Sony Expands Its FX Cinema Line with the New FX2 – A Compact Powerhouse

Sony has done it again! Following the success of the FX9, FX6, FX3, and FX30, the company has unveiled its latest addition to the popular FX compact cine lineup—the Sony FX2. Designed for filmmakers and content creators who demand professional features in a portable body, the FX2 brings a fresh yet familiar approach to Sony’s cinema camera range.

A Familiar Foundation with a Cine Twist

Much like its sibling, the FX3, the FX2 is essentially a reimagined version of one of Sony’s Alpha series cameras—this time, based on the well-loved a7IV. While Sony hasn’t officially confirmed the exact sensor specs, the FX2 is expected to pack a 33-megapixel sensor, similar to the one found in the a7IV. This means filmmakers can expect stellar image quality, excellent low-light performance, and rich dynamic range—all in a compact, cinema-ready package.

Shared Features with the a7IV, FX3, and FX30

When it comes to imaging capabilities, the FX2 borrows heavily from the a7IV, offering comparable photo and video performance. However, where it truly shines is in its physical design, which takes cues from the FX3 and FX30. This means:

A robust, modular body optimized for rigging
Active cooling for extended recording sessions
Cine-friendly ergonomics, including built-in mounting points
No viewfinder or mechanical shutter, keeping the focus on video

Who Is the FX2 For?

The FX2 is perfect for indie filmmakers, documentary shooters, and hybrid creators who want a lightweight yet powerful cinema camera without sacrificing flexibility. Whether you’re shooting short films, commercials, or high-end YouTube content, the FX2 promises to deliver professional-grade footage in a user-friendly form factor.

Let’s start with some of the key specs of this camera.

Sensor and Resolution: 33 Megapixel sensor capable of oversampled 4K (7K capture at up to 30P) and 4K 60P (S35 crop).
Recording Options: 4:2:2 10-bit recording with S-Log and S-Cinetone options, and external 16-bit raw video option via HDMI.
ISO and Dynamic Range: Dual-gain architecture with Base ISO settings of ISO800 and ISO4000 for S-Log shooting, capturing 15 stops of latitude.

Sony FX2 Unveiled: 4K S35 Crop Mode & Powerful Hybrid Performance

Sony’s newest cinema camera, the FX2, is shaping up to be a versatile powerhouse—especially with its unique 4K S35 crop mode, a first in Sony’s compact FX lineup. While the FX3 and FX6 are limited to full-frame 4K recording, the FX2 breaks new ground by offering both full-frame and Super 35 (APS-C) crop options in 4K.

High-Resolution 4K with Oversampling & S35 Flexibility

At the heart of the FX2 is a 33MP BSI sensor, which enables oversampled 4K video (downscaled from 7K capture at up to 30p) for exceptional sharpness and detail. But what really sets it apart is its ability to shoot 4K 60p in S35 crop mode—something the FX3 and FX6 can’t do due to their lower-resolution 12MP sensors.

This means filmmakers now have two creative choices:

Full-frame 4K (up to 30p) – For ultra-wide shots and cinematic depth.
S35 crop 4K (up to 60p) – Ideal for tighter framing, vintage lens looks, or matching footage with other cinema cameras.

Pro-Grade Video Features & Stellar Dynamic Range

The FX2 doesn’t skimp on professional video specs:

4:2:2 10-bit internal recording (with S-Log3 & S-Cinetone) for maximum color grading flexibility.
Full HD 120p slow-motion for buttery-smooth action shots.
External 16-bit RAW output via HDMI (for filmmakers who want even more dynamic range).
Dual Base ISO (800 & 4000 in S-Log3) for clean low-light performance, with Sony claiming up to 15 stops of dynamic range.

Who Should Consider the FX2?

Hybrid shooters who want high-resolution stills and pro video in one body.
Indie filmmakers needing both full-frame and S35 crop options.
Documentary & event videographers who value compact size without sacrificing image quality.

Sony FX2 Surprise: A Tiltable EVF Joins the FX Lineup!

Sony’s new FX2 takes everything we love about the FX3—its compact cine body, robust cooling, and modular design—and adds a game-changing feature rarely seen in modern cinema cameras: a high-resolution tilting electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The FX2’s Secret Weapon: A 3.68M-Dot Tiltable EVF

While the FX3 relies solely on its rear LCD for framing, the FX2 introduces a 3.68-million-dot EVF that tilts upward—a feature borrowed from Sony’s a7IV but refined for filmmakers. This is a big deal for a few reasons:

Better Ergonomics – Shoot comfortably at eye level, even in bright sunlight.
Versatile Angles – Tilt the EVF for low-angle shots or unconventional rig setups.
Hybrid Shooter Friendly – Stills photographers will appreciate the familiar EVF experience.

More Than Just an FX3 + a7IV Mashup

At first glance, the FX2 might seem like a simple FX3 body with an a7IV sensor and EVF slapped on. But Sony has clearly put thought into rehousing and refining the concept:

Cinema-First Design – Keeps the FX3’s active cooling, XLR handle support, and mounting points while adding the EVF.
Balanced Hybrid Use – Unlike the FX3 (which leans purely into video), the FX2 caters to both filmmakers and photographers without compromise.
A Rare Combo – Few cameras on the market offer full-frame cinema features + a tiltable EVF, making the FX2 a unique hybrid tool.

Why This Matters

A camera isn’t just about specs—it’s about how it feels to use. By rethinking the FX3’s design (instead of just tweaking specs), Sony has created something fresh:

EVF Loyalists Rejoice – No more squinting at screens or relying on external monitors.
A True Middle Ground – More video-centric than the a7IV, more versatile than the FX3.
Future-Proofing – The tiltable EVF could hint at where Sony’s FX line is headed next.

The Sony FX2: An Unlikely Hero in the Cinema Lineup

When Sony chose the a7IV as the foundation for the new FX2, it raised a few eyebrows. After all, the a7IV has always been known as a still photography powerhouse—not the most obvious pick for a cinema-focused camera. But as we dig deeper, it becomes clear that Sony’s decision might just be a stroke of genius.

Why the a7IV? A Surprising Choice with Hidden Strengths

On paper, the 33MP sensor in the a7IV (and now the FX2) doesn’t scream “video-first.” Compared to Sony’s dedicated cine sensors, it has a slower readout speed, which means:

Rolling shutter can be noticeable in fast-moving shots.
Slow-motion options are limited to 4K/60p (S35 crop) and 1080p/120p—no 4K/120p like the FX3.
No 8K recording, unlike some competing hybrid cameras.

But here’s the twist: These “limitations” might actually be strengths in disguise.

The Upside: Why the FX2 Makes Sense

Oversampled 4K Looks Gorgeous
- The 7K-to-4K downscaling delivers crisp, detailed footage that rivals higher-end cine cameras.
- Perfect for narrative films, interviews, and commercial work where image quality trumps extreme slow-mo.
S35 Crop Mode Adds Versatility
- The Super 35mm crop at 4K/60p lets you use smaller cinema lenses or match footage with other cameras (like the FX6 or FX9).
- A unique feature in the FX lineup—neither the FX3 nor FX6 offer this.
A True Hybrid Workhorse
- Unlike the FX3 (which leans hard into video), the FX2 keeps the a7IV’s stellar stills capabilities, making it ideal for photographers who also shoot video.
- The tilting EVF (a first for an FX camera) makes handheld shooting more intuitive.
Balancing the FX Lineup
- The FX2 doesn’t replace the FX3 or FX6—it complements them.
- Need raw speed? Go FX3. Need built-in ND filters? FX6. Want a budget-friendly, hybrid-friendly cine cam? FX2.

Final Verdict: A Camera for Filmmakers Who Don’t Need the Extreme

The FX2 isn’t trying to be the fastest or most hardcore cinema camera. Instead, it’s a smart, balanced option for creators who want:

Great-looking 4K without needing 8K or 120p.
Flexibility to shoot both stills and video without compromise.
A more affordable entry point into Sony’s cine ecosystem.

So, is the FX2 right for you? If you prioritize image quality, versatility, and hybrid usability over bleeding-edge specs, this might just be your perfect match.

Sony FX Lineup Showdown: FX30 vs FX2 vs FX3 – Which One’s Right For You?

Sony’s FX series has become a go-to choice for filmmakers and hybrid shooters, but with the FX2 now joining the FX30 and FX3, picking the right camera just got trickier. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide.

Sensor & Image Quality

FX30	FX2	FX3
26MP APS-C (Super 35mm)	33MP Full-Frame	12MP Full-Frame
Great for crop-sensor cine lenses	High-res stills + oversampled 4K	Optimized for low-light & video
No full-frame option	S35 crop mode in 4K/60p	Full-frame only

FX2 wins for hybrid shooters needing high-res photos + video.
FX3 wins for pure video performance with better low light.
FX30 wins for budget-conscious filmmakers who love S35 looks.

Slow Motion & Frame Rates

FX30	FX2	FX3
4K/120p (APS-C)	4K/60p (S35 crop only)	4K/120p (Full-Frame)
FHD/240p	FHD/120p	FHD/240p

FX3 is the slow-mo king with full-frame 4K/120p.
FX30 is a close second with APS-C 4K/120p.
FX2 lags behind with no 4K/120p option.

EVF & Handling

FX30	FX2	FX3
No EVF	Tilting 3.68M-dot EVF (unique in FX line)	No EVF
Compact body	Slightly taller (due to EVF)	Identical to FX30 in size

FX2 is the only FX cam with an EVF—great for photographers & doc shooters.
FX3 & FX30 are pure video machines with no viewfinder.

Autofocus & Stabilization

FX30	FX2	FX3
Fast Hybrid AF (no AI)	AI-powered AF (insects, cars, planes!)	Fast Hybrid AF (no AI)
5.5 stops IBIS	5 stops IBIS	5.5 stops IBIS

FX2 has the smartest AF with Sony’s latest AI tracking.
FX3 & FX30 have slightly better stabilization.

Storage & Battery

FX30	FX2	FX3
Dual SD/CFexpress A	1x SD + 1x CFexpress A	Dual SD/CFexpress A
Same NP-FZ100 battery	Same battery	Same battery

FX3 & FX30 offer more flexible media slots.

Price & Who Should Buy It?

FX30 ($1,799) – Best for budget filmmakers, doc shooters, and S35 lovers.
FX2 ($2,699 body / $3,099 w/ XLR) – Best for hybrid shooters who want an EVF + full-frame flexibility.
FX3 ($3,899) – Best for serious videographers needing 4K/120p & low-light performance.