Sony has just unveiled the FX2, a new hybrid camera that blends the best of its Cinema Line and Alpha series. If you’ve been searching for a camera that offers pro-level video capabilities while also delivering strong photography features, the FX2 might just check all your boxes.
Let’s break down why the FX2 is making waves in the film and content creation world.
Key Features & Specs
- Sensor: 33MP full-frame BSI CMOS (same as a7 IV / a7C II)
- Video: Oversampled 4K 30p (sharp but with rolling shutter); 4K 60p only in APS-C crop
- Photo: Mechanical shutter with electronic first curtain, JPEGs in S-Log3
- Viewfinder: First in FX line to feature a tilting 3.69M-dot EVF
- Screen: Fully articulating LCD, but low resolution (1.03M dots)
- Stabilization: IBIS with Active and Dynamic Active Steadyshot
- Storage: CFexpress Type A / SD (dual slots)
- Battery: Sony FZ-1000 (over 1 hour of record time)
- Ports: HDMI, USB-C with fiddly covers, exposed audio jacks
- Build: Deep grip, lots of ¼” mounting points, top AF joystick
- Autofocus: AI-driven, highly reliable for both photo and video
Designed for Hybrid Creators
The FX2 is essentially a refined blend of the Sony FX3 and a7 IV. It features a 33MP full-frame Exmor R sensor—the same one used in the popular a7 IV and a7C II—offering crisp oversampled 4K up to 30p. For photographers, it still packs a mechanical shutter (unlike the FX3), supporting flash sync up to 1/160s and reducing rolling shutter in stills.
Impressive Dynamic Range
Thanks to its dual gain sensor, the FX2 provides excellent dynamic range. At ISO 800 (in S-Log3), it delivers clean results, and even at ISO 4000, the noise is impressively well-controlled. This makes it a solid pick for low-light shooters and filmmakers working in challenging lighting.Video Capabilities with a Caveat
The FX2 can shoot 4K at 60fps, but there’s a catch: it uses an APS-C crop for this. While the quality is solid, it’s a step back from the FX3’s full-frame 4Kp60. However, the FX2 supports RAW video externally (4.7K from the APS-C crop area), making it useful for serious workflows.
Also noteworthy: 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is standard, and it supports All-I formats if you’re using a CFexpress Type A card.
Smart Autofocus & Stabilization
The FX2 gets a dedicated processor just for AI-based autofocus. This means real-time tracking and eye AF work exceptionally well in both photo and video.
Stabilization is handled by both “Active SteadyShot” and a new “Dynamic Active SteadyShot,” the latter offering smoother results but with a heavier crop.
Innovative Design for Filmmakers
One of the FX2’s biggest surprises is its tilting electronic viewfinder (EVF)—a first for Sony’s Cinema Line. It’s perfect for outdoor shooting and adds comfort to handheld operation. The deeper grip and multiple 1/4-inch mounting points give flexibility for rigging.
There are a few quirks: the port covers are a bit tricky, and the joystick placement might take some getting used to. But overall, the body feels purpose-built for hybrid creators.
Storage & Battery Life
The FX2 features one dual-purpose CFexpress Type A/SD slot and one additional SD slot. Most users can stick with fast SD cards unless recording in high-bitrate All-I formats.
Battery life is solid, using the Sony FZ-1000 battery, which offers about 60-70 minutes of recording on a single charge.
FX2 vs FX3 vs a7 IV
| Feature | FX2 | FX3 | a7 IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 33MP (same as a7 IV) | 12MP | 33MP |
| 4K60 | APS-C crop | Full width | APS-C crop |
| RAW Output | 4.7K (APS-C, ext.) | 4.2K (full, ext.) | No |
| Viewfinder | ✅ Tilting EVF | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stabilization | Dynamic Active IBIS | Active IBIS | Active IBIS |
| Fan | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Autofocus | Excellent (AI-based) | Good | Good |
| Still Image Quality | ✅ Best | ❌ Mediocre | ✅ Great |
Final Verdict: Is the Sony FX2 Worth It?
The FX2 is Sony’s attempt to offer an affordable, capable cinema camera that doesn’t forget about photography. If you’re a hybrid shooter or filmmaker on a budget, this camera delivers great quality and useful features.
However, if you need uncropped 4Kp60 or super-fast rolling shutter performance, you might want to look at higher-end options. Still, for most creators, the FX2 hits the sweet spot.
Bottom Line
Sony’s FX2 brings a lot of value to hybrid creators. While it’s not perfect, it offers excellent video quality, smart autofocus, and unique design touches at a relatively affordable price. For many content creators, this might be the perfect balance between performance and price.
