Sony FX9 or FX6? Sensor, ND, frame rates, media, weight and our hire kits compared, plus where the FX3 and the new FX5 fit. Sony FX hire in London, N16.
The Sony FX9 and FX6 get booked for the same kinds of jobs: documentaries, interviews, branded content and events. They share Sony's Cinema Line colour, S-Log3 and built-in variable ND, so on paper they can look interchangeable. On the day they feel very different. Here's how we'd choose between them, based on Sony's specs and what comes in our hire kits.
We hire both from our counter in Stoke Newington, N16, along with the smaller FX3 and the new FX5. All of them are on our Sony FX hire page with live day rates.
Specs are from Sony. Check the product pages for our current kits.
Sony FX9: the body, Sony EVF and eyepiece, a V-lock battery mount with two 190Wh V-lock batteries, an E-mount to PL adapter and a VOCAS shoulder mount. It's ready to go on the shoulder, and PL cinema lenses go straight on.
Sony FX6: the body with Sony EVF, top handle and side grip, a Tilta cage with 15mm baseplate and rods, a V-mount extension, 512GB and 260GB CFexpress Type A cards with a reader, and mains power. For PL lenses, add our PL to E-mount adapter.
The FX3 is the smallest body in our FX line: full frame, in-body stabilisation and dual base ISO 800 and 12,800, but no built-in ND and no SDI. It's the one for gimbals, car rigs and crash cams, and it matches the FX6 and FX9 in the grade. Our FX6 vs FX3 guide covers that choice.
The Sony FX5, announced in July 2026, is now on our shelf too. It's a compact full-frame body with open gate recording, internal X-OCN RAW, three base ISOs and 4K up to 120fps, but like the FX3 it has no built-in ND or SDI. If your brief needs RAW or open gate without an external recorder, ask us about the FX5. Our FX5 vs FX6 guide compares the two.
Both cameras are collected from and returned to Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, London N16 7NJ, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. We have one of each, so book early if you want them as a pair. Add sound, monitoring and lenses from the same site; our FX6 documentary and interview kit guide has a sensible starting list.
If it's your first hire, please register a production account before ordering. Questions? Call 020 7898 3322 or email rentals@weareyellowcactus.com.
Neither is better across the board. The FX9 has a 6K full-frame sensor and a shoulder body for long handheld days. The FX6 is smaller and lighter, and records 4K at up to 120fps. Both have built-in variable ND.
Yes. They share Sony's S-Log3 and Cinema Line colour, so they intercut well. Many crews run an FX9 or FX6 as A camera with an FX3 as B camera.
The FX9 records to XQD cards. The FX6 records to CFexpress Type A or SD cards, and our FX6 kit includes 512GB and 260GB CFexpress Type A cards.
Yes. Our FX9 kit includes an E-mount to PL adapter, and for the FX6 you can add our PL to E-mount adapter.
Yes, we now stock the FX5 as well as the FX3, FX6 and FX9. It is not on our online booking yet, so call or email us for the rate and kit.
At Yellow Cactus, Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, Stoke Newington, London N16 7NJ, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Live rates are on our Sony FX hire page.