Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Pro Camcorder

The Sony PXW-FX9 XDCAM 6K Pro Camcorder is a professional 4K camcorder that records in both DCI and UHD resolutions. Its new 6K Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor captures a wide range of color information with 15 stops of dynamic range, and its 4:2:2 10-bit XAVC-I 400 Mb/s codec allows for extensive post production flexibility. The camera supports full pixel readout without pixel binning, allowing it to achieve a 6K Full HD image from the 6K sensor.

The PXW-FX9 features an E-mount for attaching PL lenses or other third party lenses, as well as an additional mount for attaching EF lenses via an optional adapter. The camera offers multiple recording formats including XAVC-I 400 Mb/s at 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with up to 60 fps in either 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 color sampling; and up to 600 Mb/s at 2K (2048 x 1080) resolution with up to 120 fps in either 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 color sampling.

This camcorder is equipped with a newly developed 15 Stops Dynamic Range OLED viewfinder featuring an adjustable eyecup and diopter adjustment for comfortable viewing under any light conditions. The camera also features an ergonomic hand grip for stable operation, as well as built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC pairing and streaming capabilities; remote control via the free iOS or Android app; GPS functionality; and timecode support.

Product Features in Detail

6K Full-Frame "Exmor R" sensor for stunning picture quality
The back-illuminated full-frame 6K CMOS sensor uses Sony’s Exmor R technology for improved sensitivity and reduced noise. When recording at DCI 4K* Ultra HD resolutions, the ability to oversample and capture at 6K, combined with powerful image processing, ensures that subtle details and textures beyond those that can be captured by a conventional 4K sensor are retained while at the same time noise is reduced.

Compared to a 4K Super 35­mm sensor, the FX9’s 6K sensor has over twice the surface area, providing a wider angle of view, making it easier to gain a shallower depth of field. You can also shoot with Super 35­mm lenses without compromise, capturing at 4K in super 35 mm with all the benefits of this advanced imaging sensor.

*DCI 4K (4096 x 2160 at 17:9 recording) requires Ver.2.0 or higher firmware.

Phenomenal 15+ stops dynamic range for limitless expression
FX9 offers an exceptional 15+ stops of dynamic range—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.* 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.

*RAW recording requires Ver.2.0 or higher firmware, XDCA-FX9 and external recorder.

Dual Base ISO for stunning images in any light
Digital imaging sensors perform best at their base ISO as no unnecessary gain (voltage) is added to the sensor’s output. While a typical camera has a single base ISO, carefully chosen to provide the optimum settings for a wide range of shooting scenarios, the FX9’s dual ISO function offers far greater flexibility. Its low base sensitivity of ISO 800* is similar to most other digital cinema cameras offering an excellent balance between dynamic range and sensitivity for most normal types of production. The FX9 with its secondary High Base ISO of 4000* excels in low-light conditions without adding extra gain. Low-light scenes can be shot using High Base and 4000 ISO with near identical image quality to Low Base and 800 ISO. 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.

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

Cinematic color science 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 your content looks fresh and vivid straight out of the camera, with subjects that really stand out while retaining plenty of latitude in post-production thanks to the high-performance full-frame image sensor.

Accelerate your workflow with User 3D Luts and HLG*
User Created 3D LUTs make it easy to customize FX9’s look to your preferences. It is possible to import LUTs files from an SD card and store up to 16 files on the FX9’s internal memory and switch between them as needed. This is particularly useful for shooting in S-Log3, allowing you to preview on camera whatever custom look you create.

FX9 can record HDR using S-Log3 or Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG).*

S-Log3 is optimized for premium applications, capturing the maximum dynamic range from a sensor and providing ultimate creative freedom when color grading
HLG* delivers content quickly without additional color grading, making it an ideal choice for day-to-day shooting, viewing, and editing workflows
*Ver.2.0 or higher firmware required

HDR/SDR dual production support*
When shooting HDR content, the FX9’s EVF is easily switched between HDR and SDR emulation modes. In addition, if you adjust the brightness of the image when in SDR emulation, the SDR gain dB is recorded into metadata so it can be used in post-production for the SDR content. Together these changes make it easier to shoot in HDR while also achieving a quick turnaround for SDR content.

*Requires firmware V3.0 or higher.

Super 35 and Super 16
Choose your desired frame rate from 1fps up to 180fps* 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 setting** that maximizes full HD image quality using full-frame 6K scan mode or Super 35 4K scan mode with advanced oversampling technology. With Ver.3 firmware, FX9 also supports Super 16 scan mode*** and enables B4 lens control (requires optional LA-EB1 and XDCA-FX9 for lens DC supply) with ALAC****(Auto Lens Aberration Compensation). Imager scan area can be switched with Assign button that works like a digital extender.

Super 35 2K imager scan mode prioritizes frame rates, so image quality may be reduced depending on the shooting environment. In this instance, the settings below are recommended.

Cine EI mode: Set EI gain lower and exposure level higher instead
Custom/SDR mode: Choose the gamma category setting of Original (S-Cinetone) or STD (STD1 to 6)
*Up to 120fps with Ver1.0. Full-HD 180fps requires Ver.2.0 or higher firmware.

**In full-frame scanning mode: selectable at 1–30fps/In super 35 scanning mode: selectable at 1–60fps. Quality priority setting is recommended if desired frame rate is available.

***Requires V3 or higher, AF performance at S16 2K mode is not same as other imager mode

****Lens should support ALAC function.

16-bit RAW capability*
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 recorders.**

*RAW output will be enabled with Ver.2.0 or higher firmware.

**Compatible recorders to be announced by 3rd party.

Capture the action with enhanced 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. Developed by Sony’s α camera engineers, 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 consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

Eye AF and Real-time Tracking*
FX9 is the world’s first professional camcorder with Sony’s world-leading eye-tracking technology.** High-speed, high-precision image processing maintains a pin-sharp focus. 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. Simply turn on Face or Eye AF priority for seamless AI-based tracking.

Using Real-time Tracking, you can simply touch a subject on the viewfinder, or select a face with FX9 joystick, and the camera will track and maintain focus automatically.

*Eye AF requires Ver.2.0 or higher firmware. Real-time Tracking requires Ver.3.0 or higher firmware.

Customizable AF settings
The FX9’s comprehensive autofocus settings provide the creative flexibility to integrate with 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, such as a historical TV drama.

5-level AF subject-shift sensitivity ranges from Locked-on—ignoring other moving subjects in the frame—to Responsive, which switches focus from one subject to another, ideal for snapping between race cars as they speed by.

Autofocus with Sony E-mount lenses
Experience smooth, responsive autofocus with every Sony E-mount lens, including Sony’s Cinema Lens FE C 16–35 mm T3.1 G with premium optical performance and operability for demanding cinematography applications. Advanced E-mount lever-lock operation allows quick, easy lens exchange in the field, plus added stability and security with large lenses.

The world's first electronic variable ND filter for full-frame sensors*
Realize even greater creative control with Sony’s unique built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter—a world first* 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.

Proven ergonomics & accessory compatibility
FX9 chassis is the latest refinement of the revolutionary FS7 design, so you can be sure it will feel great to shoot with from almost any position, while also offering compatibility with a large proportion of the countless FS7 accessories, including U-series batteries, chargers, E-mount lenses, plus arms and lens adaptors.*

The control arm is easily adjusted without tools, so FX9 adapts effortlessly to your physique and preferred shooting style—handheld, at waist level, or shoulder-mounted. The smart grip also features an updated design, more compact than before while still holding all the key shooting controls, allowing you to concentrate on the scene without distractions. The FX9 also introduces a micro USB interface for improved responsiveness and support for a wrist strap.

To withstand the rigors of real-world shooting, FX9 has a robust magnesium chassis which is almost one third lighter than aluminum equivalent, while offering high impact resistance. FX9’s buttons, dials, and other parts are sealed to prevent dust and water spray from entering for even greater operational reliability.**

*BP-U30 and XDCA-FS7 are not compatible with the FX9.

**Dust- and water-resistance does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

Quick menu control with touch operation*
The FX9’s LCD Viewfinder has a quick access control menu for commonly accessed features. With a single touch, you can press to change key settings including:

Codec, Imager Scan mode, Picture Size and frequency.
Base ISO/Sensitivity
Shooting Mode
Audio Levels
Introduced with V2 firmware, the FX9’s quick access control menu uses a similar UI to Sony’s acclaimed VENICE digital cinematography camera.

*Requires Ver.2.0 or higher firmware.

4K Multi-Camera Remote Operation
PXW-FX9 supports S700 Protocol over Ethernet* for simple, easy-to-operate multi-camera operation for local events and TV studio production. The optional XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit with RJ45 jack can take S700 Protocol control via Ethernet from a single RCP** unit or you can control multiple FX9s with a PoE Switch using one RCP per FX9. A/V output over SDI can be routed via a standard SDI switcher and a monitor such as the PVM-X2400 can display up to four HD inputs simultaneously.

*V3 or higher firmware required.

**Availability depends on region.

Stable, shake-free handheld footage
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 combining FX9’s built-in gyro and lens information allows you to creatively choose the balance between the level of shake-compensation and the resolution of trimmed 4K imagery. This feature requires Sony E-mount lens and allows for far faster processing than conventional NLE stabilization workflows.**

*Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare Version 2019.2 or higher is required.

**Resolution and angle of view reduced compared to native footage. Lens optical image stabilization should be set to ‘OFF’ during shooting.

Beautifully matched shooting partners
Optimized for professional cinematography applications, the light and compact SELP28135G-powered 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
Three independent rings for focus, zoom and iris with smooth, silent drive
You have the choice of purchasing the FX9 on its own (PXW-FX9) or with the SELP28135G lens (PXW-FX9K).

Adds shoulder-style operation, advanced networking
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 timecode for multi-camera shoots.

4-channel audio input and recording
The FX9 offers superb audio capabilities with independent control dials for each channel. In applications such as interviews, 4-channel audio recording enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, a built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional UWP Series wireless microphones to capture the voices 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.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe
Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe provides power, signal connections, and coordinated on/off switching with compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems (optional).

Networked for high mobility
The FX9 features internal 5 GHz* and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi capability as standard. Just switch on and log on to your preferred network to enable a host of advanced wireless production features:

Content Browser Mobile™** allows the PXW-FX9 to be controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet computer via a Wi-Fi connection. Adjust the exposure level, zoom, Record/Stop and more via your mobile device—it’s ideal for single-operator shoots. One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones offering NFC connectivity
FTP Transfer allows content files to be sent over the Internet for remote storage on an FTP server even while shooting. In case of signal interruption, the system will automatically resume as soon as connection is restored
Trimming allows you to set start and end points in a clip, eliminating time-wasting transfers of unneeded content
C3 Portal*** can upload high-res and proxy footage to the cloud from multiple camera operators in the field, so editing can start immediately. Uploaded content can be accessed securely from any location. Production teams can even start logging clips while shooting is still going on, saving even more valuable time when a story’s breaking
Wired LAN port with optional XDCA-FX9 allows connection of the FX9 to the Internet with a standard Ethernet cable, allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP
Dual Link Cellular is enabled with the optional XDCA-FX9 and uses two cellular networks in combination to provide an even more reliable network connection. The FX9 is compatible with standard USB cellular dongles from most networks. (Please check for the most appropriate service provider for your region. Standard network fees will apply.)
High-quality Sony QoS Streaming to Network RX Station (optional) and C3 Portal*** by Sony allows images to be streamed live for viewing at a remote location
*5-GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation. Only PXW-FX9V/9VK support 5 GHz.

**Content Browser Mobile™ application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store. Wi-Fi operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet computers.

***Requires Ver.3.0 or higher firmware. C3 Portal is available in specific countries.

FX9 Quick Reference Guide - V3
Written by Alister Chapman and covering everything from camera set-up to slow-motion frame rates and S-Cinetone tips. Interactive PDF format ensures easy access on your smartphone when on-location. Now updated for V3 firmware with Real-time tracking, RCP remote control, S16 mode and more.