Sony PXW-FX9 User Manual

Quick Reference Guide
PXW-FX9
pro.sony/FX9
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Sony PXW-FX9 Specifications

General

Lens Mount	Sony E-mount
Autofocus	Fast Hybrid AF
Weight	Approx. 2.0 kg (body only)
Sensor Size	35.7 x 18.8 mm
Dynamic Range	15+ stops
Sensor Type	Full-frame CMOS
Resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K)
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 800 (Base)
Internal Recording	4K (QFHD) 3840 x 2160 / Full HD 1920 x 1080
Media Type	XQD card
Viewfinder	0.5" OLED, 2.36M dots
Audio Inputs	2 x XLR
Recording Format	XAVC-I, XAVC-L, MPEG HD
ND Filter	1/4, 1/16, 1/64
Shutter Speed	1/3 to 1/8000 sec
Maximum Resolution	6008 x 3168
Frame Rate	Up to 120 fps
Audio Input	2 x XLR
Outputs	HDMI
Media Slots	2 (XQD/SD)

Summary

Introduction to the Quick Reference Guide

Initial Camera Setup

APR and Bright Pixels

Explains the Automatic Pixel Restoration (APR) function and its importance for image quality.

Multi-function Dial Configuration

Details on how to set and use the camera's multi-function dial for various controls.

Assignable Buttons and Focus Hold

Guide to assigning functions to the camera's 10 assignable buttons and focus hold button.

Customizing the User Menu

How to customize the user menu by adding, removing, or reordering items.

Direct Menu System

Description of how to quickly access camera settings via the direct menu.

Saving and Loading Camera Settings

Instructions on saving preferred settings using User Files or All Files.

Understanding Status Pages

How to view current status and setup of the camera using status pages.

Choosing the Right Operating Mode

Custom Mode vs. Cine EI Mode

Explains the fundamental differences between Custom and Cine EI operating modes.

Custom Mode and S-Cinetone Overview

Details the features and look of Custom Mode with S-Cinetone.

Cine EI Mode Explained

In-depth explanation of the Cine EI mode for post-production grading.

Scan Modes, Frame Rates, and Codecs

Scan Modes Overview

Introduction to different imager scan modes and their impact on recording.

Full Frame Scan Modes (FF 6K/2K)

Details on FF 6K scan for quality and FF 2K scan for speed.

Super 35 Scan Modes (S35 4K/2K)

Details on S35 4K for balance and S35 2K for high frame rates.

Codec Options: XAVC-I, XAVC-L, MPEG HD

Explanation of primary codecs available for recording video.

HD Sub and Proxy Recording

How to use secondary recordings like HD Sub and Proxy Recording.

Proxy Recording Settings

Details on creating and using compact proxy H264 files.

Setting the Base Frame Rate

How the base frame rate setting affects recording and playback options.

Shutter Speed and Shutter Angle

Choosing Between Shutter Speed and Angle

Explains the difference and effect of shutter speed versus shutter angle.

Setting the Shutter Speed or Angle

Instructions on how to adjust shutter speed and angle settings.

ECS Shutter Function

Using the ECS Shutter for synchronizing with computer display frequencies.

Auto Shutter Mode

Using the camera's auto exposure system for automatic shutter speed.

ISO, Gain, and Dual ISO Functionality

Understanding Gain vs. ISO

Explains the relationship between dB gain and ISO sensitivity.

Selecting Gain or ISO in Custom Mode

Guide to selecting and adjusting gain or ISO settings in Custom Mode.

Dual ISO Explained

Details on the camera's Dual ISO function and its advantages.

When to Switch to Hi Base ISO

Recommendations for switching between Lo and Hi Base ISO based on gain levels.

White Balance and Tint Adjustments

Preset White Balance Settings

How to set and manually enter preset white balance color temperatures.

Auto White Balance (A/B Memories)

Using the camera's memories to store white balance values.

ATW Auto Tracking White Balance

Enabling and using the Auto Tracking White Balance function.

Adjusting Image Tint

How to apply a tint offset to compensate for lighting or adjust hue.

Exposure Measurement Tools

Using Zebras for Exposure

How to use zebra patterns to measure brightness and avoid overexposure.

Waveform and Histogram Displays

Understanding and using waveform and histogram for exposure analysis.

Aperture, Iris, and Auto Exposure Control

Manual and Auto Iris Control

How to control the lens iris manually or automatically.

Auto Exposure Offsets

Using offsets to adjust auto exposure for different scenes.

Achieving Shallow Depth of Field

Tips for using large apertures and ND filters for a filmic look.

The ND Filter System

Electronically Controlled Variable ND Filter

Details on the variable ND filter, preset levels, and variable adjustments.

Auto ND Filter Function

Enabling and using the automatic operation of the variable ND filter.

Auto Focus and Focus Aids

Auto Focus Controls and Switches

How to use the auto/manual focus switch and focus push auto button.

Setting the Auto Focus Detection Area

Configuring different focus detection areas like Wide, Zone, and Flexible Spot.

Adjusting AF Speed and Responsiveness

Customizing AF transition speed and subject shift sensitivity.

Face Detection AF Features

Using face detection, priority, and selection for autofocus.

Peaking Function for Focus Aid

Using peaking to enhance high-contrast edges for focus confirmation.

Focus Magnification Function

How to magnify the image to inspect focus accuracy.

Gamma Settings in Custom Mode

Understanding Gamma Curves

Explains how gamma curves affect contrast and dynamic range.

Original Gamma (S-Cinetone) Look

Details the film-like look and highlight roll-off of S-Cinetone.

Standard Gamma (STD) Options

Describes standard television gamma curves for realistic contrast.

Hypergamma (HG) Curves

Advanced gamma curves for wider dynamic range and highlight compression.

S-Log3 Gamma Curve

Using S-Log3 in Custom Mode for extreme dynamic range.

Color Matrix Settings (The MATRIX)

Preset Matrix Options

Overview of 6 preset matrix options like S-Cinetone, Standard, FL Light, Cinema, BT.709, BT.2020.

Adaptive Matrix for Blue Lights

Using adaptive matrix to reduce oversaturated blue areas.

User Matrix Customization

How to alter color hues and shades using the user matrix.

Multi Matrix Color Adjustment

Easier color adjustment by selecting different AXIS settings.

Custom Mode Other Settings (Use With Caution)

White Clip Setting

Sets the clipping point for the camera's image.

Detail Setting for Sharpness

Adjusting detail to boost contrast and apparent sharpness.

Aperture Setting for Edge Sharpening

Frequency-based edge sharpening for a natural look.

Black Gamma Adjustment

Adjusts the slope of darker parts of gamma curves for contrast.

Knee Setting for Dynamic Range

Adjusts highlight compression for increased dynamic range.

Using Cine EI Mode in Detail

Setting the Color Gamut

Choosing between S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine for color gamut.

Monitor LUTs for Preview

Applying Monitor LUTs to simulate graded footage.

Using the Exposure Index (EI)

Offsetting S-Log3 exposure to adjust highlight/shadow ranges.

Cine EI Exposure Example (s709 MLUT)

Example of monitoring and setting exposure using s709 MLUT.

Gamma Display Assist Alternative

Using Gamma Display Assist when MLUTs can't be used for viewfinder.

Slow and Quick Motion, Interval, and Cache Recording

Setting Up for S&Q Motion

Configuring scan mode, codec, and frame rate for S&Q motion.

Interval Record (Time-lapse)

Capturing frames at preset intervals for time-lapse footage.

Picture Cache Record Function

Capturing action that occurred before the record button was pressed.

SteadyShot and Post Production Image Stabilization

SteadyShot Optical Stabilization

Enabling and using the lens's optical stabilization feature.

Post-Production Stabilization via Metadata

Using recorded motion metadata for stabilization in post-production.

Audio Options and Settings

Audio Input Options

Configuring audio inputs via XLR, MI Shoe, internal mic, and mic slots.

Adjusting Audio Input Levels

Manual and auto control for audio input levels across 4 channels.

Monitoring Audio Levels

Viewing audio levels and configuring headphone output.

Recording Media and Backups

Recording Media and Storage

Information on XQD cards, storage, and handling.

Simultaneous and Sub-Clip Recording

How to record simultaneously or capture sub-clips.

Utility Card Slot Usage

Using the utility slot for setup files and proxy recordings.

Formatting Recording Media

Procedure for formatting media cards in the camera.

Safely Ejecting and Removing Media

Guidelines for safely removing XQD cards to prevent data corruption.

Restoring Media Files

Troubleshooting steps for media restore messages.

Backing Up Recorded Media

Recommendations for backing up footage using Catalyst Browse.

Networking and Wi-Fi Overview

Setting Up Network Password

Initial step to set up a password for network access.

Access Point vs. Station Mode

Understanding and choosing between camera's Wi-Fi connection modes.

Connecting Mobile Device via Access Point

Using NFC or WPS to connect a mobile device to the camera.

Connecting to Network via Station Mode

Connecting the camera to a network or mobile hotspot.

Error Messages and Common Problems

Restore Media Error

Understanding the 'Restore Media' message as routine maintenance.

Execute APR Message

Explanation of the 'Execute APR' message and its purpose.

Audio Not Recording

Troubleshooting steps when audio is not being recorded.

Unable to Enable MLUTs

Conditions required for enabling MLUTs.

External Recorder via HDMI Issues

Setup for remote control and clean HDMI output with external recorders.

SDI/HDMI Output Format Issues

Troubleshooting changes to output format settings.

Network Function Access Issues

Reasons for being unable to access network functions.

System Reset Procedure

How to perform a system reset to restore factory defaults.