The Most Affordable Cinema Camera: Welcome Sony FX6
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Product Review: Sony FX6
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Sony FX6
Sony
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4,9
Based upon28 reviews from Wedio members
Effectiveness
5,0
Usability
4,8
Value for money
4,9
Overall rating
4,9
What creators like
This run and gun cine camera allows me to shoot both smooth handheld shots with quick and easy access to my gimble or steady cam set ups, making it my al round work horse camera
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Is it worth it?
Yes
The FX6 is a lot more expensive than an FX3, but in my opinion, it is far better suited to shooting video than an FX3 or an a7S III. The FX6 has SDI, BNC timecode, variable electronic ND, and the ability to load up user LUTs. This is something you won't find on the FX3 or a7s III.
No
No internal RAW recording, there are no anamorphic modes and that it can’t record in 6K. The FX9’s 6K full-frame sensor does give it much more flexibility when it comes to scan modes including 4K super35 and the soon to come 2K super16 center-scan mode.
Quick Sony FX6 review
Sony FX6 is the cinema camera born as a hybrid between the FX9 and the A7S III. The FX6 is the most affordable cinema camera on the market, however, that does not mean a lack of features.
It has a 4K image sensor, fantastic low-light capabilities, and more. Read all about the Sony FX6 here.
A camera is an excellent asset in your gearbox, but far from the only one. Explore what else there is of essential camera equipment.
Pros
Electronic variable ND
Timecode IN/OUT
SDI OUT
Full Frame
4K at 120p
Lots of mounting points
Cons
No 3.5mm mic input on the body
Flimsy monitor mount
Expensive media
Sony FX6 vs. Canon EOS C300 Mark III
Sony FX6
Canon EOS C300 MK III
Sensor
Full-Frame CMOS
26.2 x 13.8 mm (Super35) CMOS
ISO
800 to 12,800 (Extended: 409,600)
100 to 102,400
Screen
3.5"
4.3"
Power Consumption
18 W
>34 W
Shutter Angle
5.6 to 360°
11.25 to 360°
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 1 Second
1/2000 to 1/12 Second
Capture Type
Video Only
Stills & Video
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Complete Sony FX6 review
Blending Cinema-line and Alpha cameras
The FX6 is practically the cinema camera version of the Sony A7S III. Why? Because it has inherited a lot of its features, which is partly why the FX6 is as affordable as it is.
The FX6 is technically a Cinema-line, so you may be surprised to learn that the FX6 has an almost identical image sensor to the A7S III, similar color science and autofocus system, and uses the same BIONX XR image processor as the A7S III.
But that is not to say the A7S III is better or on-par when it comes to video recording. Because there is no doubt that the FX6 is way more suited for it, with its XLRs, Electronic ND filter, SDI, LUTs, etc.
The FX6 is simply the result of Sony trying to create the best of both worlds. And it's pretty awesome!
Image sensor
The FX6 has a Full-Frame CMOS sensor with 10.2 megapixels, allowing the camera to shoot in 4K resolution.
Given that the image sensor "only" has 10.2 MP, it also means that 4K is ONLY a possibility in Full Frame. If you want to shoot in other formats, you'll have to settle with Full HD.
The camera records using the XAVC-I and XAVC-L codecs, the same as the codes used in the FX9.
While it is advertised that the camera shoots in 4K 60p, you can actually push the camera using S&Q mode to shoot in up to 120 fps, making for some awesome slow-motion shots.
The FX6 also boasts a pretty impressive autofocus system, considering it's a cinema camera, and that also works well on pretty much any resolution and fps.
Low light performance
The Sony PXW-FX6 has some pretty good native ISO values at 800 - 12,800 ISO. At extended level, those are 160-409,600 ISO which is god dang impressive.
These numbers mean that the FX6 is a monster at low light performances and probably one of the best low light video cameras out there.
This is great news for anyone who loves to do any form of low-light shooting. You don't have to worry about getting grainy footage using the FX6.
External RAW recording
While the FX6 still needs an Atomos recorder to record ProRes RAW, there are still some upsides to the RAW recording. Unlike the FX9, you do not need to buy the XDCA accessory to output RAW.
This is great news for everyone worried about paying several thousand dollars in accessories just to record in RAW. This just makes the FX6 an even more affordable camera.
Design, size, and handling
The Sony FX6 has continued a trend that is so popular that you've probably read it about pretty much any modern cinema camera.
It is designed to be modular. This means that you can take off every single part of the camera and switch around as you need to. This also makes it more compact for transport, which is great for the traveling filmmaker.
Compact and lightweight body
The FX6 is fairly compact and lightweight. However, you have to consider that the 2 lb body weight will increase once you've got all of the attachments.
The touchscreen should be familiar to you if you've used the FX9 because it works in the exact same way. The LCD screen allows you to tinker with a bunch of different options, including using your finger to adjust the autofocus.
Complicated setup
If you're new to the Sony system, you should expect things to be a bit complicated, at least in the beginning.
Unlike other systems, Sony has a tendency to make everything a bit more complicated than they have to. But you're going to love it once you get a hang of it!
Cooling and build quality
Sony chose to design the FX6 with an impressive cooling system, which is so good, that Sony has promised it won't overheat under any circumstances.
The camera is built using a magnesium alloy, and it has both dust and moisture sealing which is great for outside shoots.
Because of the camera's built-in electronic ND filters, the camera doesn't sport an in-body stabilization system.
The Sony FX6 does utilize Sony's Catalyst software to record gyroscope data for post-stabilization. So you get some form of image stabilization.
Final verdict: Who should get the Sony FX6?
The Sony FX6 is a dream for anyone who wants to get a professional cinema camera but just hasn't been able to afford one.
The FX6 is definitely made for cinematographers, but probably those at a lower budget. If you're a professional cinematographer with a larger budget, you may want to get the FX9, due to its 6K capabilities.
But if you can live with a 4K performance, you get a fantastic performing low-light cinematography camera.
What creators like
Exceptional handling and image quality. Run and Gun and studio wise.
This run and gun cine camera allows me to shoot both smooth handheld shots with quick and easy access to my gimble or steady cam set ups, making it my al round work horse camera.
EXCELLENT CAMERA! A FREAK IN LOW LIGHT!
Fantastisk lækkert kamera der er nemt at betjene og som laver super lækre billeder. Stort plus med variabelt ND filter, XLR lydindgang og hurtig hvidbalance.
Super fedt kamera som er perfekt i lavbelysning med en base iso på 12800 og 800.
Super versatile camera, suits almost every kind of production.
Nemt at bruge, Lækkert resultat
Super nemt og alle kan filme flot med et FX6.
Awesome Kit for interviews and or solo operators. Provides an awesome light equivalent to a jocker 500 HMI and one of the best Cinema cameras in the market at an affordable price
For a cinema camera, it's compact. Incredible noise performance, image, and handling. Professional inputs - SDI, timecode, internal VND, XLR, and true DCI Cinema 4k.
Pakken er oplagt til reklame og reportage optagelser. Det er muligt at at lave et stor rig, men det er også muligt at lave et lille og kompakt setup. Autofokus og low light performance er helt fantastisk.
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What creators don't like
I haven't figured this out yet.
Når kameraet er monteret på en mindre gimbal, uden håndtaget, så er der ingen lydindgang
Menu can be a bit counter intuitive at first.
Det kræver lidt know-how at komme ind i, men det kan jeg hurtigt sætte dig ind i. Plus du får mit telefonnummer, hvor du kan ringe til, hvis du har nogle spørgsmål undervejs.
The bowens mount can be a little flimsy. The camera can be a little complex when first using. Nothing that an hour of YouTube can't fix though
The monitor is quite small. Certain movements are easier on an FX3 and the FX6 will require additional mounting if you plan on using it handheld for long periods of time.
Kameraet er ikke nødvendighvis det bedste valg hvis du ønsker et meget lille setup og skal kunne være i en lille taske.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does the FX6 start or reboot?
Very quickly. It takes under 3 seconds to start from off. You can actually start recording in around 2 seconds, before some of the LCD overlays have finished coming on.
Does it have clear image zoom?
Yes it does. I didn’t spot this initially as it’s buried in the technical section of the menus. In UHD it provides a 1.5x zoom, in HD a 2x zoom.
How long do the batteries last?
The supplied BP-U35 battery will run the camera for a bit over 90 minutes. A BP-U60 will run it for between 2.5 and 3 hours.
Does it have Clear Scan or ECS shutter?
Yes it does, this is very useful for shooting computer monitors or other screens and eliminating any rolling bands that may move up and down the screen. ECS is in the shooting menu under Shutter.
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Review by and 27 other community member
Sony FX6 Alternatives
Canon EOS C300 MK III
The image quality on the EOS C300 Mark III is stellar, you're going to be able to capture some beautiful videos.This camera is for freelance filmmakers working with narrative films, documentaries, or music videos. Read more
Buy at Wedio Rent from £180/dayUrsa Mini Pro 12K
Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is a revolution in digital film with a 12,288 x 6480 12K Super 35 sensor and 14 stops of dynamic range, built into the award winning URSA Mini body to produce extraordinarily detailed images. Read more
Buy at Wedio Rent from £120/dayDJI Ronin 4D 6K
Designed for both solo use by independent creators and dynamic pro video capture, the Ronin 4D from DJI is an innovative all-in-one camera/gimbal solution. The "4D" refers to the Z-axis stabilization. Read more
Buy at Wedio Rent from £110/dayShow more
The research
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