Is the FX2 Sony’s Best Stills Body Yet?

Sony’s FX2 is the company’s latest compact cine camera, announced earlier this year. Joining the FX3 and FX30, it occupies a new niche, based on its higher-resolution sensor. As thoroughly discussed in our launch article, the Sony FX2 is unique in that it may be the first hybrid camera to incorporate stills-oriented features into a video-oriented camera, as opposed to the general hybrid approach of adding video-oriented tools to a stills-oriented camera. However, a deeper look into it made me think – could the FX2 also be Sony’s best stills body? Let’s dive into this crazy hypothesis.

While the FX2 is clearly designed with motion capture workflow in mind, its stars have also aligned with several familiar and appealing design elements from the world of photography. The square shape and side-oriented viewfinder are a classic, and while rare, the tilting EVF allows photographers to shoot at low angles without the footprint of the side-swiveled LCD. The side-mounted tripod attachment screw is great for vertical photographs, as the grip is deep and well-positioned, and it features a tough, weather-sealed body. Now, try to find something similar in Sony’s current roster.

A cine a7IV?

Well, maybe it was designed as a cine version of the popular a7IV, but if I were a still photographer today, in the market for a mid-level pro camera, I’d seriously consider the FX2 as my main tool. For an additional $200 over the a7IV, which would give me a tilting EVF, arguably tougher body, and significant video upgrades, this seems like a fair deal to me.

However, while the FX2 may arguably be better than its stablemates, I believe this possibly accidental design achievement may, and should, pave the way for a new generation of Sony hybrids, taking over the venerable Alpha line.

The cameras we need, the cameras we want

Sony burst into photographers’ lives with the introduction of the mirrorless revolution. The first generation of Alpha cameras debuted full-frame sensors in compact mirrorless form. Not as reliable and robust as their DSLR competitors, they struggled to break the Canon and Nikon duopoly in the professional market. However, the second and most of the third generations knocked down the walls, offering incredible on-sensor PDAF systems, great image quality, and an ever-growing lens lineup, alongside ever-improving adapters for current optics. Sony has managed to provide still and hybrid photographers with the cameras they need. Unbelievable spec lists, advanced features, reliability – Sony has everything a professional photographer could ask for. But Sony also consistently falls short at providing the cameras we want.

The FX2 and the elusive desirability factor

While Sony cameras usually create a stir, it’s mostly about specs and features. I don’t remember ever seeing a Sony camera and feeling that sudden pull of pure desire, though I’ve felt it with others, many times before. The first was probably the legendary Canon 5D (classic), followed by the 5D Mark II, then came the Pentax K1 and 645Z. I also felt the same way about several FUJIFILM cameras, including the X-Pro 1, X100s, X-T4, and GFX 50R, to name a few. Additionally, I was drawn to the Nikon D850, Zf, and Z8, although in that case, it may have been the technical specs that lured me in. While I’ve been thoroughly impressed with many Sony cameras, I’ve never felt an unexplained urge to get one ASAP.

The best may get better

If someone at Sony is reading this article, they could simply apply the fundamentals of the FX2 to the next Alpha camera. Some fit and finish, user experience modifications, button rearrangements, and a dial or two might thoroughly transform the immensely successful Alpha line into a more desirable one, while avoiding any compromises to usability and functionality. Sony has already made such a shift with their optics, adding various rings and control points to those. SIGMA lenses may also be compatible with such a camera. This could be a brave new journey for a company that has actually been a constant game changer in our field.

Do you see the potential in the new FX2 body design? Would you now also consider it a still camera? Let us know in the comments.