Sony PXW-FX9: 6K Ready
Sony has announced some big products this year at the IBC. It has just recently announced the successor to the already popular FS7, and its called the PXW-FX9. The FX9 has been crafted using elements from both the Sony Venice and the Sony A9. So it gives you the best of both worlds. The result is a stunning new run and gun camera that might have the same design as the FS7 but also gives you some notable improvements. Whether your goal is to record documentaries, TV broadcasting, live events or professional film production. You can be assured this camera can deliver well above your expectations.
Design:
The Sony FX9 makes use of a oversampled 6K sensor that is good for recording in 4K DCI, UHD and Full HD resolutions. It is still unclear whether the FX9 has the same sized 24.8 MP full frame CMOS sensor as the one in Venice. The downsampling from a 6K sensor allows for image quality that surpasses the capabilities of the average Super 35mm sensors resulting in a detail rich image.
The sensor is back illuminated and makes use of Sonys Exmor R technology allowing for improved noise reduction. When compared to the average 4K Super 35mm sensor the 6K sensor in the FX9 has twice the surface area. This provides a wider angle of view and shallower depth of field. With 15 stops of dynamic range you get an exceptional control over tonal transitions and color grading in post production. The FX9 captures breathtaking details thanks to 10 bit 4:2:2 sampling.
Video:
The Sony PXW-FX9 has a wider range of recording formats to choose from. The XAVC-I gives 10 bit 4:2:2 quality at a 600 Mb/s data rate up to 60 fps. On the other hand, XAVC-Long allows for longer recording times with smaller file sizes. You also have a range of outputs including the 12G-SDI and HDMI for 4K output. There is also a 3G-SDI for HD output for monitoring capabilities.
The Sony FX9 has the ‘worlds first’ built in electronic variable neutral density filter. This can either be set to auto or can be manually adjusted in small increments. This allows for your images to be optimally exposed without having a toll on your depth of field in different lighting conditions
Autofocus:
The new Fast Hybrid AF combines the power of phase detection AF for quick and accurate subject tracking along with contrast detection AF for superb focusing accuracy. You can easily keep track of fast moving subjects even during the use of a wider lens aperture. Allowing you to have a shallow depth of field thanks to the cameras full frame sensor. The 561 phase detection AF points cover up to 94% of the entire sensor area width and 96% of its height allowing for this superb tracking. There are Seven level AF transition speeds for fast switching between subjects. And slower transition speeds in settings such as TV dramas.
Image Stabilization:
Image stabilization has improved in the Sony PXW-FX9. With advanced image stabilization information handheld footage can be transformed with the Sony Catalyst Browse and Prepare software to look as smooth as if it were shot using a gimbal. The metadata captured during filming by the built in gyros allows you to effectively adjust the amount of shake compensation and resolution of the trimmed 4K shots.
