter, VCT-style tripod adapters.

The built-in extended rosettes fit all rosette-based hand grips and hand grip extensions, while the broad shoulder pad makes the camera comfortable to operate handheld, even in studio configuration.

Featuring multiple accessory interfaces, the ARRI Top/Side Plate for VariCam 35/HS also includes sensor plane focus hooks and a 15 mm single rod console for streamlined low-mode setups. The VariCam 35 control panel bracket can be fitted to the top of the plate for right-side operation.

As authorised ARRI, Panasonic and Sony resellers, over here at Visual Impact we have all your PCA needs sorted out. Give us a call at 0208 977 1222 and we will get the right accessories for your camera.