Should you get the Sony A7S III or FX3?
Today Sony introduces the new compact Cinema mirrorless camera – the FX3. This camera relies heavily on the A7S III announced last year but has several important differences which should appeal to a different audience according to Sony.
FX3 main features (and how it differs from the A7S III)
At its core, the FX3 has the same features as the A7S III. The same 12MP sensor (with 10MP effective), the same AF, processor, codecs, shooting capabilities (up to 4K 120p), same memory card configuration (dual SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type A), same battery, the same touch articulated monitor, IBIS (and active mode) and even the same style menu system (although with some minor changes). You can check out the full specs of the A7S III on our original article from July 2020.
Low angle shooting with the FX3 and the top handle
So what is different about the FX3? the answer is mostly the body. The FX3 is a bit smaller than the A7S III (which is not very large to begin with), measuring 77.8 mm high, 129.7 mm wide, and 84.5 mm deep (compared to 96.9 x 128.9 x 69.7 mm for the A7S III – the difference is mostly in the hight as the FX3 has no viewfinder and at the moment we are not aware of any plans Sony has for adding an external one).
Besides the differences in size, sony changed the location of some of the buttons (the on/off moved to the back and is now a switch for example), added a zoom lever on the top of the grip compatible powered zoom lenses, but also Clear Image Zoom which works even with prime lenses (we use it all the time and having a leaver is a nice touch).
There are actually a lot more programable buttons on the FX3 (15 in total) as part of a design philosophy which allows the user to change settings quickly for shooting in fast-changing lighting conditions (so you can assign a button to quickly switch to auto ISO, auto WB, etc.).
The body also includes 5 1/4″ 20 threads for connecting accessories and the camera comes with a detachable XLR handle unit with two XLR/TRS audio inputs (the handle itself has another 3 threads of 1/4″ 20 for attaching monitors, wireless transmitters, etc.).
Another important design change has to do with cooling. While the A7S III handles cooling in a passive way (and based on user experience it does so very well), the FX3 as a pro-level Cine camera adds a small internal fan (similar to the Panasonic S1H) which the user can also disable or control to some degree (4 modes). Sony claims the FX3 can shoot uninterrupted 4K 60p for as long as the battery/memory will last.
Different button layout with a top record and joystick
At the moment the A7S-III has no support for S-Cinetone color profile (although there have been reports on it coming to the camera in the 2.0 firmware update soon – and in the meantime, there are sort of ways around this ). The FX3 has S-Cinetone support and the color science of the camera should match that of the FX6/FX9 well – making it ideal as a b or c camera to those two.
One last improvement the FX3 brings is the addition of a tally light on different sides of the camera – no other Sony Alpha camera has this and we think this should be part of any camera with video capabilities and it is nice to see it integrated here.
More dedicated buttons
Should you get the A7S III or FX3?
This is a complex question and it really depends on what you are looking for in your camera. Talking to Sony earlier this week we got the following: the A7S III is a hybrid camera and while it has very powerful video capabilities it is designed with stills in mind as well (wedding photographers who shoot both stills and video, for example, are a target audience for the camera).
The FX3 on the other hand is a real compact cinema camera designed for solo shooters, it can be used in conjunction with the FX6/FX9 and Venice cameras on set and can work on its own when quick turnovers are required with its range of configurable buttons and an attached handle.
We would like to add something else which Sony for some reason did not emphasize enough in our opinion and that is how well this camera fits both gimbals and drones (Sony recently announced that it is working on a new pro drone called AIRPEAK). It might even be well suited for underwater videography with the right housing (we would expect one very soon).
FX3 – a small cine camera
Unlock the world of professional cinema
In service of cinematic expression
Designed for comfortable solo shooting
Expandability & operability for content creators
Attachable XLR handle
A handle equipped with an XLR adaptor with two full size XLR terminals can be attached to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe on the camera for more comfortable and stable camerawork in difficult shooting situations, such as low-position shots.
High-mobility performance wherever you go
With its compact size and light weight, the FX3 is designed for high mobility. The attached handle and cage-free accessory mounting holes make for fast setup, fluid shooting and quick pack-down. The main body and covers are constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy to enhance durability and performance even in challenging environments.
10-bit S-Log3 and HDR recording for smooth gradations
S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine enable shooting with high-quality colour reproduction over a wide dynamic range, and they make it easy to match up footage with shots from other Cinema Line cameras during post-production. In addition, an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR picture profile enables direct HDR (HLG) playback on compatible TVs with no post-production.
16-bit RAW HDMI output
For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output3 is available over HDMI connection to compatible external recorders while XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K or XAVC S-I 4K and proxy files are simultaneously captured in-camera. RAW video output is 4264 x 2408 [16:9] resolution, exceeding DCI-4K resolution4.
Cinematic colour science of S-Cinetone™
S-Cinetone colour, developed for Sony’s acclaimed FX9, is the default look on the FX3 for cinematic expression. It’s precisely tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators, with rich colour and natural skin tones that match other Cinema Line cameras without grading.
DOWNLOAD S-CINETONE WHITE PAPER
Uninterrupted 4K/60p recording
For uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, the FX3 is designed with an innovative heat dissipation system. Heatsink placement, airflow structure and a silent cooling fan work to optimise cooling even during long shoots.
Image sensor with blazingly fast readout speed
The back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS sensor boasts a blazingly fast data readout speed along with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. An advanced colour filter array boosts colour reproduction accuracy, while focal plane phase-detection AF enables solid autofocus stability and excellent precision, all of which contribute to outstanding image quality.
Flexible camera positioning with vari-angle monitor
The FX3 is equipped with a horizontally opening vari-angle LCD monitor that is rotatable for precise framing or interesting angles, regardless of whether you are shooting movies hand-held or gimbal-mounted. The screen can even be rotated for direct viewing by the subject or when shooting dramatic low-angle shots. The 3.0-type, approximately 1.44-million-dot17 large touch-panel LCD has high visibility and clarity.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
The FX3 Cinema Line camera offers high sensitivity and full-frame cinematic expression in an amazingly compact design. With enhanced mobility for easy solo shooting, alongside pro operability, it’s the ideal creative tool to capture a cinematic vision anywhere.
Full-frame performance with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
High performance BIONZ XR image-processing engine
4K (QFHD) high-frame-rate 120fps recording
Cinematic colour science with S-Cinetone™
Enhanced mobility for solo operation
SENSOR TYPE
35 mm full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
PIXELS
Approx. 10.2 megapixels (effective) for movies, Approx. 12.1 megapixels (effective) for Still images, Approx. 12.9 megapixels (total)
SENSITIVITY
[Movie] ISO 80–102400 equivalent (ISO numbers up to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.), AUTO (ISO 80–12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit), [Still image] ISO 80–102400 (ISO numbers up from ISO 40 to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.), AUTO (ISO 80–12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
MEDIA TYPE
CFexpress Type A / SD card (x2), Simult. Rec, Sort, Auto Switch Media, Copy
MEDIA TYPE
7.5 cm (3.0-type) type TFT, approx. 1.44M dots, Opening Angle: Approx. 176 deg., Rotation Angle: Approx. 270 deg.
Recommended Accessories and Lenses
CEA-G Series CFexpress Type A Memory Card
CEA-G160T / CEA-G80T
CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader
MRW-G2
FE 24mm F1.4 GM
SEL24F14GM
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
SEL135F18GM
FE C 16–35 mm T3.1
SELC1635G
Multi Battery Adaptor Kit
NPA-MQZ1K
Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
DLC-HX10
Battery Charger for NP-FZ100
BC-QZ1
Registration Offers on ILME-FX3
Advantages of G Master Lenses
Locate Sony Authorized Stores
Attachable XLR handle
A handle equipped with an XLR adaptor with two full size XLR terminals can be attached to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe on the camera for more comfortable and stable camerawork in difficult shooting situations, such as low-position shots.
High-mobility performance wherever you go
With its compact size and light weight, the FX3 is designed for high mobility. The attached handle and cage-free accessory mounting holes make for fast setup, fluid shooting and quick pack-down. The main body and covers are constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy to enhance durability and performance even in challenging environments.
10-bit S-Log3 and HDR recording for smooth gradations
S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine enable shooting with high-quality colour reproduction over a wide dynamic range, and they make it easy to match up footage with shots from other Cinema Line cameras during post-production. In addition, an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR picture profile enables direct HDR (HLG) playback on compatible TVs with no post-production
16-bit RAW HDMI output
For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output3 is available over HDMI connection to compatible external recorders while XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K or XAVC S-I 4K and proxy files are simultaneously captured in-camera. RAW video output is 4264 x 2408 [16:9] resolution, exceeding DCI-4K resolution4.
Cinematic colour science of S-Cinetone™
S-Cinetone colour, developed for Sony’s acclaimed FX9, is the default look on the FX3 for cinematic expression. It’s precisely tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators, with rich colour and natural skin tones that match other Cinema Line cameras without grading.
Uninterrupted 4K/60p recording
For uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, the FX3 is designed with an innovative heat dissipation system. Heatsink placement, airflow structure and a silent cooling fan work to optimise cooling even during long shoots.
Image sensor with blazingly fast readout speed
The back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS sensor boasts a blazingly fast data readout speed along with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. An advanced colour filter array boosts colour reproduction accuracy, while focal plane phase-detection AF enables solid autofocus stability and excellent precision, all of which contribute to outstanding image quality.
Flexible camera positioning with vari-angle monitor
The FX3 is equipped with a horizontally opening vari-angle LCD monitor that is rotatable for precise framing or interesting angles, regardless of whether you are shooting movies hand-held or gimbal-mounted. The screen can even be rotated for direct viewing by the subject or when shooting dramatic low-angle shots. The 3.0-type, approximately 1.44-million-dot17 large touch-panel LCD has high visibility and clarity.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
The FX3 Cinema Line camera offers high sensitivity and full-frame cinematic expression in an amazingly compact design. With enhanced mobility for easy solo shooting, alongside pro operability, it’s the ideal creative tool to capture a cinematic vision anywhere.
Full-frame performance with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
High performance BIONZ XR image-processing engine
4K (QFHD) high-frame-rate 120fps recording
Cinematic colour science with S-Cinetone™
Enhanced mobility for solo operation
SENSOR TYPE
35 mm full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
PIXELS
Approx. 10.2 megapixels (effective) for movies, Approx. 12.1 megapixels (effective) for Still images, Approx. 12.9 megapixels (total)
SENSITIVITY
[Movie] ISO 80–102400 equivalent (ISO numbers up to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.), AUTO (ISO 80–12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit), [Still image] ISO 80–102400 (ISO numbers up from ISO 40 to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.), AUTO (ISO 80–12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
MEDIA TYPE
CFexpress Type A / SD card (x2), Simult. Rec, Sort, Auto Switch Media, Copy
MEDIA TYPE
7.5 cm (3.0-type) type TFT, approx. 1.44M dots, Opening Angle: Approx. 176 deg., Rotation Angle: Approx. 270 deg.
Recommended Accessories and Lenses
CEA-G Series CFexpress Type A Memory Card
CEA-G160T / CEA-G80T
CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader
MRW-G2
FE 24mm F1.4 GM
SEL24F14GM
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
SEL135F18GM
FE C 16–35 mm T3.1
SELC1635G
Multi Battery Adaptor Kit
NPA-MQZ1K
Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
DLC-HX10
Battery Charger for NP-FZ100
BC-QZ1
The Sony FX3 is a compact and powerful full-frame cinema camera designed for professional filmmakers and content creators. Here are its key details, specifications, and features:
Key Features:
– Compact and Lightweight Design:*l Small and robust body for easy handheld shooting and mounting in tight spaces.
– Full-Frame Sensor: 12.1MP Exmor R CMOS sensor for excellent low-light performance and dynamic range.
– 4K Recording: Supports up to 4K 120p recording with full-frame readout without pixel binning.
– High Dynamic Range: Supports S-Log3 and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording for enhanced color grading flexibility.
– Fast Hybrid Autofocus: Advanced autofocus with face and eye detection, real-time tracking, and touch focus capabilities.
– Built-In Cooling System: Active cooling system allows for extended recording times without overheating.
– Professional Audio Features: Dual XLR inputs via an optional handle, and 24-bit digital audio recording.
– Versatile Connectivity: HDMI output, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, and dual card slots (CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II).
– Stabilization: In-body 5-axis image stabilization and Active Mode for smoother handheld footage.
– User-Friendly Interface:Customizable buttons, a multi-functional LCD touchscreen, and an intuitive menu system.
Specifications:
– Sensor: 12.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS
– Processor: BIONZ XR
– ISO Range: 80-102400 (expandable to 40-409600)
– Recording Formats: XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, ProRes RAW (via external recorder)
– Video Resolution: Up to 4K (3840 x 2160) 120fps
– Bit Depth: 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
– Autofocus System: Fast Hybrid AF, 627 points
– Viewfinder: None (LCD touchscreen)
– Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, 1.44M dots
– Connectivity: HDMI Type-A, USB-C 3.2, 3.5mm mic and headphone jacks, dual card slots (CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II)
– Battery: NP-FZ100, with USB-C charging
– Dimensions:129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5 mm
– Weight:Approx. 640g (body only)
– Sony FX3
– Full-Frame Cinema Camera
– 4K 120p
– Compact Design
– Low-Light Performance
– High Dynamic Range
– S-Log3
– Hybrid Autofocus
– Active Cooling
– Professional Audio
– In-Body Stabilization
The Sony FX3 is designed to meet the needs of both solo shooters and professional production teams, offering a blend of portability and high-end video capabilities.
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