Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera

The Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera is an update to the workhorse adding a oversampled, 6K, full frame sensor for recording up to 10-bit 4:2:2 UHD 4K at 60p. Key features include:

• 35.7 × 18.8mm, 6K, full-frame, CMOS sensor

• Records up to XAVC-I 10-bit 4:2:2 in UHD 4K/60p to XQD media

• Improved color science and added S-Cinetone color profile

• Improved hybrid autofocus & dynamic range

Product Updates. The Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera takes the general form factor of the insanely popular and throws a big, full-frame 6K sensor into the mix. From that 6K sensor, users can record a subsampled image up to UHD 4K/60p. Footage is recorded in the same XAVC-I 4:2:2 10-bit codec that the FS7 and FS7M2 use. The electronic variable ND filter has been updated for the full frame sensor and the body now gives more thorough control over exposure, white balance, and audio controls. Oh, yeah, and it’s grey.

Reinforced Locking E-Mount. The FX9 features the same locking E-mount found on the FX9’s big brother and previous PXW-FS7M2, just insert the lens without rotating and turn the locking ring.

Electronic Variable ND. The Electronic Variable ND works in one of three different ways. The first is like a conventional ND filter wheel, with 4 set positions you can swap between. Second, you can rotate the knob and ease through seven stops of filtration like a lens front mounted variable ND. Lastly, the FS7 Mark II’s auto ND function allows you to lock your shutter speed and aperture despite changing lighting environments.

Refined Build Quality. The PXW-FX9 features a tool-less design, meaning you can make adjustments to the Smart Grip or the viewfinder on the fly without having to pull out a screwdriver. The number of user programmable buttons has increased from 6 to 10, giving operators a greater level of control.

Higher Dynamic Range & Improved Color Accuracy. The FX9 offers 15+ stops of dynamic range with its refined sensor and color science. The added S-Cinetone color profile which is said to improve skin tones and color accuracy while still including mainstays such as S-Log 3 and S-Gamut 3.

Improved Autofocus. The autofocus system on this camera is quite a bit faster by adding phase detection to the contrast auto focus of previous generation Sony cameras. It also includes face detection capable of distinguishing between and tracking multiple subjects.

If you’re familiar with Sony’s current line of cinema cameras, like the FS7 and FS5, you should feel right at home using the FX9. The body is recycled from the FS7 Mark II, but with a slightly upda…

If you’re familiar with Sony’s current line of cinema cameras, like the FS7 and FS5, you should feel right at home using the FX9. The body is recycled from the FS7 Mark II, but with a slightly updated button layout and a few new switches, like volume and a directional pad for the menus. As always, the Sony menus are a chore to navigate, but they get the job done unless you need to make a lot of quick changes. The autofocus has improved over the FS7 and FS5, but it’s still inferior to Canon’s Dual-Pixel Autofocus. Another note, the camera has no way to shoot RAW footage at this time. The previous generation FS7 and FS5’s both have this capability, so the FX9 coming out lacking this feature is a bad look. Overall, the FX9 is a solid option for people wanting to shoot full-frame footage without breaking the bank on a RED camera, but it doesn’t offer any features I find particularly exciting.