After months of speculation, Sony has finally released the FX2, a full‑frame cinema camera that refines the strengths of its predecessors rather than reinventing the wheel. Built on the solid foundation of the FX3, the FX2 prioritises usability, reliability, and a streamlined workflow, making it a compelling choice for filmmakers who demand performance without complexity.
Sony FX2 Full‑Frame Cinema & Photo Camera | Hands on with Samuel Bouret
Samuel Bouret Tests the FX2 in the Streets of Newark
Cinematographer Samuel Bouret recently tested the FX2 for AdoramaCinema. “Let’s see what this baby can do,” he says in the opening scene of the accompanying video. Bouret walks through Newark’s Four Corners Historic District, pausing at the Paramount Theater’s original marquee. The footage showcases the camera’s clarity and responsiveness in real‑world conditions, proving that the FX2 is engineered for serious work.
At the heart of the FX2 is Sony’s 33‑MP Exmor R CMOS sensor—shared with the A7 IV and A7 C II—paired with the BIONZ XR image processor. The combination delivers sharp, high‑contrast imagery, fast autofocus, and excellent low‑light capability. In S‑Log mode the Dual Base ISO (800/4000) gives you 15+ stops of dynamic range, and you can push to ISO 102,400 when necessary.
Powerful and Compact: Cine‑Grade Features in a Hand‑held Package
Throughout his Newark run, Bouret highlights the FX2’s key strengths: 7K oversampling with full‑pixel readout for crystal‑clear 4K full‑frame recording, 10‑bit 4:2:2 All‑Intra up to 600 Mbps, and 16‑bit raw output via HDMI. Whether shooting handheld or on a rig, the camera delivers.
The FX2 also offers variable frame rates—4K at 60 fps (cropped) or 120 fps in full HD—alongside a tiltable HD EVF and reversible eye cup for left‑ or right‑handed shooters. Dynamic Active Mode keeps handheld footage stable, and users can load up to 16 custom LUTs for in‑camera preview or post‑production reference.
Additional features include dual mounting holes for versatile rigging, an integrated cooling fan for extended takes, and a 30 % more accurate eye‑tracking system than the FX3 and FX30. The camera recognises a wide range of subjects—from people to insects—and features Type‑A HDMI, USB‑C, headphone and mic jacks, plus dual CFexpress Type A and SDXC card slots. Its dust‑ and moisture‑resistant construction ensures reliability in the field.
More Than a Cine Camera – The FX2 as a Still‑Photography Tool
After video, Bouret switches to stills, pairing the FX2 with a Sony G Master 35mm f/1.4. The results showcase depth, sharpness, rich contrast, and vivid color—particularly highlighted by a striking red fire hydrant in the foreground of several shots.
New to the FX2 is the S‑Log Photo mode, allowing 33‑MP stills with wide dynamic range and exceptional detail. The mechanical shutter offers 1/4000 s, while the electronic shutter can reach 1/8000 s. Bouret also notes a 10 fps burst mode for over 1,000 continuous shots, and a flash sync speed of 1/160 s (or 1/200 s in APS‑C mode).
Overall, Bouret concludes that the FX2 is not a direct replacement for the FX3 but a distinct model with its own strengths. “It’s the FX3’s baby brother, a step up from the FX30,” he says. “Full‑frame, 33 MP—ideal for those who don’t need the 4K 120 capability of the FX3. It’s a beautiful camera that delivers outstanding image and video quality.”
Jacqueline Tobin
Jacqueline Tobin began her career in 1986 as an editor and writer at Photo District News, straight out of Cornell University. In 2011 she was handpicked by PDN’s publisher to lead its sister publication, Rangefinder, as Editor‑in‑Chief for 12 years. She authored two successful photo‑business books: Wedding Photography Unveiled (Amphoto, 2009) and The Luminous Portrait (Amphoto, 2012). From 2023‑24 she served as Managing Editor and Real Weddings Editor at World’s Best Wedding Photos, an invite‑only directory of top wedding photographers. She recently spoke at Tanya Smith’s The Mastery Summit, presenting on curating a portfolio for lasting brand success. Jacqueline now resides in NYC, continuing to champion photographers and the art of photography.