Sony PXW-FX9 Full Frame 6K Camcorder
Democratic movements are also present in the field of video camera
manufacturing. And, to prove that, here is a Full-Frame cine camera acting as
the natural successor of previous Super35. It is making Full-Frame features
accessible and easy to handle for everyone.
Meanwhile it still keeps the
availability of shooting both formats. Due to that, Full-Frame finally reaches
its destination to become a trend. In addition, this new launch confirms how it
happened.
Sony did it again on September 13, 2019 by launching the Sony
PXW-FX9 Full-Frame 6K shoulder-resting documentary style cine camera. And yes,
it seems that someone self-indulge in Atsugi by hearing me requesting "stop the
press" in Amsterdam when this type of things happen.
Although it includes
features from Sony Alpha and the FS7 series as well as Sony VENICE, the new FX9
might not necessarily be a natural evolution from them. On the contrary, it is
more a chronological strategy set by Sony to introduce their new products. Let's
check some previous movements to see the real origin of the FX9.
Firstly,
on November 28, 2012, Sony introduces the f5 and f55 Super35 4K cameras in its
headquarters of Hollywood, USA.
Then, the year 2013 witnessed 2 new
Sony's launches, starting with the NEX-VG900 Full-Frame prosumer E-mount HD
camcorder came to Photo kina in September 2013. Soon after, in October 2013, it
was the turn for the α7 which was the first Interchangeable Lens Camera with
E-mount (ILCE) system. These two launches did nothing but prepare the terrain
for the new products.
Just one year after, on September 12, 2014, Sony
launched the Sony Verite. Due to its minimal size of 16mm format similar to the
Aaton A-minima, we nicknamed it as Sony Minima.
But its benefits went
beyond that because it was also a stunning shoulder-resting camera of
documentary style. And despite carrying all those features, it was a much
lighter version than the Aaton A-minima.
In November 2016, Sony launched
the FS7 II with refined interface. Besides, it included a new Lever Lock
E-mount, versatile viewfinder, improved Smart-Grip, and In-Camera Electronic
Variable ND. And more recently, during the 2019 IBC show in Amsterdam, Sony
presented the latest Full-Frame FX9.
All the above demonstrates a clear
Sony's progressive strategy that consists in launching a high-end camera first.
Later on, after 2 years, Sony follows to launch a more accessible version. And
this strategy was also applied to the entire alpha series of Full-Frame ILCE
cameras, including the a7 and the newest version a7R IV.
But all that is
only possible because Sony has an extraordinary team that guarantees the highest
level of design, manufacturing processes, and engineering. As a result, it can
produce its lines of cameras, processors, sensors and lenses at this rhythm.
Thus, this is how the Sony PXW-FX9 made its entrance to the market.
The
Sony PXW-FX9 stands out for the wide range of flexible features that include
maximum comfort and fair price. Its ergonomic design naturally expands the
shooting possibilities.
More importantly, it is a dual camera with
Full-Frame and Super35 FS7 II functions but into a smaller package than any of
them. Consequently, those who thought that Full-Frame cameras needed to be big
and heavy had to re-think of it.
Sony PXW-FX9 one of the most innovative
features is the 19 Megapixel "Exmor R" sensor which guarantees never seen in
35mm format image quality. Its new design has a bigger range of aperture of
35.7mm wide x 18mm high. It means that its angle of view is wider and the depth
of field is shallower.
By comparing it to Sony VENICE which offers
aperture of 36.2mm x 24.1mm, you immediately notice a different aspect ratio.
This is to say that VENICE is 1.5:1 aspect ratio against 1.89:1 aspect ratio of
the new Sony PXW-FX9.
Despite full height Full-Frame is a very desirable
feature, it will have to wait a little longer. But why the Sony PXW-FX9 wouldn't
use the full 24mm height? Well, it seems that is due to the processing power
that the Sony PXW-FX9 can't process yet.
Until now, the rule is that when
the picture has bigger height, the camera sensor and processor have to work
harder. The good news is that you can expect it in the near future though
firmware or hardware updates. After all, it is a Sony product.
And the
Sony PXW-FX9 also took some elements from a7 and a9 camera series. Those consist
in contrast Auto Focus and the fast hybrid phase-detection. And, you can rest
assured with Artificial Intelligence doing its work by keeping focus sharp in
Face Only AF, Face Priority, and Face Registration. In other words, multiple
faces.
Considering all the above, it wasn't strange to hear the Sony
Product Planner, Takuro Ema, to get excited when describing the FX9's Autofocus
as "tenacious persistent focus tracking".
Shoot in comfort, expand your horizons
Sony FX9
revolutionizes full-frame cinematography with peerless ergonomics and advanced
technology for on-the-go shooting. The world's first full-frame electronic variable ND filter* transforms possibilities for shooting in variable lighting conditions. Built-in Wi-Fi and 12G-SDI support advanced workflows while the
optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit further expands the operational possibilities of the
Sony FX9.
*As of September 2019
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