The FX2 (model ILME-FX2B) is a compact full-frame Cinema Line camera built for both video and stills, featuring a 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR image processor. It's positioned as a compact full-frame cinema camera with strong hybrid stills capability.

The FX2 is a great option for professional cinematography with its LOG shooting capabilities as well as photography with its electronic shutter.

Table of Contents

• EDC Sony FX2 Component Guide
• Compatible SDXC Cards
• Quick Start Guide
• Settings Video
• Settings Photo
• Troubleshooting Guide
• Compatible EDC Accessories
• Tips and Tricks

Photo Credit Gabriel Mott '28

Compatible SDXC Cards

The FX2 has Two card slots supporting SDXC/SDHC UHS-II/UHS-I memory cards, with one also supporting CFexpress Type A cards, giving you plenty of options for stable and reliable high-bitrate recording. Select the recording mode to suit your needs: video and stills can be recorded to different cards, recording can be automatically switched to a second card when the first is full, and more.

Card Slots are located on the right side of the camera.

Quick Start Guide

• Insert Battery
  • Turn the power switch off
  • Flick battery lock to “open”, then pull back lever on the bottom of the cage. Insert the battery all the way into the compartment, press it gently toward the left until it clicks. Close the compartment and flick the switch to “lock”.
• Remove Battery
  • Flick battery lock to “open”, then pull back lever on the bottom of the cage. Remove the battery from the compartment.

• Turn ON & OFF
  • Move Power switch to ON by moving it to the right to the straight vertical line. 
  • Go the opposite direction to turn OFF
• Insert SD Card/CF Express Card
  • Open SD slot on the right of the camera.
  • Take SD card, diagonal side down, label facing away from you, and PUSH it into SLOT 1 or SLOT 2 until you hear a small click
  • You can use two cards, one in each card slot.
  • To remove the card, make sure the SD CARD indicator is off and then push the card once to release it. 
  • When the card springs out, pull it all the way out.
  • Close the card compartment cover (4).
    • Do not force the cover closed if the card is not correctly inserted.
• Formatting SD Cards/CF Express Cards
  • Push the “MENU” button 
  • Scroll down to the “shooting” menu
  • Choose “Media (2)” 
  • Then, choose “Format”
  • Then choose which slot you want to format.
  • It will remind you that “All data will be deleted”, then choose “Execute Format” 
  • The card is initialized and all the data it contains is erased

Settings Video

• To achieve a high quality cinematic look, follow these basic settings:
• (recommended) XAVC S 4K - Allows for high quality, standard 4K recording without dealing with unnecessary file sizes.

• XAVC S-I 4K / XAVC S-I DCI 4K - Allows for Ultra high quality, at the maximum resolution and dynamic range with extremely large file sizes. (can only work with SD cards higher than SDXC V90or CFxpress higher than VPG200)
• HD versions of both of these are available too.
• (recommended) Record Setting: 100M 4:2:2 10 Bit - this gives maximum color range and dynamic range.
• (recommended) Log Shooting: Cine EI - allows for maximum color grading flexibility in post. Can be turned off if color grading is not desired.
• (recommended) Color Gamut: S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3 - allows for maximum color grading flexibility in post. Can be turned off if color grading is not desired.
• (recommended) Base ISO: Shooting using the Dual Base ISO will give you the most Dynamic Range out of the camera - ISO 800 or ISO 4000

Settings Photo

• Set selector switch to Still

  

• Choose the file format (JPEG / HEIF) of the still image to be recorded. JPEG/HEIF Switch

   MENU → (Shooting) → [Image Quality/Rec] → [JPEG/HEIF Switch] → desired setting.

   

• The JPEG format has general compatibility. You can view and edit JPEG files in various environments. The HEIF format has high compression efficiency. The camera can record with high image quality and small file sizes in the HEIF format. Depending on the computer or software, you may not be able to view or edit HEIF files. In addition, a HEIF-compatible environment is required to play back still images in the HEIF format. You can enjoy high-quality still images by connecting the camera and the TV via HDMI.
• Select desired image quality Image Quality
  MENU → (Shooting) → [Image Quality/Rec] → [Image Quality Settings] → [File Format] → desired setting.
• More on Image Quality, Media, File, Shooting Mode, Drive Mode, Shutter, White Balance Click Here

Sony FX2: Guide for Hybrid Shooters

Compatible Accessories

• Miller Air 

Tips and Tricks

• Test your camera build prior to leaving the EDC during your check-out.
• When raising the camera on a tripod, do not lift the camera up by the top handle. Always lift from the tripod head.
• Always have one battery charging when filming.
• Do not film in the rain. 
• If filming outdoors, keep your camera clean and protected from the environment and elements.
  • Put a tarp on the ground if filming in dirt or sand to keep the camera build clean. Dirt & Sand can cause damage.
• Remember to return the kit how you received it.
  • A kit lens must be on the Camera, OR you must cover the camera body with the Body Port Cap and the rear of the lens with a rear lens cap.
  • Batteries may be left in the SIDE case pockets
• Do not return other item mixed in the case.

Helpful Links

Sony FX2 Startup Guide

Sony Web Help Guide

Finding Functions in the Menu

Main Menus Explained

Sony FX2 Complete Setup Guide for CINEMATIC Video

Co-Author Ore Fashesin-Souza '28