Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM Full-Frame Camera System, 4K

4K capturing with oversampled 6K Full-frame Exmor R sensor

The camera’s full-frame 6K sensor provides superb recording in DCI 4K1, Ultra HD 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.

15+ stops dynamic range

FX9 offers an exceptional 15+ stops of dynamic range - beyond the normal range of human perception - allowing for unprecedented creative freedom in color grading and post. Camera operators can concentrate on framing the scene they want while relying upon the FX9 to capture every nuance and detail using either 4K 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording or 16-bit RAW external recording.2 In grading, colorists can find color and detail beyond the normal viewing abilities of the camera operator to create a final image that exactly portrays the mood of the scene.

Dual Base ISO of 800/40003

FX9 features a base sensitivity of ISO 800, providing 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. ISO 4000 is also ideal whenever you’re using slow lenses. Combining Dual Base ISO with the camera’s electronic variable ND Filter provides superb creative control in almost any shooting environment, with truly next generation responsiveness to changing conditions.

3 - ISO 800 and ISO 4000 are used in S-Log3, Cine EI mode.

World’s first electronic variable ND filter for full-frame sensor4

Realize even greater creative control with Sony’s unique built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter – a world first4 for professional full-frame camcorders. Set to Auto or adjust filter density manually in smooth increments from 1/4 to 1/128 as you shoot, for perfectly exposed images without affecting depth of field as lighting conditions change. Use higher density settings with a slower shutter speed for breathtaking artistic effects.

4 - As of September 2019

XAVC 422 10bit recording on XQD media cards

Depending on the project, the FX9 has a selection of recording formats. XAVC-I with 422 10bit quality at a highest 600Mbps in 60p. XAVC-Long for more longer recording time in smaller file size. Also, the traditional MPEG HD codec is also available. All files will be recorded onto XQD media cards.

Selectable frame rates in both full-frame & Super 35

Choose your desired frame-rate from 1fps up to 180fps5 for impressive quick and slow-motion footage. 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. Engage your audience with this new creative look. FX9 also offers a Quality priority setting6 that maximizes full HD slow motion image quality with advanced oversampling technology.

Cinematic color science out of the box with S-Cinetone

S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that’s tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators with rich mid-range 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.

Fast and accurate “Fast Hybrid AF” with Face Detection and custom settings

Track fast moving subjects w/ pin-sharp focus, even when using wide lens aperture settings to maintain a shallow depth of field w/ the camera’s full-frame sensor. Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking w/ contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. Face Detection intelligently recognizes & locks on to human faces.

Dedicated 561-point phase detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% of the image area width & 96% of height, allowing consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even w/ fast-moving subjects.

FX9’s comprehensive AF settings provide the creative flexibility to integrate w/ any project.

7-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.

5-level AF subject shift sensitivity ranges from Locked-on–ignoring other moving subjects in the frame–to Responsive that switches focus from one subject to another.

16bit RAW output8

16-bit RAW offers a phenomenal increase in post-production creative freedom to fully exploit FX9’s exceptional 15+ stops of dynamic range. FX9 supports export of 16-bit RAW at either 4K or 2K resolution using the optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit with a single BNC cable connection to compatible external RAW recorders9.

8 - RAW output will be enabled with a future firmware release. Limited to 10-bit recording during 120fps high frame rate shooting within Super35 image circle.

9 - Compatible recorders to be announced.

4-channel audio input and recording

FX9 offers superb audio capabilities with independent control dials for each channel. In applications such as interview, 4-channel audio recording enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional UWP Series wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee. In addition, using the optional XLR-K3M, XLR-K2M or XLR-K1M XLR adapter – with two extra XLR inputs – allows even more devices to be connected.

Variety of outputs including 12G-SDI/3G-SDI, HDMI and TC in/out, GENLOCK

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

Compatible with the new XDCA-FX9 extension unit

Further extend the capabilities of the FX9 with the optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit that optimizes camera weight distribution and ergonomics for comfortable shoulder-style shooting – ideal for ENG (Electronic News Gathering) and documentary applications. The extension unit also adds advanced networking for streaming/file transfers and a slot-in for a wireless audio receiver10

10- Wireless audio receiver capability will require a firmware update

Image stabilization correction using camera meta data

Advanced image stabilization information means even handheld footage can be transformed with Sony Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare software7 in post-production to look as smooth as if it were shot with a gimbal. Unlike in-camera or lens stabilization, meta data generated by 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 workflows8.

8 - Resolution and angle of view reduced compared to native footage.

A selection of Back-up Rec modes and Cache Rec for additional safety

FX9 has a selection of back-up recording modes which will help ensure the recording is safe. Simul Rec will enable simultaneous HD recording onto two media cards. 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 9Mbps small size Proxy file which will be easily sent via network. Also, a maximum 28 second Cache Rec is also available to prevent missing any shot.

SELP28135G Kit Lens

Optimized for professional cinematography applications, the light, compact, SELP28135G power zoom lens is an ideal complement for the full frame imaging possibilities of the FX9.

-Circular aperture with full-frame image circle format

-Motorized servo zoom for smooth, precise zoom moves

-Independent three rings for focus, zoom and iris with smooth, silent drive. (Lens sold as part of PXW-FX9K.)

Sony XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit for PXW-FX9

Sony XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit for PXW-FX9 will provide additional capability and I/O to transform the FX9 into a high-end Production Camera or an ENG Camera. 16bit RAW and D-Tap for production, and wired LAN and Dual Link capability for live streaming and file transfer to enhance ENG operation. Sold separately.