Sony ILME-FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera

The back-illuminated full-frame Exmor RTM CMOS sensor, with 10.2 effective megapixels¹, 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.

The full-frame 10.2-megapixel² configuration enables high sensitivity with low noise throughout the camera’s sensitivity range by optimising the output signal from the sensor. Capture usable images in near total darkness with an impressive ISO expanded range up to 409600³. The dynamic range is an impressively wide 15+ stops⁴, for beautiful, true-to-life images without blown highlights. Together, the camera’s high sensitivity and wide dynamic range expand your creative freedom during shoots.

Full-frame 4K (QFHD) recording at up to 120fps⁴ 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)⁶⁷. 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 two for HDR (HLG Live, HLG Natural). A further 16 slots support User 3D LUT import to achieve custom looks or for specific monitoring or colour-space transforms.

An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR picture profile, complete with the wide-gamut BT.2020 colour space, can be used for direct HDR (HLG) playback on compatible TVs. The result is true-to-life imagery close to what the naked eye can see, with detailed shadows and highlights, less blackout and less whiteout, all without the need for colour grading. In particular, 10-bit recordings reproduce a level of fine gradation and detail for extraordinary realism.

[1] High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired (colour grading required)[2] Instant high-quality image (colour grading not required)

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+ stops⁴. 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 later⁹.

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.

In addition to Long-GOP inter-frame compression, internal intra-frame (All-Intra) recording is supported¹⁰. XAVC 4K Intra recording compresses each frame independently at a high bitrate, up to 600Mbps, so is ideal for capturing complex motion, and allowing maximum flexibility and playback performance during post-production.

[1] All-Intra (All-I)   [2] Long-GOP   [3] Group of Pictures

Facilitating improved image quality and more flexible and efficient editing in post production, the camera supports 16-bit RAW data output to an external recorder via SDI. RAW video output is 4096×2160 or 3840×2160 data from the image sensor with a choice of 120¹¹ / 100¹¹ / 59.94 / 50 / 29.97 / 25 / 24 / 23.98 frame rates¹².

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)¹³.

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 silent¹⁵ fan provides ventilation for continuous recording¹⁶ 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.

Attachable to the top face of the camera, the smart handle allows stable camerawork and operation when the smart grip is difficult to hold, for example in low-angle shooting. It’s also equipped with XLR terminals, a mic holder and a digital Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing use with a variety of existing pro accessories. Two assignable buttons, a multi-selector button and a handle assignable dial have also been added for improved operability. Compatible with 1/4-20 UNC screws (length of 6 mm or less) for accessory attachment are provided at seven locations on the handle and 10 locations on the body for increased freedom. Thoughtful touches for adaptable workflows are also considered, such as including storage for the handle protection cap in the handle itself – ready to seal the body connectors if the handle is removed for rigging.

The FX6 features a range of professional interfaces including independent¹⁷ 12G-SDI (supports 3G/6G-SDI) suitable for external 16-bit RAW recording as well as HDMI output for program monitoring. Timecode (TC IN / TC OUT) connectors allow multi-camera sync, and SuperSpeed USB-C 5Gbps (USB 3.2) allows shooting data to be uploaded to a PC at high speed.

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 classes¹⁸. 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 5GHz¹⁹ / 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).

Sony’s Catalyst Browse and Prepare software are ideal production partners for the FX6. The FX6 records five types of metadata: image stabilisation, clip flag, camera rotation, breathing compensation and distortion compensation. These can be useful when previewing and preparing to edit in Sony’s free Catalyst Browse or cost-effective Catalyst Prepare software²⁰.