The Sony FX-3 destroys the Sony A7S III for serious Video Production. Comprehensively! Purpose-built for Cinematography boasting a design that prioritizes video production. It's streamlined and optimized for video shooters, making it more intuitive to handle during extended shooting sessions. Like the three tally lights on its body which light up when recording. It's really handy for small production crews. 16-bit ProRes RAW Recording: The FX-3 supports 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, providing an unprecedented level of colour depth and flexibility in post-production. With 16 bits per channel, you have significantly more data to work with, allowing for finer adjustments to color, exposure, and other image attributes without sacrificing image quality. Compared to 10-bit ProRes RAW, which offers impressive quality and flexibility in its own right, 16-bit ProRes RAW provides even greater latitude for creative expression and ensures maximum image fidelity, especially in demanding shooting scenarios such as high-contrast scenes or extensive color grading. By offering 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, the FX-3 enables filmmakers to capture footage with the highest level of detail and dynamic range, giving them the confidence to push the boundaries of their creativity and achieve stunning cinematic results. (16bit is 68X more colours than 10 bit) Fanless Cooling System: Unlike the a7S III, the FX-3 features a fanless cooling system. This means no risk of overheating during prolonged shoots, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions. Enhanced Durability: The FX-3 is constructed with durability in mind, featuring a rugged magnesium alloy body that's built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking. It's designed to handle the demands of frequent use in various environments. XLR Audio Input: One standout feature of the FX-3 is its built-in XLR audio input, allowing for professional-grade audio recording without the need for external adapters or recorders. This simplifies your setup and enhances audio quality, a crucial aspect of any video production. Integrated Grip and Mounting Points: The FX-3's integrated grip and multiple mounting points offer greater versatility and stability when attaching accessories such as monitors, lights, or microphones. This makes it easier to customize your rig according to your shooting preferences. Anamorphic De-squeeze function in camera. Only the FX-3 allows you to properly preview and capture footage shot with anamorphic lenses, maintaining the intended aspect ratio and avoiding distortion during playback. To Pre-visualize the scene without awkward distortion. True 24p DCI 4K. The FX-3 supports DCI 4K (17x9) recording, which is the standard for digital cinema. This means you can capture footage in the same format used by professional filmmakers. By shooting in DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) format, it expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to achieve a cinematic look and feel for your projects. Whether you're shooting indie films, documentaries, or commercial content, having the ability to record in DCI format adds a professional touch to your Lens Breathing is another aspect where the FX-3 excels compared to the a7S III. The FX-3 addresses this issue with reduced lens breathing, providing smoother and more consistent focusing throughout your shots. ensures that your footage maintains a consistent perspective, particularly important for professional filmmaking where maintaining visual integrity is crucial. Whether you're pulling focus during a scene or using autofocus, the FX-3's minimized lens breathing helps preserve the cinematic quality of your footage, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience for your audience. In September 2024 another firmware update will add more for cinematographers.• Shutter Angle: Users will be able to choose from both Shutter Speed/Shutter Angle similar to what is available with the FX6. A NEW preset 709tone support to colour match multiple Cinema cameras. Ability to add clip flags to mark shots - SRT/RTMP/RTMPS support for live streaming via the Creator’s App The EVF is not an issue when you are shooting RAW with an external monitor such as a NinjA V which unlocks many Advanced Monitoring Features: The Ninja V offers a range of advanced monitoring tools such as waveform monitors, histograms, focus peaking, and zebras. False Colours. These tools can help you achieve more accurate exposure and focus, ensuring higher-quality footage. While both cameras have stabilizing modes the FX-3 has an Active Stabilization mode that is not present on the Sony A7S III . Simply put Sony will NEVER EVER... cannibalize the FX Cinema line gear for the Alpha line.
You are absolutely correct.The FX 3 was introduced as a video camera rather than a hybrid like the 7S.I have gone the same route,FX 3 and A7-4 this is to me the ideal combo that covers it all.They are both powerhouses in there own right.Just my opinion.
I decided a year ago to save for the fx3 to pair with the A74, back when everyone was hyping (deservedly so) the fx6. But the Fx3 is a phenomenal, backup stills camera in its own right, a feature which the fx6 can not do. So you get all the low-light video capability of the fx6, but with stills capacity, albeit minus the built-in nd filter of the fx6. If the fx3 had 32-bit float in the audio capsule, and pixel stacking to 48mps, it would be darn near perfect.
Agree with everything you said. The FX3 is plenty of camera for a lot of people. Unless you have a specific need for the FX6's advanced features or SDI connections or a client is specifically requesting it, might be better off with the FX3 anyway depending on the shoot.
Hard to imagine them trying to convince us to buy another A7S and market it as a "video first" camera. I think the A7 line as a whole is going to stick to "hybrid." Yes they can all capture professional quality video, but if you want the specific features geared toward video production and film, you can only find that on the FX line.
I think a new firmware could be coming to the A7siii later. both the ZV-E1 and A6700 got breathing comp. and custom LUTs, so those functions are obviously not reserved for the FX line. and since the A7siii shares the same internals w/ the FX3, there are no hardware limitations either. I'm debating between the A7siii and the FX3 right now, I really want the EVF for occasional photography and think sometimes it would be beneficial to have a 3rd point of contact. 😕
It definitely helps for a third point of contact. The A7S III was soooo good for me shooting action sports handheld because of that. And actually I think Kondor Blue has a cage and add-on for the the A7 line that allows you to securely mount the FX3's top handle for XLR audio. Could be best of both worlds.
Great video bro! I'm so upset Sony left us a7siii owners hanging with the firm ware updates ... I shoot real estate and having the ability to upload luts would be huge ... the gamma display is not great ..
I saw a report the other day that they were going to update the firmware to allow use of the Monitor and Control app with the A7S III and A1… hopefully they include a few other features in the update that are more helpful.
@@ChrisHagan yeah I saw that too ... But let's face it ... People primarily bought the a7siii for video and the ability of adding custom luts is huge ! I do have a shinobi monitor but it's that much more I gotta pack ... I feel I'm way faster with the gimbal with the camera and no monitor
Think I may pick up a used A7S III for hopefully a steal of a deal haha. It's awesome that the A7S III is getting the update it's long deserved. For video, it's some of the small things on the body and menu that still make me prefer the FX3. But anyone who wants a camera that's just as capable image wise with an EVF that comes in handy shooting fast action, the A7S III will hold high value for years to come. All about how you use it.
@@ChrisHagan I got an fx30 a year ago to up my game as I was using an iPhone to film stuff , so over the last year I’ve learned a lot ! From not knowing how to use the camera , to using it a whole lot, my plan was always to save money and buy an fx3 for my A game as you will , or for lowlight situations for wedding filming , but I just haven’t got there yet money wise , then my buddy told me he’s got a friend selling a a7siii for 2200$ which is a great price and I’m real tempted to buy it especially with the firmware update coming , but I really wanted the fx3 , but I can save about 2k and get the same sensor , I already have a 24-70 gm I that I also got months ago knowing I would be getting a full frame camera soon ? What do you think ? Should I buy that a7siii ? I really like the fx30 form factor so thats why im hell bent on the fx3,but 2k savings , man I don’t know
what do you plan on filming / what else do you need? if you need lights, filters, microphones, cage, bigger SD cards, prime lens, v-mount battery, or any accessories that will benefit you significantly, that $2k you're saving would be much better spent there.
live music / weddings /corporate gigs, I need a second camera to compliment my fx30 , I have lots of sd cards , I have a 100w light and a 60w light , would like to add either an amaran 300c or at least a 150c or an amaran 200xs I already have a 65cm soft box but would like to add a 85 or 120 , I have two 50 small rig v mounts and 1 99vm small rig and 4 regular Sony batteries, I have a tilta cage , rode ntg mic , rode pro wireless set, 2 sets of nd filters and 2 pro mist filters, I have a 16-55 for my fx3o and I have a 24-70 gm I for my future future full frame whether that be an fx3 or a7siii, ive toy'd with getting another fx30 too instead , and I want to eventually get a mini pro 3 or 4 drone and a rs3 gimbal but I am kinda running out of money and don't have a ton of gigs coming in although I shot 2 music videos last month, and a bunch of reels for another band to promote their upcoming European tour, and doing a corporate gig on march 15th which I definitely need that second camera for ,, there is now competition for that a7siii , I may not even be able to buy it now as Ive slept on it , no doubt its about 2k cheaper then BH is selling it for and about 1500$ in marketplace ads , I would love to have a camera that is better in low light in my arsenal for live music shots and certain wedding scenarios, just really want an fx3 but with that 2k I can buy the last few tings I need and maybe use the a7sIII for a year or 2 until I make more money , I mean its no slouch from what im reading , just not all the bells and whistles of the fx3 cinema wise @@ChrisHagan
Correct. It's no slouch at all. I shot a lot of corporate work with the A7S III. Honestly, a conversation for another day is probably that it was so good that if Sony gave it the proper updates it deserved, they wouldn't have sold as many FX3's. If you need the second camera now, I say get it and use the hell out of it. Won't let you down. The FX3 would just be a luxury. You're getting gigs with the FX30 so this will only help you deliver even better results with a second camera. Even if you don't get this one, definitely keep your eyes open for good deals. For the reasons you mentioned, I think at the right price, it's a better purchase than another FX30, especially for low light and 4K120. Maybe rent it until you're ready to buy and that will help you make up your mind.
how do u feel about the new a7c ii spec rumors? sounding like A7r v tech being brought to an a7s iii, which would make it better than fx3 in almost every way
I think it depends on your preference / what you're shooting. If the A7C II is built in a smaller body, which is kinda the point, will it run the risk of overheating? If it's still 4K resolution, still not a huge advantage over the rest of the lineup. I think the biggest video difference maker would be if it gets the stabilization from the ZV-E1. Personally I'd prefer them make it a more photo forward camera to compete with some point and shoots that are near the same size. Sony already has a lot of good options for video.
*SONY is a cynical company, which doesn't have the respect for its customers, like Canon and Nikon do. Essentially, SONY has made a big mistake here. This company tripped itself up because of its nasty business model, which involves the heavy use of the cripple hammer, along with a deliberate calculation to only present products with slightly marginal improvements, in order the maximise the absolute milking of the market sector. SONY realized long ago it can make much more money releasing products with only slightly improved features, as opposed to releasing more evolved cameras, which cost more R & D dollars to bring to market, versus yesterday's already realized camera products. Smarter customers won't be fooled, and they won't tolerate this practice from cynical SONY for much longer.*
The Sony FX-3 destroys the Sony A7S III for serious Video Production. Comprehensively!
Purpose-built for Cinematography boasting a design that prioritizes video production. It's streamlined and optimized for video shooters, making it more intuitive to handle during extended shooting sessions. Like the three tally lights on its body which light up when recording. It's really handy for small production crews.
16-bit ProRes RAW Recording: The FX-3 supports 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, providing an unprecedented level of colour depth and flexibility in post-production. With 16 bits per channel, you have significantly more data to work with, allowing for finer adjustments to color, exposure, and other image attributes without sacrificing image quality. Compared to 10-bit ProRes RAW, which offers impressive quality and flexibility in its own right, 16-bit ProRes RAW provides even greater latitude for creative expression and ensures maximum image fidelity, especially in demanding shooting scenarios such as high-contrast scenes or extensive color grading. By offering 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, the FX-3 enables filmmakers to capture footage with the highest level of detail and dynamic range, giving them the confidence to push the boundaries of their creativity and achieve stunning cinematic results. (16bit is 68X more colours than 10 bit)
Fanless Cooling System: Unlike the a7S III, the FX-3 features a fanless cooling system. This means no risk of overheating during prolonged shoots, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.
Enhanced Durability: The FX-3 is constructed with durability in mind, featuring a rugged magnesium alloy body that's built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking. It's designed to handle the demands of frequent use in various environments.
XLR Audio Input: One standout feature of the FX-3 is its built-in XLR audio input, allowing for professional-grade audio recording without the need for external adapters or recorders. This simplifies your setup and enhances audio quality, a crucial aspect of any video production.
Integrated Grip and Mounting Points: The FX-3's integrated grip and multiple mounting points offer greater versatility and stability when attaching accessories such as monitors, lights, or microphones. This makes it easier to customize your rig according to your shooting preferences.
Anamorphic De-squeeze function in camera. Only the FX-3 allows you to properly preview and capture footage shot with anamorphic lenses, maintaining the intended aspect ratio and avoiding distortion during playback. To Pre-visualize the scene without awkward distortion.
True 24p DCI 4K. The FX-3 supports DCI 4K (17x9) recording, which is the standard for digital cinema. This means you can capture footage in the same format used by professional filmmakers. By shooting in DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) format, it expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to achieve a cinematic look and feel for your projects. Whether you're shooting indie films, documentaries, or commercial content, having the ability to record in DCI format adds a professional touch to your
Lens Breathing is another aspect where the FX-3 excels compared to the a7S III. The FX-3 addresses this issue with reduced lens breathing, providing smoother and more consistent focusing throughout your shots. ensures that your footage maintains a consistent perspective, particularly important for professional filmmaking where maintaining visual integrity is crucial. Whether you're pulling focus during a scene or using autofocus, the FX-3's minimized lens breathing helps preserve the cinematic quality of your footage, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience for your audience.
In September 2024 another firmware update will add more for cinematographers.• Shutter Angle: Users will be able to choose from both Shutter Speed/Shutter Angle similar to what is available with the FX6.
A NEW preset 709tone support to colour match multiple Cinema cameras.
Ability to add clip flags to mark shots - SRT/RTMP/RTMPS support for live streaming via the Creator’s App
The EVF is not an issue when you are shooting RAW with an external monitor such as a NinjA V which unlocks many Advanced Monitoring Features: The Ninja V offers a range of advanced monitoring tools such as waveform monitors, histograms, focus peaking, and zebras. False Colours. These tools can help you achieve more accurate exposure and focus, ensuring higher-quality footage.
While both cameras have stabilizing modes the FX-3 has an Active Stabilization mode that is not present on the Sony A7S III .
Simply put Sony will NEVER EVER... cannibalize the FX Cinema line gear for the Alpha line.
that's a great review! Can you also make a video about how to shoot with FX3, like how to use the handles? thanks!
You are absolutely correct.The FX 3 was introduced as a video camera rather than a hybrid like the 7S.I have gone the same route,FX 3 and A7-4 this is to me the ideal combo that covers it all.They are both powerhouses in there own right.Just my opinion.
Yep. Both have more than enough to get the job done. Just a matter of which camera works best for your work.
I decided a year ago to save for the fx3 to pair with the A74, back when everyone was hyping (deservedly so) the fx6. But the Fx3 is a phenomenal, backup stills camera in its own right, a feature which the fx6 can not do. So you get all the low-light video capability of the fx6, but with stills capacity, albeit minus the built-in nd filter of the fx6. If the fx3 had 32-bit float in the audio capsule, and pixel stacking to 48mps, it would be darn near perfect.
Agree with everything you said. The FX3 is plenty of camera for a lot of people. Unless you have a specific need for the FX6's advanced features or SDI connections or a client is specifically requesting it, might be better off with the FX3 anyway depending on the shoot.
I feel like the recent update for fx3 confirms that Sony has the fx line up in mind whereas the S series is left under the rug.
Hard to imagine them trying to convince us to buy another A7S and market it as a "video first" camera. I think the A7 line as a whole is going to stick to "hybrid."
Yes they can all capture professional quality video, but if you want the specific features geared toward video production and film, you can only find that on the FX line.
I think a new firmware could be coming to the A7siii later. both the ZV-E1 and A6700 got breathing comp. and custom LUTs, so those functions are obviously not reserved for the FX line. and since the A7siii shares the same internals w/ the FX3, there are no hardware limitations either. I'm debating between the A7siii and the FX3 right now, I really want the EVF for occasional photography and think sometimes it would be beneficial to have a 3rd point of contact. 😕
It definitely helps for a third point of contact. The A7S III was soooo good for me shooting action sports handheld because of that.
And actually I think Kondor Blue has a cage and add-on for the the A7 line that allows you to securely mount the FX3's top handle for XLR audio. Could be best of both worlds.
The v3 firmware made me sell my a7IV.
the announcement of the zve1 also seems better than a a7sIII for a lower price and more features.
I want the ZV E1 so bad because I vlog but I just NEVER want my camera to shut down from overheating.
Great video bro! I'm so upset Sony left us a7siii owners hanging with the firm ware updates ... I shoot real estate and having the ability to upload luts would be huge ... the gamma display is not great ..
I saw a report the other day that they were going to update the firmware to allow use of the Monitor and Control app with the A7S III and A1… hopefully they include a few other features in the update that are more helpful.
@@ChrisHagan yeah I saw that too ... But let's face it ... People primarily bought the a7siii for video and the ability of adding custom luts is huge ! I do have a shinobi monitor but it's that much more I gotta pack ... I feel I'm way faster with the gimbal with the camera and no monitor
@@alansarpy agreed. marketed as a video forward camera, denied helpful video updates. not cool.
🎉🎉
what do you think now that a7sIII is getting firmware update ?
Think I may pick up a used A7S III for hopefully a steal of a deal haha. It's awesome that the A7S III is getting the update it's long deserved.
For video, it's some of the small things on the body and menu that still make me prefer the FX3. But anyone who wants a camera that's just as capable image wise with an EVF that comes in handy shooting fast action, the A7S III will hold high value for years to come. All about how you use it.
@@ChrisHagan I got an fx30 a year ago to up my game as I was using an iPhone to film stuff , so over the last year I’ve learned a lot ! From not knowing how to use the camera , to using it a whole lot, my plan was always to save money and buy an fx3 for my A game as you will , or for lowlight situations for wedding filming , but I just haven’t got there yet money wise , then my buddy told me he’s got a friend selling a a7siii for 2200$ which is a great price and I’m real tempted to buy it especially with the firmware update coming , but I really wanted the fx3 , but I can save about 2k and get the same sensor , I already have a 24-70 gm I that I also got months ago knowing I would be getting a full frame camera soon ? What do you think ? Should I buy that a7siii ? I really like the fx30 form factor so thats why im hell bent on the fx3,but 2k savings , man I don’t know
what do you plan on filming / what else do you need?
if you need lights, filters, microphones, cage, bigger SD cards, prime lens, v-mount battery, or any accessories that will benefit you significantly, that $2k you're saving would be much better spent there.
live music / weddings /corporate gigs, I need a second camera to compliment my fx30 , I have lots of sd cards , I have a 100w light and a 60w light , would like to add either an amaran 300c or at least a 150c or an amaran 200xs I already have a 65cm soft box but would like to add a 85 or 120 , I have two 50 small rig v mounts and 1 99vm small rig and 4 regular Sony batteries, I have a tilta cage , rode ntg mic , rode pro wireless set, 2 sets of nd filters and 2 pro mist filters, I have a 16-55 for my fx3o and I have a 24-70 gm I for my future future full frame whether that be an fx3 or a7siii, ive toy'd with getting another fx30 too instead , and I want to eventually get a mini pro 3 or 4 drone and a rs3 gimbal but I am kinda running out of money and don't have a ton of gigs coming in although I shot 2 music videos last month, and a bunch of reels for another band to promote their upcoming European tour, and doing a corporate gig on march 15th which I definitely need that second camera for ,, there is now competition for that a7siii , I may not even be able to buy it now as Ive slept on it , no doubt its about 2k cheaper then BH is selling it for and about 1500$ in marketplace ads , I would love to have a camera that is better in low light in my arsenal for live music shots and certain wedding scenarios, just really want an fx3 but with that 2k I can buy the last few tings I need and maybe use the a7sIII for a year or 2 until I make more money , I mean its no slouch from what im reading , just not all the bells and whistles of the fx3 cinema wise @@ChrisHagan
Correct. It's no slouch at all. I shot a lot of corporate work with the A7S III. Honestly, a conversation for another day is probably that it was so good that if Sony gave it the proper updates it deserved, they wouldn't have sold as many FX3's.
If you need the second camera now, I say get it and use the hell out of it. Won't let you down. The FX3 would just be a luxury. You're getting gigs with the FX30 so this will only help you deliver even better results with a second camera. Even if you don't get this one, definitely keep your eyes open for good deals. For the reasons you mentioned, I think at the right price, it's a better purchase than another FX30, especially for low light and 4K120. Maybe rent it until you're ready to buy and that will help you make up your mind.
how do u feel about the new a7c ii spec rumors? sounding like A7r v tech being brought to an a7s iii, which would make it better than fx3 in almost every way
I think it depends on your preference / what you're shooting. If the A7C II is built in a smaller body, which is kinda the point, will it run the risk of overheating? If it's still 4K resolution, still not a huge advantage over the rest of the lineup. I think the biggest video difference maker would be if it gets the stabilization from the ZV-E1.
Personally I'd prefer them make it a more photo forward camera to compete with some point and shoots that are near the same size. Sony already has a lot of good options for video.
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*SONY is a cynical company, which doesn't have the respect for its customers, like Canon and Nikon do. Essentially, SONY has made a big mistake here. This company tripped itself up because of its nasty business model, which involves the heavy use of the cripple hammer, along with a deliberate calculation to only present products with slightly marginal improvements, in order the maximise the absolute milking of the market sector. SONY realized long ago it can make much more money releasing products with only slightly improved features, as opposed to releasing more evolved cameras, which cost more R & D dollars to bring to market, versus yesterday's already realized camera products. Smarter customers won't be fooled, and they won't tolerate this practice from cynical SONY for much longer.*