CVP ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE FX9versusFS7 CVP’s technical expert, Jake Ratcliffe, explains why you should invest in the Sony FX9, as an upgrade from the FS7
B ack in 2014, we saw the launch of the Sony PXW-FS7, a well- designed, versatile and feature- rich 4K camera, which has since become one of the most hired cameras of its generation. Fast-forward five years, and Sony has released the long-awaited update to this legendary camera: the full-frame PXW-FX9. But why should you rent or buy the FX9 over the FS7? Let's take a look at a few key features. Sensor size Behind the E-mount is the new full- frame 6K 35.7x18.8mm back-illuminated Exmor-R CMOS sensor, with 15+ stops of dynamic range and a resolution of 6008x3168. Although the sensor is 6K, it’s currently not possible to record at 6K internally or externally, and the sensor downsamples into a 4K image. However, this should result in a more detailed 4K image with lower noise and greater colour. With full-frame comes the benefit of having a larger sensor, which gives you the
ability to achieve a wider field of view with longer focal lengthlenses.However, there’s still the option to shoot in the FX9’s Super 35mode, which looks great and enables you to use many of the fantastic lenses on the market, such as the Fujinon MK zooms. Sensor sensitivity One of themost compelling new features of the FX9 is its dual native sensor. This has two separate base ISOs, the low one being 800 and the high one being 4000, when shooting in SLog3. These two ISO values should have the same amount of dynamic range and a similar amount of noise, and they work by changing how the sensor gathers light, as opposed to adding gain like a camera with single sensitivity would. The FS7 was already widely used across a range of productions, especially in documentary and broadcast. This will be a welcome change to users in these areas, as the FS7’s base ISO of 2000 was noisy at the best of times,whichdefinitely isn’t the case with the FX9. You can also switch between
ABOVE Watch CVP’s short, The Flames, to see footage of the Guilford ice hockey team shot using the Sony FX9
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