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Sony has just announced the ILME-FX6V for filmmakers and professional videographers. The Sony FX6 is a cinema camera with the E-mount known as mirrorless camera systems. Contrary to what is usual for professional cinema cameras, it does not have an image sensor in Super35 format, which corresponds roughly to the classic 35mm film format and thus roughly to the photographic APS-C or half format. The FX6 has a larger image sensor that corresponds to that of 35mm cameras and is commonly but imprecisely referred to as a full-frame sensor. The Exmor R CMOS sensor has a resolution of 10.2 megapixels and should achieve a dynamic range of 15+ f-stops.
A maximum of 4K-UHD or QFHD recorded, whereby recordings with 120 up to frames per second (fps) are possible. The FX6 masters DCI-4K with up to 60p. The camera offers fast hybrid autofocus with face recognition and eye recognition in real-time. Also, an integrated, electronically adjustable ND filter is available to users and it delivers recordings in cinematic colors with the S-Cinetone color function.
Whether image sensor, processor, or autofocus – the brand new Sony FX6 is part of the Cinema Line and is equipped with the proven core technologies from Sony. It is also compatible with the wide range of E-mount lenses from Sony and other providers, thus enabling great creative flexibility. (However, the range of special cinema lenses and also for this sensor size is minimal)
Cinematic full format
The new camera has a back-exposed Exmor R full-frame CMOS sensor with 10.2 megapixels (12.1 Mpx in total), a dynamic range of 15+ f-stops (with S-Log3 and according to the Sony test), and high sensitivity with low noise. The basic ISO value of ISO 800 enables pictures to be taken even in poor to very poor lighting conditions and can be expanded to ISO 12’800 3 with a maximum sensitivity range of 409’600 4.
The FX6 supports XAVC All Intra 10-bit recording with 4: 2: 2 color sampling in DCI 4K (4096 x 2160 up to 60p), 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 up to 120p5), and Full HD (1920 x 1080 up to 240p) for incredibly detailed slow-motion recordings. If smaller file sizes are required, the FX6 can also record in “XAVC Long GOP” format. It then supports recordings in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 up to 120p 5) with 8-bit and 4: 2: 0 color sampling as well as Full HD recordings (1920 x 1080 up to 240p) with 10-bit and 4: 2: 2.
Besides, the camera is equipped with a “BIONZ XR” image processor, which was first introduced in the new Sony Alpha 7S III and ensure processing that is up to four times faster than the FS5 II.
Based on the same technical expertise as the Sony Venice cinema camera, the FX6 supports cinematic color matching includes S-Cinetone for richer color reproduction and S-Log3, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine for flexibility in post-production. The cinematic color processing of the FX6 is optimized for demanding applications: It preserves the entire dynamic range of the sensor and thus opens up numerous creative possibilities for expression. Based on the color settings of Venice, the FX6 enables film productions that come close to the material of other models in the Cinema Line.
Advanced video functions
Based on the impressive AF functions of Sony Alpha cameras, the FX6 scores with fast hybrid autofocus that combines 627-point AF phase detection, advanced face detection, real-time eye autofocus at high frame rates, and continuous autofocus. This means that cameramen can effortlessly and precisely follow moving subjects for slow-motion recordings without losing focus. The fast hybrid autofocus is compatible with more than 50 native E-mount lenses. The camera can also record with up to five times slow motion in 4K-UHD @120p.
New FX6 is equipped with an internal, electronically adjustable ND filter. Users can easily and continuously control the filter values of the camera or set the variable ND filters to automatic. The filter values can be manually adjusted continuously from 1/4 to 1/128. In this way, users can always achieve optimally exposed images without impairing the depth of field or the shutter angle, even in changing light conditions. In combination with the ultra-high sensitivity of the camera, the electronically adjustable ND filter offers users optimal creative control in almost any recording environment.
Mobility and usability
The Sony FX6 has a robust magnesium alloy housing, measures just 116 x 153 x 114 millimeters, and weighs 0.89 kilograms without accessories and lens. A compact and lightweight design make it ideal for spontaneous recordings. A heat-dissipating structure ensures that the components of the camera do not overheat even during longer recording times. At the same time, the FX6 is characterized by a modular design, so that users can easily combine it with accessories such as grips and viewfinders or attach it to gimbals and drones.
The FX6’s 3.5-inch LCD viewfinder can be attached to multiple locations on the camera body, allowing additional flexibility and easy menu control with touch controls. A quick access menu for frequently used functions allows camera operators to change important settings with a single tap. These include, for example, the codec, scan mode, image size and frame rate, base ISO value/sensitivity, recording mode, and audio level.
Sony FX6 price and availability
The Sony FX6 (ILME-FX6V) is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com website for $5,998 body only or $7,18 with a 24-105mm lens kit.
