Sony FX6, whose full name is ILME-FX6V, is a professional 4K camcorder in full format, where you have also utilized all the knowledge from Sony’s best mirrorless system cameras for still images.
It may be reminiscent of what Panasonic has done with the S1H (and to some extent Canon with its 8K camera R5 ), but unlike its competitors, Sony with the FX6 has chosen the ergonomics of a camcorder. With buttons and switches that cinematographers know them, and of course a practical carrying handle. Which makes it much easier to film steadily, than when standing and filming with a still camera.
Compact for creators on the go
FX6 forms Sony’s Cinema Line, together with the larger FX9 and the full-grown – and priced – VENICE. We are promised “the very highest cine quality from cinematography to documentaries.” Thanks to its compact dimensions, the FX6 will be able to appeal to a wider audience, with the same technology as from the other two cameras. FX6 is “the compact and flexible solution that gives great results”.
The Sony FX6 also gives you more freedom to record videos with fast and accurate autofocus, including real-time autofocus, real-time tracking and adjustable autofocus sensitivity. It also includes “a unique variable ND filter to maintain a cinematic look and change lighting environments for more creative expression”.
Sony FX6 has a detachable, smart handle and high-resolution LCD screen, heat management system for long work sessions and a good battery life of up to 3.5 hours.
4K 120 fps
The Sony FX6 has a lightweight and modular camera body that can be adapted to the accessories you want to use. We are promised that the compact camera body will not compromise on video quality, and you can film in 4K resolution up to 120 frames per second (fps). Rolling shutter is a minimal problem, it is said, and the camera can film in very low light, with up to 409,800 ISO. This is thanks to a 10.2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor in combination with a new Bionz XR processor.
15-step dynamic range
Sony claims a dynamic range of over 15 steps (stop), if you shoot in S-Log3 aspect ratio. This is more than one step above most competitors. It doesn’t sound like much, but you actually double the light intake for each step, so it’s pretty impressive nonetheless. The color depth covers more than REC.2020 which is the largest color space used commercially today. It also means that the camera fits in almost any shooting environment.
The camera has a dual ISO circuit (Dual Base ISO), at 800 and 12,800 means, which means you can increase the sensor sensitivity without getting more noise in the image. This allows you to film in poor light conditions without losing image quality.
Great photos right out of the camera
S-Cinetone is the standard color profile of the Sony PXW-FX9, this will give “rich colors, natural face tones and a softer tone”, and is made to be able to give great pictures straight out of the camera. The same color profile is also found in the other Cinema Line cameras, including the flagship VENICE. Which means that you can use all the models in one and the same video production, and the recordings can be cut together without you having to fine-tune in post-production to match them.
Faster memory card – CFexpress Type A
CFexpress Type A is slightly smaller than CFexpress type B. Since FX6 uses type A, you will be able to use both CFexpress cards and SD cards in FX6. To support all video modes in the camera, use a CFexpress card. Then you can also film in the very highest bitstream, which is 600 Mbit / s.
Sony FX6 – availability
The Sony FX6 will be available in mid-December
Fact
- Sensor type : 35 mm full-frame CMOS image sensor with single chip
- Pixels: Approx. 12.9 megapixels (total), approx. 10.2 megapixels (efficient)
- Sensitivity: ISO 800/12800 (Cine EI mode, D55 light source)
- Built-in optical filters: Clear, linear variable ND (1 / 4ND to 1 / 128ND)
- Media type: CFexpress Type A / SD card (x2), Slot B can be used to store configuration data.
- LCD: 8.8 cm (3.5 type), Approx. 2.76 million dots