Articles tagged #FX9
Articles tagged
#FX9

Sony FX9 Firmware Ver 2.0 released and available for download.

UPDATE: Sony released the firmware downloaded for the FX9 today - you can find firmware and documents here https://pro.sony/en_AU/support-resources/pxw-fx9/software/00250129 Based on ongoing discussions between Sony and content creators, FX9 is gaining significant new capabilities through firmware updates. Ver.3.0 upgrade is free of charge and will include below key features: Further information and schedule will be updated later.

  • S700PTP Remote Protocol
  • Center Scan mode for Super 16mm lens
  • B4 Lens support when using adaptor
Ver.2.0 upgrade is free of charge and available October 2020. New Features & Improvements:
  • Full-frame 4K 60p/50p recording with oversampling (image sensor scan size is around 5K)
  • FHD 180fps shooting
  • DCI 4K recording
  • 16 bit RAW output (with XDCA-FX9)
  • Support DWX digital wireless audio receiver (with XDCA-FX9)
  • Eye-AF capability
  • Support 6G-SDI
  • Adds User 3D LUT function
  • Adds HDR shooting function with Hybrid Log Gamma
  • Support touch screen operation (regarding some status screen and some setting)
  • Increased upper limit of Gain setting
  • Support XLR-K3M with digital I/F
  • Image quality improvement at S35 2K mode
Available now: For very latest Software, Firmware and multi-lingual Operations Manuals for FX9, please visit FX9 downloads page

Read More

Sony FX9 Camera, features in more detail

We recently interviewed Hiroki Hamamoto from Sony Japan whilst he was visiting Australia and asked him about all the new features available on the Sony FX9 Features we love about the FX9The Sony PXW-FX9 is definitely the talk of the town and a lot has been discussed about the Full-Frame sensor and more importantly when our stock will be arriving, as the first in the country to put orders in we will be pleased to see these cameras hit our shelves hopefully early in the new year. The camera’s full-frame 6K sensor will provide recording in DCI 4K*(4096 x 2160 at 17:9 recording available in future firmware release), Ultra HD and HD resolutions. The image processing with debayering and oversampling ensures image quality beyond the limits of conventional Super 35mm sensors. 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. Sony has this video which highlights some of the key features of the PXW-FX9 beyond its sensor.Sony Product Feature Video for FX9So there are a few key features here at Videocraft we are particularly fond of with the FX9 camera and not necessarily the ones you would expect.   Auto Focus Features that work for productions!Tracking shots with Fast Hybrid AF you can 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. Developed by Sony’s α camera engineers, the 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 recognises 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 the height, allowing consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects.

So all these cool functions for auto-focus are also available to camera operators as customisable Auto Focus settings, such as 7-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. And also 5-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.   Dual Base ISO for stunning images in any lightFX9 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. Combining Dual Base ISO with the camera’s electronic variable ND Filter provides superb creative control in almost any shooting environment, equipping you with responsiveness to changing lighting conditions on the go.   Cinematic colour science with S-Cinetone™S-Cinetone is the default look of FX9 that’s tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators with rich mid-range colours, 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.   Stable, shake-free handheld footage with Image StabilizationAdvanced image stabilisation 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 stabilisation, metadata generated by 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 stabilisation workflows.   Yippee its Variable ND!So we fell in love with Variable ND on previous Sony cameras such as the FS5 and FS7 and now we get even greater creative control with Sony’s unique built-in electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter on the PXW-FX9. Set it 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 slower shutter speeds for breathtaking artistic effects.   So what is 'Electronic Variable ND Filter'?Sony’s Electronic Variable ND Filter can be seamlessly varied while shooting because of its innovative technology, which is optically based rather than using image processing. There are three different ways to use this filter: seamlessly altering the image exposure while shooting by scrolling the dial on the right side of the camera. Selecting Auto ND, where the camera will proactively adjust the density of the filter to find the best exposure for shooting, which works really well in outdoor environments where the light may have considerable variations, this auto function maintains your exposure and adjusts the ND when the light level changes. Or you can set your own fixed filter levels just like you would with a conventional optical ND filter, the default settings are 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64. However, it is possible to change these three settings to whichever values you prefer. Generally, camera operators use iris, gain control, or shutter speed and each has their own side effects to the creative look of your frame, by using the optical-based yet seamlessly control your image exposure with the electronic ND filter without sacrificing your creative choices.   Audio is just as important as the images you capture!Well, the pictures are only half the story and with the 4-channels of audio input and recording on the PXW-FX9 Camera, enables simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee. Plus the FX9 offers independent control dials for each channel. In addition, using the optional accessories such as the XLR-K3M, XLR-K2M or XLR-K1M XLR adapters – with two extra XLR inputs – allows even more devices to be connected.On a side note if you are thinking about a multi-cam job with the PXW-FX9 - we’ve been nerding out about the fact it takes external timecode into the camera without having to add any external accessories to achieve it. To get in early and make sure you are one of the first to own an FX9 camera - place your pre-order online

Read More

Sony unveils new E-mount Cinema lens FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G

Sony introduced a new full-frame E-mount lens, 16-35mm (FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G) to accompany the newly announced PXW-FX9 full-frame format camcorder, offering high optical performance, reliable operability and intelligent shooting functions for professional video creation. Compatible with a wide range of E-mount cameras from VENICE to Alpha™ interchangeable lens cameras as well as the new flagship FX9, the addition of this new lens, optimised for professional video shooting, brings unprecedented creative flexibility for content creators. Sony will further enhance its Cinema Lens line-up going forward. "Our ongoing conversations with partners and customers have shown that there is a clear need for versatile tools which improve efficiencies and drive greater ROI (Return on Investment). Along with Sony’s “One Mount” solution based on its Alpha series, the flexibility of our new E-mount Cinema Lens series offers content creators greater creative freedom and helps them concentrate to their artistic vision," comments Anthony Kable, Group Manager Content Creation, Sony Australia. Lens for a new age of full-frame video shooting The new lens is compatible with intelligent shooting functions of E-mount system that support and improve Large Format Sensor (LFS) shooting. Paired with the new full-frame format camcorder FX9, the new lens supports fast and accurate auto focus, making it possible to track fast moving subjects while maintaining a shallow depth of field. Stunning bokeh and corner-to-corner resolution The two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements with extreme surface precision of 0.01-micron, together with circular 11-blade apertures deliver beautifully smooth bokeh in every frame. The two XA elements and three aspheric lenses are positioned in a way that effectively reduces field curvature, astigmatism and, in combination with two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glasses, reduces colour distortion. Additionally, floating focus provides outstanding resolution at every zoom position. Nano AR (Anti Reflection) coating drastically reduces flare and ghost phenomenon. Excellent operability with three independent rings, remote control from the camera, and a detachable servo zoom The new E-mount lens further offers accurate and precise operability thanks to three independent rings for focus, zoom and iris that content creators can manipulate so they get the exact results they desire. The linear response Manual Focus (MF) feature provides precise manual focusing action. The focus ring with a large rotation angle comes with a distance scale, which makes it possible to quickly and easily set the same focus position during scenes that need to be shot repeatedly. Used with compatible cameras such as FX9, remote controllers and supported smartphone applications, full-control of zoom/iris and focus can be operated from the camera. This drastically simplifies lens operation and give more opportunities to capture critical moments. The new range also supports numerous lens accessories to facilitate a variety of different shooting styles. The industry standard 0.8 mod. (32 pitch) gears on each lens ring provides the option to use standard follow focus. Equally, widely-available 115mm diameter matte box and lens support can be used to aid accurate, responsive and precise operability. Additional functions include a de-clickable iris ring, the option to reverse the rotation direction of the zoom ring to be fitted with user’s preference and detachable servo zoom that provides smooth zooming expression. The new 16-35mm (FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G) will be available from April 2020 onwards.

Read More

Sony's new PXW-FX9 6K2 Full-Frame sensor camcorder

Sony today unveiled the PXW-FX9 at IBC, its first XDCAM camcorder featuring an advanced 6K2 Full-Frame sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system. The new flagship camcorder offers content creators greater creative capabilities to capture stunning images that truly resonate with audiences. Building on the success of the PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS7M2, the FX9 uniquely combines high mobility with an advanced AF system, impressive bokeh and slow-motion capabilities thanks to its newly-developed sensor. The FX9 also inherits its colour science and Dual Base ISO 800/4000 from the VENICE digital motion picture camera and represents the ultimate tool of choice for documentaries, music videos, drama productions and all-round event shooting. The FX9 was designed in close collaboration with the creative community and is another example of Sony continuously evolving its proposition to innovate with the customer and market needs. The camcorder benefits from the versatility, portability and performance expected of an FS7 series "Run & Gun" style camcorder, while also offering High Dynamic Range and Full Frame shooting features. “Today’s content creators require a camcorder that is agile, versatile and customisable to their specific creative needs, yet also offers superior performance and image quality. With the new FX9 we are striking the perfect balance between agility, ergonomics and powerful features, offering content creators the complete toolset to achieve their full artistic intention,” explained Anthony Kable, Content Creation Group Manager, Sony Australia. “At Sony, we consistently listen to our customers and every product, solution or service we unveil has always been developed with their specific needs in mind. Our latest flagship camcorder is no different and we are excited to see how it will help content creators to go make tomorrow." Powerful features for creative content creators The newly-developed 6K Full-Frame sensor offers wide dynamic range with high sensitivity, low noise and over 15 stops of latitude that can be recorded internally in 4K 3 4:2:2 10bit. Oversampling by the Full-Frame 6K sensor allows professionals to create high-quality 4K footage with impressive bokeh effects through shallow depth of field, while wide-angle shooting opens new possibilities for content creators to express their creativity. This means that every scene captured looks true-to-life whether it’s shot in broad day light or in the middle of the night. The camcorder can also capture content up to five times the slow-motion speed with FHD 120fps shooting. With the same colour science and Dual Base ISO 800/4000 as the VENICE camera, the new sensor can also create softer and more alluring facial tones. The enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system with customisable AF transition speeds and sensitivity settings also combines phase detection AF for fast, accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus accuracy. The dedicated 561-point phase-detection AF sensor covers approximately 94% in width and 96% in height of imaging area, allowing consistently accurate, responsive AF tracking, even with fast-moving subjects while maintaining shallow depth of field. Limitless creativity and flexibility Inspired by the high mobility "Run & Gun" style approach from the FS7 series of camcorders, the FX9 offers content creators even greater flexibility thanks to Electronic Variable ND Filter. This allows more creative effects for content creators and instant exposure level changes depending on the filming environment – even when it’s moving from an inside space to outdoors or while filming in natural light conditions. By recording image stabilisation information and using it on the Catalyst Browse/Prepare4 option, content creators can capture incredibly stable visuals even in handheld mode. Sony is also working to encourage other third-party non-linear editing tools to adopt this functionality. The FX9 comes with a range of customisations and expansion features. These include compatibility with the new UWP-D series of wireless microphones via Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe) with digital audio interface, the XDCA-FX9 extension kit enabling 10bit S35 4K 120fps and 16bit RAW output5, compatibility with Sony BP-GL and BP-FL series batteries, D- Tap, RJ-45 interface and stable “Dual Link” streaming by using two carrier lines, as well as DWX slot-in type digital wireless receiver commonly used in broadcast environments5. The FX9 will also be compatible with the newly launched E-mount lens FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G, which uniquely balances full manual operability for movie shooting and auto-control functions. “Based on our ongoing conversations with customers, partners and the wider industry, we at Sony understand the needs of today's creative storytellers - from the world's top cinematographers, to documentary film makers, music video directors or broadcasters. What they all need is a flexible camera that allows them to tell their own unique story, no matter the environment they operate in. Our next-generation FX9 not only captures stunning visuals with life-like image quality, but it also offers advanced AF features and customisation options. This makes it the ultimate creative tool for modern content creators,” concludes Kable. The FX9 will be available towards the end of 2019

Read More