Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System | Body Only

The PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System from Sony is an exceptional choice for a variety of productions, including documentaries, events, reality television, educational content, and corporate projects. This versatile 4K interchangeable lens camera system is equipped with a full-frame, oversampled 6K Exmor R CMOS sensor, enabling the capture of 4K images that exhibit a cinematic depth of field. The camera's E-mount, crafted from stainless steel, facilitates the use of E-mount lenses.

In terms of connectivity, the PXW-FX9 offers a range of input and output options, including 12G/6G-SDI and HDMI outputs for 4K video, a 3G-SDI output for HD, as well as genlock and timecode capabilities for multicamera setups. The Fast Hybrid AF autofocus system ensures precise focusing, featuring facial detection technology that can identify human forms with 561 detection points. Additionally, the PXW-FX9 incorporates an internal gyroscope for advanced image stabilization, resulting in remarkably smooth shots that rival the use of a gimbal. Furthermore, its 4-channel audio recording capability allows for the simultaneous use of external microphones and internal mics to capture ambient sound.

6K CMOS Exmor R Sensor

The PXW-FX9 features an oversampled full-frame 6K sensor that enables recording in DCI 4K, UHD, and HD formats. Its advanced image processing capabilities, including debayering and down-sampling, deliver image quality that surpasses that of traditional Super 35mm sensors. Additionally, the back-illuminated CMOS image sensor incorporates Sony's Exmor R technology, enhancing sensitivity and reducing noise. In comparison to a 4K Super 35mm sensor, the FX9's 6K sensor boasts more than double the surface area, offering a broader field of view and a shallower depth of field.

15 Stops of Dynamic Range

The FX9 provides an outstanding dynamic range exceeding 15 stops and is compatible with dynamic HDR and hybrid log gamma mode (HLG). This capability allows for enhanced creative flexibility in color grading and post-production. Camera operators can focus on composing their desired shots, confident that the FX9 will accurately capture every subtlety and detail through its 4K 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording.

S-Cinetone

S-Cinetone represents the standard aesthetic of the FX9, specifically designed to cater to the needs of contemporary content creators. It features vibrant midrange colors, captivating skin tones, and a gentle tonal quality, all developed with the same level of expertise found in Sony's renowned VENICE digital cinematography camera. With S-Cinetone, your footage appears vibrant and striking directly from the camera, ensuring that subjects are prominently highlighted while still allowing for significant flexibility during post-production, attributed to the advanced full-frame image sensor.

Dual Base ISO

The FX9 not only boasts an extensive dynamic range but also features advanced color and lighting capabilities, including a dual base ISO of 800 and 4000, with a maximum ISO reaching 102,400. This is particularly advantageous in low-light environments or when utilizing slower lenses. The base sensitivity of ISO 800 is ideal for achieving optimal dynamic range in standard documentary settings, whether filming outdoors or in well-lit indoor spaces. Conversely, the higher base sensitivity of ISO 4000 performs exceptionally well in low-light scenarios, such as during early morning or evening shoots, while ensuring excellent image quality even with slower lenses. The FX9's ISO range extends from 320 to 102,400.

3D LUTs and HLG

Tailor the appearance of your FX9 by importing and saving as many as 16 LUT files for previewing your desired look. The FX9 is capable of recording HDR in both S-Log3 and HLG (hybrid log gamma) formats. S-Log3 enables enhanced capture with the highest dynamic range and extensive color grading possibilities, whereas HLG facilitates rapid content delivery, eliminating the need for further color grading in everyday workflows.

16-Bit Raw via XDCA-FX9 Unit

Utilize the FX9 in conjunction with the optional XDCA-FX9 unit to maximize the 15+ stops of dynamic range, offering 16-bit raw output in both 2K and 4K formats through a single BNC cable connected to a compatible external recorder. Additionally, the XDCA-FX9 extension unit enhances networking capabilities for streaming and file transfers, and includes a slot for a wireless audio receiver.

HDR/SDR Dual Support

The EVF of the FX9 allows for seamless switching between HDR and SDR emulation modes during the capture of HDR content. When the brightness of the image is modified in SDR emulation, the SDR gain dB is documented as metadata, facilitating its use in post-production for SDR content. These enhancements collectively simplify the process of shooting in HDR while ensuring a swift turnaround for SDR content.

Electronic ND Filter

The integrated 7-stop electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter in Sony devices can be configured to operate automatically or adjusted manually in gradual increments ranging from 1/4 to 1/128 during shooting. This feature allows for the creation of well-exposed images while maintaining depth of field, even as lighting conditions fluctuate. Utilizing higher-density settings in conjunction with a slower shutter speed can yield artistic effects.

Media and Recording Formats

The FX9 is capable of recording in 10-bit 4:2:2 format to dual XQD media card slots, which facilitate both simultaneous and relay recording. It also offers various backup recording modes that incorporate proxy files. Depending on the specific requirements of the project, the FX9 provides a range of recording formats. It supports XAVC-I at a high quality of 422 10-bit with a bitrate of 600 Mb/s at 60p, as well as XAVC-Long for extended recording durations with reduced file sizes. Additionally, the traditional MPEG HD codec is available. The camera can internally record in UHD (3840 x 2160) and HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions, with a selectable frame rate ranging from 1 fps to 60 fps across XAVC-I, XAVC-Long, and MPEG HD formats.

Adjustable Frame Rates

Select your preferred frame rate ranging from 1 to 60 fps to capture both quick and slow-motion footage. The FX9 delivers an engaging visual experience with its wide-angle perspective and reduced depth of field, thanks to its full-frame sensor, which enhances both fast and slow motion. Additionally, it features a quality priority option that optimizes Full HD slow-motion image quality through sophisticated oversampling technology.

Fast Hybrid AF

Effortlessly monitor rapidly moving subjects with precise focus, even when utilizing wide aperture settings to achieve a shallow depth of field with the camera's full-frame sensor. The Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF integrates phase-detection AF for swift and accurate subject tracking alongside contrast AF for superior focus precision. Furthermore, the Face Detection feature intelligently identifies and locks onto human faces. The specialized 561-point phase-detection AF sensor encompasses approximately 94% of the image area width and 96% of the height, ensuring consistently accurate and responsive AF tracking, even for fast-moving subjects.

The system offers seven levels of AF transition speeds, ranging from rapid switching between subjects to a slower pace that accommodates a more deliberate shooting style, such as in historical television dramas.

Additionally, the five levels of AF subject shift sensitivity vary from a locked-on mode that disregards other moving subjects in the frame to a responsive mode that shifts focus from one subject to another—perfect for capturing the swift movement of race cars as they zoom past.

Advanced Image Stabilization

The advanced image stabilization capabilities enable even handheld recordings to be enhanced using Sony Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare software during post-production, resulting in footage that appears as smooth as if it had been captured with a gimbal. In contrast to in-camera or lens stabilization, the metadata produced by the FX9's integrated gyro provides the flexibility to creatively adjust the trade-off between shake compensation and the resolution of cropped 4K images. This functionality is also compatible with all E-mount lenses and offers significantly quicker processing compared to traditional non-linear editing stabilization methods.

4-Channel Audio Recording

The FX9 is equipped with audio functionalities that feature separate control dials for each channel. In scenarios like interviews, the 4-channel audio recording allows for the concurrent use of an external microphone to capture ambient sounds, while the built-in microphone can be utilized for both ambient sound and voice memos recorded by the operator.

Inputs and Outputs

The FX9 features multiple output options, including a 12G-SDI and an HDMI port for 4K output. Additionally, it is equipped with a 3G-SDI for HD output, enhancing its monitoring capabilities. For multicamera setups, it provides Genlock and TC In/Out terminals.

Recording Modes

The FX9 offers various backup recording modes designed to safeguard recordings effectively. The Simul Rec feature facilitates simultaneous HD recording on two separate media cards. The 4K/HD Sub Rec mode permits 4K recording on one card while simultaneously capturing MPEG HD on another. Additionally, the XAVC Proxy Rec option provides a 9 Mb/s proxy file that is compact and can be transmitted easily over a network. Furthermore, a Cache Rec function with a maximum duration of 28 seconds is available to ensure that no shot is overlooked.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The adaptable Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe from Sony facilitates power supply, signal connections, and synchronized on/off switching with compatible accessories. As an illustration, it allows for the connection and control of optional Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems.

4K Multicamera Remote Operation

The FX9 is equipped with the S700 protocol over Ethernet, facilitating straightforward and user-friendly multicamera management for local events and television studio productions. The optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit, featuring an RJ45 jack, allows for the reception of S700 protocol control through a single RCP unit. Alternatively, multiple FX9 cameras can be managed using a PoE Switch, with one RCP unit dedicated to each FX9. Audio/visual output can be directed through a standard SDI switcher, and a monitor like the PVM-X2400 is capable of displaying up to four HD inputs concurrently.

Networked for High Mobility

The FX9 is equipped with internal 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, facilitating wireless functionalities such as control via smartphones or tablets through the Content Browser Mobile application, FTP file transfers, and clip trimming to eliminate unnecessary content. Additionally, it provides access to the C3 Portal for uploading both high-resolution and proxy footage to the cloud. Furthermore, the FX9 includes a wired LAN port, dual-link cellular capabilities for a stable connection, and supports Sony QoS live streaming through an optional Network RX Station.

• The Content Browser Mobile™ application enables remote control of the PXW-FX9 using a smartphone or tablet through a Wi-Fi connection. Users can modify exposure settings, control zoom, and manage recording functions directly from their mobile devices, making it particularly suitable for solo operators. Additionally, smartphones equipped with NFC technology can facilitate one-touch authentication.
  
  
• FTP Transfer facilitates the transmission of content files over the Internet for remote storage on an FTP server, even during the process of shooting. Should there be a disruption in the signal, the system is designed to automatically resume once the connection is reestablished.
  
  
• Trimming enables the specification of start and end points within a clip, thereby removing unnecessary segments and preventing the inefficient transfer of superfluous content.
  
  
• The C3 Portal enables multiple camera operators in the field to upload high-resolution and proxy footage to the cloud, allowing for immediate commencement of the editing process. The uploaded materials can be securely accessed from any location. Furthermore, production teams have the capability to begin logging clips while filming is still in progress, thereby conserving precious time during critical story developments.
  
  

Proven Ergonomics and Accessory Compatibility

The FX9 chassis represents an enhancement of the ergonomic design found in the FS7, facilitating comfortable shooting from nearly any angle. It is compatible with a significant number of FS7 accessories, such as U-series batteries, chargers, E-mount lenses, and additional components. Constructed from magnesium, the FX9's chassis is both durable and lightweight. Its control arm and intelligent grip can be conveniently adjusted, while the buttons, dials, and other elements are sealed to protect against dust and water spray.

Touchscreen Quick Menu Control

Easily navigate frequently utilized features through the touchscreen of the FX9's LCD viewfinder. The control menu will be recognizable to VENICE users and provides options for codec, scan mode, base ISO/sensitivity, shooting mode, audio levels, and various other settings.