Comparing the Sony FX9 vs Venice Pro Camera Review

When the Sony PXW FX9 was released a couple of years ago you couldn’t help but to want it. Featuring the latest technology, and tons of bells and whistles that you would expect from a workhorse professional digital camera, the Sony PXQ FX9 was sure to please. But if you were one of the lucky filmmakers that already has the Sony VENICE, is the FX9 really necessary? In comparing the workhorse Sony FX9 vs. VENICE, Sony’s flagship camera from 2017, are we looking at an apples to apples comparison? 

Not quite. However, both certainly have their place in the industry, and as a professional filmmaker, you’re likely to have your own opinion on both cameras.

While the VENICE and the FX9 certainly don’t compare to one another in terms of price, when it comes to features?

You’ll be surprised to find that you can get many of the same features out of the FX9 that you expect from the VENICE and for a fraction of the cost!

Price Comparison

You can look at price in one of two ways. A higher price tag “could” mean higher quality and more features which “could” be a good thing, or a higher price tag “could” mean more expense.

And therefore more debt! Which would be a bad thing. When we compare the Sony FX9 vs VENICE, Sony’s upper class professional camera, there’s a price difference of about $30K.

There, we said it…the price difference between these two cameras is in the range of $30K with the VENICE running upwards of $42,000 retail for the body only.

Whereas the Sony PFW FX9 can be purchased for about $11,000.

Sensor Comparison

Comparing the sensors between the Sony FX9 vs. VENICE is another area where you might be expecting an apples to apples comparison but you’re more likely to get apples to oranges.

While there are similarities in these two cameras, it’s clear not only from the price but from the sensors too, that these cameras are aimed at entirely different market segments.

Features

Both have amazing sensors from a professional handheld camcorder perspective.  The FX9 shoots 6K featuring a full frame Exmor R CMOS sensor that measures 35.7mm x 18.8mm.

Providing an aspect ratio of 1.89:1. Images can also be captured in Super35 sensor mode. Which crops to 4K with a 1:1 resolution as well as 5K using “best fit” oversampling.

The VENICE features VistaVision sensor technology that accommodates classic 36mm x 24mm for still photos at an aspect ratio of 1.5:1 allowing a larger overall frame capture when compared to the FX9. 

The Bottom Line

Both are workhorses when it comes to delivering professional quality footage. The FX9 boasts a shape, style, and layout that is closely resembling the FS7.

Whereas the VENICE features some unique recording modes and large canvas sensor technology which is great for VFX background plates. 

As far as comparing the Sony FX9 vs VENICE in terms of everyday use, both pair well together for use as primary and secondary setups. Both provide professional grade filmmaking capabilities.

The Takeaway

The Sony FX9 is affordable, powerful, and incredibly worthy of its place on the set and is more than enough for corporate filmmakers.

Especially when there’s not an additional $30K available for it’s upper-level counterpart, the VENICE.