Sony FX8 is rumored to be the next major addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, offering a compact alternative to the FX9 with groundbreaking specs. Although IBC 2025 has concluded, multiple sources have confirmed that Sony is preparing to launch the FX8 soon, possibly in early 2026. The FX8 is expected to feature a 12K full-frame CMOS sensor with a horizontal pixel count of 12,032, delivering up to 96 million total pixels in a 3:2 readout.
In line with Cinema Line conventions, the FX8 will be marketed as having an 81MP effective resolution when cropped to 16:9. This mirrors Sony’s strategy with the FX30 and A6700, where the same sensor is used across different bodies with varied feature sets. The FX8 is designed to push image quality beyond current standards while maintaining a compact form factor for mobile productions.
Top 5 Rumored Features of the Sony FX8
- 12K Full-Frame Sensor – 12,032 horizontal pixels, 96MP total, 81MP effective in 16:9.
- Dual Native ISO – ISO 500, 2000, and 8000 with 16 stops of dynamic range.
- High-Frame-Rate Recording – 4K120p (1.04x crop), 8K30p, and 4K60p in full-frame/S35 formats.
- Compact Body Design – Smaller than FX9, optimized for handheld and rigged setups.
- Cinema Line Integration – Positioned below FX9, bridging FX6 and FX9 tiers.
Sony FX6 body: $5,998 at B&H, Adorama.
🔍 Rumored Features of the Sony FX8
- 12K Full-Frame Sensor
- Horizontal pixel count of 12,032
- Total resolution: ~96MP in 3:2 readout
- Marketed as 81MP effective in 16:9 crop (Cinema Line convention)
- Compact Body Design
- Smaller than the FX9
- Designed for handheld and rigged setups
- Positioned below FX9 in Sony’s Cinema Line hierarchy
- Dual Native ISO with Enhanced Sensitivity
- ISO settings: 500, 2000, and 8000
- 16 stops of dynamic range
- Performance tuned similarly to FX6
- High-Frame-Rate and Format Versatility
- Full-frame/S35 support for 8K30p and 4K60p (17:9 and 16:9)
- 4K120p recording with 1.04x crop in 16:9
- Ideal for cinematic slow motion and hybrid workflows
- Sensor Strategy: CineLine First, Alpha Later
- FX8 debuts Sony’s new 96MP full-frame sensor
- Similar rollout strategy as FX30 → A6700
- Future A7S/A7R models may adopt full 3:2 96MP sensor
- No Open Gate Support
- FX8 and BURANO will not support Open Gate recording
- Confirms Sony’s current stance on aspect ratio limitations
- Cinema Line Integration & Workflow Synergy
- Shares color science, LUT support, and menu logic with FX6/FX9
- Expected to support S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and XAVC codecs
- Likely to include SDI, HDMI, and TC I/O for pro workflows
Sony FX8 vs Sony FX9: Rumored Comparison
| Feature | Sony FX8 (Rumored) | Sony FX9 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 12K (~96MP full-frame) | 6K full-frame |
| Effective Crop | 81MP (16:9) | ~19MP (6K to 4K downsample) |
| ISO Performance | Dual native ISO: 500/2000/8000 | Dual base ISO: 800/4000 |
| Body Size | Compact, below FX9 | Larger, flagship CineLine |
| Frame Rates | 4K120p, 8K30p, 4K60p | 4K60p, no 8K |
Conclusion
The Sony FX8 is shaping up to be a revolutionary cinema camera, combining 12K resolution, dual ISO, and high dynamic range in a compact body. With IBC 2025 behind us, anticipation builds for an official announcement in early 2026. Stay tuned as Sony continues to redefine the boundaries of mirrorless cinema technology.
