Cinematic Broadcast: Allison Park Church Invests in Sony FX Series Cameras
When the pandemic accelerated the need for churches to connect through broadcast, Allison Park Church chose a forward-thinking solution. In August 2020, Fresh Tech partnered with their team to design and install one of the first Sony FX9 and FX6 cinema camera systems to be used in a church broadcast environment.
Cinema Cameras in the Church World
Across the country, more churches are turning to cinema cameras for broadcast. The trend reflects a growing desire for a cinematic image that feels natural, immersive, and visually compelling. Cameras like the FX9 and FX6 bring large sensors, reliable autofocus, and creative tools that traditional broadcast models cannot match. For Allison Park Church, this approach created a visual experience that felt closer to film than television, giving their congregation a deeper connection both in the room and online.
A Custom Camera Package
The Hampton campus is a wide but shallow room, a layout that makes lensing and positioning critical. Fresh Tech designed a package built around three Sony FX9 cinema cameras and two Sony FX6s to capture every angle with consistency and style.
One FX9 sits at the center of the auditorium with a Sony 100–400mm lens paired with a Tilta Nucleus wireless control kit, giving operators precise zoom from the back of the room. Another FX9 is mounted on a 20-foot custom-built strut dolly with a Sony 28–135mm lens, creating smooth cinematic motion shots that track the stage. A third FX9 is paired with a Sony 16–35mm lens on a 28-foot jib, positioned at front of house to swing out over the congregation for immersive wide shots.
On stage, two compact Sony FX6 cinema cameras serve as handheld roamers, designed to move with musicians and leaders. Their small footprint, full-frame sensors, and responsive autofocus give the team flexible tools for capturing close, intimate moments without disrupting the flow of worship.
This combination of cameras, lenses, and support gear created a versatile system that could deliver everything from dynamic wide shots to tight close-ups with a cinematic finish.
Volunteer-Friendly by Design
What set this system apart was not just the image quality, but how easy it was for volunteers to use. The FX9’s autofocus is remarkably reliable, locking onto subjects with precision that allows even new operators to succeed. Staff often tell prospective volunteers, “If you can use an iPhone camera, you can be on our team.” That kind of accessibility opens the door for more people to serve while still achieving professional results.
To ensure consistency, Fresh Tech created custom color profiles and LUTs tailored to Allison Park’s look and feel. These LUTs made it possible for volunteers to achieve a polished image with the push of a button. Regardless of which camera or lens was in use, the final output maintained the same Canon-inspired warmth and cinematic style that the church envisioned.
Long-Term Reliability
The system replaced aging Sony FS700 cameras and immediately raised the quality of Allison Park’s broadcast. At a time when online church was essential, the investment gave their congregation an engaging, cinematic experience that felt alive and connected.
More than five years later, the Sony FX system continues to deliver consistent results with remarkable reliability.
Built for Ministry Impact
For Allison Park Church, this project was never just about upgrading cameras. It was about creating a broadcast system that would carry their message with clarity and beauty at a critical moment in ministry. By embracing cinema cameras early, they set a standard for quality that continues to serve their church today.
Fresh Tech is grateful to have partnered with Allison Park Church on this milestone project. The system empowered volunteers, strengthened ministry, and continues to bring excellence to both in-person and online experiences week after week.
