Following Sony’s recent release of firmware version 3.0 for their popular PXW-FX9 full frame cinema camera, we thought it would be interesting to continue exploring and documenting some of the new features in this latest free update, as we did with version 2.x in July.

Sony’s FX9 is a popular choice for freelance shooters, sporting a full-format (aka full-frame) imaging sensor in a body design evolved from their equally popular FS7 series of cameras. Emmy-award-winning New York-based DP Rick Siegel, whose credits include features, short films, documentaries and musical events shot in a style we’ve come to refer to as “cinematic multi-cam,” has owned the FX9 since shortly after it came out. He was kind enough to lend his talents to exploring the new features in firmware 2.0/2.1 for the FX9.

ARRI has released SUP 7.0 for their popular ALEXA Mini LF camera system. The update includes some long-awaited features, with new dedicated Super35 recording modes that match those found on the original ALEXA Mini. In most cases, these new modes can achieve higher maximum frame rates than the original ALEXA Mini. There are new LF (Large Format) recording modes, an expanded list of framelines and anamorphic squeeze factors, and a number of other enhancements as well.

Sony has released the highly-anticipated firmware version 6.0 for their VENICE camera, which brings with it the new Advanced Rendering Transform color management system (‘ART’), expanded top-end frame rates, a new frame lines interface with options for multi-format shooting, and more.

Running about a month ahead of schedule, Sony today announced the availability of firmware version 2.0 for the PXW-FX9 full-frame digital cinema camera. Originally scheduled for October, the new firmware brings 16-bit RAW output (in conjunction with the XDCA-FX9 extension unit), new 4K recording and sensor modes, 180fps shooting in HD, and improved image quality when shooting in the camera’s Super35 2K mode, among other enhancements.

Sony has announced the availability, this fall, of major new firmware versions for both of their full frame (aka full format) digital cinema cameras: the PXW-FX9 as well as the flagship CineAlta VENICE.

Sony VENICE firmware version 5.0 has arrived. This update brings a bevy of new features and improvements, including new frame rates and monitoring options to streamline workflows.

Several optional licenses are available for the Sony VENICE that enable additional functionality, such as full frame and anamorphic recording, and high frame rates. Installing a license is a multi-step process, as demonstrated by our tech, Juliet McNally.

I recently got to spend some time with a Sony VENICE camera body running a beta version of firmware version 4.0 and, of course, the first thing I did was to run through the new high frame rate recording modes to see where each "maxes out" in terms of frame rate.