Sony FX2 announced: an accessible full frame Cinema Line camera with a tiltable EVF

Featuring a new tiltable viewfinder that has been designed to improve the filmmaking experience, the Sony FX2 is pitched as the company's new entry level into the Cinema Line ecosystem.

Sony says the FX2 was developed for filmmakers first with the option for advanced hybrid use. And at a body only $2699 ($3099 with an XLR handle) it represents a new entry level into the Cinema Line ecosystem.

It's equipped with a 33.0 effective megapixel full frame back-illuminated Exmor R sensor, which will be familiar from the A7IV & A7C lI, coupled with the BIONZ XR image processing engine, and boasts up to 15+ stops of wide latitude using S-Log3. Usefully, it supports Dual Base ISO for S-Log 3 of 800 and 4000, enabling optimal image quality across varied lighting conditions. Sensitivity for video can be expanded up to 102400, making it ideal for low-light environments. The camera also supports multiple recording formats for flexible post workflows and records in 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra. It also supports formats such as XAVC S-I DCI 4K at 24.00p, among others.

An internal cooling fan and effective heat dissipation structure gives it an extended shooting capability, with up to 13 hours of continuous recording possible in 4K 60p.

It also 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, while users can also import up to 16 user LUTs for on-camera preview for video, enabling precise colour monitoring on set.

S-Cinetone is set as the default, but there are a range of Picture Profile and Creative Look presets. A desqueeze display function is available, supporting both 1.3x and 2.0x anamorphic lenses for accurate framing.

New Real-time Recognition AF delivers what Sony says is improved accuracy for human subjects, and subject recognition extends to animals, birds, vehicles, and insects, with an Auto mode available. Up to 759-point phase detection AF for stills, (and up to 627-point for movies) is supported. For even more control, the camera includes tools like focus breathing compensation, AF Assist, and customizable autofocus transition speed and sensitivity, giving users the flexibility to fine-tune focus for expressive, cinematic imagery.

Alongside up to 5.5-step central and 5.0-step periphery in-body optical image stabilization, the camera comes with Active Mode and Dynamic active Mode, both new to Cinema Line. Both modes are designed to ensure smooth and steady handheld shooting. 

There's some neat stuff here. The FX2 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 when the camera operator is moving alongside the subject.

Hardware & connectivity

So, to that viewfinder. The camera features a new high-resolution 3.68-million-dot tiltable EVF, which comes with a viewing angle optimised for video production and comes bundled with a deep eye piece. It's adjustable from 0° to +90° for flexible shooting angles, though Sony caveats this by saying that Mounted Multi Interface Shoe accessories may interfere with EVF tilt. It also includes a vari-angle 3.0-type touchscreen LCD for easy framing from any position. The controls are intuitively placed on the top panel and around the grip, with tally lights for recording indication.

A customizable “BIG6” screen displays frequently used parameters such as FPS, ISO, shutter speed (angle/speed), Look presets, white balance, iris or ND filter status, while when working in 9:16 the FX2 also has vertical information displayed while shooting. Additionally, the handle-included model comes with two XLR/TRS terminals and a 3.5 mm stereo (mic) mini jack enabling professional 4-channel, 24-bit digital audio input.

Expandability and connectivity options include an HDMI Type-A terminal capable of outputting up to 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video and 16-bit RAW for high-end recording and monitoring. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) as well as wired LAN via a compatible adapter. Additionally, the USB Type-C port enables SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps data transfers and supports USB Power Delivery (PD), while built-in USB and network streaming support enables live broadcasting and remote production workflows. There are two memory card slots, one supporting SDXC/SDHC & CFexpress Type A, the other just SDXC/SDHC. 

Solo ergonomics & stills chops

The FX2 features the same compact, flat-top design as the FX3 and FX30 cameras.  Built-in mounting points (UNC 1/4-20 x3) support a cageless configuration and ability to mount on a tripod. An optional top handle enhances mobility and control, especially during handheld or dynamic shooting, but as already mentioned adds €500 to the price.

Size-wise, it comes in at 129.7 x 77.8 x 103.7 mm (5.11 x 6.06 x 4.08 in) and weighs 679 grams (1.5 lb). 

Whole definitely video-first, stills have not been forgotten. 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 colour grading in post. 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. 

By way of comparison...

Sony is obviously sensitive to the increasingly crowded niches of an expanding product line, and in a presentation last week had a whole section compared to comparisons with the A7IV & A7C lI. Where they're similar is in the sensor, where they're different is in most everything else. Here's Sony's list of the new things the FX2 introduces.

• Cage-free design + fixed lanyard holders Large HDMI
• XLR handle
• Fan for up to 13h continuous recording time
• CineEl mode with Base ISOs
• M&C app (+ some Alphas and ZV models, but not all) Zoom lever
• Big Tally lights
• The settings and assigned buttons are prepared for video
• Strong Cinema Line brand will be recognized from the body appearance
• More assignable buttons
• BIG6 menu
• Timecode sync via optional adaptor (+ A7S Ill and A1 II) 4K DCI (+ A7S III and
  A1 II)
• 16bit linear RAW output (+ some Alpha Flagship models) Anamorphic support
• Tilted EVF
• Log-Shooting mode for stills
• More card slots than A7C lI

Pricing and availability

The Sony FX2 will be available in July. Pricing starts at $2699 for the body only, with a bundle including the XLR handle raising that to $3099. UK pricing is £2700 / £3150.

tl;dr

• The Sony FX2 is equipped with a 33.0 effective megapixel full frame back-illuminated Exmor R sensor, offering up to 15+ stops of dynamic range and supporting Dual Base ISO for optimal performance in various lighting conditions.
• It features advanced recording capabilities, including 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra and multiple frame rate settings, allowing for up to 60 fps in 4K and 120 fps in Full HD, ideal for slow-motion shooting.
• The camera includes a high-resolution 3.68-million-dot tiltable EVF and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, providing flexible shooting options and intuitive controls for capturing professional-quality video.
• Enhanced autofocus technology with up to 759-point phase detection, real-time subject recognition, and advanced stabilization options ensure smooth operation and precise tracking for cinematic imagery.