This FX9 is a combination of technologies between the good old FS7, the high-end Venice and the Alpha series. Every camera brings something to this new “6K” camera. Read more below about the good stuff implemented in the Sony PXW-FX9.

Not a 6K, but 4K

Strange to call it a 6K camera. The newly announced Sony PXW-FX9 is a 4K camera with a 6K sensor. It is a full-frame over-sampling and not a true 6K. According to Sony, the FX9 is a combination of the Alpha series, the FS7 and Venice. Every camera brings something to the FX9. Let’s soar over the new features.

Check out the Product Feature video below by Sony:  

Color science: S-Cinetone – A Venice technology

S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9, that, according to Sony, grants a softer cinematic tonal look implemented in Venice. The S-Cinetone means that straight out of the camera, your content looks fresh and vivid. Sony claims that you don’t need to be a professional color grader to get polished imagery. The S-Cinetone characterized by its accurate skin tones and beautiful highlights. We’ve managed to implement the most updated video by Sony, which features the latest S-Cinetone capabilities. Explore it below:

Autofocusing: Improved implementation

The technical knowledge that used to develop improved autofocus for the FX9, was borrowed from the Alpha series. Especially concerning face detection capabilities. This face detection is built right into the sensor. The shooter can control the autofocus parameter to achieve the desired focus motion.

15 stops of DR, 10-bit internal and NDs

Sony claims 15+ stops of dynamic range on the FX9, allowing for creative freedom in color grading and post. Also, the camera is capable of capturing 4K 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. Regarding natural Density filters, there is a built-in electronic ND filter that can be set to auto, or adjust filter density manually in smooth increments from 1/4 to 1/128. The implementation of built-in ND in a full-frame camera is quite an engineering achievement. We saw this in the newly announced ALEXA Mini LF. Furthermore, auto ND can be beneficial in one shooter scenario in an uncontrolled environment.

16-bit 4K RAW recording (firmware upgrade)

The camera can record DCI (4096 x 2160), UHD (3840 x 2160), and HD (1920 x 1080) internally at a selectable frame rate from 1 fps up to 60 fps in XAVC-I, XAVC-Long, and MPEG HD formats. According to Sony, it will be able to record HD at up to 180 fps and output 16-bit raw 4K/2K footage up to 120 fps with a future firmware update.

Ket features

• 6K Full-Frame R CMOS Sensor (not a 6K camera)
• 15 Stops of Dynamic Range
• DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 60p
• UHD up to 60 fps, HD up to 180 fps
• 16 bit 4K RAW (future firmware update)

Price and availability

The camera costs $11,000. Go to B&H to get notified when the camera is available for order.

Final thoughts

In my personal opinion, the essential feature is the color science. Implementing Venice color science is a brilliant idea. All the other elements are nice to have. Overall, it seems that Sony invented this camera because it has to. However, the picture quality is a far more crucial factor than higher resolution. 

What are your thoughts regarding this “6K” full-frame camera? Would you use it in your productions? Comment below!