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Sony has a totally fleshed out lineup of cinema cameras right now which they sensibly name the Cinema Line. This consists of all of the FX-series choices plus the VENICE 2, although for many of us the FX3, FX6, and FX9 usually tend to discover a manner into our private kits.
In case you are searching for a brand new digicam then you definately is perhaps interested by discovering out which mannequin you want or which has options that is perhaps value the additional price. For that you simply’ll need to try this information from CVP that breaks down all the important thing variations. Plus, they threw within the a7S III for good measure.
The easiest way to interrupt issues down is to start out on the backside and work your manner up. Every time you progress upwards there are some new options and design selections (and price).
On the very begin is the query that has been bugging us because the FX3 was launched: must you go for the a7S III or FX3?
Picture Credit score: Sony
a7S III vs FX3
Timing of the a7S III and FX3 releases made a large number of issues. The a7S III simply grew to become the highest Sony video digicam in such a compact type issue after which Sony determined to drop the FX3 with an precise “Cinema Line” label.
The 2 cameras are virtually the identical internally. Here’s what they share:
12MP full-frame sensor
BIONZ X processor
UHD 4K as much as 120p
10-bit 4:2:2 inside
Exterior uncooked output
Twin CFexpress Sort A/SD card slots
And on and on…
Whereas the FX3 is a superb digicam, it was a bit complicated that it was a devoted Cinema Line physique with out some pretty important “cinema” options.
That was true till a pair weeks in the past a minimum of when Sony launched firmware model 2.0 for the FX3.
This took some preliminary steps in separating the FX3 from the a7S III and makes it only a tad extra appropriate for conventional cinema use.
Picture Credit score: Sony
Here’s what was added solely to the FX3:
Log Capturing Modes: Cine EI, Cine EI Fast, & Versatile ISO
Skill to retailer and use 16 person LUTs
Help for brand spanking new VMC-BNCM1 Timecode Adapter Cable for true timecode sync
New Foremost Menu Format
Tweaking monitoring display screen to maneuver info off picture space
Sadly, there are nonetheless some options that many individuals want to see within the FX3 that aren’t right here but. Together with false coloration, open gate recording, shutter angle, noise discount management, true 24.00 fps, and extra.
One space the place you would possibly nonetheless need to take into consideration the a7S III is in case you actually love an EVF. The one on the a7S III is spectacular. The FX3 solely has the rear monitor.
Picture Credit score: CVP
As for design, the FX3 has some clear benefits as Sony went and added a bunch of 1/4”-20 mounting threads for rigging it up. Plus, the button structure is optimized for video-first use and there are tally lights.
Oh, and the FX3 has a fan. This could assist handle any overheating for prolonged capturing occasions.
For audio, the FX3 has a detachable XLR deal with within the field, which might make it a barely higher deal than getting the a7S III with the non-compulsory XLR-K3M Adapter.
In case you are a videographer or filmmaker first, you need to in all probability get the FX3. The a7S III solely wins on two factors: having an EVF and offering a extra conventional mirrorless design.
FX3 vs FX6
Transferring on up! Sitting above the FX3 is the FX6. That is the place we begin entering into the extra conventional cinema cameras. You might be additionally entering into excessive value factors because the FX3 sits round $4,000 and the FX6 hits $6,000.
We nonetheless have the identical sensor within the FX6 as was used within the a7S III and FX3. That’s good. The distinction is within the processing which provides the FX6 a really slight edge.
Exterior recording in uncooked does deliver the FX3 as much as match the FX6. In-camera with the FX6 you do have significantly better management over noise discount which may get you a sharper picture.
Each the FX3 and FX6 work with the identical media and have very related recording choices. The FX6 provides just a few extra selections with DCI 4K and true 24.00 fps being accessible.
Autofocus is analogous in each fashions, although they do give the FX3 a slight benefit owing to its contact interface.
Picture Credit score: Sony
Talking of interfaces, the menus are very, very completely different. The FX3 makes use of a more recent menu construction that blends Alpha and Cinema setups whereas the FX6 sticks with a extra customary cinema menu.
The FX6 does have some video-specific options that the FX3 doesn’t:
Waveforms
Shutter angle
Achieve
Focus Respiratory Compensation
Image Cache Document
Bokeh Management Mode
And extra…
The design of the FX6 is that of a compact cinema digicam. It builds up properly and has all of the controls you might inside attain. Additionally, not that it ought to matter however it does, the FX6 seems to be good on set and can make your purchasers really feel extra assured in your skills.
Audio is a bit odd. The FX6 has a prime deal with with two XLR inputs which are a significantly better design than the FX3.
Nevertheless, if you wish to take that deal with off for a stripped-down rig you lose all skill to enter audio and need to depend on the inner mic for scratch. The FX3 a minimum of has a 3.5mm enter on the physique.
The FX6 has a detachable aspect deal with for creating a way more ergonomic handheld setup. This provides a whole lot of versatility for constructing a rig.
Each the FX3 and FX6 have followers, however the FX6 is a little more strong and is designed particularly for video capturing in any situations.
For monitoring the FX6 has an even bigger, repositionable LCD which comes with a hood for higher use in shiny situations. There are additionally extra skilled outputs because the FX6 has an SDI out and a BNC in for timecode.
It took some time to get there however one of many greatest options within the FX6 that isn’t within the FX3 is the built-in digital ND filter.
It has a spread of 2-7 stops and may provide utterly easy changes. It is a enormous good thing about conventional cinema cameras.
Picture Credit score: CVP
For energy, the FX6 makes use of the a lot greater BP-U sequence battery packs. When you begin taking a look at third-party choices you will get far more than simply some additional juice. Many provide further outputs that’ll permit you to energy all of your equipment from a single level. It additionally comes with an AC adapter.
On the finish of the day, the FX6 is a greater digicam on the subject of usability. Whereas the FX3 positively wins purely on the dimensions entrance, the FX6 has benefits in practically each side that issues for video with the one draw back being a little bit additional bulk.
The FX6 is a perfect digicam for a one-man operation and is much more adaptable and able to use out of the field. Skilled connectors and energy separate it much more from the FX3. It’s going to price you although.
FX6 vs FX9
The FX6 and FX9 are very completely different cameras, however it’s nonetheless value evaluating the 2. Upfront I’ll say that individuals who want or need the FX9 will know that because the value for the FX9 is $5,000 extra.
What we’re taking a look at with the FX9 is a full-frame tackle the FS7—one of many most-loved video cameras previously decade. It has a whole lot of further inputs and outputs and controls, the issues that you simply want if you’ll have this digicam utilized in an actual manufacturing.
We’re speaking about a number of SDI outs, XLR inputs on the physique, Genlock and timecode in/out, RCP assist, and lots extra.
Out of the field, the FX9 is mainly able to be tossed in your shoulder. It’s bigger and not so good as the FX6 for compact, handheld capturing, however it a lot, significantly better for full setups.
All of the Cinema Line cameras have the Sony E mount as a base, however the FX9 elevates it a contact. This one has a locking E mount which is far more safe.
Picture Credit score: Sony
A giant change is that the FX9 makes use of a unique sensor from the opposite FX-series cameras. This one is a 6K full-frame sensor and whereas the FX9 doesn’t file in 6K it would do correct downsampling for sharper, cleaner imagery.
There are a few downsides of this larger decision sensor which embody barely extra rolling shutter than the FX6 or FX3, doubtlessly barely much less dynamic vary, and a contact extra noise in low mild.
The FX9 does have the identical wonderful ND filter system because the FX6.
Resolutions and recording choices do shift a bit because of the new sensor. It’ll do 4K as much as 30p with none crop and 60p with a 5K scan mode. Full HD can attain as much as 180p, although oddly in Tremendous 35mm that is restricted to 120p.
As for uncooked output, the FX6 can do that natively whereas the FX9 wants an extra (and costly) XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit. This unit does add another options, reminiscent of assist for drop-in mics which might be helpful for broadcast.
Picture Credit score: CVP
Going again to decision, the upper decision sensor permits for extra helpful crop modes. This implies you possibly can nonetheless get true 4K imaging even in Tremendous 35mm capturing. It even permits a Full HD Tremendous 16mm setting if that’s your factor.
The broader vary of resolutions and crop modes permits for a lot of extra lenses and capturing environments to be coated.
For some motive, the FX9 is while you begin getting in-camera anamorphic recording choices.
Autofocus between the FX6 and FX9 is analogous, although the FX6 is perhaps a tad higher.
For extra sensible issues, the FX9 has a whole lot of legacy options, reminiscent of interlaced capturing, compatibility with XDCAM Air, and extra.
Media is XQD on the FX9, which is older. It could actually additionally solely twin file in Full HD whereas the FX6 can do it in both 4K or HD.
Batteries are the identical between the FX6 and FX9, although the FX9 makes use of much more energy. It’ll burn by batteries twice as quick.
There are just a few extra options that solely the FX9 has:
Pores and skin Element Correction
Adaptive Matrix
Aperture Correction
Separate HD Element Correction
GPS Constructed-In
MPEGHD Codec
LUT use is impartial from inside recording and output
The FX9 is designed to fit into skilled productions, possible with bigger digicam departments and crew members who want to watch what’s going on or be hooked into different techniques. For many impartial shooters the FX6 will possible be a greater match.
A number of the distinctive options of the FX9 aren’t that essential or helpful for most individuals, however in case you want them they are often the distinction between getting a job and never.
Availability
Right here’s the issue. Even when you understand precisely what digicam you need you may need bother discovering it. From what I’ve seen, the FX3 is simply now beginning to develop into commonly accessible.
Nevertheless, the FX6 is backordered for months, doubtlessly half a 12 months or longer. The FX9 is a bit more durable to gauge, however it is usually exhibiting backordered from main retailers.
Put in your order ASAP as soon as you decide.
Which digicam would you like in your bag?
[source: CVP]
Order Hyperlinks:
Sony a7S III Mirrorless Digicam (B&H, Amazon)
Sony FX3 Cinema Digicam (B&H, Amazon)
Sony FX6 Cinema Digicam (B&H)
Sony FX9 Cinema Digicam (B&H)
Sony VENICE 2 Digital Movement Image Digicam (B&H)
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