Sony have released the version 4 firmware update for the FX9. This update adds a number of new features related to their C3 Cloud Portal such as cloud management of LUT’s. One of the new features is included in the image above, can you spot it?
To bring the FX9 in line with the FX30, FX3 and FR7 Cinema Line cameras it gains the ability to automatically store the LUT you use when shooting in the CineEI mode on the XQD card along with the existing metadata about the EI used. This then allows the LUT to be applied to your footage automatically and with the correct exposure offset in post production. HOWEVER the only application that currently supports this is Sony’s Catalyst Browse. We can only hope that other edit and grading manufacturers will make use of the embedded LUT and metadata to do the same in future updates as it makes the post production process very easy, especially for fast turn around jobs or when handing the footage over to clients.
One issue addressed in this update is that when using proxies if you switch to S&Q recording, as before, proxy recording will stop. But now when you come back out of S&Q the proxy recording will resume automatically.
And we now get assignable buttons that light up when the function attached to them is enabled. Not every function will cause them to light up, but as an example if you enable S&Q button 1 now lights up. I have cache record assigned to button 8 and when enabled, button 8 lights up orange as in the image above. It’s a nice feature, but why has it taken so long to enable it?
As with previous FX9 firmware updates the update process can be a little nerve wracking as the LCD screen will go blank for quite a few minutes, giving the impression it may have stopped and this update sat at 57% for a very long time before continuing. Whatever you do don’t turn the camera off, WAIT. It can take up to an hour for the update to complete. See this video on how to do an FX9 update.
You can download the firmware from here – FX9 Version 4 Firmware.
Whats included in Version 4 for the FX9.
– C3 Portal integration improvements
Cloud service management of 3D LUT files is supported.
Cloud service management of ALL files is supported.
Uploading an original file automatically is supported.
– Shooting workflow improvements
LUT data (Cube data) can now be recorded as metadata.
– Audio level meter CH1/CH2 and CH3/CH4 indicator switching support
– Assignable button support for switching the audio monitor channel
– Assignable button flashing indication support
– Changes to proxy recording control when switching Slow & Quick Motion settings
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Im quiet perplexed about the LCD assign button lighting up aspect. Only one of mine does, #2 set to focus menu cycle . non of the others do . But if I change #1 to default S&Q it does light up. So does that mean they will only light up if they are set to the default settings ?
In general they light up when a setting that isn’t the cameras default setting has been selected. So when S&Q is on, the button lights. If you assign cache record and turn it on, the button lights. There is a list of the assignable functions and light behaviour in the V4 manual.
I have to say the addition of this option at this stage kind of feels like Sony forgot that they put illuminated buttons in the camera until now when maybe someone suddenly remembered.
Ok thanks , I had down ,loaded the manual ,as the up date notes mention it re the LCD assign , but I couldn’t actually find anything , do you know what page its on . I think I put LCD assign in the search but no list came up that I could find .
Ah ok found it thanks
Hello Alister,
I’ve upgraded my FX9 to V4.01.
On my FX9 I would like to set an Assignable Button on the Grip Remote Control.
In the settings I’m able to find a function called: Push AF/Push MF.
But I want to switch between AF and MF without holding the button.
I know there is a Focus switch on the side of the body.
But I want to easily switch when having the camera on my shoulder.
I’m also aware that you can use the AF Assist.
But the focus will go back to AF after one second.
Even when still holding the focus ring.
I know the A7S3 has the option to set a button to: AF/MF Selector Toggle.
Do you know if it’s possible to set an Assignable Button on the FX9 with the AF/MF Selector Toggle?
On my FX9 I would like to set an Assignable Button on the Grip Remote Control.
In the settings I’m able to find a function called: Push AF/Push MF.
But I want to switch between AF and MF without holding the button.
I know there is a Focus switch on the side of the body.
But I want to easily switch when having the camera on my shoulder.
I’m also aware that you can use the AF Assist.
But the focus will go back to AF after one second.
Even when still holding the focus ring.
I know the A7S3 has the option to set a button to: AF/MF Selector Toggle.
Do you know if it’s possible to set an Assignable Button on the FX9 with the AF/MF Selector Toggle?
Frans
No, it is not possible to toggle between AF and MF via a button.
If the camera is in MF and you have enable touch tracking in MF, when you touch the LCD touch tracking AF will start and continue until you cancel it but touching the cancel icon on the LCD.