Sony FX6 Full Frame Cinema Camera – Best Review

The Sony FX6 full frame cinema camera is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create high-quality videos. Its 35mm sensor offers superior image quality, and its intuitive controls make it easy to use. We’ll further look into its features such as sensors, codes, ISO range, dynamic range, lens mount, shutter speed, audio, connectivity, and many more

Key features of Sony FX6 Cinema Camera

These few are the notable features of the Sony FX6Cinema Camera:

Sensor: 35mm

Video formats: 4096×2160 C4K, 3840×2160 4K, 1920×1080 FHD, MXF

Codecs: C4K XAVC-I 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 60p 600Mbps; 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 120p 600Mbps; 4K XAVC-L, 8-bit 4:2:0 150Mbps up to 120p, FHD XAVC-I 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 60p 223mbps, XAVC-L 10-bit 4:2:0 up to 240p 50mbps, MPEG 8-bit 4:2:2 50Mbps 60p, 16-bit Raw via external recorder 

Gamma curves: S-Cinetone, Std, HLG, S-Log3

Video Resolution: 4K

Shutter Speed:  1/1 to 1/8000 sec

Shutter Type: Rolling Shuter

ISO Range: Able to expand up to 409,600.

Dynamic Tange: 15 stops

Lens Mount: Sony E-mount

Audio Format: AVC-Intra: 2/4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio

     AVC-Long: 2/4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio

Built-in ND Filter: 1/4 to 1/128 Stop Electronic ND Filter

LCD screen size: 3.5 inch

LCD monitor type: Included External Touchscreen LCD

Built-in microphone: stereo, Mono

Outputs: 1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output

     1 x HDMI Output

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

Inputs: 2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic/Line Level Input

  1 x BNC Timecode Input/Output

Dimensions: 6 x 4.6 x 4.5″ / 153 x 116 x 114 mm (Without Protrusions)

Weight: 2 lb / 890 g

Recording Media:  Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD

The video shooting samples of full frame cinema camera Sony FX6 are at the start of this video.

Image Sensor with Lightning-Quick Readout Speed

The Sony FX6 has an improved sensor that produces excellent results. With 10.2 effective megapixels, the back-illuminated full-frame Exmor RTM CMOS sensor has a blisteringly quick data readout speed, as well as excellent sensitivity and a broad dynamic range.

Color reproduction accuracy is improved by a sophisticated color filter array, and focal-plane phase-detection AF ensures reliable autofocus stability and precision, all of which contribute to great picture quality.

Wide Dynamic Range of Sony FX6, High Sensitivity

Sony’s 10.2-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and a state-of-the-art BIONZ XR processing engine enable beautiful bokeh expression and high sensitivity performance.

The FX6 boasts an astonishing 15+ stop broad dynamic range with high sensitivity and low noise across the camera’s sensitivity range because of the enormous pixel size and backlit structure of the full-frame sensor.

It has an ISO 800 base sensitivity and an ISO 12,800 enhanced sensitivity option (expandable to 409,6003) for photography in low and extremely low light circumstances.

S-CinetoneTM and Acclaimed Cinematic Color of FX6

The integration of Sony’s famed S-Cinetone appearance, which was inherited from the development of the VENICE and FX9, enables the creation of stunning photos with the Sony FX6 full-frame cinema camera immediately. For stunning subject portrayal, S-Cinetone is tailored for realistic skin tones and mid-range hues, with delicate highlight roll-off.

120fps 4K High Frame Rate Recording with Sony FX6

Thanks to the image sensor’s high-speed readout capabilities and the strong BIONZ XR CPU, full-frame 4K (QFHD) recording at up to 120fps with autofocus is feasible.

 Ultra-detailed 4K (QFHD) pictures are acquired utilizing full-pixel readout without binning, even at high frame rates, allowing crisp post-produced slow motion (up to 5x slower than real-time).

During slow motion filming, the high-precision AF even allows for a wide-open aperture for gorgeous full-frame bokeh.

Choose from full-frame rates ranging from:

  •  1-60 frames per second in HD to DCI 4K resolutions
  • 100 or 120 frames per second in HD to UHD 4K
  • 150, 180, 200, or 240 frames per second in Full HD

Super35 options include:

  • Full HD at 1-60, 100, and 120 frames per second

Color sampling of 4:2:2 and 10-bit depth

With either Full-HD Long-GOP or 4K All Intra compression, the FX6 can record in 4K internally, with 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling. This allows you to push your color grades even farther, stretching video out for optimum HDR realism while maintaining natural gradation, giving you complete editing control.

Powerful built-in electronic variable ND filter in Sony FX6

Sony’s unique internal electronic variable ND filter allows for simple and seamless filter density change. The filter density may be adjusted manually in 1/4 to 1/128 increments, or the variable ND can be set to auto for a smooth and seamless transition from 0 to 1/128 ND. 

Even with shifting lighting conditions, variable ND in auto precisely exposes photographs without influencing the depth of focus, shutter angle, or ISO. By adjusting the iris while the variable ND automatically compensates for exposure, the user may modify the depth of field without affecting the exposure.

The electronic changeable ND filter of the Sony FX6 full frame cinema camera, when combined with the camera’s ultra-high sensitivity, gives users great creative flexibility in practically any shooting situation.

HLG 10-bit Picture Profile

On compatible TVs, an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR image profile with the wide-gamut BT.2020 color space may be utilized for direct HDR (HLG) streaming. The result is a true-to-life picture that is as near to what the naked eye can perceive as possible, with realistic shadows and highlights, reduced blackout and whiteout, and no need for color grading. For remarkable realism, 10-bit recordings capture a degree of fine gradation and detail.

Internal Recording (All-Intra)

Internal intra-frame (All-Intra) recording is available in addition to Long-GOP inter-frame compression of Sony FX6 full frame cinema camera. XAVC 4K Intra recording compresses each frame individually at a high bitrate of up to 600Mbps, making it excellent for capturing complicated motion while still providing optimum flexibility and playback performance during post-production.

RAW Data Output in 16 Bits of Sony RX6

The camera enables 16-bit RAW data output to an external recorder via SDI to provide better picture quality and more flexible and efficient editing in post-production. With a choice of 59.94/ 50 / 29.97 / 25 / 24 / 23.98 frame rates, RAW video output is DCI (4096×2160) or QFHD (3840×2160) data from the image sensor. While recording internal XAVC-I, the simultaneous RAW output is available.

S-Log3 for Better Gradation Reproduction

There are S-Log3 gamma curves available, with S-Log3 optimized for improved representation of gradations from shadows to the mid-grey region (18 percent grey), allowing for a dynamic range of up to 15 stops. When matching the colors of footage taken on the FX6 with Sony’s Cinema Line cameras, such as the FX9 and VENICE, two-color gamut options (S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine) make post-production editing and color grading simpler.

Scene File Compatibility with Preset and User 3D LUTs

With a variety of presets and custom User 3D LUT imports to match your production or style needs, the Scene File feature gives strong color interpretation directly in the camera. For SDR shooting, there are four preset scene file formats (S-Cinetone, Standard, Still, ITU709) and two for HDR (S-Cinetone, Standard, Still, ITU709) (HLG Live, HLG Natural). A total of 16 slots enable User 3D LUT import for bespoke looks, monitoring, and color-space transformations.

Fast Hybrid AF for Reliable Focus During Movie Shooting

Sony’s famous Fast Hybrid AF (autofocus) is included in all modes and frame rates on the FX6. 627 focal-plane phase-detection AF points are combined with contrast-detection AF in Fast Hybrid AF.

This allows for very accurate and smooth tracking of fast-moving targets over a large range and with a narrow depth of focus (about 89 percent of the image area). Professional users will appreciate the adjustable AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity options, which allow for more flexible focus management. Both include a customizable button that may be used to recall preset settings while recording.

Eye AF and Face Detection AF in Real-Time

Powerful For dependable focusing on humans, real-time Eye AF and Face Detection AF is incorporated, particularly in uncertain shooting scenarios like news gathering, event, and documentary photography. The BIONZ XR image processing engine’s real-time processing capacity keeps the correct eye focused on faces even when they’re in profile, gazing up or down, or partly veiled, enabling you to focus entirely on picture design.

Cinematic Look with Expression

With filmlike color, softer tones, and appealing skin tone reproduction, Sony’s S-Cinetone gamma curve provides a cinematic aesthetic. Not only can this cinematic aesthetic be caught and exported with low or no grading for a time-saving post-process, but it can also be captured and output with minimal or no grading at all. Sony FX6’s full-frame cinema camera presents a soothing cinematic look.

The S-Cinetone, S-Log3, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3 are all S-Gamut3 variants. Cine features also make it easier to match FX6 film to your VENICE or FX9 video and provide a variety of color-grading options.

Similarities between Sony FX9 and FX6 Full Frame Cinema Camera

The FX6 varies from the FX9 in numerous specifications; nonetheless, several of the FX6 specifications check the same boxes as the FX9, and some even outperform it:

  • It matches the video capture of the FX9 up to DCI 4K60.
  • The same S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and HLG gamma options are available.
  • Like the FX9 Sony E lens mount, it outputs 16-bit raw.
  • The same 1/4 to 1/128 ND choices are available.
  • There are also two 2-channel XLR audio inputs.
Sony FX6 cinema camera vs Sony FX9 cinema camera sensor size
Sony FX6 and Sony FX9

Differences between Sony FX6 and FX9 Full Frame Cinema Camera

These are the differences between these cameras:

  • 6K capture compared. 4K capture.
  • The FX9’s second 3G-SDI connector has been reduced to a single 12G/6G/3G-SDI BNC port.
  • It has a timecode port but no genlock connection like the FX9.

Better Features in Sony FX6 than Sony FX9

  • The ISO range is 320 to 409,600, compared to 320 to 102,400 on the FX9.
  • 120p in 4K and up to 240p in HD, compared to the FX9’s highest 1080p in HD.
  • Compared to the FX9’s dependency on proprietary XQD cards and a single SD card choice, the FX9 has dual card slots compatible with both robust, highly efficient CFexpress Type A or widely accessible SDXC cards.

When cinema cameras are compared with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, these features take a lead.


When Sony announced the full-frame α7S II and α7R II cameras, video professionals around the world rejoiced. These new additions to the Sony camera line-up deliver incredible 4K quality, detail, and low light performance. But what about people who want the full-frame cinematic experience on a budget? Well, your prayers have been answered with the new Sony FX6 cinema camera. The FX6 shoots in glorious 4K resolution and utilizes all of the features of its more expensive siblings, but at a fraction of the cost. So if you’re looking to make your next film look truly amazing without breaking the bank, then you need to check out this camera!

Plus, the FX6 is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for traveling. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line cinema camera, the Sony FX6 is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

The Sony FX6 full-frame cinema camera is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create high-quality videos. With its 35mm sensor, range of codes, and impressive ISO range, the FX6 gives you the flexibility and control you need to get.

FAQs

Can Sony FX6 take pictures?

The FX6 is being marketed by Sony as a lightweight, small mobile production camera that may be used by single operators. Its tiny size and low weight surely do make the camera perfect for anybody who has to conduct a lot of handheld photography without resting the camera on their shoulder.

Can Sony FX6 shoot interlaced?

The FX9 may also be adjusted to a 5K crop at a maximum resolution of 60p, as well as a Super35mm crop at a resolution of 4K. The FX9 offers complete interlaced recording and output at up to 50/60i, but the FX6 does not have any interlaced internal recording.

Can FX6 shoot Super 35?

If you need such recording features for your workflows, the FX9 is a good solution. However, the FX6 can shoot in full HD at Super 35, enabling you to use PL or APS-C-sized lenses.

Is Sony FX6 waterproof?

Characteristics: Fits the Sony ILME-FX6 camera well. The waterproof, near-silent fabric was custom-made for you. Protection from inclement weather.

Does FX6 have body stabilization?

In contrast to the a7S III, the FX6 lacks in-body stabilization. Sony has informed us that having IBIS in a camera with a built-in mechanical ND is impossible. The FX6 does, however, include a built-in gyroscope, which records the camera’s motions, much as the FX9.

Does the FX6 shoot raw?

FX6 with Ninja V / Ninja V

Add to it the ability to record data-rich 16-bit RAW, which is subsequently compressed and recorded as 12-bit ProRes RAW in the Ninja V, allowing filmmakers to mix and match ProRes RAW recording across multiple Sony Cinema camera configurations.

Does Sony FX6 have phantom power?

Mic, line, or 48v phantom power may be set for the XLR inputs. A wind filter and a limiter mode with a configurable limiter up to -17 dB were also introduced by Sony. The FX6 also includes a multi-interface shoe, which enables you to connect various devices to the camera.

Featured Image: Sony AU & NZ via Flicker.com