Sony FX6: Compact Cinema Capture
The FX6 Full-Frame Camera from Sony was developed to offer versatile, cine-style imaging in a truly compact form. With the ability to capture up to 15+ stops of dynamic range, Sony's S-Cinetone gamma for filmlike skin tones, and up to 10-bit, 4:2:2 XAVC-I recording, the FX6 is poised to both supplement your FX9 or VENICE capture and to nimbly take on documentary, gimbal, and drone shoots on its own.
4K Full-Frame Exmor R Sensor
The FX6 camera combines a 4K full-frame Exmor R sensor with a BIONX XR engine for extremely sensitive capture in a range of settings, using a base ISO of 800 as well as an ISO 12800 high-sensitivity mode for nuanced low-light scenes. This 10.2 MP image sensor features back-side illumination for excellent low-light performance, 627 focal plane points for speedy phase-detection autofocus, and full-frame lens compatibility that produces a rich, immersive look. The sensor's fast scan speed minimizes rolling shutter artifacts and supports high frame rates and quick autofocus responses.
Compact, Single-Operator Design
Weighing just under 2 lb, the FX6 body is a full 2 lb lighter than the FX9 and measuring 6 x 4.6", it packs a full-frame sensor into a body comparable to the S35-sensor Sony FS5. While the FX6 fits seamlessly into a pro-cine on-set workflow, it also offers several features that are a boon for a single-operator user. These include fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus with both Face Detection and real-time Eye autofocus, both auto and manual ND filter settings for quick exposure compensation, and a 3.5" LCD monitor that boasts time-saving touchscreen access to key menu settings and versatile positioning for comfortable operating. In addition to improving the camera's overall stability, firmware update v1.10 adds 100p and 120p options to the Slow and Quick Motion frame rate menu when the codec is set to RAW or RAW and XAVC-I.
Versatile Addition to Sony Cinema Line
As part of Sony's Cinema Line, the FX6 shares key imaging features with established cameras like the VENICE and FX9. Common core attributes include a full-frame sensor, filmlike color science, a compact, lightweight form, professional connector interfaces, and advanced autofocus choices.
Compared to the FX9, the FX6 differs in several specs; but many FX6 specs tick the same boxes and several improve upon the FX9:
FX6 differences from the FX9:
Improved FX6 specs include:
Firmware Update v4.0
15+ Stops of Dynamic Range
Wide ISO Range
Choose from a base ISO of 800, a high-sensitivity 12,800 ISO for lower-light capture, and a 409,600 maximum ISO for true low-light settings.
Electronically Variable ND Filters
Advanced XAVC Codec Options
The FX6 is the first compact, full-frame camera to offer UHD 4K 4:2:2 capture in the high-quality yet efficient XAVC-I codec. It also enables you to choose from a range of professional XAVC Intra and XAVC Long codecs at bit rates ranging from 35 to 600 Mb/s.
High Frame Rate Selections
For slow-motion and fast action looks, choose from full-frame rates ranging from:
Super35 choices include:
Expressive Cinematic Look
Sony's S-Cinetone gamma curve offers a cinematic look with filmlike color, softer tones, and pleasing skin tone reproduction. Not only is this cinematic look available for in-camera viewing, but it can also be captured and output with minimal or no grading at all for a time-saving post process. The S-Cinetone, S-Log3, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine choices also streamline the process of matching FX6 footage with your VENICE or FX9 video and offer broad color-grading options.
Fast Hybrid/Phase Detection Autofocus
Image Stabilization and More with Catalyst and Metadata
Pair the FX6 with Sony's Catalyst Prepare/Browse software to use metadata to stabilize your image, automatically rotate gimbal footage, and add flags for easier clip filtering in postproduction.
Touchscreen 3.5" LCD Control
The FX6's 3.5" LCD monitor offers both high-resolution viewing and the ease of touchscreen camera control. The LCD quick menu controls include key settings like Codec, Imager Scan Mode, Picture Size and Frequency, Base ISO/Sensitivity, Shooting Mode, and Audio Levels.
Reliable Design and Construction
Constructed with a lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy chassis, the FX6 body offers maximum reliability and efficiently disperses heat to enable extended recording times. Exterior seams, buttons, and interfaces have been treated with updated sealing that improves the camera's dust and moisture resistance as well.
4-Channel Audio Recording
The FX6 offers up to 4-channel audio recording by combining sources from the dual XLR inputs, the 2-channel multi-interface shoe input, and the stereo mic built into the camera's top handle. This enables the simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording your main audio source and the built-in microphone for ambient sound and/or voice memos by the operator.
Professional Input/Output Interface
CFexpress Media Slots and Multiple Recording Modes
The FX6's dual media slots accept both rugged, high-performance, high-capacity CFexpress Type A cards and widely available UHS-II/UHS-1 SDXC cards. Note that the CFexpress Type A cards are required for 100/120 fps UHD 4K capture and 150/180/200/240 fps HD high-speed capture.
Modular, Grab-and-Go Design
The modular design of the FX6 enables you to pare down to its compact body for gimbal or drone use, or it can be used with separately available accessories, such as a smart grip and smart handle for fingertip control when shooting handheld. A 3.5" LCD screen can be quickly positioned on the camera at multiple locations to provide comfortable, ergonomic viewing.
Content Browser Mobile Compatibility
Key Specs
Lens Mount | Sony E |
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 12.9 Megapixel Effective: 10.2 Megapixel |
Image Sensor | Full-Frame CMOS |
Image Stabilization | Supplies Stabilization Metadata |
ISO Sensitivity | 800 to 12,800 (Extended: 409,600) |
Internal Recording Modes | XAVC-I Show More |
External Recording Modes | Raw 16-Bit via SDI/BNC Show More |
Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD |
Video I/O | 1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output 1 x HDMI 1.0 Output |
Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS Show More |
Battery Type | Sony BP-U Series |
Imaging
Lens Mount | Sony E |
Lens Communication | Yes, with Autofocus Support |
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 12.9 Megapixel Effective: 10.2 Megapixel |
Image Sensor | Full-Frame CMOS |
Image Stabilization | Supplies Stabilization Metadata |
Built-In ND Filter | 2 to 7 Stop Electronic ND Filter |
Internal Filter Holder | No |
Capture Type | Video Only |
Exposure Control
Shutter Type | Electronic Rolling Shutter |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 1 Second |
ISO Sensitivity | 800 to 12,800 (Extended: 409,600) |
Gain | -3 to 30 dB (Native) |
Shutter Angle | 5.6 to 360° |
Advertised Dynamic Range | 15 Stops |
White Balance | 2000 to 15,000K Presets: ATW, Set A, Set B |
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes | XAVC-I DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s VBR] UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 59.94/100/120 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s VBR] 1920 x 1080p up to 59.94/100/120/150/200/240 fps [89 to 223 Mb/s VBR] XAVC-L UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 59.94/100/120 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p up to 59.94/100/120/150/200/240 fps [35 to 50 Mb/s] |
External Recording Modes | Raw 16-Bit via SDI/BNC 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps Raw 16-Bit via HDMI 4264 x 2408 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 4240 x 2385 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps |
Sensor Crop While Recording | 3840 x 2160 When Recording in Raw / Slow-Mo |
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support | Yes |
Gamma Curve | HDR-HLG, Rec709, S Cinetone, Sony S-Log 3, Standard |
Built-In Microphone Type | Mono |
Audio Recording | 4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio |
IP Streaming | Yes |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD |
Video I/O | 1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output 1 x HDMI 1.0 Output |
Audio I/O | 2 x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line (+48 V Phantom Power) Input on Included Handle 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Output |
Power I/O | 1 x Barrel (19.5VDC) Input |
Other I/O | 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) 1 x Sony Multi/Micro-USB Data 1 x BNC (Timecode) 1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Control 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Control 1 x Proprietary |
Wireless | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), NFC |
Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS App Name: Content Browser Moblie *As of August, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | None |
Monitor
Display Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 1280 x 720 (2,760,000 Dot) |
Display Type | Included External Touchscreen LCD |
Viewfinder
Type | Optional, Not Included |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 627 |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Storage Temperature | -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C |
General
Battery Type | Sony BP-U Series |
Power Consumption | 18 W |
Shoe Mount | 1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe |
Tripod Mounting Thread | 1 x 1/4"-20 Female 1 x 3/8"-16 Female |
Accessory Mounting Thread | 10 x 1/4"-20 on Camera Body 7 x 1/4"-20 on Included Handle |
Netflix Approved | Yes |
Material of Construction | Magnesium Alloy |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 6.02 x 4.57 x 4.49" / 15.29 x 11.61 x 11.4 cm (Without Protrusions) |
Weight | 2.0 lb / 890 g (Body Only) 5.71 lb / 2.59 kg (With Battery, Grip, Handle, Viewfinder) |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 7.99 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.4 x 11.6 x 10.2" |