Recently, we were invited to by the team at Sony to check out the all-new FX9, a full from XD Cam. Only INDIEShooter.com got an interview with Takuro Ema, who gave us the entire rundown on the new camera. The FX9 will be available in January 2020 and retail for $10,999.00.
You can also buy it with a kit lens for 13,499.00. It also comes with an optional V-Mount Battery Back that also allows you to to get 16 bit RAW to an Atomos recorder for those wanting RAW for $2,499.00.
The full-frame camera boasts dual native ISO at 800 or 4000 giving it amazing versatility. The all-new Exmor R Sensor offers 15+ Stops of Dynamic Range.Integrating technology gleaned from both Sony’s 6K VENICE and its Alpha a7 series cameras, the PXW-FX9 was also designed with feedback from longtime Sony customers to produce an adaptive, ergonomic experience. Chief among these is dual-base ISOs (derived from film sensitivity ratings with higher numbers denoting more sensitivity to light). For daylight exteriors or brightly lit interiors, choose the PXW-FX9’s ISO 800 base or switch to ISO 4000 to maintain excellent image quality, even at dawn/dusk or when using slow-aperture lenses.
Full-Frame Variable ND
In an industry first, Sony has developed an electronically variable ND filter compatible with full-frame capture. This hybrid ND functions like that of the FS7 but is activated by a button, not a dial, making it easier to use while holding the camera on your shoulder. Choose between auto or manual mode with the ability to dial to between ¼ to 1/128 increments as you shoot. This Neutral Density filtering enables you to maintain your aperture setting and depth of field even as lighting conditions change rapidly.
S-Cinetone for Out-of-the Box Cinematic Color
Two “look” scenarios are possible with the PXW-FX9 to best suit your project: the default mode capturing the S-Cinetone VENICE look in-camera and a custom mode where you can apply your chosen LUTs and further hone your look with grading time in post. Sony’s S-Cinetone promises to deliver the same rich, mid-range colors, attractive skin tones, and softer tonal look as the 6K VENICE camera. The S-Cinetone mode seems perfect when using the PXW-FX9 as a VENICE B-camera or anytime you want a vivid cinematic look with plenty of latitude out of the gate.
Fast Hybrid Autofocus
Developed by Sony Alpha engineers, Fast Hybrid AF combines the quick, accurate subject-tracking of phase-detection AF with the accuracy of contrast focusing, enabling precise autofocusing even with fast-moving subjects. Phase detection now covers an expansive 96% vertically and 94% horizontally of the sensor with 561 points. Seven levels of AF speeds enable you to adjust the focus response to suit the slower look desired for dramas or the rapid response demanded by sports coverage.
Image Stabilization with Correction
With the PXW-FX9, image stabilization info from the built-in gyro is stored in your recording’s metadata so now you can choose to turn stabilization on/off or adjust the level of stabilization for each shot when using E-mount lenses, Sony’s Catalyst Browse (v. 2019.2) clip-organizing tool, and most popular NLE systems. Designed to smooth handheld shots to the look of a stabilized gimbal, this feature offers impressive stabilization control.
Multiple Connectors
The PXW-FX9 sports a variety of connectors including 12G-SDI and HDMI for 4K output, 3G-SDI for flexible HD monitoring, and now has timecode and genlock built-in for easier multi-cam use.
Here’s more from the Sony Press Release:
SAN DIEGO, CA — SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 — At IBC 2019 in Amsterdam, Sony today unveiled the PXW-FX9, its first XDCAM camera featuring an advanced 6K² full-frame sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system. The new camera offers content creators greater creative freedom and flexibility to capture stunning images that truly resonate with audiences.
Building on the success of the PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2, the FX9 uniquely combines high mobility with an advanced AF system, impressive bokeh and slow motion capabilities thanks to its newly-developed sensor. The FX9 also inherits its color science and a Dual Base ISO from the VENICE digital motion picture camera, creating the ultimate tool of choice for documentaries, music videos, drama productions and event shooting.
The FX9 was designed in close collaboration with the creative community and is an example of Sony continuously evolving cameras to innovate for the customer and market needs. The FX9 benefits from the versatility, portability and performance expected of an FS7 series “Run & Gun” style camera, while also offering High Dynamic Range and full-frame shooting features.
“We are always listening to our customer’s voice, pushing to deliver innovation that allowsthem to realize their full artistic intention,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “With the new FX9, we are striking an attractive balance between agility and creative performance. We’ve combined the cinematic appeal of full-frame with advanced professional filmmaking capabilities in a package that’s extremely portable and backed by the extraordinary versatility of Sony E-mount.”
Powerful features
The newly-developed Exmor R TM sensor offers wide dynamic range with high sensitivity, low noise and over 15 stops of latitude that can be recorded internally in 4K³ 4:2:2 10bit. Oversampling of the full-frame 6K sensor’s readout allows professionals to create high-quality 4K footage with impressive bokeh effects through shallow depth of field, while wide-angle shooting opens new possibilities for content creators to express their creativity.
A dual base ISO of 800 and 4000 enables the image sensor’s characteristics to best capture scenes from broad daylight to the middle of the night. With S-Cinetone TM color science, the new sensor can also create soft and alluring facial tones. The camera can also capture content up to five times slow-motion with Full HD 120fps shooting played back at 24p.
The shallow depth of field available with a full-frame image sensor requires precise focus control, and the enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system, with customizable transition speeds and sensitivity settings, combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. The dedicated 561-point phase-detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% in width and 96% in height of the imaging area, allowing consistently accurate, responsive tracking – even with fast-moving subjects while maintaining shallow depth
of field.
Creative freedom
Inspired by the high mobility of run and gun style approach from the FS7 series of cameras, the FX9 offers content creators shooting flexibility thanks to a continuously variable Electronic Variable ND Filter. This enables instant exposure level changes depending on the filming environment, such as moving from an inside space to outdoors or while filming in changing natural light conditions.
Additionally, the FX9’s image stabilization metadata can be imported to Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare⁴ software, to create incredibly stable visuals even in handheld mode. Sony is also working to encourage third-party non-linear editing tools to adopt this functionality.
The FX9 comes with a wide range of customizations and expansion features. These include compatibility with the new UWP-D series of wireless microphones via Multi-Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe) with digital audio interface, the XDCA-FX9 extender kit enabling 10bit Super35 4K 120fps and 16bit RAW output in a future update, compatibility with Sony BP-GL and BP-FL series batteries, D-Tap, RJ-45 interface and stable “Dual Link” streaming by using two carrier lines, as well as DWX slot-in type digital wireless receiver commonly used in broadcasting settings⁵. The FX9 will also be compatible with the newly launched E-mount lens FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G, which uniquely balances full manual operability for professional cinema shooting and auto-control functions.
“What narrative cinematographers, documentary filmmakers, music video directors and broadcasters have in common is a need for a flexible camera that allows them to tell unique stories, no matter the environment in which they operate. As a next-generation professional camera, the FX9 captures stunning visuals with the lifelike image quality available from a full-frame sensor, while adding the benefits of advanced autofocus features and customization. This makes it the ultimate creative tool for modern storytellers,” concludes Neal Manowitz.
The FX9 will be available towards the end of 2019 and on display at the Sony stand (A10, Hall 13) at IBC 2019 September 13 th – 17th. For more information, please visit www.pro.sony/ibc.
For more information about the Sony FX9 or all the great professional products from Sony, go to their website at: pro.sony.com
