A few days ago Sony quietly released a planned firmware update for its full-frame Cinema Line camera, FX9. The Firmware Ver 2.10 adds the long-awaited 4K 120FPS RAW function to the FX9 and an improvement regarding the white balance setting. However, in order to shoot the desired ProRes RAW, you will have to pay $4,200 more. Why?
Sony FX9 & Firmware Ver 2.10
The new firmware update (Ver 2.1) includes just two but significant features/improvements:
- 3840×2160 RAW output support up to 120FPS
- White Balance adjustment improvement
The free firmware update can be downloaded from the Sony Pro Support Page and applies to both the Sony PXW-FX9 and the XDCA-FX9 extension unit. Although the improvement of the WB setting was highly requested, in this article we focus on the activation of the 4K 120FPS RAW.
The conditions to shoot 4K 120FPS RAW on the FX9
In order to utilize Firmware 2.1 and to be able to shoot 4K 120FPS RAW on the FX9, you’ll need to purchase two products: The Sony XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit, and the newly announced Atomos Ninja V+ which is an essential device to save the 4K UHD 120FPS RAW output in ProRes RAW. The Ninja V+ recorder delivers high-quality accurate monitoring and extended recording capabilities for the camera of choice by delivering support for continuous recording of 8Kp30 and 4Kp120 in Apple ProRes RAW. The Ninja V+ key features are 1920 x 1080 touchscreen display, HDMI 2.0 Input/Output, record up to 8K30 ProRes Raw, and H.265 Codec Pre-Activated. So, in order to output ProRes RAW, the FX9 requires the XDCA-FX9 Extension unit and the Ninja V+ with AtomX SDI module plus RAW activation (or the Pro Kit).
Summary
Let’s sum it up. The Sony XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit costs $2,500. The Atomos Ninja V+ Pro-Kit (SDI module and RAW activation) costs $1,700. Thus, in order to activate the UHD 120FPS ProRes RAW capability on the Sony FX9, you will have to pay a hefty price of $4,200. Is it worth it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Product List
- Camera: Sony FX9 Full-Frame 6K. Price: $11,000 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/5b5eV2″ ]
- Recorder: Atomos Ninja V+ Pro Kit. Price: $1,700 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/QOjq5o” ]
- Extension: Sony XDCA-FX9. Price: $2,500 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/x9Lx71″ ]
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LOL, just get the Z Cam f6 with the Ninja V+ for prores raw 4k120.
Too bad it is not DCI 4K
Headline is misleading. It suggests the upgrade costs $4200.00.
If one already owns the XDCA and the Atomos Ninja V+, it costs you nothing to shoot 4K 120FPS ProRes RAW.
99% of owners of the FX9 will never shoot in RAW. I’ve owned RAW capable cameras for over 6 years and never once shot in raw. Not once in over 1000 jobs. Jobs for Netflix and Apple TV included.