Sony FX2 Cinema Camera: Big Features in a Compact Package

Sony has just dropped another entry into their Cinema Line family, the Sony FX2, and this one’s aimed squarely at indie filmmakers and smaller crews who want serious video capability without breaking the bank or their backs.

The FX2 sits as the entry point to Sony’s Cinema Line range, but don’t let that fool you – this thing’s packed with features that would’ve cost serious money just a few years ago.

“The FX2 was created based on user feedback and is engineered with unique features to support filmmaking, a new eyepiece and improved usability for versatile production needs,” says Sajeer Shamsu, Head of Digital Imaging at Sony Middle East and Africa. “The FX2 is intended to continue the Cinema Line’s goal of preserving authentic emotion in every shot and empower creators across all areas of content production.”

Full-frame power in a tiny body

The headline feature here is that full-frame 33-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R sensor. You’re getting proper cinematic bokeh and image quality that punches well above the camera’s weight class. Sony’s claiming over 15 stops of dynamic range with S-Log3, which means you can pull detail out of both bright skies and dark shadows – crucial for solo shooters who can’t control every lighting situation.

The dual base ISO setup (800 and 4000 for S-Log3) is clever, automatically switching to optimize image quality depending on your lighting conditions. Push it further and you can hit ISO 102,400 for video, making this thing a proper low-light beast.

Recording specs are impressive too – 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra recording, XAVC S-I DCI 4K at 24p, and variable frame rates up to 60fps in 4K (for 2.5x slow-mo) or 120fps in Full HD (for 5x slow-mo). That internal cooling fan means you can record continuously in 4K 60p for up to 13 hours, which is ridiculous for something this size.

Built for solo operators

At just 679 grams and measuring roughly 13cm wide, the FX2 follows the same compact, flat-top design as the FX3 and FX30. Those built-in mounting points mean you can go cageless if you want to keep things minimal, though the optional top handle (XLR-H1) adds professional audio inputs and better handheld control.

The autofocus system is where Sony’s really flexed their muscles. Real-time Recognition AF doesn’t just nail human subjects – it’ll track animals, birds, vehicles, and even insects. There’s focus breathing compensation, customizable AF transition speeds, and an Auto mode that just figures things out for you.

Two new stabilization modes – Active and Dynamic Active – are designed specifically for handheld work. The Auto Framing feature is particularly clever, automatically cropping and tracking subjects when you’re on a tripod to mimic an experienced camera operator’s movements.

Hybrid shooting done right

Unlike some cinema cameras that treat stills as an afterthought, the FX2 properly embraces hybrid shooting. A dedicated Movie/Still lever lets you switch between modes quickly, and the menus automatically adjust based on what you’re doing. The new Log shooting option for stills gives you those full 33-megapixel images optimized for color grading.

The 3.68-million-dot tilting EVF is a proper upgrade, designed specifically for video work and bundled with a deep eyepiece. The vari-angle touchscreen LCD handles framing from awkward angles, and there’s even vertical display information for social media content.

Professional connectivity includes HDMI Type-A output for 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video, dual-band Wi-Fi, wired LAN support, and USB-C with 10Gbps transfer speeds and Power Delivery. The handle-equipped model adds two XLR/TRS inputs plus a 3.5mm jack for proper 4-channel audio recording.

The price reality

Here’s where things get interesting – the FX2 body will cost R61,999, with the handle-equipped version at R71,999 when it launches locally in August 2025. That’s not exactly budget territory, but for what you’re getting, it’s competitive with other full-frame cinema cameras.

Sony’s also making noise about their environmental commitments, with the FX2 manufactured using renewable energy and including accessibility features like screen reader functions and display magnification.

Post Views: 0

Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.