The latest (free) firmware update (version 2.1) for the Sony FX9 adds a couple of new features to the camera including:
- Quad Full High Definition 120p RAW output with the (sold separately) XDCA-FX9 extension unit
- White Balance adjustment improvements
The addition of 120p RAW output is great news for those who already own the XDCA-FX9 extension unit, but is more than likely going to frustrate anyone who owns the FX-9 without it.
According to Newshooter, another important thing to note is that “on top of the XDCA-FX9 Extension Unit, FX9 owners will also need to purchase the upcoming Atomos Ninja V+ Pro Kit. As the Pro Kit comes with the Atomos AtomX SDI module and RAW license you will be able to output RAW over SDI.”
As for the white balance part of the update, it adds new preset white balance settings that will provide more accurate results.
The latest update is available to download now from the Sony Pro support page.
Sony FX9 Firmware Update to Version 2.0 – Originally Published September 10, 2020
The latest firmware update for the Sony FX9 expands the camera’s shooting and recording capabilities in addition to offering improvements to some existing features.
What’s new and improved in the Sony FX9 firmware ver. 2.0 – (From the firmware update notes)
Added recording format selection options
- An FFcrop 5K option has been added to Rec Format >Imager Scan Mode in the Project menu.
- When Imager Scan Mode is set to FF 6K, FFcrop 5K, or S35 4K, Video Format can now be set to 4096×2160.
- A “24” option has been added to Rec Format >Frequency in the Project menu.
- [Note] – Video Format setting of 4096×2160 is supported only when Imager Scan Mode is set to FF 6K, FFcrop 5K, or S35 4K.
User 3D LUT support
- A CUBE file (*.cube) for a 17-point or 33-point 3D LUT created using RAW Viewer or DaVinci Resolve (by Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.) can now be loaded.
RAW output support
- RAW video signal can be output from the RAW OUT connector of an XDCA-FX9 (option) attached to the camcorder.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) support
- Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) is supported to enable shooting with expanded dynamic range.
- The two following types of HLG are available.
- Natural: Characteristic conforming to ITU-R BT.2100(HLG).
- Live: Characteristic conforming to ITU-R BT.2100(HLG) that delivers improved HDR performance.
- The two following types of HLG are available.
- When HDR is selected, the color space is expanded to ITU-R BT.2020 equivalent.
Added frame rate options for Slow & Quick Motion
- 150fps and 180fps options have been added for the frame rate when Rec Format >Imager Scan Mode in the Project menu is set to FF 2K.
Expansion of ISO/Gain configurable range
- The configurable range for ISO and Gain when Base Setting >Shooting Mode in the Project menu is set to SDR or HDR has been expanded.
- When the gain setting mode is set to ISO, values up to the maximum ISO 102400 can be configured.
- When the gain setting mode is set to dB, values up to 27dB can be configured.
AF function improvements
- Focusing is now supported not just for face detection but also using detection of people’s eyes.
- When Focus Area is set to Flexible Spot or Zone, the focus area frame can now be moved using
touch operation. - AF transition speed and AF subject shift sensitivity can now be assigned to assignable buttons.
- In Cine EI mode, face/eye detection AF performance has been improved for when Gamma is set to
S-Log3.
Support for changing settings from the status screen
- Some settings can be modified from the status screen. Items can be selected using the multi-function dial, multi selector, or by touch operation.
- 6G SDI output support
- 4K/QFHD resolution signals can now be output from the SDI OUT connectors when the system frequency is set to 29.97, 25, 24, or 23.98.
6G SDI output support
- 4K/QFHD resolution signals can now be output from the SDI OUT connectors when the system frequency is set to 29.97, 25, 24, or 23.98.
Audio function improvements
- A wireless microphone can be used by inserting a portable wireless tuner in the wireless receiver insertion slot of an XDCA- FX9 (option) attached to the camcorder. The following two models of portable wireless tuners are supported.
- URX-S03D UHF Synthesized Diversity Tuner
- DWR-S02DN Digital Wireless Receiver
- The digital interface of an XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit attached to the multi-interface shoe of the camcorder is supported.
USB tethering support
- A smartphone can now be connected via a USB cable to an XDCA-FX9 (option) attached to the camcorder, allowing the camcorder to connect to the internet using the smartphone.
Iris T value support
- The iris indicator now displays T values when a lens that supports T value display is attached.
- Password security enhancements
- Passwords used for basic authentication now must be 8 characters or longer and contain at least one alphabetic character and one numeric character, respectively, for enhanced security.
- Image quality improvements in S35 2K imager scan mode
- The image quality has been improved for when Rec Format >Imager Scan Mode in the Project menu is set to S35 2K.
Password security enhancements
- Passwords used for basic authentication now must be 8 characters or longer and contain at least one alphabetic character and one numeric character, respectively, for enhanced security.
Image quality improvements in S35 2K imager scan mode
- The image quality has been improved for when Rec Format >Imager Scan Mode in the Project menu is set to S35 2K.
Download the firmware update directly from Sony here
Sony FX9 XDCAM 6K Full-Frame Camera System (Body Only) – Vistek Canada
FX9 revolutionises full-frame cinematography with peerless ergonomics and advanced technology for on-the-go shooting. The world’s first full-frame electronic variable ND filter transforms possibilities for shooting in variable lighting conditions. Built-in Wi-Fi and 12G-SDI support advanced workflows while the optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit further expands the operational possibilities of the PXW-FX9.