Comparing Sony FX9 vs F55 Cinema Cameras 

In comparing Sony’s line of professional camcorders a number of contenders are likely to attract your eye. There’s of course the Sony FX9, the FS7, the F55 and the F65 as well as plenty of other models across the line. Certainly, in comparing the Sony FX9 vs F55 models, the first major difference you’ll notice is the price. With the FX9 running approximately half the price (or less than half) of the F55 used price, it’s easy to wonder whether or not the FX9 provides the level of quality and precision footage output that you can get with the F55 model. Do you get more bang for your buck with the cheaper FX9?

Of course, since the F55 was released nearly a decade prior to the FX9, it’s equally easy to wonder how far Sony’s technology has come since then.

Does the F55 of 2012 hold up in terms of raw output compared to the FX9 of 2020? 

Overview of Sony FX9 vs F55 Digital Cinema Cameras

You might be wondering what would prompt a review of these two models. Particularly with the F55 being such an older model.

But it made sense to compare the two primarily because many companies are likely to still be using the F55s. And it’s equally likely you’re considering whether or not to upgrade to the FX9.

At first glance, the two cameras have similar features although the FX9 is a 6K whereas the F55 is 4K. 

Sensor Technology

Comparing the Sony FX9 vs F55 camera sensors is the first area of serious upgrades you’ll notice in the FX9.

While the F55 uses Sony’s Super35 sensor which is common up to the FS7, the FX9 utilizes the 35.7 x 18.8 Full-Frame CMOS sensor.

The FX9 does feature a rolling shutter which could impose certain limitations over the F55 which uses a global shutter. But it really depends on what you’re filming.

With stabilized filming, and as long as you’re not filming rapidly moving elements then the rolling shutter shouldn’t be a problem. 

Megapixels

You’re going to get 20.5 Megapixels out of the Sony FX9 vs F55. Which delivers just 11.9 total megapixels and 8.9 effective.

Clearly the FX9 delivers higher overall image production capabilities with it’s effective 19 MP and 1/8000 shutter speed compared to the max 1/6000 in the F55.

Raw Output

Before even considering the comparison of raw output between these two workhorses it’s important to think about whether raw output is even important to you?

Certainly there are going to be several steps of in-production and post-production effects added to your footage in most cases.

But in the event that raw output is important you’re going to be extremely satisfied with the FX9.

Capabilities

Not only does the FX9 deliver footage with reduced noise levels over the F55, the footage is more malleable overall.

The F55 also limits your capabilities in terms of compatibility. As you can’t use Sony Raw/X-OCN in FCP-X. You’re kind of stuck with Premiere Pro and even that implementation isn’t great.

Likewise, the FX9 is going to push the limits delivering capability for 16 bit linear raw. Which takes away many of the compatibility issues which come with being tied to 12 bit log raw. 

The Takeaway

Overall, comparing the Sony FX9 vs F55 is probably going to make you want an upgrade and you’d be hard pressed not to go for it!

The FX9 provides a similar, all be it improved, quality to the F55 and for a fraction of the overall original cost. Why wouldn’t you want to make the change?