New Era for Hybrid Creators: Sony Introduces the FX2 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
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Sony has officially unveiled the FX2, a groundbreaking addition to its revered FX cinema lineup, designed to blur the lines between professional filmmaking and high-resolution still photography. Positioned as Sony’s most affordable full-frame cinema camera to date, the FX2 is poised to capture the attention of hybrid shooters seeking uncompromised quality and flexibility.
Sony FX2 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera at B&H, Adorama.
A Cinema Camera with True Hybrid DNA
The FX2 is built around a powerful 33MP back-illuminated (BSI) full-frame CMOS sensor, a core component shared with Sony’s acclaimed Alpha a7 IV and A7C II models. In a major philosophical shift, Sony has aimed to bring near-identical photographic capabilities from the a7 IV to the FX2, signaling a dedication to serving content creators who demand excellence in both video and stills.
Key Specifications:
- 33MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
- 4K video (<30p) from full-width 7K capture
- 4K at up to 60p via APS-C crop
- AI-based autofocus and video cropping modes
- Mechanical shutter & dedicated stills/video mode switch
- 3.68M-dot tilting OLED EVF (.70x magnification, 33mm eyepoint)
- Dual card slots: 1x CFexpress Type A/SD + 1x SD
- Multiple 1/4-20″ mounting points
Ergonomics and Design for Rigging and Comfort
Aesthetically, the FX2 retains many of the design cues that define the FX3 and FX30, including a sleek body with numerous mounting options, making it ideal for use in custom rigs or on gimbals. However, the FX2 distinguishes itself with a much deeper grip and a new array of customizable function buttons—including a new button on the EVF for even more control.
Perhaps the most significant departure is the variable-angle tilting 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder, tiltable up to 90°, letting shooters comfortably frame shots from various angles. The included loupe-style eyecup (swappable for right or left eye use) and absence of a protruding viewfinder hump make it highly gimbal-friendly.
Extended Stills Capabilities
Sony’s effort to enrich the FX2’s photographic side is clear. The dedicated physical stills/video switch streamlines the transition between modes—unlike the FX3, which required a series of button presses to access photo mode. Each mode presents its own tailored menu set for an optimized user experience. The FX2 offers mechanical shutter operation, 10 fps burst shooting, and a flash sync speed of 1/160, giving photographers the power and responsiveness traditionally found in top-tier mirrorless cameras.
Photographers can now shoot full-resolution stills with a Log response curve, saving files as 8-bit JPEGs or 10-bit HEIFs. Using the View Assist feature, users can preview the effect of a LUT on these images, enhancing workflow flexibility.
Powerful Cinema Features
Despite its enhanced photo prowess, the FX2 retains the robust DNA of Sony’s cinema line, offering:
- All-I and HEVC codecs
- Dual gain settings (dual native ISOs of 800/400 in S-Log)
- Professional workflow features: timecode sync, support for Sony’s Catalyst Browse software, and advanced exposure tools
- Dynamic active stabilization for smoother handheld shots
- UVC/UAC streaming support for plug-and-play live streaming
Color science remains a highlight, with S-Cinetone mode, expanded Creative Look presets, and the ability to load user-created LUTs—useful for previewing or baking in a specific look to footage or stills. The FX2 also supports 16-bit RAW output via HDMI and internal desqueezing for anamorphic lenses.
AI-Driven Autofocus & Next-Gen Features
Introducing the latest AI co-processor to the cinema line, the FX2’s autofocus system offers remarkable subject tracking, not only for humans but also for insects, animals, birds, and vehicles. This is especially powerful for creators who often shoot dynamic or unpredictable subjects.
Other new features include a BIG6 menu interface—inspired by the Sony Venice cinema camera—letting users access commonly adjusted settings with a single touch, and an enhanced fan and heatsink enabling up to 13-hour continuous recording in 4K60p.
Price, Availability, and the Future
The Sony FX2 is available for pre-order at $2,699 (body only) or $3,099 bundled with the XLR-H1 audio adapter/handle. Shipping is expected to begin in August.
The introduction of the FX2 reflects Sony’s ambitions to appeal to an evolving market of hybrid creators. This camera doesn’t just fill a gap—it hints at a future where the divide between stills and cinema cameras blurs even more, and may even suggest a shift in Sony’s broader camera strategy.
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