Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
The Sony FX3 borrows from both the Cinema Line and Alpha series of cameras to create an ideal portable cinema camera with a compact design for solo shooters, for travel applications, and to work as an ideal B cam. The FX3 has all the imaging capabilities you'd anticipate for a camera in this class, but it also has a new lightweight, handheld form factor with a slim profile and a "cage-free" design that enables you to directly attach a variety of accessories to the camera body.
Expressive UHD 4K Video Capture
By combining a 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor with a BIONZ XR processor, the FX3 can capture UHD 4K video with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling or 16-bit raw output. With an expandable ISO 80-409,600 range and a greater than 15-stop dynamic range for working in a variety of lighting conditions, the sensor's BSI design enhances clarity and sensitivity. The S-Cinetone mode, which offers colour and tonal control, can be used to match to VENICE, FX9, or FX6 sources. It also supports the S-Log3/2 gamut and 10-bit HLG for straightforward HDR productions. Additionally, the sensor and processor collaborate to significantly lessen rolling shutter, and the Fast Hybrid AF system built into the sensor allows for quick and intelligent subject tracking.
4K Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R Sensor
The FX3 offers true cinematic expression with 10.2MP effective video and 12.1MP stills capture thanks to a 12.1MP Exmor R sensor and BIONZ XR processor. The full-frame sensor offers reduced rolling shutter artefacts, stunning bokeh, and looks of shallow depth of field. With a base sensitivity range of 80–102,400 expanding to a lofty 409,600 for impressive low-light capture, and 15+ stops of dynamic range, there is plenty of room for colour grading to capture the subtleties of both spectacular exteriors and carefully lit interior scenes.
S-Cinetone Color
The S-Cinetone colour setting on the FX3 produces stunning skin tone reproduction and a softer-toned look that blends in with your VENICE, FX9, or FX6 footage. With the variety of Sony Cinema Line cameras, S-Log-3, S-Gamut3, S-Gamut3.Cine, and 10-bit 4:2:2 support help maintain rich gradation and colour matching, while HLG HDR offers the option of direct HLG playback without the need for grading.
Video Recording
Up to 4K 120p image capture at up to 5x slow motion at 24p output is possible. There are several recording options, including the capacity to simultaneously record XAVC 4K and proxies in-camera and output DCI 4K+ in 16-bit raw over HDMI to compatible recorders. Internal 4K recording options include All-Intra and Long GOP codecs in 4:2:2 10-bit colour.
- Cooling features like a silent fan and a heatsink dissipate warmth to enable uninterrupted recording up to 4K60
- Dual SD card slots accept both CFexpress Type A and SDXC cards for easy relay or backup recording
- Super35 1080p capture at rates up to 240p
Steady Focus
- Now even solo shooters can keep the action in focus thanks to real-time Tracking and Eye autofocus functions made possible by AI-based algorithms plus a simple touchscreen focus function.
- Seven choices of AF Transition Speed let you rack focus, and five AF Subject Shift settings enable you to adjust the speed when shifting from a locked-on subject.
- Fast Hybrid AF uses 627 points to cover approximately 89% of the image frame
Ergonomic Form for Solo Operation
You can mount 14"-20 compatible accessories directly on the FX3 camera or on the detachable handle thanks to its cage-free design, which spares you the weight and setup/breakdown time of a camera cage. Your left hand is free to balance the camera or operate the lens because of the clustered record button, focus and menu controls, and six assignable buttons.
Easily Viewable Tally Lights
The operator, talent, and sound person can precisely time their movements and delivery of dialogue by using the top, front, and rear tally indicators to let them know when the camera is recording.
Quality Audio Options
Pro audio recording options include:
- A detachable XLR adapter handle with two XLR-1/4" TRS combo audio inputs
- A mic holder and a 3.5mm input for adding a microphone
- Up to 4-channel, 24-bit audio recording
Remote Control, Streaming, and Transfers
To give your editor a head start on post-production, you can remotely control your FX3 using the Imaging Edge Mobile or Imaging Edge Desktop apps and transfer files over Wi-Fi or a wired USB Type-C connector. Using the Imaging Edge Webcam app and your computer, you can also stream content.
Post-Production Stabilization with E-Mount Lenses
- Sony's Catalyst Prepare/Browse software uses shake metadata to stabilize your image
- An adjustable balance between shake compensation and image area trimming lets you fine-tune the image
Improved FX3 Features
With enhancements like cage-free, comfortable handheld operation, a battery life 1.6 times longer than the a7S II's, and a USB-PD power option for longer shooting sessions, the FX3 updates the Cinema Line.
Common FX3/FX6/a7S III Features
Like the FX6 and the a7S III, the FX3 features:
- Full-frame, back-illuminated 12.1MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor
- High-speed rates of 120p in 4K and 240p in HD
- A dynamic range of 15+ stops
Shared FX3/FX6 Attributes
Attributes that the FX3 has in common with the larger FX6 camera include:
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3, HLG, and Rec. 709 gamma options
- Tally lamps on the front, side, and rear
- An internal fan to prevent overheating
- A zoom lever for easy frame adjustments
Shared FX3/a7S III Attributes
Attributes that the FX3 shares with the a7S III include:
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 16-bit raw output via HDMI
- S-Log2 gamma choice
- 80 to 409,6000 ISO range (expanded)
Wireless Connectivity
- Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz wireless connectivity
- Wired LAN link using the USB Type-C port and a separate adapter
Firmware Update v.2.0
Sony brings the FX3 more in line with its Cinema Line workflow with firmware update 2.0. A more user-friendly camera interface, advanced log shooting options, including Cine EI options, the capacity to import user LUTs, timecode syncing via an optional cable, and the ability to import user LUTs are all included in the updates.
When updating from v.1.01 or earlier:
- Note your chosen settings before updating since the process will initialize the camera and will be unable to read saved settings from v.1.01
- S-Log2 will no longer be included; you must use S-Log3
- Connecting to the Imaging Edge Mobile app has been made easier (see Smartphone Registration in the Help Guide); this requires updating the Mobile app to v. 7.7 or later and registering the camera as new.
- Note that the NFC one-touch connection function will no longer be available
