When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Sony Sony has announced the FX2, a cinema camera built around a full-frame 33MP BSI sensor. Despite its presence in Sony's Cinema line, it's also surprisingly capable as a stills camera – the company says its goal was to have the same photo features as the a7 IV – which could be a sign of even more interesting things to come in Sony's video-focused lineup.
Key Specifications:
33MP BSI CMOS sensor
4K <30p derived from full-width 7K capture
4K <60p with APS-C crop
AI-based autofocus tracking and video cropping modes
Mechanical shutter and stills mode switch
3. 68M dot tilting EVF
1x CFexpress Type A/SD slot, 1x SD slot
The camera's design borrows a lot from previous cinema cameras; it has several standard 1/4 20" mounting points and lacks a viewfinder hump, which is nice when attaching it to a gimbal.
The variable-angle EVF can be flipped up depending on your shooting angle.
Image: Sony
It does, however, add a variable angle EVF with 0. 70x magnification and a 33mm eyepoint, which Sony says will let you monitor your video without having to put your eye completely up to it. A loupe-style eyecup, which can be swapped for use with your right or left eye, enhances that experience. It also has a much deeper grip than the FX3 and FX30, and even more custom function buttons, with a new one on the EVF.
Sony has greatly expanded the camera's stills capabilities
Sony has also greatly expanded the camera's stills capabilities. On the FX3, getting into photo mode required pressing four buttons. Now, there's a switch right on the camera to go between stills and video, and each mode has its own menus suited to the task at hand. It also features a mechanical shutter, 10fps burst, and a flash sync speed of 1/160. Sony has also added the ability to shoot full-resolution stills with a Log response curve, saved as either 8-bit JPEGs or 10-bit HEIFs.
Despite the expanded stills mode, it's still very much a cinema camera, with a lot of DNA from models like the FX3 and FX30. It has All-I and HEVC codecs, the ability to adjust gain in terms of exposure index rather than ISO and professional workflow features such as timecode sync, support for Sony's Catalyst software, and more.
The use of a 33MP sensor, with Sony hinting that rolling shutter numbers could be similar, suggest the use of a very similar sensor to the a7IV. Like that camera, the new one has to crop to an APS-C region to deliver 4K/60. Sony's post processing Catalyst software can attempt to correct some rolling shutter distortion from full-frame mode.
The color modes, especially, speak to its cinema-first design; it comes with the S-Cinetone mode, an expanded suite of "Creative Look" presets, and the ability to load user-created Luts to the camera, which can previewed, applied to your footage, or linked to standard S-Log footage with a metadata tag.
Beyond the Movie / Still switch, the FX2's control layout is still very clearly designed for video.
Image: Sony
Like the a7IV but unlike any previous FX cameras, the camera features Sony's improved AI autofocus system, which can track insects, animals, birds and vehicles while recording video, and should be better at tracking humans than the previous-generation system.
Some more updates this camera has over the FX3:
Slow and quick mode is replaced with a variable FPS mode
Has two tripod mounting points on the bottom
"Big6" menu option, inspired by the Sony Venice cinema camera
Dynamic active stabilization mode for improved smoothness when shooting handheld
UVC/UAC support for driver-free streaming to a computer over USB
Updated fan and heatsink for up to 13-hour record times in 4K60p
It'll be interesting to see where Sony goes from here. It's hard to imagine it did all this design work for one camera that's on the low end of the FX line. But if the rumored second-generation FX3 has the same body and stills features, it's hard to imagine there being any reason for the company to continue making the a7S cameras that are so popular with video shooters.
The FX2 will cost $2699 body-only and $3099 for a bundle with the company's XLR-H1 audio adapter/handle. It's available for pre-order starting today, and the company says it expects to start shipping it in August.
Buy now:
Buy at B&H Photo
Press Release:
Sony Electronics Introduces the FX2 Compact Camera, Expanding Cinema Line's Versatility for Creatives
The new FX2 has the look and operability of Cinema Line cameras with the ability to shoot high-resolution photos and comes equipped with an articulating eyepiece
Sony Electronics Inc. is proud to announce today the latest addition to its established Cinema Line family, the FX2. The FX2 will offer a seamless entry point into the broader Cinema Line range, giving greater cinematic expression to independent creators or small crews needing a versatile camera.
"The hybrid cinema camera was created based on user feedback and is engineered with unique features to support filmmaking, a new eyepiece, and enhancements for versatile production needs. The FX2 is intended to continue the Cinema Line's goal of preserving authentic emotion in every shot and empower creators across all areas of content production," says Theresa Alesso, President, Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics Inc.
FX2 Features: Full-frame Photo and Video Capabilities
The FX2 comes with a full-frame sensor that delivers stunning imagery and beautiful bokeh effects. Equipped with a 33. 0 effective megapixel1 back-illuminated Exmor R™ sensor with up to 15+ stops of wide latitude using S-Log3, it captures impressive detail in both highlights and shadows.
Designed for versatile shooting environments, the FX2 offers Dual Base ISO at 800 and 4000, ensuring optimal performance in both bright and low-light conditions. Its ISO sensitivity for video can be extended up to 102400, making it ideal for challenging lighting scenarios. The camera supports a wide range of recording formats—including 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra—and records in high-quality options, such as XAVC S-I DCI 4K at 24. 00p, providing professionals with the tools needed for flexible, high-end production workflows.
The FX2 can also continuously record for up to 13 hours in 4K 60p2 thanks to its internal cooling fan and effective heat dissipation structure. The FX2 offers variable frame rate settings, allowing up to 60 fps in 4K (for a maximum 2. 5x slow-motion effect) and up to 120 fps in Full HD (for up to 5x slow motion). It supports Log shooting in Cine EI, Cine EI Quick, and Flexible ISO modes, offering versatile workflows for different production needs. To further the cinematic expression of the camera, creators can import up to 16 user LUTs for on-camera preview, enabling precise color monitoring on set.
Filmmakers can also easily and quickly create in-camera cinematic looks, with S-Cinetone™ set as the default, along with a range of Picture Profile and Creative Look presets. A de-squeeze display function is available, supporting both 1. 3x and 2. 0x anamorphic lenses for accurate framing.
Improved Usability for Comfortable Solo Operation
The FX2 features the same compact, flat-top design as Sony's Cinema Line FX3 and FX30 cameras, ensuring familiarity and compatibility across setups. Built-in mounting points (UNC 1/4-20 x3) support a cageless configuration, offering greater flexibility for rigging. An optional top handle (ILME-FX2) enhances mobility and control, especially during handheld or dynamic shooting. Its lightweight, portable build—measuring approximately 5 1/8 x 3 1/8 x 4 1/8 in and weighing approximately 1 lb 8. 0 oz—makes it ideal for solo operators or small crew productions.
The camera offers advanced focus features designed for precision and creativity. Its new Real-time Recognition AF (auto focus) delivers fast and reliable performance with improved accuracy for human subjects, although its intelligent subject recognition extends to animals, birds, vehicles, and insects, with an Auto mode available for effortless detection. For even more control, tools like focus breathing compensation, AF Assist, and customizable autofocus transition speed and sensitivity give creators the flexibility to fine-tune focus for expressive, cinematic imagery. The FX2 comes with Active Mode and Dynamic active Mode, which is new to the Cinema Line, and are both designed to ensure smooth and steady handheld shooting.
The Auto Framing feature automatically crops and tracks a subject to keep them in a prominent position when the camera is mounted on a tripod, producing footage that looks like it was shot by an experienced operator. The Framing Stabilizer function automatically keeps the subject in the same position within the frame, which can be useful, for example, when the camera operator is moving alongside the subject.
From a still image perspective, the camera features an additional log shooting option with a newly added 'Log shooting' menu. This feature allows creators to shoot high-resolution 33MP stills, optimized for color grading in post-production. The FX2 also offers smooth operation with a MOVIE/STILL mode lever, allowing for a quick switchover between still and movie shooting. Depending on the selected mode, the displayed menu items will automatically adjust. Additionally, mode selection is made easy with a long press of the Fn button, which recalls and changes the shooting mode.
FX2 Features: Improved but Familiar Hardware Inherited From Sony's Cinema Cameras
The FX2 is equipped with a new high-resolution 3. 68-million-dot tiltable EVF3 (electronic view finder) designed specifically for video production, offering a wide viewing angle and enhanced immersion thanks to its included deep eyepiece. Complementing the EVF is a 3. 0-type vari-angle touchscreen LCD, making it easy to frame shots from virtually any angle. Intuitively arranged controls on the top panel and grip, along with tally lamps for clear recording status, support efficient on-set operation. The camera also introduces a customizable "BIG6" home screen that provides quick access to essential shooting parameters, such as FPS, ISO, shutter speed (angle or speed), Look presets, white balance, iris, and neutral-density (ND) filter settings. Addressing the growing demand for vertical content creation, the FX2 supports vertical menu display during shooting—ideal for social media formats. The handle-equipped model further enhances professional usability with two XLR/TRS terminals and a 3. 5mm stereo mic jack, enabling 4-channel, 24-bit digital audio capture.
The camera offers extensive expandability and connectivity options, including an HDMI Type-A terminal capable of outputting up to 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video and 16-bit RAW4 for high-end recording and monitoring. For seamless data transfer and remote control, it supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz5) as well as wired LAN via a compatible adapter6. Additionally, the USB Type-C port enables SuperSpeed USB up to 10Gbps data transfers and supports USB Power Delivery (PD)7, while built-in USB and network streaming support enables live broadcasting and remote production workflows.
Social Responsibility
Aligned with Sony's global environment plan, 'Road to Zero', this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The manufacturing process reflects this commitment through facilities powered entirely by renewable energy sources8.
The camera system incorporates comprehensive accessibility options, including a Screen Reader function9 and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items. Additional intuitive controls enhance usability for all shooters, featuring:
Real-time recognition autofocus that reduces manual adjustments
Streamlined touch interface operations for direct menu navigation
Tactile button design with clear differentiation
These inclusive design elements ensure professional imaging tools remain accessible to creators of all abilities while maintaining full operational capability
The FX2 will be available early August for a suggested retail price of $2,699. 99 USD and $3,499. 99 CAD body only or $3,099. 99 USD and $3,999. 99 CAD with XLR handle. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.
1 For stills. Max. 27. 6 megapixels for movie.
2 Sony internal tests. USB power supply, XAVC S-I (All-I), 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2, 25 deg C (ambient, camera when recording started), Auto power off temperature: High, Cooling fan: Auto. The maximum continuous recording time for a single movie shooting session is approximately 13 hours (a product specification limit) Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, storage, and usage. Batteries are consumable products and their capacity degrades over time as they age. Sony does not guarantee the life span of the battery.
3 adjustable from 0° to +90° for flexible shooting angles.
4 The output image will be in the APS-C size /Super 35mm equivalent angle of view.
5 The 5 GHz band may not be available in some countries or region
6 A commercially available USB-LAN adapter is required.
7 A USB PD compatible external power supply device with 9V/3A or higher output capacity and a USB Type-C cable that can handle 3A or more is required
8 Further reducing environmental impact, the product utilizes recycled packaging materials that minimize plastic content without compromising protection. These sustainable practices demonstrate our dedication to eco-conscious production while maintaining the highest quality standards.
9 Download of compatible language file may be necessary. Please refer to the Help Guide for details.
2025-5-28 17:00
