Comparing the Sony FX9 vs FS7: How Does Sony’s Latest Workhorse Stack Up?

At Beverly Boy Productions our crews use a variety of different brands and types of equipment on a regular basis, particularly when shooting on location. When we got wind of Sony introducing a new workhorse with our exact market in mind, we couldn’t wait!  Since then the FX9 has been incredibly popular among our team and is definitely one of the most favorite camera options to date among our cinematographers so now we’re going to compare the Sony FX9 vs FS7 for full disclosure.

Sensor Size & Resolution

You might call the Sony FX9 the full-frame update to the FS7 that Sony needed, but don’t get confused. While the FX9 features a 6K sensor that is capable of a DCI aspect ratio of 1.89:1?

It does not output true 6K. But rather, hyper-improved 4K which is the result of down-sampling the 6K image.

Compared to the FS7 which features Super 35mm with a 4K sensor, the FX9 is certainly an improvement. But if you’re looking for true 6K output, you could be disappointed.

The reality though, is that you’ll likely find satisfaction with the amazing 4K output that you get from the FX9 and you probably don’t need full 6K anyway.

Timecode Technology

Improving the technology in the Sony FX9 vs FS7, you’ll quickly notice that the FX9 includes gunlock timecode in/out right on the camera body. So that you no longer need an external recorder.

This eliminates the need for the XDCA unit that was previously necessary with the FS7 in order to achieve switchable TC IN/OUT. 

Fast Hybrid Autofocus

If you weren’t impressed by the FS7’s autofocus, you’ll be happy to know that Sony heard your cries and has come back with improvements to the FX9.

Particularly in that they introduced new “Fast Hybrid Autofocus” technology.

This, paired with the face detection technology, provides intelligent focus on faces and powerfully fast, contrast based focus that totally beats the predecessor’s lack of true quality autofocus.

Not only is the face detection autofocus an amazingly powerful feature of the FX9, there is phase detection, too.

High-Tech Electronic Filter Mode

If you loved the FS7’s variable ND filter mode? You’re going to be amazed by the FX9s advanced high-tech electronic filter mode.

In fact, when comparing the Sony FX9 vs FS7, we couldn’t help but to fall in love with the ease of use and versatility provided by the electronic filter controls.

Which are easily accessible from a dial on the side of the camera.

Actually, you’ll also find dials to control things like shutter, white balance, and iris control effectively eliminating the need to funnel through the clunky menu like you did with the FS7. 

Final Thoughts

We absolutely love the FX9 over the FS7. When comparing the Sony FX9 vs FS7 there are so many amazing features and options that Sony has improved or added to the FX9.

This is definitely a workhorse camera that represents one of our top choices for in-studio and on-location filming by Beverly Boy crew members worldwide.

If you’re wondering whether the FX9 is worth the investment over the FS7, we say 100% – YES!