Sony Launches FX6 Full-frame Professional Camera to Expand its Cinema Line

FX6 Combines the Best of Sony’s Industry-leading Digital Cinema Technology with Advanced Imaging Features from Alpha™ Mirrorless Cameras

FX6 Product Highlights:

• 4K 10.2 megapixel full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R™ sensor
• Compact and lightweight body design for on-the-go shooting
• Ultra-high sensitivity with ISO expandable to 409,600 for very low light conditions
• 15+ stops of dynamic range
• S-CinetoneTM look profile, also used in FX9 and inspired by VENICE colorimetry
• BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, first used in Alpha 7S III
• Fast Hybrid Auto Focus, also used in Alpha cameras and FX9
• Recording up to 4K 120p / HD 240p, 10 bit 4:2:2 color depth in full-frame
• Support for up to 12G-SDI and 4K at up to 60p 16-bit SDI RAW output
• Compatible with more than 50 E-mount lenses

Sony today officially announced the FX6 (model ILME-FX6V) camera, the latest addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, a series of products that brings the company’s expertise in imaging technology to a broad range of filmmakers and content creators.

Sony’s Cinema Line, which also includes the VENICE and FX9 cameras, delivers a coveted filmic look cultivated from extensive experience in digital cinema production, as well as enhanced operability thanks to an innovative body design, extensive durability and intuitive customisability.

As part of the Cinema Line, the all-new FX6 incorporates Sony’s core technologies of image sensor, processing engine, and AF (autofocus) performance. FX6 is also compatible with the wide range of Sony E-mount lenses for creative flexibility.

“The new FX6 is the latest example of Sony’s drive to continuously push the boundaries of imaging technology based on the needs of our customers,” saidYann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “With the advancement of our Cinema Line, we are dedicated to enabling the extraordinary skills and talent of today’s content creators and cinematographers. The FX6 leverages technology from Sony’s industry-leading VENICE cinema camera and marries it with the best of Sony’s innovative Alpha mirrorless camera technology.”

Full-frame Cinematic Image Quality

The new camera features a 10.2 MP[ii] full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor that delivers a 15+ stop wide dynamic range[iii] with high sensitivity and low noise. FX6’s base sensitivity is ISO 800 with an enhanced sensitivity setting of ISO 12,800[iv] - expandable to 409,600[v] - for shooting in low and very low light conditions. It is capable of recording in XAVC All Intra 4:2:2 10-bit depth with stunning image quality in DCI 4K (4096 x 2160 – up to 60p), QFHD 4K (3840 x 2160 – up to 120p[vi]) and FHD (1920x1080 – up to 240p) for incredibly detailed slow motion. When more convenient file sizes are needed, FX6 can record in XAVC Long GOP 4:2:0 8-bit QFHD 4K (3840 x 2160 – up to 120pvi) and 4:2:2 10-bit FHD (1920x1080 – up to 240p). FX6 also includes a BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, first used in the new Sony Alpha 7S III camera, providing up to four times faster processing performance compared to the FS5 II.

Developed with the same expertise as technology from Sony’s world-leading VENICE cinema camera, FX6 offers advanced cinematic colour science including S-CinetoneTM for richer tonal reproduction right out of the box as well as S-Log3,S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine for post-production flexibility. FX6’s cinematic colour science is optimised for premium applications by capturing the maximum dynamic range from the sensor and providing creative freedom. Leveraging the colour science of VENICE, FX6 also allows productions to easily match footage with other cameras in the Cinema Line.

Advanced Video Features

Pulling from Sony Alpha’s impressive AF features, FX6 offers Fast Hybrid AF by combining 627-point[vii] focal plane phase-detection AF with advanced Face Detection and Real-time Eye AF in high frame rates with continuous AF, allowing camera operators to effortlessly and precisely track fast-moving subjects in slow motion without losing focus. Fast Hybrid AF works with over 50 native E-mount lenses and at even 4K 120p.[viii] The camera can also capture up to five times slow-motion with 4K (QFHD) 120fps.

The new FX6 also offers internal electronic variable ND filters for easy and seamless control of the camera’s filter density. Users can set variable ND to auto or adjust the filter density manually in smooth increments from 1/4 to 1/128 for perfectly exposed images without affecting the depth of field or shutter angle, even during changing lighting conditions. Combined with the camera’s ultra-high sensitivity, the electronic variable ND filter provides users with outstanding creative control in almost any shooting environment.

Made for Content Creators on the Go

Outstanding Mobility and Operability

Built with a durable magnesium alloy chassis, measuring just 4.6 inches x 6 inches x 4.5 inches (116 millimeters x 153 millimeters x 114 millimeters) and weighing just 1.96 pounds (0.89 kilograms), FX6 has a compact and lightweight design making it easy for users to grab and shoot at any time. The new camera includes a heat dissipating structure to keep the camera’s components within their normal operating ranges to prevent overheating, even during extended recording times. FX6 also features a modular design allowing users to easily pair accessories, such as grips and viewfinders, or attach the camera to other mechanisms, such as gimbals and drones.

FX6’s 3.5-inch LCD Viewfinder can be attached on multiple locations of the camera body for added freedom and easy menu control with touch operation. Using a quick access control menu for commonly accessed features, camera operators can change key settings with a single touch - including Codec, Imager Scan Mode, Picture Size and Frequency, Base ISO and Sensitivity, Shooting Mode and Audio Levels.

Professional-level Reliability

In line with professional workflows, FX6 includes a 12G-SDI output that also supports 16-bit RAW, HDMI output, timecode in/out, built-in Wi-Fi and four channel audio recording (via XLR Interface, Multi-Interface Shoe and built-in Stereo Mic). The new camera also features two media slots compatible with CFexpress Type A cards[ix] for higher overall capacity and faster read and write speeds in addition to SDXC UHS-II/UHS-I cards.

Additionally, Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare[x] software facilitates fast and easy editing. Users can import FX6’s image stabilisation metadata into Catalyst Browse/Prepare to transform handheld footage into incredibly smooth and stable visuals. FX6 also has a dedicated Clip Flag button to easily filter and locate preferred takes using Catalyst Browse/Prepare. This software also reflects metadata indicating when FX6 is rotated or in its normal position, eliminating the need to rotate footage beforehand. FX6 is also compatible with Sony’s Content Browser Mobile App to easily monitor and control focus, iris, and zoom remotely[xi].

About Cinema Line

Cinema Line is a series of professional cameras that have a filmic look, cultivated from Sony’s long experience in digital cinema production, and enhanced operability and reliability that responds to the wide variety of creator’s high demands.

Cinema Line includes the digital cinema camera VENICE, which is highly acclaimed in the feature and episodic production industry, and the professional camera FX9, which is has been popular for documentary and drama production. With the new FX6, Sony brings versatile creative tools to all types of visual storytellers.

Pricing and Availability

The new FX6 full-frame Cinema Line camera will be available December 2020 and will be sold for approximately £6,000, for detailed pricing please check with a Sony authorised retailer.

An ideal partner for the new FX6 and the VENICE and FX9 models is the SELC-1635G T3.1 G Cinema Lens Series full-frame wide angle zoom, that thanks to the large F2.8 aperture and circular 11-blade aperture lets professional cinematographers enjoy shallow depth of field and the creation of beautifully smooth bokeh effects. 

For detailed product information, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/professional-video-cameras/ilme-fx6

A product video on FX6 can be viewed here: https://www.sony.co.uk/alphauniverse/stories/ready-to-tell-amazing-stories-join-us-on-special-event

• For S-Log3. Sony test.
• 12.1 megapixel total
• For S-Log3. Sony test.
• when shooting in S-Log3
• when shooting in SDR/HDR mode
• 10% image crop
• Maximum AF points and area coverage. This varies according to the recording modes.
• There are some restrictions on the availability of the frame rates and system frequencies for AF.
• CFexpress Type A cards are necessary for XAVC-I QFHD 100/120fps and XAVC-I FHD 150/180/200/240fps.
• Catalyst Version 2020.1 is required
• Compatible cameras, remote controllers, smartphone and applications are required.