Sony

Sony PXW-FX9 Review

Reviews
5
Score
82/100
From
MSRP $10,998
Released
December 2019

We've aggregated 5 high-signal reviews and 0 live retailer prices below.

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Sony PXW-FX9
Available
Our take
Worth buying

Our editorial take on the Sony PXW-FX9

The Sony PXW-FX9 is a full-frame cinema camera that delivers professional-grade image quality and workflow flexibility at a price point that made it a breakout hit when it launched. Built around a 6K Exmor R sensor oversampled to 4K, it captures 10-bit 4:2:2 internally and offers dual native ISOs at 800 and 4000, providing exceptional performance in both controlled and low-light environments. The camera records in S-Log3, HLG, and S-Cinetone, with Netflix approval that signals its broadcast and cinema credentials.

Reviewers consistently praised the FX9's ergonomics, citing the adjustable control arm and smart grip as standout features for handheld work. The electronic variable ND filter (2 to 7 stops) drew widespread acclaim for its smooth, stepless operation, while the Fast Hybrid AF system with 561 phase-detection points proved reliable for solo shooters and run-and-gun scenarios. Image quality impressed across the board, with reviewers highlighting the 15 stops of dynamic range, clean high-ISO performance, and organic color science. The dual card slots (XQD and SD hybrid), 12G-SDI output, and robust build with weather sealing round out a package designed for professional production.

The main criticism centered on the lack of internal raw recording without the XDCA-FX9 extension unit, which adds significant cost and bulk. Some reviewers noted that rolling shutter, while acceptable, was not class-leading, and the camera's weight when fully rigged (4.8 kg) can be demanding for extended handheld use.

Best for: Professional cinematographers and broadcast shooters who need a full-frame cinema camera with reliable autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and flexible workflow options.
What's great
  • 6K oversampled to 4K with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and dual native ISO (800/4000)
  • Electronic variable ND filter (2 to 7 stops) praised for smooth, stepless control
  • Fast Hybrid AF with 561 phase-detection points, reliable for solo and run-and-gun work
  • Excellent ergonomics with adjustable control arm and smart grip for handheld shooting
  • 15 stops of dynamic range, clean high-ISO performance, and Netflix-approved image quality
Watch outs
  • No internal raw recording without purchasing the XDCA-FX9 extension unit
  • Rolling shutter performance acceptable but not class-leading
  • Fully rigged weight (4.8 kg) can be demanding for extended handheld use

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

What reviewers say

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Video reviews

CVP6y ago
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Overview

About this product

6K full-frame camcorder.

Specs

Body
Battery
Sony BP-U series, 35.2 W power consumption
Weight Grams
2000 g (body only), 4800 g (with battery, grip, handle, monitor, media, viewfinder)
Dimensions Mm
146 x 142.5 x 229 mm (without protrusions)
Build Material
Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing
Dust and water spray resistance
Video
Bit Depth
10-bit 4:2:2
Raw Video
External 16-bit raw (via XDCA-FX9 extension unit)
Log Profiles
S-Log3, S-Cinetone, HLG
Internal Codecs
XAVC-I, XAVC-Long, MPEG HD
Max Frame Rate 4k
4K 60p
Max Frame Rate Hd
Full HD 120p
Max Video Bitrate
600 Mbps
Max Video Resolution
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160), UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)
Extras
Genlock
BNC genlock input
Timecode
BNC timecode in/out
Sdi Output
12G-SDI and 3G-SDI outputs
Smart Grip
Adjustable control arm and smart grip
Af Coverage
94% width, 96% height
Dynamic Range
15 stops
Audio Channels
4-channel audio recording
Netflix Approved
Yes
Sensor Oversample
6K sensor oversampled to 4K
Remote Control App
Content Browser Mobile (Android & iOS)
Electronic Nd Filter
Variable 2 to 7 stops electronic ND
Multi Interface Shoe
MI shoe for compatible accessories
Mechanical Nd Filters
Clear, 2-stop (1/4), 4-stop (1/16), 6-stop (1/64)
Operating Temperature
0 to 40 degrees C
Signal To Noise Ratio
57 dB
Sensor
Sensor Size
Full-frame (35.7 x 18.8 mm)
Sensor Type
Exmor R CMOS
Effective Megapixels
19 MP
Exposure
Dual Native Iso
Yes (ISO 800/4000)
Iso Range Video
ISO 320 to 102,400 (extended)
Iso Range Stills
N/A (video camera)
Continuous Shooting
N/A (video camera)
Shutter Speed Electronic
5.6 to 360 degrees shutter angle
Shutter Speed Mechanical
N/A
Display Vf
Viewfinder
Optional, not included
Rear Screen
LCD touchscreen
Touchscreen
Yes
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Sony E
Storage Io
Usb
1x Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1
Hdmi
HDMI (4K output)
Audio Io
2x XLR 3-pin mic/line input (48V phantom power), 1x 1/8 inch stereo headphone output
Wireless
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Ethernet
Card Slots
2x XQD, Dual slot SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo hybrid
Stabilization Af
Ibis
Gyro metadata for post-production stabilization
Af Points
561 phase-detection points
Af System
Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection + contrast AF)
Subject Detection
Face Detection