Sony FX2 Cinema Line Camera with XLR-H1 Handle

Key Features

• Full-frame 33.0MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
• The latest architecture including the BIONZ XR image processing engine
• AI processing unit with improved Real-time subject recognition AF
• 4K 30p from 7K oversampling, 4K 60p Super35 from 4.6K oversampling
• 15+ stops of dynamic range
• Dual Base ISO 800 and 4000 for S-Log 3
• 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for flexible editing
• S-Log 3 in Cine El, Cine El Quick and flexible ISO
• HDMI Type A for external 16-bit RAW output at 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit recording
• Includes presets and picture profiles for instant moods
• Desqueeze display function
• 679g weight, compact design, 3x 1/4-20 mounting points and included XLR-H1 handle
• Breathing compensation, AF asset Autofocus sensitivity control and more
• Tiltable high-definition electronic viewfinder
• Active and Dynamic Mode stabilisation
• Capture 33.0 megapixel stills images at the flip of a switch
• In-cameras stills from Shot Marks, image extract from footage
• Stills Log Shooting to match movie scenes
• Vari-angle monitor and new vertical interface
• Dual memory card slots with CFexpress Type A/SD and SD cards
• Multiple REC lamps and flexible input terminals
• Dust and moisture resistant design with built-in cooling fan design

Sony FX2 Cinema Line Camera with XLR-H1 Handle Summary

The Sony FX2 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera with XLR-H1 Handle adds professional-level XLR audio connectivity with improved ergonomics to the most compact full-frame pro video camera in Sony’s Cinema Line. This combo is well-suited to creators who need to capture high-quality sound alongside cinematic visuals, without building out an external rig. It includes the same upgraded system architecture as the FX2 body alone, now paired with the top-mounted XLR-H1 handle, which introduces two XLR/TRS inputs for 4-channel 24-bit audio recording.

Inside, the FX2 features a 33.0MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with BIONZ XR processor and a dedicated AI unit for fast, intelligent subject recognition. It records oversampled full-frame 4K 30p from 7K and 4K 60p in Super35 from 4.6K, delivering sharp, low-noise footage with cinematic depth.

With support for S-Log3 and a wide dynamic range of 15+ stops, this camera enables flexible grading workflows for professional results. Built-in stabilisation is available in both Active and Dynamic modes, with additional tools like breathing compensation, autofocus sensitivity control and metadata for post-processing with Sony’s Catalyst suite.

The addition of the XLR-H1 handle improves handheld shooting, offers extra mounting points, and provides immediate access to advanced audio controls. The FX2 with handle is ideal for content creators working solo, in small teams, or shooting interviews, documentaries, or commercial work where compact size and full control are essential.

Sony FX2 Cinema Line Camera with XLR-H1 Handle in More Detail

Full-frame sensor for impressive imagery

The full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor provides a 33 effective megapixel resolution for stills, while incorporating the latest system architecture from Sony. This features the powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine and a second AI processing unit. This combination facilitates higher image quality with rich detail and a shallow depth of field that makes the subject pop.

The Exmor R sensor offers fast readout speeds and high sensitivity, maintaining low noise levels even in dimly lit environments. It captures a wide dynamic range with natural-looking tonal transitions and colour gradation, while being suitable for both cinematic video and refined stills.

Working alongside the sensor, the BIONZ XR engine delivers high-speed processing and allows the camera to handle large volumes of data more efficiently. This ensures precise rendering of textures, accurate colour reproduction, and responsive performance across key operations, including internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.

The dedicated AI processing unit is responsible for subject recognition and tracking, providing reliable autofocus in real time, even during fast or erratic motion. It also enables improved white balance and exposure metering, which maintains consistent results across a variety of lighting situations.

Wide Latitude, Detailed Video with Flexible Options

The Sony FX2 captures internal video with 15+ stops of dynamic range when shooting in S-Log3, which provides wide exposure latitude for retaining highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting. This range is ideal for professional workflows, especially when shooting in log profiles where colour grading and tonal precision are manipulated during post-production.

Sony’s Dual Base ISO technology offers a native sensitivity at ISO 800 and ISO 4000 when recording in S-Log3. Unlike traditional sensors that rely on a single base ISO and digital gain, Dual Base ISO uses two separate analog circuits to minimise noise and preserve detail at both low and high sensitivity levels. ISO 800 delivers clean output in well-lit scenes, while ISO 4000 enables low-light recording with excellent shadow detail and reduced noise without requiring significant gain amplification.

The FX2 also offers a wide ISO range up to ISO 102400, allowing content creators to shoot in dim lighting conditions, while maintaining colour accuracy and image fidelity. These options are further enhanced by oversampling, and the FX2 records full-frame 4K 30p video in 10-bit 4:2:2 using the entire width of the 33MP sensor, oversampling from 7K resolution. This results in improved image clarity, reduced moiré, and cleaner edge definition compared to native 4K. When recording at 60p, the FX2 switches to Super 35 mode, capturing from a 4.6K crop and again oversampling to deliver high-quality 4K 60p footage.

This ensures that the FX2 is a highly capable camera for high-quality video production, whether shooting in a studio conditions or on location.

Versatile formats for visual expression

A variety of recording formats allow you to create content in the way you envisage it, without being limited by the camera. S-Log3 shooting is supported in three Cine EI modes with Cine EI, Cine EI Quick, and Flexible ISO. These give filmmakers control over exposure and colour management, aligning with professional workflows where footage will be colour graded in post.

Cine EI maintains consistent ISO to prioritise image quality, allowing users to expose for the base ISO. Cine EI Quick automatically switches between the FX2’s Dual Base ISOs (800 and 4000), simplifying recording while preserving wide dynamic range. Flexible ISO offers a more conventional experience, by adjusting ISO as needed for changing light conditions, while still recording in S-Log3 gamma with wide colour.

In addition to S-Log3, the FX2 supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and external 16-bit RAW output over HDMI, which we explore further below.

Capture moods and styles in-camera

The Sony FX2 enables creators to define a visual style directly in-camera for consistent content, which streamlines the production process quite significantly. The default S-Cinetone profile delivers natural skin tones and pleasing contrast straight out of the box, while up to 12 Creative Look presets, including the newly added FL2 and FL3, offer a range of cinematic moods for different looks, that can fine-tuned for a customised end result.

Up to 16 user LUTs can be imported and applied for on-screen monitoring or embedded into the footage metadata, adding flexibility whether previewing a grade while recording or for post-production.

The FX2 also includes a 1.3x and 2.0x desqueeze display function, which is for shooting with anamorphic lenses, allowing for accurate framing and composition in-camera before de-squeeze processing.

For creative control over time, the FX2 offers settings including variable FPS for high frame rate recording. Users can capture 4K at up to 60fps (2.5x slow motion) and Full HD at up to 120fps (5x slow motion), for action sequences and stylistic scenes.

Build, ergonomics and usability

When recording handheld without a cage, the FX2 offers excellent expandability thanks to a flat-top design, which is similar to the FX3 and FX30. Three built-in UNC 1/4-20 mounting points on the body support a cage-free setup, with two tripod screw holes in the base, which provide a more secure and rotation-resistant connection to mounting plates.

The included Sony XLR-H1 handle top handle provides improved handling, adds thread mounts and dual XLR/TRS audio inputs for professional audio.

The camera body is also very compact and lightweight, measuring just 129.7mm x 77.8mm x 103.7mm and weighing 679g with a battery and memory card (549g body only). This makes it well-suited to handheld, gimbal, or rig use for solo creators.

Additional mounting options include two thread holes on the top surface, an M3 thread on the left side, and a 1/4”-20 thread on the right, all of which support flexible rigging while maintaining the FX2’s small footprint.

Focus Features for Solo Creators

The Sony FX2 includes advanced focus features to support solo creators and small production teams operating without a focus puller or dedicated Follow Focus tools. A dedicated AI processing unit enhances Real-time Recognition AF for greater accuracy and responsiveness across a range of subjects. This can recognise humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, and aircraft, with an Auto mode that switches based on the scene.

Human detection analyses posture, head position and body movement to maintain focus even when a subject turns away or becomes obscured. This is useful in numerous unscripted scenes, such as interviews, live events and travel content, where the subject may not always be facing the camera.

The FX2 also includes breathing compensation, which reduces focus breathing when changing focus. Autofocus transition speed and subject shift sensitivity can also be fine-tuned depending on the intended look.

These AF tools allow content creators to concentrate on framing, composition, and storytelling rather than managing complex AF settings.

Effective stabilisation modes

Active Mode and Dynamic Active Mode offer more stable handheld recording with corresponding metadata embedded in footage for post production using Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare. Active Mode uses data from the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) system combined with gyro sensor data to provide reliable compensation for small shakes such as for walking shots or handheld interviews. When more aggressive correction is needed, Dynamic Active Mode gives you stronger correction by slightly cropping into the image to prioritise stability over the field of view.

Both modes embed stabilisation metadata into the footage, which can be used in Sony’s Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare software.

The FX2 also supports Auto Framing and the Framing Stabiliser functions, both of which use AI processing to track subjects intelligently. These crop into the frame as needed to keep the subject centred and consistently framed, without manual intervention, which is especially useful for solo creators, which can concentrate on the moment without needing to reframe the scene.

Support Moviemaking with Stills Photography

A dedicated still/video/S&Q switch allows you to capture high-resolution still images to complement your movies, with a tailored menu displayed depending on the mode you’re in.

Stills features include:

• ISO sensitivity from 100 to 51,200, expandable to 50 to 204,800
• Mechanical shutter up to 1/4000 sec, electronic shutter up to 1/8000 sec
• Up to 759-point phase detection AF for stills (up to 627-point for movies)
• Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps, capturing over 1000 shots
• Flash sync speed of 1/160 sec (1/200 sec in APS-C format)
• Up to 5.5-step central and 5.0-step peripheral in-body optical image stabilisation*
• Interval shooting

Small crews and solo creators are often required to manage every aspect of content creation, and the FX2 supports this by allowing still photos to be generated from Shot Marks while recording or playing back video. Images can also be extracted from movies recorded in-camera, with the option to apply a previously imported LUT for a consistent look.

A newly added Log Shooting mode is also available, enabling 33MP stills (JPEG/HEIF) to be captured for colour grading with LUTs during post-production.

Flexible Vari-Angle monitor

The FX2 includes a 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with 1.03 million dot resolution and touchscreen control. A newly introduced BIG6 (home) screen provides quick access to key shooting settings such as frame rate, ISO, shutter angle, shutter speed, aperture, Look, and white balance, which streamlines operation with an interface inherited from high-end cinemas cameras like the VENICE 2 and BURANO.

Support for vertical shooting has also been added, with an interface that automatically orientates to portrait for vertical formats.

The control layout is optimised for right-handed use, with key buttons and tally lamps positioned around the grip for intuitive operation. Clear Image Zoom can be activated at any stage before, during, or after recording, for seamless framing flexibility without interrupting your workflow.

Further customisation is supported with seven assignable buttons (C1–C7), alongside customisable dials and a function menu, allowing users to tailor the camera to their precise needs.

Connectivity and body features

Three tally lamps

Three easily viewable tally lamps on the front/top and rear of the body ensure everyone present is aware when the camera is recording, from the operator to the talent. A red frame on the LCD indicates recording status.

Included XLR-H1 XLR Handle Unit

The included Sony XLR-H1 XLR Handle Unit not only improves grip but includes two XLR terminals for digital audio recording at up to 4 channels 24-bit audio.

Two full-size XLR/TRS combo jacks support 48V phantom power and are paired with a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input, enabling up to four channels of 24-bit audio recording. This is well-suited to interviews, live performances, and any situation that benefits from multi-source audio.

Thanks to Sony’s digital audio interface via the Multi Interface Shoe, audio signals are transferred directly to the camera body without additional cables or batteries, minimising noise and maintaining clarity throughout the signal path.

The handle also improves handheld shooting, especially in difficult or low-angle situations, offering a more stable and comfortable grip. It mounts securely to the camera without tools, preserving the’s size footprint while enhancing operation.

For further expansion, the XLR-H1 includes three standard thread holes, which allow accessories such as external monitors, wireless microphone receivers, lights, or cold shoe mounts to be securely attached.

CFexpress Type A memory cards

Slot 1: SDXC/SDHC, CFexpress Type A

Slot 2: SDXC/SDHC

The Sony FX2 includes a full-size HDMI Type A output, which supports 4K 60p recording at 4:2:2 10-bit, as well as 16-bit RAW output in Super35 mode. This allows for professional external recording without the need for adapters.

Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi are available, with network streaming up to 4K 60p in Super35 mode. Wired LAN is also supported via an optional USB-to-Ethernet adapter. USB streaming is available up to 1080p (UVC/UAC), enabling direct high-quality connection to a computer without additional software.

Timecode Sync can be achieved from a second camera that includes a BNC terminal, aiding in multi-camera editing and synchronisation.

Audio input and monitoring are provided through 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks, allowing users to connect an external microphone and monitor sound without needing the XLR handle.

Cooling Fan

A built-in fan with multiple modes is paired with an internal heat dissipation structure to help cool the camera body, enabling uninterrupted 4K 60p recording. This is combined with a dust- and moisture-resistant design, featuring a magnesium alloy cover and inner chassis for added durability that maintains a low weight.

Extensive lens selection for endless creative options

The Sony FX2 is compatible with over 50 native Sony E-mount lenses, providing extensive creative flexibility for content creators, while catering to everything from ultra-wide to telephoto, macro to cine glass. With consistent support for autofocus, image stabilisation, and metadata communication, many of these lenses are optimised for both stills and video.

What's in the Box

• Sony FX2 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera Body
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• Body cap
• Accessory shoe cap
• Eyepiece cup
• Sony XLR Handle Unit
• Handle shoe cap