The Essential Sony FX6 Camera Kit

The Sony FX6 is a popular camera among professional videographers, thanks to its versatility, compact size, and powerful capabilities. But to get the most out of the camera, you need to build the right rig that suits your specific shooting needs. In this article, we'll go through some essential components that you should consider when building your Sony FX6 camera kit.

Monitor

While the FX6's monitor is certainly functional, some users may find it to be on the smaller side. This can make it difficult to see details and evaluate footage while shooting, especially in bright outdoor environments even though it comes with a monitor sun hood. 

Additionally, the monitor's built-in controls can be limited, making it challenging to fine-tune settings on the fly.

One solution to these issues is to use an external monitor, such as the Atomos Ninja. This monitor is designed to work seamlessly with the Sony FX6 and can provide a larger, more detailed display with more extensive control options. With the Atomos Ninja, you can monitor your footage in real-time and make adjustments quickly and easily, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Moreover, recording with the Atomos Ninja offers some distinct advantages. For example, the Ninja allows you to record in higher-quality ProRes RAW or DNx codecs, which can provide greater flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the Ninja's recording capabilities allow for simultaneous recording to both the Ninja and the camera's internal memory card, providing an extra level of backup and security for your footage. 

You could also consider Shinobi if you don’t need ProRes RAW.

Overall, while the FX6's built-in monitor is certainly serviceable, using an external monitor such as the Atomos Ninja can take your footage to the next level and help you capture the shots you need with ease.

Power

The FX6 is known to consume a lot of power, which can result in shorter battery life than some users might prefer. To address this issue, many FX6 users opt to use external battery solutions, such as V-mount or Gold mount batteries, along with a battery plate that can be mounted directly onto the camera rig. 

While Sony offers their own line of batteries for the FX6, these can be quite expensive. One more price-friendly option is the Hawk-Woods line of batteries, which can provide reliable power at a fraction of the cost of Sony's batteries. These batteries come in various capacities and can be a great option for extended shooting sessions. 

It's worth noting that the Sony FX6 uses the BP-U series batteries, not the L series.

Audio

When it comes to audio systems for the Sony FX6, there are a few options to consider. Sony offers a range of microphones that are specifically designed to work seamlessly with their cameras, including the Sony ECM-XM1 Shotgun Microphone and the Sony ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone. 

One of the key benefits of using Sony's audio solutions is that they are designed to integrate seamlessly with the camera, allowing for easy monitoring and control of audio levels from the camera's built-in screen.

However, if you're looking for a super high-end audio system, you might consider third-party solutions from companies like Sennheiser. The Sennheiser MKH8060 Shotgun Microphone is a popular option among professional videographers, thanks to its excellent audio quality and versatility. With its super-cardioid polar pattern, the MKH8060 can capture focused audio while minimising background noise, making it an ideal choice for interviews and other situations where you need to capture clear, focused audio.

Additionally, the MKH8060 is compact, lightweight and short in length, making it easy to mount on a camera rig without adding too much weight or bulk. Just be aware that the microphone mount on the Sony FX6 is too large for other shotguns than their own so you will need to buy a microphone spacer. This is available on most camera stores and on Ebay/Amazon. 

Overall, while Sony's audio solutions are certainly convenient, third-party options like the Sennheiser can provide superior audio quality and versatility, making them worth considering if you're serious about capturing high-quality audio for your projects.

Lenses

When it comes to lenses for the Sony FX6, there are several options to consider. For documentary work, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G are both excellent choices, providing versatility and quality in a compact form factor. Even though the 24-105mm is f/4 only it’s really all you need in most situations because the camera performs extremely well in low light situations. It’s considerable cheaper and got the extra zoom length.

If you're looking for a more cinematic look, the Sony FE Cine lenses are in the higher price range but offer excellent image quality and a smooth manual focus.

In addition to Sony lenses, there are more affordable third-party options to consider. The Sigma Art series and Zeiss Otus lenses are both popular choices for filmmakers looking for high-quality optics. 

Another option is the Rokinon Xeen lenses and the Veydra Mini Primes, which are available in a range of focal lengths. 

Memory Cards

The Sony FX6 records to dual CFexpress Type A or more affordable SD memory cards. Both types of memory cards are commonly used in professional cameras, but CFexpress cards tend to be faster and have higher storage capacity than SD cards. 

While there are many options to choose from, it's important to invest in reliable and high-quality memory cards to ensure that your footage is safely stored and easily accessible.

There are many alternatives but Kingston Canvas React Plus and Angelbird AV Pro SD are two of the most trusted options in the professional industry. 

They offers high write and read speeds making it ideal for high bitrates and resolutions. Both have advanced security features, including built-in write-protect switches, shock and vibration resistance and is built to be safe in extreme conditions. 

If you plan on shooting high-resolution video, such as 4K or higher, at high bitrates, it is recommended to use V60 or V90 cards to ensure the best performance and avoid the risk of dropped frames or corrupted footage. However, if you are shooting at lower resolutions or bitrates, V30 cards may be sufficient. 

V90s is the best option for shooting high-resolution video at high bitrates, such as 6K or 8K footage and slow motion.

Sony also launched their own Sony Tough series that are worth considering for recordings in very demanding environments.

No matter which memory card option you choose, it's important to invest in high-quality cards to ensure that your footage is stored safely and reliably.

Camera Bag

Investing in a high-quality camera bag or case is crucial for safeguarding your equipment during transportation and storage. A good camera bag not only provides a secure and well-organized space for your gear but also ensures easy accessibility during shoots.

There are several outstanding camera bags available, catering to different preferences and requirements.

The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II is a versatile backpack-style bag known for its spacious interior. If you prefer a rolling option, the Think Tank Photo Airport Roller Derby is a durable case that offers ample space and smooth mobility. On the other hand, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger is a stylish shoulder bag equipped with quick-access points and flexible dividers for convenient gear storage.

However, the Tenba Cineluxe bag stands out from these options due to its unique and user-friendly opening mechanism. their patented "Doctor Bag" style opening. This design allows the bag to split in half, that ensures quick and effortless access, saving you valuable time on shoots. In addition, it offers superior protection, large space that fits the Sony FX6 and its accessories perfectly, and excellent organizational capabilities.
 

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