Sony FX6 Version 4.0 Firmware Released

After getting announced back in June, Sony has finally released Version 4.0 Firmware for the FX6. FX6 Version 4.0 increases the capabilities of this camera by adding new features including a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses and expanded autofocus capabilities in S&Q mode. This update is the direct result of feedback from the filmmaking community.

FX6 Version 4.0 offers a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses, but strangely there are only options for 1.3x and 2.0x. This mode enables you to select the de-squeeze ratio for the HDMI output image and the image displayed in the View Finder.

You can set the de-squeeze display using De-Squeeze>Ratio (HDMI/VF) in the Monitoring menu. It is important to note that the HDMI output image display is not de-squeezed during RAW output and SD signal output.

FX6 Version 4.0 also adds additional autofocus support in S&Q mode. Autofocus is available for 7 fps or higher in S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode.

Autofocus has the following limitations in Slow & Quick Motion mode:

If the iris is set at F18 or higher the AF will be disabled. It is important to note that Audio recording is not supported in Slow & Quick Motion mode, and the auto iris and auto shutter functions are disabled in Slow & Quick Motion mode.

FX6 Version 4.0 also includes Cine EI Quick support, offering the same production workflow as Cinema Line cameras, including the FX30, and FX3. File naming is now the same as our high-end CineAlta cameras such as the FX9, VENICE and VENICE 2, to ensure an easier workflow, especially in a multi-camera setup.

There are now three Log shooting modes: Flexible ISO, Cine EI, and Cine EI Quick.

Flexible ISO: Records S-Log3 content with exposure settings reflecting the ISO sensitivity matching the scene being shot.

Cine EI/Cine EI Quick: Records S-Log3 content at a selected base sensitivity (fixed), but allows you to change the distribution between light and dark areas using the Exposure Index. In Cine EI Quick shooting mode, a base sensitivity that is suitable for the Exposure Index setting is selected automatically.

When recording in Cine EI Quick or Cine EI, it is recommended that you keep the Exposure Index setting constant. If you change the Exposure Index setting, brightness correction may be very difficult to achieve in post-production, which may make it impossible to reproduce the state when the image was originally shot.

Above you can see what functions are available to use in the various shooting modes.

When a clip that was recorded in a Log shooting modeis played back, the EI value and LUT used when theclip was recorded are applied. The LUT to apply isdetermined from the information in the 3D LUT filesaved as metadata.

If the clip was recorded with Cine EI/Flex.ISO Set >Embed LUT File in the Project menu of the full menu set to On when shooting, that LUT is applied for playback if the 3D LUT file used when shooting is installed on the unit.

If the clip was recorded with Cine EI/Flex.ISO Set >Embed LUT File in the Project menu of the full menu set to Off when shooting, the LUT selected using Base Look >Select in the Paint/Look menu of the full menu is applied for playback. The same LUT is applied if the 3D LUT file used when shooting is not installed on the unit.

The version update data is first saved to an SDXC type SD card or CFexpress Type A memory card, then is updated using the MENU.

Note: Do not change the file name.

Note: Do not perform any of the following operations while updating the system software. The version update will not be completed and could cause the unit to malfunction.

For details about the operation of the unit, refer to the Operating Instructions.

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.Matthew has won 48 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.