Sony FX9

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. The PXW-FX9 features a full-frame, oversampled 6K Exmor R CMOS sensor that allows you to capture 4K images with cinematic depth of field. The camera’s E-mount is machined from stainless steel and allows you to use E-mount lenses.

The PXW-FX9 input and output features include 12G-SDI and HDMI outputs for 4K, a 3G-SDI output for HD, and genlock and timecode when using a multicamera setup. The Fast Hybrid AF autofocus system allows for accurate focus and even allows facial detection to automatically detect human form with 561 points of detection. Advanced image stabilization is achieved using the PXW-FX9’s internal gyroscope for shots so smooth it’ll look like you used a gimbal. Its 4-channel audio recording allows you to use external microphones and record ambient sound with the internal mics simultaneously.

The camera features a 15-stop dynamic range and records 10-bit 4:2:2 to dual XQD media card slots that support simultaneous and relay recording, as well as multiple backup recording modes that utilize proxy files. The camera can record UHD (3840 x 2160) and HD (1920 x 1080) internally at a selectable frame rate from 1 fps up to 60 fps in XAVC-I, XAVC-Long, and MPEG HD formats. And with a future firmware update, it will be able to record HD at up to 180 fps and output 16-bit raw 4K/2K footage up to 120 fps. In addition to its wide dynamic range, its enhanced color and light features include a dual base ISO of 800/4000, which is helpful when in low-light situations or using a slower lens. Its 7-stop electronic variable HD filter can perform in auto or manual mode, smoothly adjusting from 1/4 to 1/128 density. The camera’s default S-Cinetone color look offers the same soft, vivid tone as with Sony’s VENICE camera.

The FX9 includes an integrated Multi-Interface (MI) shoe and comes with a BP-U35 battery, BC-U1A battery charger, AC adapter with two power cords, body cap, viewfinder, eyepiece, remote control, and USB cable. The PXW-FX9 is also compatible with the separately available XDCA-FX9 extension unit which provides ENG shoulder-style support, networking features, and a slot for an optional wireless audio receiver.

6K CMOS Exmor R Sensor

The PXW-FX9’s oversampled full-frame 6K sensor provides recording in DCI 4K, UHD, and HD resolutions. Powerful image processing with debayering and down-sampling ensures image quality beyond the limits of conventional Super 35mm sensors. The back-illuminated CMOS image sensor also uses Sony’s Exmor R technology for improved sensitivity and noise reduction. Compared to a 4K Super 35mm sensor, the FX9’s 6K sensor has over twice the surface area while providing a wider angle of view and shallower depth of field.

15 Stops of Dynamic Range

The FX9 offers an exceptional 15+ stops of dynamic range, allowing for 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 4K 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording.

ISO Control

The FX9 features a base sensitivity of ISO 800, providing the optimal dynamic range for typical documentary applications such as shooting outside or in brightly lit interiors. A secondary high base sensitivity of ISO 4000 excels in low-light conditions such as early morning and evening shoots while maintaining superb image quality. ISO 4000 is also ideal whenever you’re using slow lenses.

Electronic ND Filter

Sony’s built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter can be 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 artistic effects.

Recording Formats

Depending on the project, the FX9 has a selection of recording formats. XAVC-I with 422 10-bit quality at a highest 600 Mb/s in 60p. XAVC-Long for more longer recording time in smaller file size. The traditional MPEG HD codec is also available. All files will be recorded onto XQD media cards.

Adjustable Frame Rates

Choose your desired frame rate from 1 up to 60 fps for quick- and slow-motion footage. The 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. It also offers a quality priority setting that maximizes Full HD slow-motion image quality with advanced oversampling technology.

S-Cinetone Look

S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that’s tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators with rich midrange 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 that straight out of the camera your content looks fresh and vivid, with subjects that really stand out while retaining plenty of latitude in post-production, thanks to the high-performance full-frame image sensor.

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. 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 for consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

Seven-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.

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

Advanced Image Stabilization

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 generated by the FX9’s built-in gyro allows you to creatively choose the balance between the level of shake compensation and the resolution of trimmed 4K imagery. This feature is also compatible with any E-mount lens and allows for far faster processing than conventional NLE stabilization workflows.

4-Channel Audio Recording

The FX9 offers audio capabilities with independent control dials for each channel. In applications such as an interview, 4-channel audio recording enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, and the built-in microphone for ambient sound and voice memos by the operator.

Inputs and Outputs

The FX9 is equipped with various outputs including a 12G-SDI and an HDMI for 4K output. Also, it has a 3G-SDI for HD output to expand its monitoring flexibility. For multicamera operation, Genlock and TC In/Out terminals are available.

Recording Modes

The FX9 has a selection of backup recording modes that will help ensure the recording is safe. Simul Rec will enable simultaneous HD recording onto two media cards. The 4K/HD Sub Rec mode will allow 4K recording on one card and MPEG HD recording on another card. XAVC Proxy Rec is also available, offering a 9 Mb/s small size proxy file which will be easily sent via network. Also, a maximum 28-second Cache Rec is available to prevent missing any shot.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides power, signal connections, and coordinated on/off switching with compatible Sony accessories.

Optional Extension Unit

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 and documentary applications. The extension unit also adds advanced networking for streaming/file transfers and a slot-in for a wireless audio receiver.

Sony XDCA-FX9 Overview

Add the XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit from Sony to the back of your PXW-FX9 camera to add an ENG-style shoulder mount and additional I/O and power to your camera. The unit features a 4-pin XLR DC power output to power accessories and other equipment, as well as three BNC outputs for raw video, a reference signal, and timecode. A LAN interface and two USB ports provide live streaming and file transfer abilities, as well as compatibility with XDCAM Air streaming playback.

With the latest firmware update, the unit supports 16-bit raw 4K/2K recording output to compatible external recorders, as well as provide functionality to a built-in wireless audio slot for DWX/UWP wireless receivers.

Key Features

Enables ENG-style shoulder mounting for FX9

Multi-pin V-lock-type camera mount

4-pin XLR DC output

REF, timecode, and raw video BNC outputs

2-pin light power output

D-Sub 15-pin port for wireless receiver

One LAN and two USB Type-A ports for live streaming and XDCAM Air capability

Sony PXW-FX9 E-Mount Specs

Image Sensor

Image Sensor Size 35.7 x 18.8 mm (Full-Frame)

Sensor Type CMOS

Sensor Resolution Effective: 3840 x 2160

ISO 800 to 4000 (Native)

Gain -3 to 18 dB

Advertised Dynamic Range 15 Stops

Signal-to-Noise Ratio 57 dB

Camera

Lens Mount Sony E-Mount

Shutter Speed 1/1 to 1/8000 sec

Built-In ND Filter 4 to 128 Stop Electronic ND Filter

Built-In Microphone Type Mono

Recording Media 2 x XQD Card Slots

1 x SDXC/Memory Stick PRO Duo Hybrid Card Slot

Internal Recording

Recording Modes XAVC-I 4:2:2 10-Bit:

3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (240 to 600 Mb/s)

1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps (89 to 222 Mb/s)

1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (112 Mb/s)

XAVC-L 4:2:2 10-Bit:

3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (100 to 150 Mb/s)

1920 x 1080p at 25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps (25 to 50 Mb/s)

1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s)

MPEG HD422 4:2:2 10-Bit:

1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (50 Mb/s)

1920 x 1080i at 25/50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s)

XAVC Proxy 4:2:0 10-Bit:

1920 x 1080p (9 Mb/s)

1280 x 720p (6 to 9 Mb/s)

640 x 360p (3 Mb/s)

Gamma Curve Sony S-Log 3

Audio Recording XAVC: 4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio

Proxy: 2-Channel AAC Audio

Interfaces

Video Connectors 1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output

1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output

1 x HDMI (HDMI 2.0) Output

Audio Connectors 2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic/Line Level (+48 V Phantom Power) Input

1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Output

Other I/O 1 x BNC Genlock Data Input

1 x BNC Timecode Data Input/Output

1 x 2.5 mm LANC Control

1 x USB Micro-B USB 3.1 Gen 1 Data

Wireless Interfaces 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi

EVF

EVF Included

EVF Display Type LCD

Screen Size 3.5″

EVF Resolution 2,760,000 Dots

Power

Battery Type Sony BP-U Series

Power Connectors 1 x Barrel (19.5 VDC) Input

Power Consumption 35.2 W

Environmental

Operating Temperature 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

Storage Temperature -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C

General

Accessory Mount 1 x Multi-Interface Shoe

1 x 1/4″-20 Female

Dimensions 5.75 x 5.61 x 9.02″ / 146 x 142.5 x 229 mm (Without Protrusions)

Weight 4.4 lb / 2 kg