Sony’s V.2.00 firmware for the FX6 Which was announced a few weeks ago is now available for download.
The firmware update includes RAW output over HDMI, AI-based real-time AF tracking, focus breathing compensation, bokeh control mode, a new image cache recording function, and a four-channel audio meter.
RAW output over HDMI
The FX6 Now capable of outputting 16-bit RAW over HDMI which can then be recorded as ProRes RAW on a compatible Atmos device such as a Ninja V. Or Ninja V +.
The inclusion of RAW over HDMI certainly enhances the versatility of the FX6. The NINJA V and NINJA V + provide entry points for Sony’s FX3 and FX6 to use HDMI with resolutions up to 4.2K and up to 60fps.
ProRes RAW on HDMI with NINJA V / V + while Sony’s FX6 supports 4.2K up to 60fps. With FX6 there is a precaution for recording RAW over HDMI. You cannot record 4K RAW up to 120p, as this can only be done with a NINJA V + Pro Kit / NINJA V + and SDI module with SDI. RAW activation for RAW support, including HDMI cross conversion, can be accomplished online using supplemental RAW license activation my.atomos.com portal.
Until this update, Sony’s FX6 has only been able to record ProRes RAW when combined with NINJA V / V + over SDI. This purchase has been required by the customers AtomX SDI Expansion module for Ninja V / V +.
Recording ProRes RAW over HDMI with NINJA V / V + on Sony’s FX6 is similar to recording ProRes RAW with NINJA V / V + over HDMI on Sony’s FX3. This HDMI RAW update requires Sony’s FX6 camera to be updated to firmware version v2.00 and AtomOS firmware v10.72 Or above.
Sony says that until January 2022, only Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V + will be used. This could potentially mean that other solutions from other manufacturers may appear at a later date.
Real-time AF tracking
Real-time AF tracking uses color, pattern (brightness) and distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real-time and detects AI and monitors the subject’s eyes and face.
AF Tracking lets you touch the LCD screen and that’s where the camera will focus. Touch Tracking AF FX6’s face detection works hand in hand with AF. When selecting an object that is not a person’s face, the camera will focus on that object, no matter where it moves in the frame. The Touch AF, which has been available year after year on Canon Cinema EOS and Mirrorless cameras, simplifies the repetitive focus tension between two different objects.
Focus breathing compensation
Focus Respiratory Compensation can be used in conjunction with AF. This is not a new feature since it was first introduced in the a7IV, but it is new in the FX6. So how does it work? Well, it electronically adjusts the frame size so you can reduce the lens’ respiration when changing focus. It is designed to try and hide common focus changes when using a steel lens If you do not like the result, you can turn off this feature. It will not magically turn your still lens into a cine lens, but it will help relieve some of the shortness of breath.
Respiratory compensation cannot be used if distortion is low. Off When shooting in S&Q mode; Or when the Rec format codec is RAW or a selection that includes RAW. For supported lenses, please check Here.
Bokeh control mode
Bokeh control mode takes advantage of the variable ND filter found in the FX6. This mode automatically adjusts the ND filter and gains when the iris is operated.
This isn’t exactly a new feature because you’ve always been able to do the same thing when using a Sony camera with a variable ND. Selects Auto gain / ISO function And set the variable ND Auto Any time you change your aperture the brightness level compensates for maintaining the same level of brightness of the image.
What Sony has done now is make it a single setting that you can manually select instead of changing the other two settings. It works well, however, I am always careful to personally choose Auto Gain / ISO on any camera as you can quickly make your image very noisy.
This function is only available with e-mount lenses that can communicate with the FX6, and maximum effect can only be achieved through iris ring operation. Depending on the speed of the operation, the lens, the shooting settings and the subject, the figure may vary and
Brightness may change. The brightness may change when the direction of operation is reversed, such as when the iris is opened after closing or when it is closed after opening. Sony recommends testing a camera before shooting.
Cache recording
Cache recording is something that the camera should have arguably had at launch. This is not a magical new feature, and the cache of the cameras has a long, long record.
Cache recording can be used in both S&Q and normal shooting mode. When enabled, a memory buffer saves a certain number of seconds of continuous footage (depending on what resolution and frame rate you are shooting). When you hit the record button, it is written on the cache card so that you finish with a certain number of seconds before you record the hot. This is good for specific shooting situations where you may miss something possible. What you need to keep in mind is that if your camera is not pointing in the right direction, it is going to be quite meaningless. A cache duration of up to 31 seconds is available depending on the resolution and frame rate. Sony gives you the option to set the cache short / medium / long and maximum. You should also be aware that caching recording will drain your battery quickly.
4-channel audio meter
Again, this is another feature that should have been found from day one. The camera has always been able to record four channels of audio but somehow Sony didn’t think it was really necessary to watch four audio channels! Now, you can finally watch the audio levels for all four channels, as well as independently choose to monitor channels 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 on the LCD.
Thoughts
These are excellent updates and you will be very happy if you own an FX6. Arguably some of these features should have been in the camera from day one and Sony has a habit of releasing firmware updates for the camera for a long time. I think what disappoints some owners is that Sony has announced a camera with a lot of features that are not available at launch. On the positive side, Sony has consistently incorporated lots of new features and functionality into its cameras that were never initially promised.