Sony FX6 Storage Calculator
The Sony PXW-FX6 is a full-frame cinema body recording XAVC-I, XAVC-L, and XAVC HS. This page covers the storage math for every supported codec, with bitrates verified against Sony's Help Guide and live in our calculator.
Sony FX6 Recording Bitrates
Every value below is sourced from the Sony PXW-FX6 Help Guide. Manufacturers report average bitrates for variable-rate codecs; the live calculator includes 5%, 10%, and 20% buffer toggles for real-world shoots.
| Codec | Resolution | Frame rate | Bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| XAVC-I 4K | 3840×2160 | 60p | 600 Mbps |
| XAVC-I 4K | 3840×2160 | 30p | 300 Mbps |
| XAVC-I DCI 4K | 4096×2160 | 24p | 240 Mbps |
| XAVC-L 4K | 3840×2160 | 60p | 150 Mbps |
| XAVC-L 4K | 3840×2160 | 30p | 100 Mbps |
| XAVC-I HD | 1920×1080 | 120p | 222 Mbps |
| XAVC-I HD | 1920×1080 | 60p | 222 Mbps |
For the full bitrate matrix including 50p, 25p, and frame rates not shown here, use the live calculator.
Memory Cards for the Sony FX6
The FX6 has two card slots that accept either CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II media. CFexpress is required for sustained writes on high-bitrate XAVC-I 4K; SD UHS-II works for XAVC-L and lower-bitrate modes.
- Sony Tough 320 GB / 640 GB CFexpress Type A — Sony's own VPG-400 cards. The safest pick for high-bitrate XAVC-I.
- Lexar Professional GOLD 320 GB Type A — 900/800 MB/s, typically cheaper per GB than Sony's own.
- ProGrade Digital Iridium 480 GB Type A — CFexpress 4.0 with sustained VPG-800 writes.
- Sony TOUGH SF-G 128 GB SD UHS-II V90 — V90 SD for XAVC-L 4K and HD modes that don't need CFexpress.
Sony FX6 Storage — Quick Examples
| Setting | 1 minute | 1 hour | 512 GB card holds |
|---|---|---|---|
| UHD 4K 60p XAVC-I | 4.5 GB | 270 GB | ~113 min |
| UHD 4K 30p XAVC-I | 2.25 GB | 135 GB | ~228 min |
| DCI 4K 24p XAVC-I | 1.8 GB | 108 GB | ~4 hr 43 min |
| UHD 4K 60p XAVC-L | 1.125 GB | 67.5 GB | ~7 hr 35 min |
Math uses 1 GB = 1,000 MB to match how cards are labelled and sold. Real-world record time varies by scene complexity — XAVC HS in particular can run 10–20% over the published average on high-motion footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest bitrate the Sony FX6 records at?
The Sony FX6 records UHD 4K at up to 600 Mbps in XAVC-I (All-Intra) at 60p, 50p, and 30p. DCI 4K (4096×2160) tops out at 240 Mbps at 24p. HD All-Intra runs 222 Mbps at 120p. Source: Sony PXW-FX6 Help Guide.
Does the Sony FX6 record to SD cards?
Yes. The FX6 has dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots. CFexpress Type A is required only for high-bitrate XAVC-I 4K at higher frame rates; XAVC-L and lower-bitrate modes record to SD UHS-II just fine. CFexpress and SD cannot be mixed across the two slots simultaneously.
How many 320 GB CFexpress Type A cards does a 4-hour FX6 shoot need?
At UHD 4K 24p XAVC-I (240 Mbps), 4 hours produces about 432 GB of footage, fitting on two 320 GB cards. At UHD 4K 60p XAVC-I (600 Mbps), 4 hours produces about 1.08 TB, requiring four 320 GB cards (or one 640 GB plus margin).
Can the Sony FX6 record RAW internally?
No. The FX6 outputs 16-bit RAW over SDI to an external recorder (such as Atomos Shogun or Convergent Design Odyssey). Internal recording is XAVC-I, XAVC-L, or XAVC HS only.