Sony unveils the new FX9 at IBC, a 6K camera with full frame sensor, autofocus and dual ISO

The new next-generation FX9 camcorder not only captures stunning images with realistic image quality, but also offers advanced AF functions and customization options.

And Sony set the tone in digital cinematography with the launch of the F65 (2011), F5/F55 (2012) and Venice (2017) and regarding professional e-mount camcorders with the FS7II (2016) and FS5II (2018), in this IBC 2019 The multinational has surprised with the presentation of the new PXW-FX9.

Your first camcorder XDCAM with an advanced full 6K image sensor and a system of Fast hybrid autofocus (AF) aims to offer content creators greater creative capabilities to capture stunning images that truly resonate with audiences. The camera stands out for a series of enhanced features compared to its FS7 series successors such as 16 bit output, S-Cinetone o Electronic Variable ND Filter.

As highlighted Alvaro Ortiz, Product Specialist of Sony Professional Solutions Europe, at the premiere of the camera held behind closed doors a few days ago at the Sony Music headquarters in London, the FX9 is a complete redesign since the manufacturer launches sensor, VF, battery, chassis, Cinetone, AF system, “layout” button… and all of this accompanied by new lenses.

Building on the success of the PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2 models, the FX9 uniquely combines high mobility with an advanced AF system, stunning bokeh and slow motion functions thanks to its newly developed sensor. The FX9 also inherits its color science and Dual Base ISO 800/4000 from the Venice digital cinema camera and represents the ultimate tool of choice for documentaries, music videos, theater productions and general event shooting.

The camcorder benefits from the versatility, portability and performance que se espera de un camcorder de la serie FS7 “Run & Gun”, a la vez que ofrece funciones de Alto Rango Dinámico y Full Frame. Sony ha diseñado esta cámara pensando en su comodidad de uso por lo que resulta muy confortable el uso de la empuñadura con un diseño ergonómico al más puro estilo de los antiguos tomavistas.

The new Full-Frame 6K sensor offers a wide dynamic range with high sensitivity, low noise and more than 15 stops of latitude which can be recorded internally in 4K 4:2:2:2 10bit. He Full-Frame 6K sensor oversampling It allows professionals to create high-quality 4K images with stunning bokeh effects through a shallow depth of field, while wide-angle shooting opens up new possibilities for content creators to express their creativity. This means that all captured scenes look real, whether taken in broad daylight or the middle of the night. The camcorder can also capture content up to five times the slow motion speed with the disparo a 120 fps de FHD.

The camera offers a scanning of Full Frame (6K), S35 4K, Full Frame 2K and S35 2K, while as for coding, the user will be able to choose between XAVC-I, XAVC-L and MPEG HD 422 in 3840x2160 or 1920x1080p formats.

With the same science of color and ISO dual 800/4000 Like the Venice camera, the new sensor can also create softer, more seductive facial tones.

The improved system Fixed Hybrid AF With customizable AF transition speeds and sensitivity settings it also combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focusing accuracy. The dedicated AF sensor 561-point phase detection It covers approximately 94% of the width and 96% of the height of the image area, enabling consistently accurate and sensitive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects, while maintaining a shallow depth of field.

In this way, the user will have absolute control not only of the AF contrast but also of phase detection, with the possibility of precise and very fast object tracking. The camera allows you to focus on a greater number of points over a larger area of the image. It also has automatic face detection, and can even focus on different points in an image that contains several faces, automatically focusing on each of these faces. It is also worth noting that thanks to the application Contents Browser MobilIt will be possible to control the camera from a mobile device (iris, zoom, focus...).

Electronic Variable ND Filter

For the first time in a camera with a full frame sensor we find a variable electronic ND filter. This allows for more creative effects for content creators and instant changes in exposure level depending on the filming environment, even when moving from an indoor space to the outdoors or while filming in natural lighting conditions. When recording image stabilization information and using it in the option Catalyst Browse/Prepare, content creators can capture incredibly stable footage even in handheld mode. Sony is also working to encourage other third-party non-linear editing tools to adopt this functionality.

This Electronic Variable ND is perfect for unpredictable situations when, for example, the subject moves through different rooms with different lighting, while very interesting and creative effects can be achieved by the photo director.

The camcorder comes with a 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 carriers, as well as a DWX slot-type digital wireless receiver that is commonly used in broadcast settings. This camcorder will also be compatible with the new FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G electronic mount lens, which uniquely balances full manual operability for film shooting and self-monitoring functions.

Finally, note that Olan Collardy He has been the first cinematographer in Europe who has been able to test the full potential of the new FX9 with the recording of a video clip for the album The Bully from the artist Soda for Sony Music. Collardy has worked in extreme lighting conditions and has been able to test the possibilities offered by functions such as autofocus, describing the result as “sensational”. Furthermore, he stressed that "while with cameras like the Venice you need a whole team of professionals around, in the case of the FX9 the versatility is total since there are only two of us."

The DoP also wanted to point out in the presentation of this first work with the FX9 that he barely had a day to make contact with the camera before filming the video clip, "and once on the set it seemed that he had been working with it for years due to how intuitive its use is."