The FX6 has rapidly become the go-to camera for a wide variety of factual TV, branded content and documentary productions. I have been a Sony FX6 owner-operator since the camera was released and it is still the camera I reach for the most.
For Shooting PD's, AP's and even researchers working in UK television, getting to grips with the FX6 is a must, ever moreso since Sony discontinued the larger camera in the FX range - the FX9.
Despite The FX6's medium-sized form factor, it can easily be adapted into a shoulder-mount camera, with an eye piece and comfortable hand grips, emulating the classic usability of the FS7 and the FX9. This is the build of the FX6 that I work with.
FX6 TRAINING
Alongside the technical aspects of the camera, my training incorporates a variety of different shooting scenarios depending on what you personally need to practice (actuality, b-roll, contributor-led).
Whilst everyone comes to me with different experience levels, here's a run-down of the areas I'd always aim to cover and build confidence in with all our trainees:
- All the major internal and external settings - how to set them and leave most of them without needing to touch them again!
- Easy exposure using the camera's in-built tools (zebra & waveform)
- Shooting in S-Log3 and S-Cinetone
- Auto-focus settings for different shooting scenarios
- Radio mic setup
- Working with LUT's and an external monitor
- Shooting handheld and on the shoulder - how best to approach this on the FX6
- Saving your settings to get set up on a new camera in seconds
As with all my training, I shape the course to what you specifically need to learn, and can incorporate specific exercises, shooting scenarios and additional equipment to replicate what you'll be shooting in the field.