Sony Alpha FX3: A Compact and Powerful Cinema Camera

If you are looking for a camera that can capture stunning cinematic videos with professional performance and portability, you might want to check out the Sony Alpha FX3. This camera is the latest addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, a series of cameras that are designed for filmmakers, vloggers, and content creators. The FX3 combines the best features of the Sony A7S III, a popular mirrorless camera for hybrid shooters, and the Sony FX6, a larger and more expensive cinema camera. In this article, we will review the product details, features, benefits, and application of the crowd of the FX3, as well as compare it with some similar products and share some representative product reviews.

Product Details

Sony Alpha FX3 ILME-FX3 | Full-frame Cinema Line Camera : Electronics

The FX3 is a full-frame camera that can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second (fps) with 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth and full pixel readout in all recording modes. It has a 12.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor with a 15+ stop dynamic range and a high sensitivity of up to ISO 409,600. It also has a BIONZ XR image processor that delivers fast performance and low noise. The FX3 supports various video formats, such as XAVC S, XAVC S-I, and XAVC HS, as well as HLG, S-Log3, and S-Gamut3.Cine color profiles. It can also output 16-bit raw video via its full-size HDMI port to compatible external recorders.

A top view of the Sony Alpha FX3 camera with the XLR handle attached and a microphone plugged in

The FX3 has a compact and lightweight body that weighs only 715 grams (25.2 ounces) with a battery and memory card. It has a cage-free design with multiple 1/4-20 mounting points for attaching accessories, such as a monitor, microphone, or light. It also comes with a detachable XLR handle that provides two XLR/TRS audio inputs, a 3.5mm microphone input, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a zoom lever. The handle connects to the camera via the multi-interface shoe, which also supports digital audio transmission and power supply. The FX3 has a 3-inch flip-out touchscreen LCD monitor, but no built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). However, it has a tally lamp on the front, back, and top of the camera to indicate when it is recording.

The FX3 has a robust and durable construction that is dust and moisture resistant. It also has an in-body cooling fan that allows for uninterrupted 4K 60p recording for over an hour. The fan noise is minimal and can be reduced further by using the optional ECM-B1M shotgun microphone or XLR-K3M adapter kit. The FX3 has a dual card slot that supports both CFexpress Type A and SD cards. It uses the NP-FZ100 battery, which can provide up to 95 minutes of continuous recording or 410 shots. The FX3 can also be powered by a USB-C cable or an external battery pack.

Features

The FX3 has many features that make it a versatile and powerful cinema camera. Some of the main features are:

A side view of the Sony Alpha FX3 camera with the flip-out touchscreen LCD monitor extended

S-Cinetone: This is a color science that is inspired by the Sony VENICE, a high-end digital cinema camera. S-Cinetone delivers a natural and expressive cinematic look with rich colors and smooth skin tones. It is ideal for capturing human emotions and storytelling. S-Cinetone is also compatible with other Cinema Line cameras, such as the FX6 and FX9, for easy color grading and workflow.
Fast Hybrid AF: This is a autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection methods to achieve fast, accurate, and reliable focus. The FX3 has 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points that cover 92% of the image area. It also has various AF modes and settings, such as AF transition speed, AF subject shift sensitivity, touch tracking, eye AF, face detection, and real-time tracking. The FX3 can track and maintain focus on moving subjects, even in low-light or complex situations.
5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS): This is a feature that reduces camera shake and enables smooth handheld shooting. The FX3 has a built-in gyro sensor that detects the camera’s movement and compensates for it by shifting the sensor in five directions: pitch, yaw, roll, X, and Y. The FX3 also has an Active Mode that further enhances the stabilization effect, especially when shooting while walking or running. The FX3 can also use the metadata from the gyro sensor to correct the camera shake in post-production using the Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare software.
Customizable buttons and menus: This is a feature that allows the user to customize the camera’s operation and settings according to their preferences and needs. The FX3 has 15 customizable buttons, four custom modes on the mode dial, and a custom menu page. The user can assign various functions, such as white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, focus mode, and more, to the buttons and modes. The user can also create and save their own menu page with frequently used items for quick access.

Benefits

The FX3 offers many benefits for different types of users and scenarios. Some of the main benefits are:

Compact and portable: The FX3 is a small and light camera that can be easily carried and handled. It is ideal for solo shooters, run-and-gun filmmakers, and mobile content creators who need to move around and shoot in various locations and conditions. The FX3 can also fit into tight spaces and capture unique angles and perspectives that are not possible with larger cameras.
Professional and cinematic: The FX3 is a high-quality camera that can produce professional and cinematic results. It has a full-frame sensor that delivers a shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, and a high sensitivity. It has a S-Cinetone color science that gives a natural and expressive look. It has a fast hybrid AF system that ensures sharp and consistent focus. It has a 5-axis IBIS that enables smooth and stable footage. It has a 4K resolution that provides a high level of detail and clarity.
Versatile and flexible: The FX3 is a camera that can adapt to different situations and needs. It has a cage-free design that supports multiple accessories, such as a monitor, microphone, or light. It has a detachable XLR handle that provides pro-level audio options. It has a flip-out touchscreen LCD monitor that allows for easy framing and control. It has a full-size HDMI port that can output 16-bit raw video. It has a dual card slot that supports both CFexpress Type A and SD cards. It has a USB-C port that can power the camera or transfer data.

Application of the Crowd

A back view of the Sony Alpha FX3 camera with the dual card slot and the battery compartment open

The FX3 is a camera that can appeal to a wide range of users who are interested in creating cinematic videos. Some of the potential users are:

Filmmakers: The FX3 is a camera that can be used for filmmaking projects, such as short films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and more. The FX3 can deliver a cinematic look and feel with its full-frame sensor, S-Cinetone color science, and 4K resolution. The FX3 can also offer a professional performance and workflow with its fast hybrid AF system, 5-axis IBIS, 16-bit raw output, and compatibility with other Cinema Line cameras.
Vloggers: The FX3 is a camera that can be used for vlogging and personal content creation. The FX3 can capture the user’s personality and emotions with its shallow depth of field, smooth skin tones, and eye AF. The FX3 can also provide a convenient and comfortable shooting experience with its compact and lightweight body, flip-out touchscreen LCD monitor, and detachable XLR handle.
Content Creators: The FX3 is a camera that can be used for content creation for various platforms and purposes, such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and more. The FX3 can produce high-quality and engaging videos with its 4K resolution, high frame rate, and wide dynamic range. The FX3 can also support various video formats and color profiles, such as XAVC S, XAVC S-I, XAVC HS, HLG, S-Log3, and S-Gamut3.Cine, to suit different styles and preferences.

Similar Products Comparison

The FX3 is a unique camera that combines the features of a mirrorless camera and a cinema camera. However, there are some similar products that can be compared with the FX3 in terms of price, specifications, and performance. Here is a table that shows a comparison of the FX3 with three other products: the Sony A7S III, the Sony FX6, and the Canon EOS C70.

Product Price Sensor Resolution Frame Rate Color Depth Color Science AF System IBIS Audio Inputs Raw Output Weight
Sony Alpha FX3 $3,898 Full-frame 4K Up to 120 fps 10-bit 4:2:2 S-Cinetone Fast Hybrid AF 5-axis 2 XLR/TRS (via handle) 16-bit (via HDMI) 715 g
Sony A7S III $3,498 Full-frame 4K Up to 120 fps 10-bit 4:2:2 S-Cinetone Fast Hybrid AF 5-axis 1 XLR/TRS (via adapter) 16-bit (via HDMI) 699 g
Sony FX6 $5,998 Full-frame 4K Up to 120 fps 10-bit 4:2:2 S-Cinetone Fast Hybrid AF No 2 XLR/TRS (built-in) 16-bit (via SDI) 890 g
Canon EOS C70 $5,499 Super 35 4K Up to 120 fps 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log 2/3 Dual Pixel CMOS AF No 2 XLR/TRS (built-in) 12-bit (via HDMI) 1,170 g

As you can see from the table, the FX3 has some advantages and disadvantages over the other products. The FX3 is the most compact and lightweight camera among the four, which makes it easier to carry and handle. It also has the best audio input options, thanks to the detachable XLR handle that provides two XLR/TRS inputs. The FX3 also has the same color science, AF system, and IBIS as the A7S III, which are highly praised by many users and reviewers. The FX3 also has the same raw output capability as the A7S III and the FX6, which allows for more flexibility and quality in post-production.

A close-up view of the Sony Alpha FX3 camera showing the tally lamp and the record button on the top.

However, the FX3 also has some drawbacks that might make it less appealing to some users. The FX3 has no built-in EVF, which might be a problem for some users who prefer to shoot with an eye-level viewfinder. The FX3 also has a lower resolution sensor than the other products, which means it has less room for cropping and reframing. The FX3 also has a lower color depth than the C70, which means it has less color information and gradation. The FX3 also has a higher price than the A7S III, which might make some users wonder if the extra features are worth the extra cost.

Representative Product Reviews

To give you a better idea of how the FX3 performs in real-world scenarios, we have selected some representative product reviews from verified buyers and experts. Here are some of the positive and negative feedbacks that we found:

Positive: “The FX3 is a fantastic camera for video shooters who want a compact and versatile camera that can deliver professional and cinematic results. The FX3 has a great image quality, a fast and reliable AF system, a smooth and effective IBIS, and a beautiful S-Cinetone color profile. The FX3 also has a cage-free design that makes it easy to attach accessories, and a detachable XLR handle that provides pro-level audio options. The FX3 is a joy to use and a great addition to my kit.”
Positive: “I love the FX3 for its portability and performance. The FX3 is a small and light camera that can fit into my backpack and go anywhere with me. The FX3 can also handle any situation and challenge that I encounter, thanks to its full-frame sensor, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and various video formats and color profiles. The FX3 also has a flip-out touchscreen LCD monitor that allows me to shoot from any angle and control the camera with ease. The FX3 is a perfect camera for vlogging and content creation.”
Negative: “The FX3 is a good camera, but not a great camera. The FX3 has some features that are missing or inferior to its competitors, such as the lack of an EVF, the lower resolution sensor, the lower color depth, and the higher price. The FX3 also has some issues that need to be fixed, such as the fan noise, the overheating, and the battery life. The FX3 is not a bad camera, but it is not a camera that I would recommend to anyone.”
Negative: “I regret buying the FX3. The FX3 is a camera that tries to be everything, but fails to be anything. The FX3 is neither a mirrorless camera nor a cinema camera, but a hybrid camera that compromises on both sides. The FX3 has a poor ergonomics, a mediocre image quality, a limited lens selection, and a confusing menu system. The FX3 is a camera that is not worth the money and the hassle.”

Conclusion

The FX3 is a camera that can appeal to a wide range of users who are interested in creating cinematic videos. The FX3 is a compact and powerful camera that combines the features of a mirrorless camera and a cinema camera. The FX3 has a full-frame sensor, a S-Cinetone color science, a fast hybrid AF system, a 5-axis IBIS, a cage-free design, a detachable XLR handle, and a 16-bit raw output. The FX3 can produce professional and cinematic results with a natural and expressive look, a sharp and consistent focus, a smooth and stable footage, and a high level of detail and clarity.

However, the FX3 is not a perfect camera, and it has some drawbacks and limitations that might make it less suitable for some users and scenarios. The FX3 has no built-in EVF, a lower resolution sensor, a lower color depth, and a higher price than some of its competitors. The FX3 also has some issues with the fan noise, the overheating, and the battery life. The FX3 is a camera that requires some trade-offs and compromises, and it might not be the best choice for everyone.

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