Sony FX6 Full-frame Camera

The back-illuminated full-frame Exmor RTM CMOS sensor, with 10.2 effective megapixels, boasts a blazingly fast data readout speed along with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. An advanced colour filter array boosts colour reproduction accuracy, while focal plane phase-detection AF enables solid autofocus stability and excellent precision, all of which contribute to outstanding image quality.

The BIONZ XR^TM image-processing engine boasts class-leading speed performance, minimising latency while providing impressive real-time processing capabilities. The engine performs real-time processing of AF, image recognition and image quality adjustments, while also handling data transfer, user interface and other camera operations.

Full-frame 4K (QFHD) recording at up to 120fps with autofocus is possible thanks to the high-speed readout capabilities of the image sensor and the powerful BIONZ XR processor. Even at high frame rates, ultra-detailed 4K (QFHD) images are captured using full-pixel readout without binning, for clear post-produced slow motion (up to 5x slower than real time). The high-precision AF even allows beautiful full-frame bokeh to be achieved during slow motion shooting, for impressive creative scope.

The inclusion of Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone look, inherited from the development of the FX9, allows beautiful images to be achieved directly in-camera. S-Cinetone is optimised for natural skin tones and mid-range colours, with gentle highlight roll-off, for impressive subject depiction and powerful camera-matching and post-production possibilities. 

The Scene File function provides powerful colour interpretation right in the camera, with a range of presets and custom User 3D LUT imports to fit your production or style requirements. Five preset scene file types are included for SDR shooting (S-Cinetone, Standard, Still, ITU709, 709tone) and three for HDR (HLG Live, HLG Natural, HLG Mild). A further 16 slots support User 3D LUT import to achieve custom looks or for specific monitoring or colour-space transforms.

S-Log3 gamma curves are available, with S-Log3 designed for better reproduction of gradations from shadows to the mid-grey range (18% grey), enabling a dynamic range of up to 15+ stops. Two colour gamut settings (S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine) make it easier to match the colours of footage shot with Sony’s Cinema Line Cameras. Because the colours match, colour grading is easier in post-production editing, making it more convenient when used along with other pro cameras.

The FX6 is capable of 4K internal recording, encoding 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 colour sampling with All-Intra compression. This makes it possible to push your colour grades further, stretching video out for ultimate HDR realism while still retaining natural gradation, for true editing freedom.

When shooting with anamorphic lenses, you can choose a de-squeeze ratio (1.3x or 1.5 x or 2.0 x) in the menu to display the movie with horizontal correction on the LCD monitor, according to the ratio of the attached anamorphic lens. This setting is available in software version 5.01 or later.

The FX6 is compatible with BP-U series battery packs. The BP-U35, BP-U70, BP-U100, or BP-U60T can be selected according to shooting needs. The BP-U35, for example, is an ideal choice to make most of the camera’s mobility when it is to be used handheld. The BP-U100, on the other hand, can provide extended recording time when the FX6 is to be mounted on a tripod or other support. The battery CHECK button allows charge level to be checked even when the battery is not connected to the camera.

When shooting movies, low bit-rate HD proxy files can be recorded simultaneously with higher bit-rate formats such as XAVC 4K, and these smaller proxy files can then be used for editing and previewing prior to final production delivery. This reduces computer load and allows faster and more efficient workflows. Proxy files are captured in 8-bit XAVC-L (1980×1080 9Mbps MP4 wrapper).

Fast Hybrid AF combines focal plane phase-detection AF with contrast-detection AF. This results in highly precise, smooth tracking of fast-moving subjects even over a wide range with a shallow depth of field. AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity parameters allow more flexible focus control, as demanded by professional users. Both allow preset settings to be recalled during recording by using a customisable button.

For reliable focusing on people, especially in unpredictable shooting environments such as news gathering, event and documentary shooting, powerful Real-time Eye AF and Face Detection AF are built in. The real-time processing capability of the BIONZ XR image processing engine automatically maintains accurate eye focus on faces even in profile, looking up or down, or partially obscured – allowing you to concentrate fully on shot composition.

In response to pro opinions, enhanced sealing is applied to the media compartment lid, terminal cover and all joints in the chassis. Routes to dust and moisture entry have been re-examined to ensure reliable operation in challenging environments.

When the AF Assist function is ON, rotating the focus ring instantly switches from autofocus to manual focus so that a different subject can be quickly selected. The face selection algorithm has also been improved so that the focus ring can be used to quickly and intuitively select specific individuals from within a group when shooting with Real-time Eye AF or Face Detection. Autofocus operation resumes as soon as the user stops rotating the lens focus ring, and the last subject selected by the focus ring is automatically tracked. 

The revolutionary electronic Variable ND Filter controls the opacity of the neutral filter seamlessly from 1/4 to 1/128ND to achieve unmatched creative control and fluidity. Unique to Sony, it can manually or automatically adjust exposure without affecting the depth of field or shutter angle, letting you achieve perfect exposure even moving between different environments such as from indoors to out.

To perform reliably in challenging environments the main chassis, as well as top, front, and rear covers and the handle are constructed from lightweight magnesium alloy. The magnesium alloy main frame achieves high strength and durability with minimum weight in order to maximise mobility. The rigidity of the mount area is also boosted by the provision of six screws for stable attachment of heavy lenses. 

To ensure dependable full-frame recording in demanding environments and at high resolutions and frame rates, the FX6 features an innovative heat dissipation structure. A complete redesign of the chassis structure assessed the placement of internal heatsinks and the entire airflow structure, from louvers to circuit board layout. When required, a silent fan provides ventilation for continuous recording at full resolution, with intake and exhaust air structurally isolated to maintain strong dust and moisture resistance.

The 3.5-size LCD panel (1280 x 720 pixels) is mounted on an extended pedestal, and adjustable to a wide range of angles for easy video monitoring regardless of camera rigging and shooting angle. Mounting points are provided at three places on the handle and two on the body. With touch panel support, it also provides intuitive control for many camera settings, even where camera body controls are less accessible.

The FX6’s ergonomic Smart Grip is designed for powerful and comfortable camera control even during prolonged or dynamic shooting situations. Three customisable buttons, plus essential zoom and start/stop control and a custom dial suitable for Iris or Variable ND Filter control, are all positioned in easy grip reach. The freely-adjustable telescoping handle and grip angle are set with a single button, for effortless position changes without slowing production.

Additionally, when using an external recorder, RAW format such as ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW are supported, offering greater flexibility for professional editing environments.

The handle of the FX6 carries two independent audio inputs (easy-access XLR connectors) to connect external professional microphones. Additionally, a UWP series wireless microphone may be connected via the MI Shoe. 

The camera’s two media slots are compatible with CFexpress Type A cards as well as SDXC/SDHC cards supporting UHS-I and UHS-II speed classes. CFexpress Type A cards are the next standard for compact storage with fast write/read speeds suitable for 4K movie recording at high bit rates. They are capable of quickly clearing camera buffers even when high volumes of movie data are being generated.

Connecting a smartphone or tablet to the camera with the Monitor & Control app enables wireless monitoring, high-precision exposure adjustment, and focus control on a larger screen.

Network communications features support FTP transfer for movie files as well as remote shooting capability, to facilitate professional workflows during shoots. Wireless 5GHz / 2.4GHz LAN connections are supported, and wired connectivity to 1000BASE-T Ethernet networks is available via a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor cable connected to the camera’s USB Type-C® port supporting SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2).