Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System (Body)

C3 Portal Integration Improvements: 

• LUT  improvements include the ability to import and manage 3D LUT files created in the cloud.
• Multiple camera ALL files can be managed via the cloud service.
• Automatic file transfer: Original files can be backed up to the cloud after capturing each clip, eliminating the need to block out time to create backups.

Shooting Workflow Improvements:

• Record LUT Data as Metadata: LUT cube data applied to your monitor image can now be recorded as metadata, saving time in post otherwise spent managing LUT data linkage.
• Audio Meter Channel Switching: You can now switch the onscreen audio level meter between CH1/2 and CH3/4 using the Audio menu.

The PXW-FX9’s oversampled full-frame 6K sensor provides recording in DCI 4K, UHD, and HD resolutions. Powerful image processing with debayering and down-sampling ensures image quality beyond the limits of conventional Super 35mm sensors. The back-illuminated CMOS image sensor also uses Sony’s Exmor R technology for improved sensitivity and noise reduction. Compared to a 4K Super 35mm sensor, the FX9’s 6K sensor has over twice the surface area while providing a wider angle of view and shallower depth of field.

S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that’s tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators with rich midrange colors, alluring facial tones, and a softer tonal look developed with the same expertise as Sony’s world-leading VENICE digital cinematography camera. S-Cinetone means that, straight out of the camera, your content looks fresh and vivid, with subjects that really stand out while retaining plenty of latitude in post-production, thanks to the high-performance full-frame image sensor.

In addition to its wide dynamic range, the FX9’s enhanced color and light features include a dual base ISO of 800/4000 with a maximum ISO of up to 102,400, which is helpful when in low-light situations or using a slower lens. The base sensitivity of ISO 800 provides the optimal dynamic range for typical documentary applications such as shooting outside or in brightly lit interiors. A secondary high base sensitivity of ISO 4000 excels in low-light conditions such as early morning and evening shoots while maintaining superb image quality whenever you’re using slow lenses. The FX9’s extended ISO range is 320 to 102,400.

Use the FX9 with the optional XDCA-FX9 unit to fully exploit the 15+ stops of dynamic range with 16-bit raw output in either 2K or 4K using a single BNC cable and a compatible external recorder. The XDCA-FX9 extension unit also adds advanced networking for streaming/file transfers and a slot-in for a wireless audio receiver.

Sony’s built-in, 7-stop electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter can be set to auto or you can adjust filter density manually in smooth increments from 1/4 to 1/128 as you shoot, creating perfectly exposed images without affecting depth of field as lighting conditions change. Use higher-density settings with a slower shutter speed for artistic effects.

The FX9 records 10-bit 4:2:2 to dual XQD media card slots that support simultaneous and relay recording, as well as multiple backup recording modes that utilize proxy files. Depending on the project, the FX9 has a selection of recording formats. XAVC-I with 422 10-bit quality at a higher 600 Mb/s in 60p. XAVC-Long for longer recording time in smaller file size. The traditional MPEG HD codec is also available. The camera can record 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.

Choose your desired frame rate from 1 up to 60 fps for quick- and slow-motion footage. The FX9 creates an immersive image with a wide-angle look and shallower depth of field provided by its full-frame sensor in combination with quick and slow motion. It also offers a quality priority setting that maximizes Full HD slow-motion image quality with advanced oversampling technology.

Effortlessly track fast-moving subjects with pin-sharp focus, even when using wide-lens aperture settings to maintain a shallow depth of field with the camera’s full-frame sensor. Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF combines phase-detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. In addition, Face Detection intelligently recognizes and locks onto human faces. The dedicated 561-point phase-detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% of the whole image area width and 96% of the height, allowing for consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

Seven-level AF transition speeds from fast-switching between subjects as quickly as possible to slow, where speed is reduced to fit a more measured shooting style, such as a historical TV drama.

Five-level AF subject shift sensitivity ranges from locked-on, ignoring other moving subjects in the frame, to responsive, which switches focus from one subject to another—ideal for snapping between race cars as they speed by.

Advanced image stabilization information means even handheld footage can be transformed with Sony Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare software in post-production to look as smooth as if it were shot with a gimbal. Unlike in-camera or lens stabilization, metadata generated by the FX9’s built-in gyro allows you to creatively choose the balance between the level of shake compensation and the resolution of trimmed 4K imagery. This feature is also compatible with any E-mount lens and allows for far faster processing than conventional NLE stabilization workflows.

The FX9 offers audio capabilities with independent control dials for each channel. In applications such as an interview, 4-channel audio recording enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, and the built-in microphone for ambient sound and voice memos by the operator.

The FX9 is equipped with various outputs including a 12G-SDI and an HDMI for 4K output. Also, it has a 3G-SDI for HD output to expand its monitoring flexibility. For multicamera operation, Genlock and TC In/Out terminals are available.

The FX9 has a selection of backup recording modes that will help ensure the recording is safe. Simul Rec will enable simultaneous HD recording onto two media cards. The 4K/HD Sub Rec mode will allow 4K recording on one card and MPEG HD recording on another card. XAVC Proxy Rec is also available, offering a 9 Mb/s small-size proxy file which will be easily sent via the network. Also, a maximum 28-second Cache Rec is available to prevent missing any shot.

Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides power, signal connections, and coordinated on/off switching with compatible Sony accessories.

The FX9 supports the S700 protocol over Ethernet for simple, easy-to-operate multicamera operation for local events and TV studio production. The optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit with RJ45 jack can receive S700 protocol control using a single RCP unit or you can control multiple FX9 cameras with a PoE Switch using one RCP unit per FX9. A/V output over SDI can be routed via a standard SDI switcher and a monitor such as the PVM-X2400 can display up to four HD inputs simultaneously.

Internal 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi enables the FX9 to offer wireless features like smartphone or tablet control using the Content Browser Mobile app, FTP file transfer, clip trimming to avoid transferring unneeded content, and access to the C3 Portal for both high-resolution and proxy footage upload to the cloud. The FX9 also offers a wired LAN port, dual-link cellular for a reliable connection, and Sony QoS live streaming via an optional Network RX Station.

The FX9 chassis is a refinement of the ergonomic FS7 design, providing comfortable shooting from almost any position and offering compatibility with a large proportion of FS7 accessories including U-series batteries, chargers, E-mount lenses, and more. The FX9’s magnesium chassis is both robust and lightweight, its control arm and smart grip can be easily positioned, and its button, dials, and other parts are sealed to resist dust and water spray.

Quickly access commonly used features using the FX9’s LCD viewfinder’s touchscreen. The control menu will be familiar to VENICE users and offers control for codec, scan mode, base ISO/sensitivity, shooting mode, audio levels, and other settings.