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

Sony PXW-FX9 E-Mount Overview

Whether you're shooting documentaries, events, reality TV, education, or corporate productions, the PXW-FX9K XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System from Sony has you covered with its powerful and flexible 4K interchangeable lens camera system. The PXW-FX9K features a full-frame, oversampled 6K Exmor R CMOS sensor that allows you to capture 4K images with cinematic depth of field. The camera's E-mount is machined from stainless steel and allows you to use E-mount lenses. A Sony 28-135mm f/4 G OSS E-mount zoom lens is included, which covers full-frame format and features an f/4 to f/22 aperture range.

The PXW-FX9K input and output features include 12G/6G-SDI and HDMI outputs for 4K video, a 3G-SDI output for HD, and genlock and timecode when using a multicamera setup. The Fast Hybrid AF autofocus system allows for accurate focus and even allows facial detection to automatically detect human form with 561 points of detection. Advanced image stabilization is achieved using the PXW-FX9K's internal gyroscope for shots so smooth it'll look like you used a gimbal. Its 4-channel audio recording allows you to use external microphones and record ambient sound with the internal mics simultaneously.

The camera features a 15-stop dynamic range, supports dynamic HDR, hybrid log gamma mode (HLG), and records 10-bit 4:2:2 to dual XQD media card slots that support simultaneous and relay recording, as well as multiple backup recording modes that utilize proxy files. The camera can record UHD (3840 x 2160) and HD (1920 x 1080) internally at a selectable frame rate from 1 fps up to 60 fps in XAVC-I, XAVC-Long, and MPEG HD formats. Its 7-stop electronic variable ND filter can perform in auto or manual mode, smoothly adjusting from 1/4 to 1/128 density. The camera's default S-Cinetone color look offers the same soft, vivid tone as with Sony's VENICE camera.

And with the latest firmware update, the camera can record HD at up to 180 fps and output 16-bit raw 4K/2K footage up to 180 fps. In addition to its wide dynamic range, its enhanced color and light features include a dual base ISO of 800/4000 with a maximum ISO up to 102,400, which is helpful when in low-light situations or using a slower lens. Other improvements with the latest firmware include user-created 3D LUTs, improved AF, audio improvements, USB tethering, T-value metadata, password enhancements, and an S35 2K imager scan mode.

The FX9 includes an integrated Multi-Interface (MI) shoe and comes with a BP-U35 battery, BC-U1A battery charger, AC adapter with two power cords, body cap, viewfinder, eyepiece, remote control, and USB cable. The PXW-FX9K is also compatible with the separately available XDCA-FX9 extension unit, which provides ENG shoulder-style support, networking features, and a slot for an optional wireless audio receiver.

Firmware Version 2.0

The 2.0 firmware update provides:

• The addition of DCI 4K video format when selecting FF 6K, FF crop 5K, or S35 4K Imager Scan modes

• Support for user-created 3D LUTs

• Raw video output via the optional XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit

• High dynamic range (HDR) support via the addition of hybrid log gamma (HLG) modes

• 150 and 180 fps options for Slow and Quick Motion when Imager Scan mode is set to FF 2K

• Expanded ISO/Gain range up to ISO 102,400 or 27 dB, respectively

• Improvements to AF functionality

• Support for changing some settings via the status screen

• 6G-SDI output up to 4K30p; audio function improvements

• USB tethering support

• Iris indicator now able to show T values with compatible lenses

• Password security enhancements

• Boost to image quality in S35 2K Imager Scan mode

6K CMOS Exmor R Sensor

The PXW-FX9K's oversampled full-frame 6K sensor provides recording in DCI 4K, UHD, 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 of Dynamic Range

The FX9 offers an exceptional 15+ stops of dynamic range, allowing for 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 4K 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording.

ISO Control

The 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 and whenever you're using slow lenses. The FX9's extended ISO range is 320 to 102,400.

Electronic ND Filter

Sony's built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter can be 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 artistic effects.

Recording Formats

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

Adjustable Frame Rates

Choose your desired frame rate from 1 up to 60 fps for quick- and slow-motion footage. The 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. It also offers a quality priority setting that maximizes Full HD slow-motion image quality with advanced oversampling technology.

S-Cinetone Look

S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that's tuned to meet the requirements of today's content creators with rich midrange 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 Hybrid AF

Effortlessly track fast-moving subjects with pin-sharp focus, even when using wide-lens aperture settings to maintain a shallow depth of field with the camera's full-frame sensor. Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. In addition, Face Detection intelligently recognizes and locks on to human faces. The dedicated 561-point phase detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% of the whole image area width and 96% of height, allowing for consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

Seven-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, such as a historical TV drama.

Five-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—ideal for snapping between race cars as they speed by.

Advanced Image Stabilization

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

4-Channel Audio Recording

The FX9 offers audio capabilities with independent control dials for each channel. In applications such as an interview, 4-channel audio recording enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, and the built-in microphone for ambient sound and voice memos by the operator.

Inputs and Outputs

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

Recording Modes

The FX9 has a selection of backup recording modes that will help ensure the recording is safe. Simul Rec will enable simultaneous HD recording onto two media cards. The 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 9 Mb/s small size proxy file which will be easily sent via network. Also, a maximum 28-second Cache Rec is available to prevent missing any shot.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

Sony's flexible Multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides power, signal connections, and coordinated on/off switching with compatible Sony accessories.

Optional 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 and documentary applications. The extension unit also adds advanced networking for streaming/file transfers and a slot-in for a wireless audio receiver.

XDCAM Air and GPS Support

Use with the FX9 with Sony's XDCAM air service for camera control, to stream to the Sony Cloud, and to upload proxy footage from the field, saving valuable post-production time. A GPS function both records location information in video clips and displays it via XDCAM air.