I even drove more than 100 miles up and down the Southern California coast at several spots that are popular with windsurfers. If you’re using cine lenses or heavier zoom lenses then definitely yes. Sony FX9 Review – Sensor Modes. Currently, the FX9 has a firmware version 1.0, but it is still missing some features like a full-frame slow-motion, 6K resolution recording (not sure if it will ever come), 4K and 2K DCI modes, a 5K crop mode, and some other features, many of which are coming later with future firmware updates, expected in summer 2020. The FX9 offers a new S-Cinetone color profile, which Philip used a lot in the course of his review. Philip even tried to draw different faces on a whiteboard and he tested when the camera recognizes the drawing as a face. Let us know in the comments underneath the article. ... a7s iii fx9 philip bloom sony sony fx6. Do you own the camera or are you considering getting one? As a point of reference, here’s how the models compare resolution- and size-wise: The FS7 models use a 4K native S35 sensor, which measures 24.0mm x 12.7mm. This offers a different tool than the focus pull – it still keeps the main subject in focus, but slowly reveals or hides everything else in the frame. However, I look at this issue a little differently and like what Sony has done with RAW and the FX9. When Sony launched its new Sony PXW-FX9 camcorder earlier this year, shooters were excited to see a full frame, fast hybrid autofocus, Dual-base-ISO lowlight capable camera starting at $11,000 come to market. ** High-speed, high-precision image processing maintains a pin-sharp focus. He does not recommend changing the Sony top handle though. What this means is that if RAW recording capability is important to you, the PXW-FX9 may not be the right choice. An interview with a subject in a sunroom. In a nutshell, Version 2.0 expands the camera’s shooting and recording capabilities by including FF Crop 5K mode, new 4K DCI options, User 3D LUT support, RAW output support, HDR Support, AF Improvements, added frame rate options for … As there are not many good oss lenses out there for emount and the gyro stabilization definitely degrades image quality and you cannot even use oss. It allowed me to capture subjects with movement. Philip invested a lot of time into the review and we think it could really benefit our readers who own the FX9 or who are thinking of buying the camera. Should you opt for a locking mount? Venice Version 6.0 firmware, to be released in November, adds the ability to import a new Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) file, including a new “Technicolor-look library,” a second user frame line and expanded high frame rate (HFR) capabilities. The autofocus struggles for instance with a dark face and bright background or when there are many faces in the frame. If you want to capture RAW video, you may be disappointed to learn that the FX9 doesn’t (and probably never will) have the ability to record RAW internally. I won’t go in-depth on every feature and specification available on the FX9, but here are some of the headline features and what’s significant about them: Sony’s Exmor R CMOS Sensor Full-Frame Sensor: In actual use, the extra light-gathering ability of the FF sensor was handy when using the FE PZ 28-135mm f/4.0 G OSS lens for interiors and interviews. The Sony PXW-FX9 Exmor R CMOS sensor is a brand-new variant that is closer in color science to the Venice than the FS7 MKII. Sony FX9 Review – Accessories. S-Cinetone And SOOC Colors: In the past, clients have asked me to shoot with the SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) colors in mind. The face tracking was not that reliable with adapted glass. The FX9 uses the same BP-U batteries like the FS7 but it draws power more quickly – about a one third quicker according to Philip. Canon sells the following two adapters, both with shim kits: 1. However, after using the Sony FX9 autofocus with the 28-135mm f/4.0, I have changed my tune. Sony FX9 Review – Face tracking autofocus did not function 100% of the time. These are exactly the two things that the Sony FX9 aims to fix. It has a 16-bit RAW output on it via a BNC connector. Sony, of course, knows a lot about what serious filmmakers need – as proven by the popularity of its FS7 camera that has been a … 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. Whether you're shooting documentaries, events, reality TV, education, or corporate productions, the PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System from Sony has you covered with its powerful and flexible 4K interchangeable lens camera system. Philip uses the Zacuto Top Plate. 10-16. The autofocus on the FX9 works best with native Sony glass, but it also somewhat works with adapted EF-mount glass with the Sigma MC-11 adapter or the Metabones adapters. As of today, the FX9 only records in two raster sizes: FHD (1920×1080) and UHD (3840×2160). With its companion Full-Frame zoom lens, this system is about the same size and weight as Super35 predecessors and still shoots both formats. It’s a tug of war between the $3,500 a7S III and the $11,000 FX9. With the review unit Sony sent me, they sent an older 28-135mm F4. One thing Sony tends to do better than many of its competitors in the pro cinema camera market is to read and respond to market segment demand. As mentioned in the video, autofocus in video cameras needs to really be accurate, smooth, and reliable. Philip sent his findings to Sony, so hopefully, they can fine-tune the AF even more with future firmware updates. Overall, I think you’ll find the DR of the FX9 to be very good, especially keeping in mind this an $11k camera, not a $50k or $80K digital cinema camera. And while it’s not a perfect cinema camera, when you go down its list of headline features, there is a lot to get excited about. It is, admittedly, not my favorite lens. Image credit: Philip Bloom. Sony FX9 As a comparison to the FX6, the FX9 utilizes the same sized 24.8MP 36.2 x 24.1mm full-frame CMOS sensor that is found in the FX9 and the VENICE. The 19 Megapixel sensor is an all-new design. It’s why Sony has become a powerhouse in the market segment of event, corporate and reality shooting with two models—Sony’s PXW-FS7 and FS7 MKII. I also found the FX9’s Face Detect feature flawless: When shooting three different interviews in three different lighting setups and locations, including a couple that appeared in a low-contrast, moody type of lighting, the FX9 nailed focus on the constantly moving subjects every time. I believe that the Canon and this Sony are likely seeing about 13.5 usable stops, rather than the claimed 15 stops, but regardless of that, I did see a nice distribution of DR and latitude when I pushed the FX9 as hard as I possibly could shooting a couple of sunset scenes. The FX9 offers various modes of face tracking autofocus. Weighing just under 2 lb, the FX6 body is a full 2 lb lighter than the FX9 and measuring 6 x 4.6", it packs a full-frame sensor into a body comparable to the S35-sensor Sony FS5. With a price difference of $11,000 vs $6,000 did Sony kill the FX9 with the FX6 before anyone even started using it? I need to get my hands on the camera for a longer period to do a proper evaluation. Aside from the expense, this hardware adds significant weight and cable clutter to the FX9, as well. Of course, it’s too early to tell if the FX9 will actually replace the FS7 and FS7 MKII, or merely provide a full-frame 6K-resolution alternative to these two S35 cameras in the Sony lineup. Autofocus: The FX9’s AF was exceptional when tracking faces in interviews. It’s generally how I can tell how these cameras behave on real-world shoots in paying, high pressure, one-take situations. Sony, however, did not officially confirm this yet. Remember when I show you the yellow cursor and the box? It’s based on the improved color science of the Sony VENICE. The Sony FS7 was Philip’s main documentary camera for many years. PXW-FX9. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V is a new travel-zoom compact camera that seemingly offers all of the latest must-have features. Only then it makes sense to start using it. Overall, though, the FX9 behaved well, and the images are great. it is just the touch of a left or right when you have a yellow cursor one the box, just like any other camera. Philip dedicated a part of his review to talk about useful FX9 accessories. Altogether, around eight weeks of work in total. Additionally, I tried shooting one of the most difficult subjects for auto focus—birds in flight—shooting some brown pelicans dive bombing from about 100 feet up into the water. Technically speaking, the variable ND was extremely useful, since I could pan on and off the incredibly bright sun and some rock formations surrounding it, and the Variable ND on the FX9 would smoothly ramp up the exposure so I could keep the same f/stop, ISO and shutter speed. The first time I see in a video how complicated it is to select another face with the joystick. Users can always select a different face using the FX9’s joystick. If you love the form factor and usability of a real cinema camera for shooting video but have stuck with mirrorless due to the full-frame sensors and advanced AF, then Sony now has the camera for you. Sensor. And if you don't like our newsletter, you can unsubscribe with a single click, the link is at the bottom of every newsletter. Sony FX9 Review 2020. sorry when I went from person to person that was not for switching between faces that was just to show how you can use the camera to do focus pull. There is no RAW from this camerea yet, probably we need to wait for update :),the PrRes Raw, can not be edited in Davinci Resolve . This was the hardest camera review I have ever made. That’s why we decided to publish this article about the review. XDCA-FX9. Creatives tips and inspirational stories for filmmakers. In my view, no, or at least, very few do. A quick review of the Sony FX9 The Sony PXW-FX9 is an affordable, compact, lightweight Full-Frame and Super35 cine camera. Browse/Prepare just crashes and Sony aren’t taking the problem seriously. 6K, 4K, HD And Frame Rates: Although a headline feature, 6K isn’t really the showstopper you would think it might be with the FX9. Until now I thought with a touch of a button job can just shuffle through all faces that are recognized in the screen. So this is why I haven't uploaded a video to YouTube since December! I shouldn’t have used faces. Shoot Number Three–Interview Day: For our interview with a film restoration artist, we set up shop in the screening room at Post Haste Digital in Los Angeles, which would be a good test of the FX9’s dynamic range. The Sony FX9 has been introduced in September 2019 and selected industry professionals (including Philip Bloom and cinema5D’s Nino Leitner) had a couple of hours to play with the camera. Marketplace. Wow. The Sony PXW-FX9 is a very intelligently updated version of the FS7 MKII. Here’s why: We needed to achieve a flattering image, but it would have to be a low-light level on the talent, since we needed to project images and footage from her work on various film projects, all from the silent film era, in back of her. He is interested in new tech and trends in filmmaking and passionate about action sports and short documentaries. It will only become a capable alternative for many shooting scenarios. There’s an external solution, but it’s pricey: You’ll need Sony’s optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit, which costs $2,498 extra. The FX9’s 15 stops of DR allowed me to hold a decent amount of detail in the windows while illuminating the subject with only two small LED panels and a diffusion disc. He praised its reliability. It is quite expensive and bulky though. It changes the bokeh while maintaining the exposure by changing the ND level while opening or closing the IRIS. Sony rates the FX9 at 15 stops, the same as the Canon C200 when shooting Cinema RAW Light in Clog 2. Even with these limitations, I never thought I’d say it, but overall, the FF sensor is a distinct advantage over only having a S35 sensor. For slow-motion in 1080p (up to 120fps), you need to change the scanning mode to 2K (full-frame), which scans the sensor in a lower resolution so it degrades the image quality a bit. In FF 4K mode, the FX9 maxes out at 30 fps. So, what I shoot is what they get. I walked away from a week of shooting with the FX9 impressed by its performance. Face-Only Mode stays on the subject’s face and when it disappears from the frame, the camera does not refocus to the background. However, it’s very important to point out that at press time, the FX9 doesn’t record in 6K resolution. At the core of the Sony FX9 is a brand new full-frame 6K sensor designed to output to UHD 4K at up to 60fps. However, after using the Sony FX9 autofocus with the … But it’s not 6K. As I mentioned earlier, as of today, it only records a 6K image but downsamples it to 4K (UHD). I had a chance to rent the Sony FX9 Full Frame 6K Camera for a few days and test it out. As a conclusion, Philip tried to really push the AF capabilities of the FX9 to their limits and at times it really frustrated him. Canon has the C500 MK II, but it costs $16k, so it’s likely not in the same consideration as the FX6. Sony FX6 on the new Sachtler Aktiv head with a Flowtech tripod. VCT Base Plate. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Sony didn’t put the same sensor as the FX9 and VENICE in the FX6. For these shots, the noise level of the FF sensor was great, even at the high base ISO of 4000. Sony’s answer to this entirely new obsession with sensor size is the new PXW-FX9 digital cinema camera, one of its latest XDCAMs, which Sony says is the first featuring “an advanced 6K full-frame sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system.” But taking a look at the FX9’s design, layout and feature set, it’s hard to not see it as the heir apparent to the Sony’s PXW-FS7 and FS7 MKII. With the introduction of their new PXW-FX9 XDCAM, Sony is taking one of their most significant steps towards combining many of their best technical innovations and tools into a single category-defining device. It offers a nice way to mount and adjust the EVF or monitor without tolls. Building on the success of the Sony FX7, which the company once claimed is the most sold Super35 camera of all time, the FX9 boasts a newly-developed 6K sensor with more than … cinema5D GmbH, Kranzgasse 22/9-10, A-1150 Vienna, Austria, MTF Services Converts SIRUI 50mm and 35mm Anamorphic Lenses to L-Mount, TDM Audio Pro UVC Case Disinfects Your Microphones, GoPro Karma Drone - Controller Pairing Issues, Boris FX Mocha Pro 2021 adds PowerMesh Tracking, MZed Course Review – The Art & Technique of Film Editing with Tom Cross, Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 First Look Review & Mini Documentary, Astera NYX Review - The Quest for the Perfect Cinema Lightbulb, Free Sony FX9 Tutorial, 3.5 Hours Long, with Alister Chapman. The advantage of this is a much more sturdy and secure lens-body connection, but you have to put your camera down to change the lens if you are doing it alone. (The max 6K full-frame rate is 30p.) It was a somewhat strenuous trek, but I was rewarded by a spectacular sunset, and the FX9 was a joy to shoot with. It is an innovative professional camera with numerous innovations in multiple fields. To my eyes, skin tones in particular on both cameras have a specific blue/cyan quality, straight out of camera, that looks unflattering to me. I was impressed, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how clean and low-noise the ISO 4000 looks, particularly if you only have S35 camera experience with ISO 4000, whether with a dual ISO base camera or with just a fixed ISO camera with the gain turned up. Sony is the first to offer a full-frame cinema camera in this price range. It was also very good when shooting b-roll, landscapes and scenery. The Sony XDCA-FX9 extension unit offers not only the V-Mount battery plate but some other extra functions like the RAW output. This data can then be used with a Catalyst Browser to stabilize the footage during post-production. So you’ll have to switch to S35 FOV to obtain 4K 60p recording. Add requests, ask questions, post pictures of … What’s more is that the FX9 only shoots higher frame rates if you window the sensor down to S35 size. Image credit: Philip Bloom, Philip does not think the autofocus is going to replace the manual focus workflow and focus pullers in the near future. Zacuto extension arm for the grip. Shoot Number Four–Harbor Shoot: For my last day with the FX9, I decided to capture windsurfers. In its segment, I think the FX9 is going to be hard to beat for working pros in the corporate, event and reality markets. The Electronic Variable ND Filter (eND) is implemented better than in the previous Sony cameras according to Philip. This article shortly summarizes his review. Finally released, it covers many aspects of the camera – some of them very extensively. I found it is by far the best, most innovative ND system in any pro digital cinema camera, rendering other competitors’ ND systems rather limited and primitive feeling, with clunky fixed stops and often not enough ND at just six stops. What was initially only supposed to be a short camera review shot in November 2019 with the pre-production firmware 0.5, grew into nearly two hours long in-depth review. Really regretting my purchase and feel very misled by all the online reviews/marketing as this is a key feature on the camera and there are no alternatives/work arounds. The video is being downsampled to 4K. JVC-HM650 Review. The Camera for news and journalists? It makes for a very good and versatile everyday travel camera that easily fits in your pocket. It depends on the lenses you are going to use it with. Read our full Privacy Policy here. In doing so, they’ve produced an excellent camera with a very capable full-frame 6K sensor package. Dual ISO: Since the FX9 has dual base ISOs of 800 and 4000, I tested grain and noise by shooting ISO 800 base for exteriors and ISO base of 4000 for interiors. One of the most important topics is the camera’s autofocus. (VENICE dual base ISO 500 and 2500). If you’re just using Canon still lenses then probably not. The FX6 uses Sony’s E-mount for attaching lenses, making it compatible with more than 50 native lenses and countless dozens third-party lenses. Its highest setting is in UHD (3840 x 2160) at 16:9. EF locking (CM-V1) 2. Compare that with the FX9 – much lower high frame rates – only 30p without crop – and no autofocus whatsoever once you go into the S&Q high-speed recording modes. In real-world shooting conditions, I found the FX9 to be a solid performer. EVF like the Zacuto Kameleon, or just a Zacuto Z-Finder mounted on the Sony screen (the screen is much better than the one of the FS7). © 2020 All rights reserved. During an interview or portraiture shoot, you can rely upon Eye AF to capture your subject’s most subtle expressions while you concentrate on the interview and framing. I positioned myself at the mouth of the harbor, up on a breakwater, where I also photographed pelicans, herons feeding, and boats entering and exiting the harbor. The lenses were the Sony 50mm f1.8 which costs around $350 USD and the 28-70mm f3.5-f5.6 zoom that costs about $400 USD and is often bundled as a kit lens with some of the A7 series cameras. But on the FX9, you’ll find a new gamma and look called S-Cinetone, which is straight out of camera, and its color that is supposedly profiled to resemble the color science from the Sony Venice, which produces very nice, accurate, flattering skin tones. Dual Base ISO. To answer these questions I took a pre-production FX9 into the nearby town of Windsor with a couple of cheap Sony E-Mount lenses. 15 Stops Of Dynamic Range: In real-world shooting, most of us are satisfied with cameras that can record 12 stops of DR and up. Sony has announced new firmware for both the Venice and FX9 cameras. FX9 has a dual base ISO of 800, and 4000 Finally released, it covers many aspects of the camera – some of them very extensively. I liked how the FX9 supported four audio channels, allowing me to duplicate my two inputs to channels three and four, and offset them to -10dB lower as my safety channels. Alister’s Equipment Reviews A to Z. Camera’s. Before the Sony FX9, the fly-by-wire build of the 28-135mm was slightly lens responsive than I usually enjoy in a lens. And once again, the face detect/auto focus behaved flawlessly, even under low lighting levels. The FX9 review does not cover as many aspects of the camera as the FS7 review, but it covers these topics much more in-depth. With a lens with smooth IRIS combined with variable eND, it is possible to do a “Depth of field rack”. Sony FX6 view with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens. The standard EF mount is non-locking. If you are in the market for this type of camera, you should borrow, rent or evaluate it because I think the FX9 will be a relevant camera in our extremely fast-changing market for years to come. Thanks Philip! There are more crop modes of the 3:2 sensor. The Sony FX9 screen does not have a touchscreen function. On the first day, we had light rain and no wind, and on the second day, the sky brightened up, but there was still no wind. Philip recommends mapping Focus Hold to a function button. He tested various cameras throughout his career and for the past four months, he has been playing with the Sony FX9. The FX9 uses a 6K sensor, which downsamples to 4K, and is capable of cropping to S35 for use with a wider assortment of lenses. Fortunately, I saw a class of lifeguards on the beach, running in and out of the water and up and down the beach. Announced back in April and scheduled for release in October 2020, Sony FX9 Firmware 2.0 is now available for download a month ahead of the planned date. Thank you Philip. I was impressed at the painterly look I was able to achieve shooting this sunset on a local trail using the FX9’s Variable ND feature that allowed me to pan on and off the sunset while holding a similar overall exposure with smooth ramping of the ND to compensate. No spam, guaranteed! It will keep looking for a face and when that again reappears, it will track it and keep it in focus. The new Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera is what Sony fans have been waiting ever since the APS-C cameras Super 35 cameras like the FS5 and FS7 made the rounds. Sony offers the FX9, just above the … This article shortly summarizes his review. The lenses I used were fairly slow zooms—the FE PZ 28-135mm f/4.0 G OSS and the FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS. But that’s not when I am not carrying an 18-pound camera in one hand, a 22-pound tripod on the opposite shoulder and a 15-pound backpack on my back. The Canon C500 Mark IIis definitely more expensive on paper. The Sony FX9 full-frame cinema camera has been out on the market for a few months now. As an essential piece of accessory, he recommends getting a different top plate, because the Sony rod system for the display is not that well designed. Shoot Number Two–Interview Day: I shot three different interviews—all set in different locations of an LA library—for director Robert Bader. Sony FX9 Review – Variable eND. sorry no. FX9 is the world’s first professional camcorder with Sony’s world-leading eye-tracking technology. So we didn’t see any regular surfers. the Gyro, in Catalyst Browse , also need update before it works like it should :). Currently, there is no animal recognition autofocus on the FX9 like there is in the Sony Alpha series. Since then, Philip spent two weeks of filming with the FX9 in November (with the pre-release firmware 0.5) and then on and off for the next three months (release firmware 1.0). As it stands I spent some time with it last week at the invitation of Sony. Copyright © 2020 HD Video Pro. Cheap, but not nasty tripod. For this shoot, it was the first time I had a chance to use the FX9’s face detect/auto focus, and the results were impressive.