Sony FX6 Firmware Update Ver. 6.00 Released

The Sony FX6 Firmware Update Ver. 6.00 is now available to download. It was first announced way back in November 2024.

The new firmware allows users to quickly access frequently used functions during shooting (BIG6) – Inherited from Sony’s CineAlta cameras, such as the VENICE, the BIG6 interface displays six essential parameters – FPS, ISO, Shutter, Iris or ND Filter, Look, and White Balance – all in one view.

• Updated shooting screen layout – black borders
• Support for Blackmagic RAW recording via HDMI
• Support for HLG mild in custom shooting mode
• Paint and Look in one scene file to easily share

Full List of new features & improvements

• Adds a home screen (BIG6) where you can easily review the shooting settings and equipment configurations when shooting movies
• Improves the display layout of camera status and settings to enhance visibility during shooting and video playback
• Allows you to add the following assignable functions to the Assignable Buttons tab:
  • Crop Select
  • LUT On/Off
  • AE Level/Mode
• Changes the notation of the 1/50 shutter speed to 1.2F (1/50) when the system frequency is 59.94P
• Improves the network configuration method as follows:
  • Changes the classification of the network menu in the Full Menu
  • Adds the ability to change network settings on the status screen
• Displays an explanatory message when camera operations are disabled due to configuration limitations
• Adds support for the Camera ID and Reel Number settings on the status screen
• Changes the display when the Camera ID and Reel Number of the next clip are changed
• Adds the Index screen to the status screen
• Ends support for WPA and WEP functionalities. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 moving forward
• Adds support for connecting the smartphone to the Internet while connected to the camera via Wi-Fi Direct
• Adds support for displaying network speed on the shooting screen
• Adds support for the following Monitor & Control functions:
  • Frame rate settings for S&Q Motion
  • Setting attributes and deleting of 3D LUT files
  • Low-resolution mode for network monitoring
    Notes:
    • Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary to access these functions.
    • The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
• Adds support for a new HLG Mild Base Look preset when the target display is HDR (HLG)
• Adds optical density (logarithmic notation) to the display format for ND filter light transmittance level
• Improves the image quality when using a User 3D LUT file
• Adds support for importing/exporting scene files from external media
• Improves auto focus performance when the system frequency is 29.97, 25, 24, or 23.98
• Adds support for the HDMI Focus Magnifier function
• Adds support for external recording of Blackmagic RAW when using RAW video output via HDMI
• Sony recommends checking with Blackmagic Design regarding the corresponding Blackmagic Design products.

Updraging Notes

• When upgrading from version 5.02 or earlier to version 6.00, your previous settings will not be carried over, and the camera will reset to the default settings.
• If you want to carry over your previous settings, save your settings in an All File before upgrading, and then load the saved All File after the upgrade is complete.

Software Update Preparation

This document explains how to update the ILME-FX6 camera system software.

• The software version update data is first saved to an SD card or CFexpress Type A memory card.
  Note: “CFexpress Type A memory card” is referred to as “CFexpress card(s)” in this document.
• The camera is then updated using the screen menu.
  Note: Refer to the Operating Instructions of the camera for details on how to use the menu.

Checking the Current Software Version

Follow the steps below to display the software version of the ILME-FX6:

• Select Version.
• Select Version Number in the Maintenance menu.

Notes About Updating

• When updating the software, always connect the supplied AC adaptor to the camera. If a battery pack is attached at the same time, the update will continue even if the AC adaptor is subsequently disconnected.
• Remove any connected devices (such as USB devices, SDI/HDMI cables, microphones, and shoe mount accessories), and eject any media cards that are not necessary for the update.
• When using an SD card, choose an SDXC memory card.
• Use an SDXC or CFexpress card that has been formatted in the memory card slot using the camera’s formatting function.
• Note: Refer to the Operating Instructions of the camera for more details on the formatting function and supported SDXC/CFexpress cards.

Saving the Software Version Update Data to an SDXC Card or CFexpress Card

• Connect the formatted SDXC or CFexpress card to a computer.
• Download the software version update data from the download site, then save the data file to your computer.
• Save the data file in the root directory of the SDXC or CFexpress card. Do not change the file name.

Updating the System Software Version

Before you start

• Do not perform any of the following actions while updating the system software as they could cause the update to fail and the camera to stop working:
  • Removing/inserting the SDXC or CFexpress card
  • Turning the camera off
• Refer to the Operating Instructions of the camera for more details.

How to update the system software version

• Insert the SDXC or CFexpress card that contains the saved software version update data into slot B of the camera.
  Note: Only slot B will recognize the software version update data.
• Select Version.
• Select Version Up in the Maintenance menu.
  Note: The Version Up option cannot be selected if the software version update data cannot be found.
• Select Execute.
  Note: After performing this step, a “Please use the AC Adopter” message will appear.
• Select Execute on the software version update confirmation screen.
  Notes: After performing this step, a “Version Update VX.XX > VY.YY” message will appear.
  (X.XX: current version number, Y.YY: newest version number)
• Select Execute on the software version update confirmation screen again.
  • The software version update will start and the access indicator will flash.
    Note: The update process takes approximately 8 minutes to complete. However, the time varies depending on the old and new update versions.
  • When the software version update is successfully completed, the access indicator will stop flashing and the unit will restart automatically.
• Check that the software version has been updated (refer to the Checking the Current Software Version section of this document for details).
  Note: If the system software has not been updated to the latest version, check the version update procedure, and then perform the update procedure again from step 1.

IMPORTANT: If you experience an update issue, such as a black screen that appears for 15 minutes or longer, you may need to perform the update again.

• Set the camera power switch to OFF, disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then set the power switch to ON.
• Check the software version update procedure, then perform the update procedure again from step 1.
• If the software version update issue persists and the update is not successful, there may be a problem with the camera. In this case, please contact a Sony service representative for further assistance.