Sony FX9 User Manual

SONY FX9 Camera Setup
1
1) Set up your tripod on level ground. Never over tighten any of the locking nuts.
Be sure to lock the tilt. Do not lock the pan. Make sure your spreader is secure.
Protect the floor of your location.
2) Affix the base plate riser to your camera – tighten the screw, but never over
tighten.
3) Affix the sliding base plate to the bottom of the riser. Never over tighten.
4) Secure camera on fluid head, balance front to back, confirm that tilt is locked.
5) Insert rods, mount matte box and follow focus. Confirm that all locking nuts are
secured, but not over tightened.
6) Plug in on-board monitor/view finder cable to send video signal from camera to
the SONY viewfinder BEFORE turning on the power. Be careful of this cable
and its connectors. Insert the cable into the cable clamps on the viewfinder.
(If you plug in the viewfinder after turning on the camera, you might cause power
overload that will require expensive maintenance before the camera becomes
operational once again.)
7) Mount battery on back of camera.
8) Turn on camera. (remember to turn camera off before changing batteries)
9) Focus Diopter
Rotate the adjustment at the eyecup on the viewfinder so that the display text on
the viewfinder is focused to your eye.
Rules to follow to avoid damage to the BNC video ports/electronic boards in the
camera:
WHEN CONNECTING:
1) FIRST, connect power cables or on-board battery and power up the camera.
THEN PLUG IN the view finder BNC cable to send video signal from camera to
viewfinder or onboard monitor or directors monitor Be careful of these cables and
connectors. Insert the cable into the cable clamps on the viewfinder.

Sony FX9 Specifications

General

Sensor Type	CMOS
Lens Mount	Sony E-mount
Recording Formats	XAVC-I, XAVC-L, MPEG HD
Dynamic Range	15+ Stops
Resolution	6K
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 800 (Base)
Autofocus	Fast Hybrid AF
Recording Resolutions	4K, HD
Frame Rates	Up to 120 fps in HD
ND Filter	Built-in Variable ND Filter (1/4 to 1/128)
Audio Input	2 x XLR
Outputs	3G-SDI, HDMI
Media Storage	2 x XQD
LCD Screen	3.5" LCD

Summary

SONY FX9 Camera Setup Procedure

Tripod and Camera Mounting

Secure tripod, attach base plate riser/sliding plate, and mount camera on fluid head.

Connecting Viewfinder and Battery

Connect viewfinder cable before powering on; mount camera battery.

Initial Power-On and Focus Diopter

Power on the camera and adjust viewfinder focus diopter for clear viewing.

Camera Safety: Cable Connection Rules

BNC Cable Connection Protocol

Connect power cables first, then BNC video cables to prevent damage.

Advanced Safety and Media Handling

Power Overload and Cable Safety

Avoid power overload by connecting BNC cables after powering on the camera.

Disconnection and Battery Change

Disconnect BNC cables before powering down or changing batteries.

Cable Usage and Power Outlets

Discuss HDMI use; prefer Lemo power outlets over D-tap cables.

Media Formatting Procedure

Formatting Recording Media

Access User Menu to format media for recording, ensuring data integrity.

Shooting Mode and ISO Configuration

Setting the Shooting Mode

Select the Cine EI shooting mode for optimal project settings and image control.

Base ISO and Gain/EI Selection

Configure the camera's base ISO (400 or 4000) and select appropriate gain/EI values.

Exposure Index Button Assignment

Assign custom exposure index values to buttons for rapid adjustment during shoots.

Recording Settings and Exposure Controls

Rec Format and Shockless Gain

Define recording format (e.g., XAVC-I) and manage Shockless Gain for smooth transitions.

Manual Focus Operation

Learn how to use manual focus effectively with different lens types.

ND Filter and Shutter Settings

Utilize ND filters and adjust shutter speed/angle for exposure and motion blur control.

Exposure and White Balance Management

Avoiding Auto Exposure

Disable Auto Exposure for full creative control over image exposure.

White Balance Presets and Manual WB

Set accurate white balance using presets or manual framing for consistent color.

White Setting and Tint Adjustment

Fine-tune white balance tint and use White Setting for auto WB adjustments.

Advanced Focus and Motion Features

Lens Focus Capabilities

Understand focus behavior with E-mount and EF lenses, and perform necessary tests.

S&Q Motion Setup

Configure slow and quick motion (S&Q) by setting frame rates for desired effects.

Monitoring LUTs and Image Processing

Monitor LUT Configuration

Apply Look Up Tables (LUTs) for monitoring and consider custom LUT uploads.

Noise Suppression and Flicker Reduction

Manage noise suppression levels and enable flicker reduction for cleaner footage.

Project Settings and System Configuration

Frequency, Steady Shot, and Auto Black Balance

Configure frame frequency, Steady Shot, and perform daily auto black balance.

Defining Project Parameters

Set project-specific options like Rec Format, Cine EI, and Color Gamut.

Customization and User File Management

Assignable Buttons and Dials

Customize assignable buttons, dials, and the multifunction dial for quick access.

Saving and Loading User Settings

Utilize user files to save and restore camera settings via SD card.

Timecode and Monitoring Outputs

Timecode Synchronization

Set timecode mode and sync for accurate event logging.

Configuring Monitoring Outputs

Set up SDI, HDMI, and VF output formats and display settings.

Monitoring Displays and Technical Aids

Output Display and VF Settings

Control output display options and customize viewfinder settings for monitoring.

Marker and Assist Features

Enable markers, Gamma Assist, Peaking, and Zebra for image composition.

Technical Calibration and Settings

Color Bars and ND Dial Control

Display color bars for calibration and configure ND Dial Clear function.

System Management and Alerts

Record Review and Fan Control

Configure record review duration and fan control mode.

APR and Battery Alarm Settings

Set Auto Power Reset (APR) and customize battery alarm thresholds.