Honestly, just grab the Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera now. Waiting for a Mark II that hasn't even been teased is a massive risk when you've got a shoot locked in for October. Sony usually works on a four-year cycle for these pro bodies, so we are technically in the window, but there's zero guarantee it actually ships before your production starts. The current FX6 is a reliable workhorse and does exactly what it's supposed to. If you're really worried about the budget, the Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera is a decent option too. You get the same sensor and autofocus for way less cash, tho you'll miss those internal ND filters and the SDI port. If your indie film needs those pro connections and ergonomics, the original FX6 is the safest bet for performance. It works, it's proven, and it wont let you down mid-shoot. I'd rather have a camera in my hand than a rumor on a spec sheet when the actors show up.

Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.

Yep, this is the way

Hey! I totally get the upgrade itch, been there. Unfortunately, I haven't seen anything concrete about an FX6 Mark II either. Honestly, new camera releases are always a gamble.

If you're on a tight budget and need something reliable NOW for your film, maybe consider a used FX6 or even an FX3? I know it's not the same, but you can find used FX3 bodies for around $3300. I bought a used lens once, and it wasn't as good as expected. Waiting might mean missing your October/November timeframe. Maybe rent an FX6 for a short test to be sure?

Good luck with the film! Let me know if you have other questions; I'll try to help!

Hey there! Totally get the dilemma about waiting for new gear, especially with indie film budgets! Honestly, instead of holding out for a potentially mythical FX6 Mark II (and stressing about release dates!), have you considered renting a higher-end camera for your October/November shoot? You could get something like an ARRI Alexa Mini for around $800-$1200 *per day*, which sounds pricey, but if you're only shooting for, say, 5-7 days, it might actually be cheaper than buying an FX6 outright, plus you're getting significantly better image quality!

Think about it: no depreciation, no long-term commitment. I rented a RED Komodo a while back for a short film – paid about $400/day from Lensrentals.com, and the footage looked AMAZING. Way better than I could have achieved with my old Sony a7S III. Plus, you can use the rental period to seriously test drive different cameras and THEN make a more informed purchase later. Just a thought! Let me know if you want to brainstorm rental options!

Hey! I get where you're coming from with the FX6 Mark II rumors – it's tough when you're on a budget! Everyone's saying wait or buy, but have you considered renting for your October/November shoot?

I know it's not the same as owning, but hear me out. A used FX6 body is still going for around $6,000, right? And if the Mark II DOES come out soon after you buy, the resale value on the original will drop, costing you even more in the long run. Plus, new cameras often have initial quirks that take time to iron out.

Have you looked into renting from Lensrentals or BorrowLenses? You could probably rent an FX6, plus maybe some extra lenses or accessories, for a fraction of the cost of buying outright. Let's say a month's rental is $500-$700 – that's way less than the depreciation hit you might take on a new purchase.

I actually did something similar last year. I was shooting a short film and needed a specific lens I couldn't afford. Renting it let me get the shots I needed without blowing my entire budget. I would suggest checking out local rental houses too, sometimes they have better deals than the big online ones.

Just a thought! It might give you some peace of mind and let you focus on your film instead of stressing about the latest gear. Let me know if you want me to help you look at rental options!

Hey! Yeah, waiting is tough. Instead of just waiting, or buying new, have you thought about renting an FX6 for your film? Unfortunately, I had issues with my own camera repair lately, not as good as expected, and the price was crazy - like $500 just for a sensor clean! Renting an FX6 for a month might cost you around $800-$1200, but then you avoid buying before a potential Mark II release. Then you can buy the new model later. Plus, you're not stuck with the original if the Mark II is killer. Worth checking out, right?

Hey! I totally get the anxiety about timing camera upgrades, especially when you're trying to squeeze every penny out of an indie film budget. Everyone's focused on the camera itself, but I think there's another angle to consider that might actually *save* you money and stress down the line: your support gear.

Think about it this way: even if the FX6 Mark II *does* drop right after you buy the original, you'll still need solid support. Instead of chasing rumors, maybe invest in a rock-solid tripod, a good monitor, or even some high-quality lenses that will outlast any camera body. These are things you'll use regardless of which camera you have.

I recently had a similar situation with my car tires. I was tempted to wait for the 'new and improved' version of my usual Michelins. But then I checked my current tires and saw I was down to 3/32" tread depth. Waiting any longer would have been downright dangerous! I ended up buying a set of Michelin CrossClimate2's for around $900 installed. Yeah, it stung a bit, but the peace of mind knowing I can stop safely in the rain is worth more than waiting for a slightly better tire that might not even be available yet. (Plus, hydroplaning can ruin a shoot day *way* faster than not having the latest camera!)

So, maybe instead of *solely* focusing on the FX6 Mark II, think about what other gear investments will make your shoot safer and more reliable. A good sound setup or robust power solutions can be just as critical, and those things aren't as likely to become obsolete overnight. It's a different way to approach the same problem: investing in the *system* instead of just one component.

Just a thought! Hope it helps. Let me know if you want to brainstorm some specific support gear options for your indie film. Happy to share my experiences (and mistakes!).

Hey! I totally get the pre-release anxiety. Everyone's offering good advice, but I'm gonna come at this from a slightly different angle: look at the *competition* and Sony's historical release patterns. Remember when everyone was sweating over the A7SIII release? Same thing!

Instead of just waiting for the FX6 Mark II, maybe consider what else is out there *right now* that could give you similar results, or even better bang for your buck. Have you looked at the Canon C70? Or maybe even the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K? I know, they're different systems, but they're all viable options for indie filmmaking.

I say this because, speaking from experience, brand loyalty can sometimes blind us! I was so set on getting Bridgestone Blizzaks for my old Subaru WRX after hearing all the hype. Paid almost $800 installed. They were *good*, don't get me wrong, but a buddy convinced me to try the Michelin X-Ice Snow tires on my wife's Impreza the next winter. Cost me around $700 for the set installed at Costco (they always have deals!), and honestly? I think they performed just as well, if not better, in the slushy conditions we get here. Point is, I was so stuck on the Blizzaks, I almost missed out on a potentially better (or at least equally good and cheaper) alternative.

Back to cameras: Even if Sony *does* announce an FX6 Mark II before October, remember it could be months before it's readily available, and the initial price will probably be inflated. Research some alternatives, see if they fit your workflow, and you might find a solution that works perfectly *now* without the waiting game. Plus, the money you save could go towards other crucial aspects of your film!

Happy to chat more about specific camera comparisons if you want. Good luck with the film!