Excellent camera review. The more reviews I see of five figure cinema cameras, the more happy I am with my four figure BMPCC4K. Being able to shoot 12-bit raw footage with file sizes averaging one third of ProRes files just makes me giggle with joy. Which happens a lot when I watch your videos, because you're so informative. Cheers.
I truly appreciate your in-depth reviews of video products! I would never buy a big ticket item without first waiting to hear what you have to say about it.
Great video! One quick comment: I know everyone loves the thought of having a RAW output, but the uncompressed 10bit 4:2:2 signal has a lot of advantages as well. For instance, there's no noise reduction added to the RAW output. Everyone already knows that good noise reduction takes FOREVER in post. Having it done well in camera is a big deal. Secondly, there are no lens distortion corrections when using a RAW output. I've been shooting 12bit RAW on the FS700 and I immediately noticed the awful mustache distortion of the 18-200mm kit lens. This is all digitally corrected when shooting internally or using the uncompressed HDMI signal. So if you use the RAW signal, I would suggest using cinema grade zoom lenses because you'll most likely have to fix the nasty distortion of Sony's cheaper zoom lenses (especially at the wide end). I'm just going to go ahead and assume that there are corrections being made in camera for the 28-135mm f/4 lens.
Those observations about the gyroscopic stabilizing are keen; object blur without the context of an unstable frame - so important and aptly observed! This is why you are an excellent source for technological commentary. Thank you, Gerald!
I love my sony fx9 and have been amazed by the quality it produces. I have not compared the resolve stabilizer to sony’s, I will have to test that. Thank you so much for pointing that out !
Have you experienced this loss of face detection when over exposing? I've been considering this camera, but this one thing really called my attention as it is a very normal practice when shooting log
With Sony and Canon introducing their solutions to fill the niche of mid-priced full-frame cameras, I'm really really looking forward to Blackmagic entering this field. Imagine an Ursa with all it's capabilities, but featuring a full-frame sensor! Ah, sweet dreams...
I have no plans on ever getting this camera not only cause its way to much for me but also cause I currently shoot the EF-M system. LOL. But I still find it very entertaining and informative. Thanks Gerald for yet another great video.
Another great review. Even though I am not a Sony user, I do get a large amount of useful information that I can apply when working with what I have. This is why your videos are so good and are the platinum standard, (better than gold), when doing reviews. Though you are reviewing a specific item, the information can be applied to any other brand on what to look for as well exploit features that I may have not thought of doing before. Great job. (BTW the 1dX MK III is in house. While in lock down,getting familiar with it so when things get back to semi-normal, it will feel natural.).
Sony's color is still looking rough.... I'm glad I purchased a Pocket4k. The first footage I shot on a BMPCC4K blew my mind coming from the A7SII. Great review though!! Well done.
I have to know. How can you cram so much detail into one video without seeming like you’re reading anything and with so few edit cuts? You must have an insane memory.
I clicked on your video because it was no clickbait like others... "Why I was wrong about...", "What shocked me...", "Sony what have you done??" Thanks!
Thanks for the video! Took me a while to figure out the exposure index and what it was and what it wasn’t. Glad we did a bunch of tests before we took it into the field. We were on our 6 month of filming A Documentary. We were getting crazy grain in the tests at first not realizing the exposure index was hiding the true exposure and it took a while to figure it out. Now we only shoot s-log 3 and the image is amazing. I really want to do a test with it and an Amira. We were so close to finishing to film and now everything is changed and we will have to film more to incorporate the change of the world in the story.
NIce. I'll be shooting a job with it. What was your exposure steps for s-log 3? I rarely use sony. What tools are you using for in camera exposure assessment? 41/42% on the wave?
Brandon Li mentioned in one of his recent videos that, if you wan to use Sony's Catalyst Software properly, you will have to drastically increase your shutter speed. Which obviously is not an alternative for most people but I still find the results you can achieve quite stunning.
Full frame 4K60 is one of my requirements for my next camera, and I’m definitely not planning on buying something as expensive and big as the FX9, so I’d definitely expect it there
Thank you for addressing the frame rate issues, making S&Q so very useless. Also yes, Sony already stated on their website that there will be an 83% crop when shooting "Full Frame" 60p. It's not a full scan, it's a crop. Listed right on the homepage.
It would be interesting to see Sonys 18-110 and 28-135 OSS broadcast lenses tested since they are intended to be the kit lens for this. Also, Clip-in ND filters are a thing so yeah..
Not even considering this camera and I still love this video. It actually brings up a question, when should we shoot RAW? For what types of content is it necessary? I’m currently shooting on the black magic pocket cinema camera 4K and I have yet to touch RAW, I’ve just been shooting on the film profile in ProRes. Is this completely foolish of me, or does it not matter if you’re getting a great image? I would love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks, God bless! - Winter!
Hopefully Gerald will chime in, but I always shoot Blackmagic raw on my pocket 4k. The file encoding is more efficient than prores, and if your workflow is compatible why not have the extra room for grading? It's true the higher compression options can be a bit soft, but it's more than enough for CZcams/Vimeo and I don't see any benefits to prores other than workflow compatibility.
Thank you again Mr. Undone, well done. I'd like to piggy back on your review a little. The stabilization within Catalyst is only available to E mount lenses, maybe it would work with a proper adapter but footage shot with purely manual lenses will not be able to be stabilized in Catalyst. This makes this feature even more useless for me. You can't pick and choose which outputs have a LUT on them. It is either all outputs have a LUT or none of them do. It is a minor thing but annoying and I could see this being fixed easily. No user LUTs. Not a huge deal but I do utilize it from time to time on my FS7. Could also be easily fixed. Agreed, the XDCA is absurd. For me it was mandatory on my FS7, but this one is just offensive. With all the gripes and annoyances I still want this camera. The new sensor, the VND, FF, S-Cinetone etc... in my mind make it worth the cost of admission for me as an FS7 owner. It will seamlessly fit into my workflow as well as my clients and that is crucial. Same codec, same Slog3, same exact workflow but with better looking footage. I'm in. Thanks again for the all the work. I love the channel.
Catalyst Browse stabilization works with my Sigma EF glass adapted with a MC-11 adapter. I think the issue you're facing is using fully manual lenses with no electronic communication with the camera. If Sony enabled a manual entry of focal length people would be able to use totally manual lenses, but I haven't seen anything implying that will be added.
It would be really cool if the camera would store the gyro info for the stabilization instead of doing the stabilization itself. A 4x4x32bit matrix per frame should be just fine. That way one could use the data for better stabilization in post.
Thanks for this Gerald and for the tip about Resolve stabilisation. I had no idea about that. I love my FX9: it’s a big step up from my FS5ii and A7iii. I do think Sony should have done a bit more with the firmware so far. I always knew it was going to be ‘summer’ (whatever that means) for some of the features and fixes. My biggest annoyance with it is the clunky frame rate switching, which hopefully will be improved; but for just over £9000, this is a major piece of kit that is, as you say, dangerously close to the Venice which is four times the price. Pity I only got mine just before lockdown!
what about shooting at a higher shutter-speed, post stabilizing, and than adding the motion back in in post...........it's a lot more post work, but could allow a very fast run and gun style of film-making
I had been so pumped about this camera before I realized just how many drawbacks it has, and features it should've had at launch. It's almost worth buying for the variable ND alone...add to that great colors, autofocus, and full frame for 11 grand?! Tempting. But, no RAW (unless you strap that shoebox to the back), no full frame 4K slow motion, its big, the menus are by Sony...seems half baked. I spent a few bucks more for the RED Dragon-X, which in fairness comes with it's drawbacks too (RAW slow motion not being one of them) . Id like to have both cameras actually...but yeah.
Great review thanks. Four months on, the FX9 is already starting to look like a curiosity. Aside from the fantastic eND, it seems difficult to justify the additional cost from an image, codec and usability perspective now that the A7siii has been unveiled. Yes, I know it is comparing apples and oranges but for a large number of uses, if you don't require the form factor of an FX9 you might as well save 7k-8k and get the A7siii, or at least wait to see what Sony is going to release next because for many the A7siii is going to be an FX9 killer.
That AF issue while 1 stop over exposed is a pretty big issue, I always over expose my Sony Cameras for the reasons you listed, so for it to not work is kind of disappointing.
What was your shutter speed when you did the stabilization test? Aren't you suppose to shoot at a higher shutter speed if you're going to use gyro data. That should eliminate those artificial motion blurs for the most part unless you're really shaking all over the place.
I think the face detection while overexposed can be fixed with a firmware update. Love the Electronic Variable ND, this should be added to every camera, also the post stabilization data which should work with Abobes warp stabilizer. An IBIS on this camera would be great to work together with post stabilization and remove those steps. Full Frame 60p should be there from the start that is just sad.
Can you please do a dynamic range test? Like in the A73 picture profile video. A good scientific DR test with 1EV steps, video-scope, with popular cameras and cinema cameras too. Like A73, S1H, GH5, 1DXmk3, Alexa, Red, Pocket cinema. Thank you for the great content :)
So, off from the more-expensive-than-an-affordable-car-cameras - with what camera (camcorder) do I get the BEST image quality possible for about 2500-3000 USD? -Needs at least 20x optical zoom, a 1" sensor and preferably 4K 50P/60P. My main subject is filming fighter jets and air planes in general.
I love when you recommend something and then I’m like...well...now I got to buy it...and when I go it’s sold out or not available lol (your last video on the godox lights lol )
Excellent camera review. The more reviews I see of five figure cinema cameras, the more happy I am with my four figure BMPCC4K. Being able to shoot 12-bit raw footage with file sizes averaging one third of ProRes files just makes me giggle with joy. Which happens a lot when I watch your videos, because you're so informative. Cheers.
This is exactly how I feel as well.
Watching this on my 4k TV is a completely different experience when you are showing the banding examples. You can really see the difference!
You mean 4k raw with black magic is much smaller file sizes than what these bad boys carry?
LOL! The creepy face reveal coming up from the tabletop is priceless. Always great stuff. Excellent coverage.
Dude, your reviews blow me away. So clear, concise, in-depth and at 1.5 speed.... love it. Thanks.!
I truly appreciate your in-depth reviews of video products! I would never buy a big ticket item without first waiting to hear what you have to say about it.
Great video! One quick comment: I know everyone loves the thought of having a RAW output, but the uncompressed 10bit 4:2:2 signal has a lot of advantages as well. For instance, there's no noise reduction added to the RAW output. Everyone already knows that good noise reduction takes FOREVER in post. Having it done well in camera is a big deal. Secondly, there are no lens distortion corrections when using a RAW output. I've been shooting 12bit RAW on the FS700 and I immediately noticed the awful mustache distortion of the 18-200mm kit lens. This is all digitally corrected when shooting internally or using the uncompressed HDMI signal. So if you use the RAW signal, I would suggest using cinema grade zoom lenses because you'll most likely have to fix the nasty distortion of Sony's cheaper zoom lenses (especially at the wide end). I'm just going to go ahead and assume that there are corrections being made in camera for the 28-135mm f/4 lens.
Those observations about the gyroscopic stabilizing are keen; object blur without the context of an unstable frame - so important and aptly observed! This is why you are an excellent source for technological commentary. Thank you, Gerald!
I love my sony fx9 and have been amazed by the quality it produces. I have not compared the resolve stabilizer to sony’s, I will have to test that. Thank you so much for pointing that out !
Have you experienced this loss of face detection when over exposing? I've been considering this camera, but this one thing really called my attention as it is a very normal practice when shooting log
JuanReasonToSmile to be honest I felt as if my fx9 is better with the overexposed face detection than when underexposing.
Gerald, you are one of the FEW true reviews, I trust your work and can’t thank you enough for keeping it real. 🙏🏼
You warned us. And yes. You are crazy. Great vid bud
💜🤓🙏
Epic, my day just got brighter thanks to your video
It's a testament to your abilities that although i have no interest in this camera i watched just because you're interesting. Love the channel...
Props for the pre-amp comparison.
The FX9 is crazy close to the Sony Venice. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought that when I started playing with footage. insane.
Another Great in-depth review. Love it.
Soo good Gerald! It's not even fair for all the other reviewers!
yep!
Bro, so technical and I didn't grasp some of that stuff but I found it most interesting.
I'm not much of a gear head, but you explain it in such a way to make a better tech person. Thank you.
It seems pretty perfectly priced for what you get. Sony cameras are incredible, I loved my A7iii until the day I sold it.
With Sony and Canon introducing their solutions to fill the niche of mid-priced full-frame cameras, I'm really really looking forward to Blackmagic entering this field. Imagine an Ursa with all it's capabilities, but featuring a full-frame sensor! Ah, sweet dreams...
I have no plans on ever getting this camera not only cause its way to much for me but also cause I currently shoot the EF-M system. LOL. But I still find it very entertaining and informative. Thanks Gerald for yet another great video.
Always a pleasure getting introduced to new tech by you, Gerald! Great review, I learned a lot. :)
Your reviews are absolutely incredible. So precise and thought-out. Keep this up man!
That's a fantastic review Gerald, really precise and informative with no bull. Loved it.
Watching this camera closely for awhile now thanks for the informative video and speaking to some different points then Phillip Bloom.
Love the review brother! And I hear you, I’m dying to use my Fx9 with all the lockdowns
Another excellent review. Great video ! Thanks for all your efforts.
Another great review. Even though I am not a Sony user, I do get a large amount of useful information that I can apply when working with what I have. This is why your videos are so good and are the platinum standard, (better than gold), when doing reviews. Though you are reviewing a specific item, the information can be applied to any other brand on what to look for as well exploit features that I may have not thought of doing before. Great job. (BTW the 1dX MK III is in house. While in lock down,getting familiar with it so when things get back to semi-normal, it will feel natural.).
Thanks so much, Phil. How are you liking your new camera?
love your channel man! Next level
Hi I’m Gerald Undone, and I brought my camera but didn’t bring my lens
What a brilliant to the point review again. The best camera reviewer on CZcams
Thanks Gerald for a great video!!
Another amazing video! Love ya Gerald
Sony's color is still looking rough.... I'm glad I purchased a Pocket4k. The first footage I shot on a BMPCC4K blew my mind coming from the A7SII. Great review though!! Well done.
The Outro is the best
I have to know. How can you cram so much detail into one video without seeming like you’re reading anything and with so few edit cuts? You must have an insane memory.
Phenomenal review 👌. I'm not a videographer but found this to be very interesting and easy to understand.
Great review as always!
That's our next camera. We can't wait !Thanks
Is it better value than c300mkiii? Is it easier to use? Does it take Canon lenses?
Gets motivated by the excellent review, clicks on link, sees price, learns to live with my Sony AX700.
i knew the stabilization couldnt be as good as those Sony bots were saying in their biased reviews, good thing Gerald says the truth
I clicked on your video because it was no clickbait like others... "Why I was wrong about...", "What shocked me...", "Sony what have you done??"
Thanks!
Your channel is TIGHT Gerald - great work 👍🏽
Thanks for the video! Took me a while to figure out the exposure index and what it was and what it wasn’t. Glad we did a bunch of tests before we took it into the field. We were on our 6 month of filming A Documentary. We were getting crazy grain in the tests at first not realizing the exposure index was hiding the true exposure and it took a while to figure it out. Now we only shoot s-log 3 and the image is amazing. I really want to do a test with it and an Amira. We were so close to finishing to film and now everything is changed and we will have to film more to incorporate the change of the world in the story.
NIce. I'll be shooting a job with it. What was your exposure steps for s-log 3? I rarely use sony. What tools are you using for in camera exposure assessment? 41/42% on the wave?
Brandon Li mentioned in one of his recent videos that, if you wan to use Sony's Catalyst Software properly, you will have to drastically increase your shutter speed. Which obviously is not an alternative for most people but I still find the results you can achieve quite stunning.
Full frame 4K60 is one of my requirements for my next camera, and I’m definitely not planning on buying something as expensive and big as the FX9, so I’d definitely expect it there
I've just discovered this channel. I subscribed JUST for the funny twitter intro's... also the reviews are great...
That face for the face detect auto focus test LOL
Very nice presentation. Thank you.
Great review! Answered a lot of my questions especially about stabilization. Would have loved to see IBS on this sensor. Maybe the FX9 mk2...?
Excellent review. Thanks.
I’ve been watching Mark Bones channel and from his videos it looks a solid camera
Thank you for addressing the frame rate issues, making S&Q so very useless. Also yes, Sony already stated on their website that there will be an 83% crop when shooting "Full Frame" 60p. It's not a full scan, it's a crop. Listed right on the homepage.
Bought the FX9 in December 2019. got my zcam e2 f6 in February 2020. now I hate the fx9 pretty much.
Really eh, I have the E2 F6 aswell and I really enjoy it. Just curios as to what you don't like about the FX9?
It would be interesting to see Sonys 18-110 and 28-135 OSS broadcast lenses tested since they are intended to be the kit lens for this.
Also, Clip-in ND filters are a thing so yeah..
I have both. The 28-135 is the kit lens for the Fx9 as it is a FF lens. The 18-110 is the kit lens for the Fs7 as its a S35 lens.
Best CZcams channel ever.
It's really good but... have you ever watched 3 hours of people walking into/breaking glass on "fail" channels?
You actually compared the pre-amps! My Hero!!
Where can we get the free Sony SLOG3 lut? I want to use it with my A7Siii
Great video, will you be doing a video on the Canon C500 Mark ii?
14:03 - You know what's a pretty impressive feat??
...how quietly this dude sets things down in the middle of a take @9:52 😄😄🤫 jk Gerald!
Haha. It takes practice! 🤓🤣💜
In Canada, we're legally obliged to apologize to objects and/or people when we drop them. That's why.
I won't "drop it"
i re-watched just for to catch that!
Amazing video and amazing camera! we're waiting the successor of the FS5 :D
Not even considering this camera and I still love this video. It actually brings up a question, when should we shoot RAW? For what types of content is it necessary? I’m currently shooting on the black magic pocket cinema camera 4K and I have yet to touch RAW, I’ve just been shooting on the film profile in ProRes. Is this completely foolish of me, or does it not matter if you’re getting a great image? I would love to hear your opinion on this.
Thanks, God bless! - Winter!
Hopefully Gerald will chime in, but I always shoot Blackmagic raw on my pocket 4k. The file encoding is more efficient than prores, and if your workflow is compatible why not have the extra room for grading? It's true the higher compression options can be a bit soft, but it's more than enough for CZcams/Vimeo and I don't see any benefits to prores other than workflow compatibility.
That Auto ND is freaking insane. Sold
Thank you again Mr. Undone, well done. I'd like to piggy back on your review a little.
The stabilization within Catalyst is only available to E mount lenses, maybe it would work with a proper adapter but footage shot with purely manual lenses will not be able to be stabilized in Catalyst. This makes this feature even more useless for me.
You can't pick and choose which outputs have a LUT on them. It is either all outputs have a LUT or none of them do. It is a minor thing but annoying and I could see this being fixed easily.
No user LUTs. Not a huge deal but I do utilize it from time to time on my FS7. Could also be easily fixed.
Agreed, the XDCA is absurd. For me it was mandatory on my FS7, but this one is just offensive.
With all the gripes and annoyances I still want this camera. The new sensor, the VND, FF, S-Cinetone etc... in my mind make it worth the cost of admission for me as an FS7 owner. It will seamlessly fit into my workflow as well as my clients and that is crucial. Same codec, same Slog3, same exact workflow but with better looking footage. I'm in.
Thanks again for the all the work. I love the channel.
Appreciate the additions! Cheers, Phil.
Catalyst Browse stabilization works with my Sigma EF glass adapted with a MC-11 adapter. I think the issue you're facing is using fully manual lenses with no electronic communication with the camera. If Sony enabled a manual entry of focal length people would be able to use totally manual lenses, but I haven't seen anything implying that will be added.
Compare it to Ursa Mini 4.6k G2
That automatic ND sounds crazy awesome!
It would be really cool if the camera would store the gyro info for the stabilization instead of doing the stabilization itself. A 4x4x32bit matrix per frame should be just fine. That way one could use the data for better stabilization in post.
I kid you not, I had a dream about this camera around when Philip Bloom bought one. I don't need it, and after this review, I don't even want it.
Eagerly awaiting the FX6!
Thanks for this Gerald and for the tip about Resolve stabilisation. I had no idea about that. I love my FX9: it’s a big step up from my FS5ii and A7iii. I do think Sony should have done a bit more with the firmware so far. I always knew it was going to be ‘summer’ (whatever that means) for some of the features and fixes. My biggest annoyance with it is the clunky frame rate switching, which hopefully will be improved; but for just over £9000, this is a major piece of kit that is, as you say, dangerously close to the Venice which is four times the price. Pity I only got mine just before lockdown!
Hi I'm Gerald Undone and I take mise en scene to a new level.
Like seriously bro wow!
2:38 please make this your intro for future videos
Nice Review and nice camera, was at a Sony Event, where I could play a little bit with it:)
what about shooting at a higher shutter-speed, post stabilizing, and than adding the motion back in in post...........it's a lot more post work, but could allow a very fast run and gun style of film-making
I liked the video at 2:50 thanks Gerald
I had been so pumped about this camera before I realized just how many drawbacks it has, and features it should've had at launch. It's almost worth buying for the variable ND alone...add to that great colors, autofocus, and full frame for 11 grand?! Tempting. But, no RAW (unless you strap that shoebox to the back), no full frame 4K slow motion, its big, the menus are by Sony...seems half baked. I spent a few bucks more for the RED Dragon-X, which in fairness comes with it's drawbacks too (RAW slow motion not being one of them) . Id like to have both cameras actually...but yeah.
Great review thanks. Four months on, the FX9 is already starting to look like a curiosity. Aside from the fantastic eND, it seems difficult to justify the additional cost from an image, codec and usability perspective now that the A7siii has been unveiled. Yes, I know it is comparing apples and oranges but for a large number of uses, if you don't require the form factor of an FX9 you might as well save 7k-8k and get the A7siii, or at least wait to see what Sony is going to release next because for many the A7siii is going to be an FX9 killer.
That AF issue while 1 stop over exposed is a pretty big issue, I always over expose my Sony Cameras for the reasons you listed, so for it to not work is kind of disappointing.
[video geek mic drop] hehe. That was awesome. good info. And the video geek in me has been humbled.
Good review! I’ve purchased both new C500 and FX9s! The fill different needs and C500s out do Arri Mini LF in some skin tone challenging situations.
How does the FX9 perform in skintones compared to those camera's
?
What was your shutter speed when you did the stabilization test? Aren't you suppose to shoot at a higher shutter speed if you're going to use gyro data. That should eliminate those artificial motion blurs for the most part unless you're really shaking all over the place.
Wow, great train of thoughts
i want this sooooo much
aaaaaaaaa i still want this sooooo much :D
Great video as always! This camera coming in at that price completely kills my hopes for new video features on Sony's next mirrorless body.
They should start putting in 32 bit float recording on these cameras!
I think the face detection while overexposed can be fixed with a firmware update. Love the Electronic Variable ND, this should be added to every camera, also the post stabilization data which should work with Abobes warp stabilizer. An IBIS on this camera would be great to work together with post stabilization and remove those steps. Full Frame 60p should be there from the start that is just sad.
I'm definitely buying one of these bad boys.
Great job!
Can you please do a dynamic range test? Like in the A73 picture profile video. A good scientific DR test with 1EV steps, video-scope, with popular cameras and cinema cameras too. Like A73, S1H, GH5, 1DXmk3, Alexa, Red, Pocket cinema. Thank you for the great content :)
Great as always
I am Gerald Undone and as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster!! But I became a CZcamsr : Goodfellas (Gerald Edition)
BRO WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?? This guy is great!!! he's like a robot !
So, off from the more-expensive-than-an-affordable-car-cameras - with what camera (camcorder) do I get the BEST image quality possible for about 2500-3000 USD?
-Needs at least 20x optical zoom, a 1" sensor and preferably 4K 50P/60P.
My main subject is filming fighter jets and air planes in general.
good tip 13:32
It's hip to be weird if you own it! Well done.
Hi, I'm Gerald Undone and It's Morphin Time!
oh lol, it took about 30 min to export 83 second clip from my a6400
I love when you recommend something and then I’m like...well...now I got to buy it...and when I go it’s sold out or not available lol (your last video on the godox lights lol )
Great video, Gerald!
In 10:30 what BM camera they told you about the FPS slider? Or they spoiled about the FX9?
Thanks! I meant my Pocket 4K allows me to change the frame rate easily with just a slider and that has made me want that on every camera now.
Thanks, Gerald! Yes, I`m with the 6K and really enjoy this! Keep up with the great work!
Creep stalking a Rubik's Cube FTW!