OK, here we go with the first product announcements from Sony at IBC 2019. The details are brief as this first document is just to give you an overview. A more detailed blog will be produced soon.

SONY PXW-FX9

What do you do when you have a product that has dominated market share over the past 5 years ? easy…launch a new one that is even better !! I think it’s fair to say that the Sony FS7 has been a great success in the place it resides so it makes sense that Sony has taken all the leading technology from this, the VENICE and Alpha ILC cameras to create a new Full Frame camera. The word is this is not a replacement for the FS7 but will exist alongside it.   It is the same weight as the FS7 and almost all the rigs that fit this can also be used with the new camera. The new Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS 6K sensor (19.0M) delivers a higher dynamic range (15 stops of latitude) and higher sensitivity than the FS7 plus a Duel Base ISO which is switchable between ISO 800 and 4000. Using full-frame over-sampling it produces stunning 4K and HD images. It has a fast hybrid AF system with customisable settings including face detection which every e-mount lens supports. Another great feature is the Electronic Variable ND filter which is a first for Full –frame sensors. A newly designed smart hand grip, 4 audio channel dials, high res viewfinder (1.8x higher resolution than FS7 version) and inbuilt stabilisation are also key features. Product Details
  • Sensor: Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS
  • Lens: E-Mount
  • Media: XQD card x 2 slots
  • Format: XAVC Inter/Long, MPEG HD442
 Key Features
  • Full-Frame 6K Sensor
  • Fast Hybrid AF
  • Duel Base ISO switchable between ISO 800 and 4000
  • Cinematic Colour science with S-Cinetone
  • Electronic Variable ND filter
  • HD up to 180 FPS, 4k up to 80fps
  • 4 audio channel dials
  • 4K 4:2:2 10bit internal recording
  • Higher res viewfinder 1.8x higher resolution than FS7 version
Accessories include a new high capacity battery the BPU35 plus the XDCA-FX9 extension unit which has a 16bit RAW output, V-Shoe battery, RJ-45 I/F ethernet connection, DWX slot-in audio and a D-tap for additional power etc. The lens bundled with the PXW-FK9K(Kit) has 28-135mm zoom range, high quality G Lens optical quality, Sony’s original SMO design with dust and moisture resistance.   Price is yet to be confirmed and delivery is estimated for December 2019. It’s always difficult to say how good a product is without seeing it in the flesh but looking at the specs and with Sony’s track record in this type of camera the new PXW-FX9 looks like a winner… but only time will tell if it has the same success as the FS7.

Sony PXW-Z750

We covered this camera a few weeks ago in our News in 90 Seconds video but this will be the first time people will get a chance to see and handle this new shoulder camera from Sony.  It is a new 4K shoulder camera for broadcast ENG work. The Sony PXW-Z750 features a brand new 3-chip 2/3rds inch CMOS sensor design with a global shutter, which is a first for Sony in their CMOS based 2/3rds inch broadcast cameras. The PXW-Z750 can record 4K UHD at up to 60 frames per second and 120fps in Full HD making it perfect for sports and wildlife productions. The camera is equipped with the industry standard B4 ENG mount and can accommodate both 4K and HD lenses. Designed for the latest HDR broadcast workflow, the Z750 supports Slog3 and HLG and can also record 4K in a highly efficient 10bit XAVC Long GOP codec.

VENICE V5

New software updates for a camera that seems to be going from strength to strength. This is V5.0 which will be available in January 2020. Amongst the highlights Version 5.0 Firmware adds advanced HFR capabilities up to 90fps at 6K 2.39:1 and 72fps at 6K 17:9, HD ProRes 4444. A list of all the improvements is below.
  • Additional support up to 90FPS for Full-Frame
  • HD Apple ProRes 4444
  • 180 Degree rotation Monitor Out
  • Support x 1.65 de-squeeze function for Panavision lenses
  • Assignable button ND Up/Down
  • User Frame Line updated
    • Display aspect ratio and pixel count
    • Added pre-set frame line
    • Baked metadata when User Frame Line used
  • Gyro sensor activated
    • Horizontal levier and Tilt/Roll status on OSD
    • Tilt/Roll metadata embedded in RAWX-OCN and XAVC
    • Tilt/Roll metadata embedded in HD-SDI
  • High Resolution Magnification on HD Monitor out
  • Additional Paint menu support
  • Cooke i2 metadata in X-OCN/RAW and XAVC


- To see these great products in action, give us a call to arrange a demo on 0208 977 1222. If you want to learn more, head over to our website www.visuals.co.uk -
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