MPR Says: Let’s start with the one that impressed us the most about the FX9…The automatic variable ND.
Like other cameras with built-in ND, you can deploy it at fixed-stop densities with two stops being the minimum, but now with the FX9, once it’s deployed, you can also choose to smoothly increase the density with a dial, allowing for much finer adjustments.
And, if you don’t want ND anymore, you can clear it, which replaces the filter with a clear piece of glass over the sensor to keep the stack depth the same and prevent any possible back focus issues that people have complained about on the FS5 and FS7.
Remember, it’s always a great idea to rent or hire a Sony FX9 camera in Miami before you buy. Give it a test ride.
Bringing in over the phase detection, eye auto focus from the A9 series was one of the main reasons we prefer this camera over others. Sony got everything right with this feature, and it’s something that immediately spoils you and makes you wish every camera had it. You can enable the auto function which will then make those adjustments for you anywhere between two stops and seven stops.
All of the IO options have an SDI, full-size HDMI, XLR, audio ports, add a new level of convenience and versatility to the workflow.
The color science…The codecs on this camera are 10 bit and they’ve also added S-Cine tone which is a new color profile aimed to bring the color science from the Sony Venice to the FX9. Not having to worry about skin tones is amazing and adds another level of convenience, making that part of your process a little simpler. The skin on people has a more realistic texture, and it doesn’t look overly digital.
The ability to control four channels of audio and a set of arrow keys to navigate the menu, this alone is a huge improvement over the scroll wheel from the FS7. The camera uses the same XQD cards as the FS7 which are more than enough to handle all of the codecs.
Overall the design here is so much better than the Fs7. Sony has also improved the hand grip design and changed the control of the new grip to a multi connector but also kept the remote port next to it the new connector. That means that the grip is now faster and more responsive than the old remote version.
Rental hire of the Sony FX9 in Miami or Fort Lauderdale can help you make that all important purchase the right one!
