The Sony Cinema Camera Experience

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Since the introduction of the first 24 fps digital film system in 1999, Sony’s Cinema Line cameras continue to evolve, incorporating cutting-edge technology while creating film-like looks. This latest generation of digital cine cameras features innovations like the immersive look of full-frame sensors, wider color gamuts, dual-base ISOs, and extensive dynamic range. Choose Sony CineAlta cameras to bring extraordinary color science, full-frame depth-of-field looks, and a selection of cinematic lenses to your motion picture imaging. The line of Sony cinema cameras ranges from the compact FX3 and FX30 to the truly cinematic VENICE 2 with both 8K and 6K options.

A Camera for Everyone

Sony has aggressively expanded its Cinema Line by upgrading its top-of-the-line VENICE series and adding a class-leading PTZ option while also pushing the entry level with better and more accessible models for all types of shooters. Whether you are a beginner or working pro you’ll find something great in this series.

For Creators

FX30: Leap into Filmmaking

Aspiring filmmakers now have a more accessible—yet still feature packed—compact cinema camera in the FX30. This camera keeps the same external design as the highly-regarded FX3 while swapping out that model's sensor for a 26MP APS-C/Super35 model. The camera can still realize advanced recording in 10-bit 4K up to 120p, output raw video, and make full use of Sony’s advanced S-Log3 and S-Cinetone Picture Profiles. This is the camera to beat for up-and-coming filmmakers.

Could this be the best entry-level cinema camera? Check out our Sony FX30 Hands-on Review.

FX3: Cinematic Freedom

Designed for individual users, the FX3 offers full-frame capture in a super-compact, cage-free, mirrorless-sized form with UHD 4K frame rates up to 120 fps. The FX3’s advanced autofocus features, an expandable 80-102,400 ISO range that handles a range of exposure levels, in-camera stabilization, mobile control, and S-Cinetone compatibility all help solo users create pro-level footage. You can mount a variety of accessories directly on the ultra-compact FX3 form for a streamlined, cage-free rig that is easy to take almost anywhere, and you can add two XLR audio inputs using the detachable top handle. Independent content creators, travel mavens, and event photographers will appreciate the FX3’s ability to capture still images and uninterrupted 4K60 video and to output 16-bit raw video.

*The Sony FX3 Is Now Netflix Approved with the release of firmware version 2.0.

Sony FX3 | Hands-on Review

For Professional Cinematography

FX6: Tell Amazing Stories

Designed with “grab-and-go” mobility in mind, the compact and lightweight FX6 will appeal to documentary and indie feature or series creators, either as your main camera or—thanks to key shared features such as DCI 4K60 capture, HLG gamma, and a variable ND filter—as a “B” camera, drone, or gimbal unit companion to your FX9 or VENICE “A” camera. Pro FX6 features include an SDI video output, a time-saving quick menu, 16-bit raw video output, Wi-Fi connectivity, and dual XLR audio inputs. Record 10-bit 4:2:2 X-AVC I video at rates up to 4K 120p to efficient CFexpress Type A cards or to widely available SD cards. Multiple autofocus options and quick switching to manual focus let operators instantly select whichever method suits the current action.

FX9: Full-Frame Creativity

Create expressive features, television shows, and commercials with high-resolution, full-frame DCI 4K30, oversampled Super 35 UHD 4K60, or full-frame 1080p video at up to 120 fps using the modular Sony FX9. Dual-native 800 and 4000 ISO bases let the FX9 shine at low-light capture, and its ability to import up to 16 LUTs enables you to customize your look. Incredibly nuanced details are revealed by its back-illuminated 6K sensor and 15+ stops of dynamic range, whether you’re internally recording 4:2:2 10-bit video or outputting 16-bit raw using the optional XDCA-F9 external recorder. Dual HDR/SDR support enables you to shoot for HDR while also preparing an SDR version of your content. Choose HLG gamma for a fast, ready-to-view workflow or opt for S-Log3 when you want the freedom to grade for a specific look in.

Sony FX9 | First Look

Which Sony Cinema Camera is Right for You?

Sony FX Line Comparison

 

Sony FX30

Sony FX3

Sony FX6

Sony FX9

Sensor Type APS-C/Super35 CMOS, BSI  Full-Frame CMOS,  BSI Full-Frame CMOS, BSI 6K Full-Frame CMOS, BSI
Effective Sensor Resolution 20.1MP 10.2MP 10.2MP 19MP
Maximum Internal Recording Rates UHD 4K120, 1080p 240 UHD 4K120, 1080p 240

DCI 4K 60, UHD 4K 120,
1080p 240

Full Frame DCI 4K 60,
Full Frame DCI 2K 180,
Super 35 UHD 4K 120,
Super 16 DCI 2K 180,
Super 35 1080p 150 

16-Bit Raw Output Up to 4.6K Up to 4.2K Up to DCI 4K Up to DCI 4K
Video Output Port(s) HDMI Up to 4.2K SDI, HDMI SDI, HDMI
Internal ND Filters No No Yes Yes
Timecode Yes, via optional adapter Yes, via optional adapter Yes, BNC In/Out Yes, BNC In/Out
ISO Range 100-32000, Expandable 100-102400, Expandable 800-12800, Expandable Dual-Base 800/4000, Expandable
3D LUT Support Yes No Yes Yes
Dual HDR/SDR Support No No No Yes
Media 2 x CFexpress/SD Slots 2 x CFexpress/SD Slots 2 x CFexpress/SD Slots 2 x XQD Slots
File Formats XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I XAVC Intra, XAVC Long

XAVC Intra, XAVC Long
MPEG-2 Long GOP 

Dual XLR Inputs Optional Handle Yes, via Handle Yes, via Handle Yes, on Body

FR7: Truly Cinematic PTZ

Claiming the title of world’s first full-frame PTZ camera, the FR7 brings Cinema Line image quality and functions into a whole new arena. Using the Sony E mount and a 10.2MP (effective) full-frame image sensor, complete with advanced autofocus and high-sensitivity imaging capabilities, the FR7 captures video that is a perfect match to cameras like the FX6 in 10-bit 4K at up to 120p. It is a full-fledged PTZ camera as well, with smooth remote control functionality for adjusting the pan, tilt, and zoom positions using a remote, such as the optional Sony RM-IP500.

The FR7 has additional hardware for cinematic capture, including an built-in electronic variable ND filter. It also has standard connectors to integrate it into a full PTZ setup, including S700 protocol support via Ethernet, power over Ethernet, and more.

VENICE 2

The VENICE 2 is Sony’s latest iteration of its full-frame, digital cinema camera flagship. The VENICE 2’s unique design offers interchangeable 8K and 6K-resolution sensor options plus the ability to use the original VENICE’s 6K sensor in the VENICE 2. A removable, industry-standard ARRI PL mount is built over a Sony E-mount on the VENICE 2, letting you choose from an incredibly wide selection of cine-style lenses.

Sony VENICE 2 8K

Sony VENICE 2 8K

Exceptional, film-like image quality, dual-base ISOs, an array of resolutions and frame rates, and ergonomic controls with easy-to-navigate menus are all hallmarks of Sony’s top-of-the line VENICE 2 digital cinema camera. The 8K VENICE 2 captures 16-bit X-OCN XT raw internally at rates up to 8.6K30 or 8.2K60 using dual ASX card slots. For higher frame rates opt for the 6K VENICE, which offers up to 6K60 raw capture; both versions also capture up to DCI 4K60 via Apple ProRes 422 HQ or ProRes 4444. Supported formats include full-frame 2.39:1 widescreen, 2x Super35 anamorphic, and 16:9 and 17:9 Super35.

A removable, industry-standard ARRI PL mount is built over an active Sony E-mount on the VENICE 2, giving you access to an incredibly wide selection of cine-style lenses. The PL mount supports both with Cooke /i and Zeiss eXtended metadata transfer for VFX, motion control, VR, and shot duplication.

Sony VENICE 2

Sony VENICE 2

The lens block of VENICE and VENICE 2 6K cameras can be separated from the main camera body using the optional CBK-3610XS Rialto Extension System, so that your stabilizer, gimbal, aerial, underwater, and cramped location shots can capture the same top-notch images as your A camera. This extension system separates the sensor block from the camera body using up to two 9' cables that can be combined for a total distance of 18'. Note that an extension system compatible with the 8K sensor block is planned for release in early 2023.

Dual-base ISOs of 800/3200 (8K) and 2500/500 (6K) provide up to 16+/15+ stops of dynamic range, respectively, enabling the VENICE 2 to deliver stunning images in conditions ranging from extremely low light to blazing sunlight. The VENICE 2’s internal ND filter settings range from ND0.3 to ND2.4, offering a total 8-stop range that can even be controlled remotely. With a color range that is larger than BT.2020, the VENICE 2 reproduces color beautifully, and a fast sensor readout greatly minimizes rolling shutter effects.

Emotion in Every Frame

Product Feature of VENICE 2 | Sony | CineAlta

Sony Cinema Features

S-Cinetone

Derived from the cinematic Sony VENICE color science, the S-Cinetone picture profile creates a cinematic look tailored for your video workflow that can be displayed straight out of your camera. S-Cineone produces natural skin tones, detailed contrast, and film-like colors, both for your monitoring output and for a finished product that does not need extensive post-production tweaking.

S-Cinetone
S-Log3

Unlike S-Cinetone, S-Log3 is a gamma curve choice for shooting that is designed to be graded in post. This latest version of Sony’s S-Log improves lower-light capture, “seeing” into shadows and mid-tone ranges with more nuance than the earlier S-Log2. Use an S-Gamut (color space) like S-Gamut3 or S-Gamut.Cine with your S-Log footage to retain the maximum image information for creating the desired look in post.

S-Log3 Gamma
Fast Hybrid Autofocus

By combining the speed of phase-detection autofocus and the accuracy of contrast-detection autofocus, Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF delivers fast, precise focusing, even when focusing on subjects in motion. Especially helpful for solo shooters, the Fast Hybrid AF features are available when using select Sony lenses.

Fast hybrid autofocus
Internal ND Filters

Billed as the first electronically variable ND filter for full-frame sensors, Sony’s ND system offers manual and automatic adjustment, ensuring that your depth of field or shutter angle remains constant when moving from inside to outdoors or in changing lighting conditions. The FX6 and FX9 feature seven stops, from ND0.6 to ND2.1 (1/4 to 1/128), with two to seven stops of light reduction, while the VENICE 2 offers an impressive 1/2 to 8-stop range: ND0.3 to ND2.4 (1/2 to 1/256).

Internal ND Filters

Cinema Lenses

Dipping a toe into the cinema lens market, Sony now offers the FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G E-Mount zoom lens, with two more lenses to follow. The full-frame FE C 16-35mm combines the manual-focus ability, captivating bokeh, 0.8-MOD gearing for FIZ systems, and precision optics of a cine-style lens with the E-mount autofocus features and servo control options of an ENG-style zoom. Explore Sony’s robust, multi-tiered collection of E-mount lenses here.

Sony FE C16-35mm Zoom
Sony FE C16-35mm Zoom

Key Accessories

Start rounding out your Sony cinema camera package with accessories like a single or 3-pack of 1TB AXS S66 memory cards for the VENICE 2, several 120GB G Series XQD cards for the FX9, or a 2-pack of 160GB CFexpress Type A cards for the FX6 or FX3.

Power options for cine camera series include the NPA-MQZ1K battery adapter kit for the FX6, the BP-U100 battery for the FX6, the BC-U1A charger compatible with select FX9 batteries, and the BP-FL75 12.8V V-Mount battery for the VENICE 2.

Pro audio options for your cinema rig include the UWP-D21 Wireless Lavalier Set—one of a series of Sony wireless mic systems with receivers that mount directly on your camera.

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