It seems that it was just an announcement for the announcement. However, we all predicted it. Sony unveiled its FX6, which is an entry-level camera for its Cinema Line. The FX6 is a 4K, full-frame, 15+ stops of DR camcorder. Sort of hybridization of the Cinema Line with the VENICE, and the Alpha models. Read on.
Why another cinema camera? Because we (Sony) can
Sony has announced the FX6. Don’t get me wrong here. Despite the title, I do think that the FX6 seems like a workhorse camcorder that can be well utilized for high-end cinema applications. However, it looks like it was just an announcement for the announcement. Most probably, Sony had to develop a bridge that can connect its Alpha models to its Cinema Line elite cameras. Indeed, the FX6 is an a7S III in a form factor that is dedicated to filmmakers. As noted, the FX6 will be a part of Sony’s Cinema Line (announced in September 2020) of advanced video production products.
FX6 Combines the Best of Sony’s Industry-leading Digital Cinema Technology with Advanced Imaging Features from Alpha Mirrorless Cameras.
Sony
Cinema Line: Sony’s solution for large-format cinematography
Sony defines the Cinema Line as a series of camera products created for and dedicated to, a wide range of content creators. As stated by Sony: “Cinema Line brings forth innovations and features from Sony’s current VENICE and FX9 cameras to new products with varying form factors, feature sets, and price points. And all of these new cameras will share the Sony DNA of expertise in:
- Full-frame image sensors – high sensitivity and resolution, wide dynamic range
- Color science – delivering a rich filmic, cinematic look, with the flexibility to customize creative expression
- Auto Focus
- Small and lightweight bodies
- Professional and intuitive interfaces with improved ergonomics
The FX6 can be defined as the entry-level camera of the Cinema Line, and thus, the most affordable one. FX6 bridges from the Alpha models, which are dedicated for stills, to the Cinema Line, in order to fulfill the demands of videographers. As stated by Sony: “FX6 Combines the Best of Sony’s Industry-leading Digital Cinema Technology with Advanced Imaging Features from Alpha Mirrorless Cameras”.
FX6 Product Highlights
- 4K 10.2 megapixel full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R™ sensor
- Compact and lightweight body design for on-the-go shooting
- Ultra-high sensitivity with ISO expandable up to 409,600 for very low light conditions
- 15+ stops of dynamic range 1
- S-Cinetone TM look profile, also used in FX9 and inspired by VENICE colorimetry
- BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, first used in Alpha 7S III
- Fast Hybrid Auto Focus, also used in Alpha cameras and FX9
- Recording up to 4K 120p / HD 240p, 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth in full-frame 2
- Support for up to 12G-SDI and 4K at up to 60p 16-bit SDI RAW output
- Compatible with more than 50 native E-mount lenses
The FX6 leverages technology from Sony’s industry-leading VENICE cinema camera, and marries it with the best of Sony’s innovative Alpha mirrorless camera technology.
Sony
4Kp60 full-frame ProRes RAW recording
Together with the FX6 announcement, Atomos has also announced Apple ProRes RAW recording support for the FX6 which natively outputs RAW over SDI. This is all made possible with the Atomos Shogun 7 which will record full-frame ProRes RAW images at up to DCI 4Kp60. There is no info on when this feature will be available. The ProRes RAW support might be activated via a firmware update, but again, there is no added information.
Pricing and Availability
The new FX6 full-frame Cinema Line camera will be available in December and will be sold for approximately $5,999.99 USD. Preorders start tomorrow on the B&H website.
Final thoughts
If you’d like to define the FX6, just have a look at Sony’s quote, which states: “The FX6 leverages technology from Sony’s industry-leading VENICE cinema camera, and marries it with the best of Sony’s innovative Alpha mirrorless camera technology.” So there you go. The FX6 is the hybridization between the Alpha and the flagship VENICE.
