The New Sony FX2 Adds Tilting EVF and Boosted Photo Performance

Sony has just launched the FX2 Digital Cinema Camera. I see it as an excellent piece of gear, especially for those who often switch between recording 4K video and taking high-resolution photos. It seems perfect for photographers looking for cinema-quality performance in a portable, backpack-friendly package. Let’s see if this new camera can be part of your gear.

33MP Sensor Gives You Room to Play

The FX2 features a 33MP full-frame Exmor R sensor, which provides excellent detail and performs well in low light. This sensor works with the BIONZ XR processor to achieve 7K oversampling for high-quality 4K video. This means you’re getting a cinematic look.

For even more options, you can record DCI 4K video internally with 10-bit 4:2:2 color or output 16-bit raw through HDMI. This level of flexibility is greater than what many mid-range cinema cameras provide. The Sony FX2 also offers over 15 stops of dynamic range and has dual base ISO settings of 800 and 4000. This allows you to shoot comfortably in various lighting situations without excessive noise.

Real-Deal Hybrid: Still Shooters, Rejoice

Sony FX2 creates more magic than videos. It also takes high-quality 33MP photos. You can shoot in S-Log3, which allows you to edit the colors of your pictures just like you do with your videos. If you want to grab a still image from a video, you can easily do that right in the camera. Moreover, if you have a LUT ready, you can also use that.

There’s a convenient switch that lets you quickly toggle between taking photos and recording videos. This saves you time from searching through menus. Sony seems to have finally made hybrid shooting much easier.

AI-Powered Autofocus and Framing That Actually Helps

The FX2 seems incredibly intelligent. Sony’s AI processing unit can identify people, animals, and vehicles, focusing on eyes quicker and more precisely than the FX3 or FX30. It follows movement in real time, and auto-framing ensures your subject stays centered, even if they move around.

I think this tracking feature helps a lot when you’re filming alone. You can concentrate on your story while the camera handles the rest.

Stabilization That Doesn’t Feel Like a Gimmick

Stabilization can either be effective or cause more issues. The Sony FX2 appears to nail it. It includes 5-axis in-body stabilization and a Dynamic Active mode for enhanced performance. AI is also involved, featuring a Framing Stabilizer that adjusts your shot according to the subject’s movements.

Additionally, Sony adds shake metadata to your recordings, allowing for further stabilization during editing. This provides a reliable backup for handheld shooters.

That Viewfinder, Though

I find this feature more exciting. The Sony FX2 has a built-in OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) that can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees, which is rare for cameras of this size. It’s perfect for capturing low-angle shots in bright sunlight, or if you can choose not to use LCD screens. The rubber eyecup can also be flipped, making it comfortable for left-handed users.

Ports, Slots, and Streaming Options

The Sony FX2 is a good choice in terms of connectivity. It features two card slots (CFexpress Type A and SD), a full-size HDMI port, USB-C for fast charging and network connection, Wi-Fi for live 4K streaming, headphone and microphone jacks, and a multi-interface hot shoe.

Additionally, it works with the Sony XLR-H1 Handle Unit, which provides two professional XLR inputs and improves comfort for handheld shooting. The grip itself might be a good reason to consider this option.

Specs

Pricing and Availability

You can get the Sony FX2 for $3,098 if you want it with the XLR handle. If you need the camera body, it costs $2,698.

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