In the scene at 9:01 you can clearly see a much gentler highlight rolloff from the FX6 on the floor, the couch, and the window/curtains. Everything about the gamma curve is less punchy and "crushed". Big fan of the FX6 image. (Yes I'm trying desperately to justify my purchase)
Well done. A nice and very informative video. I would personally disagree in the fact the A7Siii EVF is more than for just stills. It’s the best way to shoot video especially with the mediocre and dull LCD screen, no way you can accurate pull focus manually on that thing! It’s also so important for reviewing back footage. Very honest and not misleading at all unlike another review I recently watched from a retailer that didn’t once mention that the FX3 and A7S III were basically the same camera!
You're not wrong, Philip. It wasn't an intended omission so much as a way to keep the video from being a rambling 20 minute albatross. If at any time I can look through an EVF versus the LCD, that's going to be my choice. Thanks for the kind words as well Philip. I sincerely appreciate it!
A very good point! Thanks to you, I started reviewing the footage I shot on my A7S III using EVF. I can't believe Sony uses such crap LCD displays on their cameras. I wish the screen had the quality of GH5's display. That would make A7S III a near-perfect camera.
I frequently missed recording on A7III because of double press or not able to see the red dot during fast pace filming. The tally light on FX3 looks very tempting.
I'm late to this party and Philip Bloom has already weighed in, that said my thoughts in short (or in long, lol): For me the big disappointment with the FX3 is that Sony could've gone all out and made custom firmware so that it operates more like a cinema camera. There is no Cine-EI mode. No usage of shutter angle. And most egregiously (and Philip Bloom talks about this in his review) no way to turn off all of the internal processing. The FX3 looks the way it does vs the FX6 because it has internal noise reduction and internal sharpening that can be "reduced" but not turned off. This leads to that contrast crunch that it has, as well as making it digitally sharp (or less organic, or not filmic, or whatever your preferred parlance is) as well as overly smooth (no grain texture what-so-ever). It's a disappointment that the FX3 and FX6 don't match perfectly. It also is missing that beautiful internal eND filter, which I think most cinematographers that actually want/need a compact cinema camera would prefer over having IBIS. I'll also note that perhaps some of the rolling shutter improvement/performance may actually be due to the IBIS smoothing out movements vs the FX6 which doesn't have this. ----------- So all this said, the FX6 really shows us what that sensor is capable of. And it's nearly the perfect all-rounder camera. It's just missing a few things that I wish it had that it rivals do have. Panasonic as an example allows for full 3:2 sensor readout and a host of square anamorphic modes. And heck, just having a 3.5" audio jack on the camera body itself (which as we know has been commented on a thousand times and beaten to death). It would also be nice if Sony decided to be ahead of the game and offered 12-bit h.265. Their sensor is 16-bit! Getting 12-bit LOG would offer much more tonal gradation and smoother colors in a data package size that isn't much larger than their 10-bit h.265 (XAVC-I is basically a Sony proprietary h.265 format). This feature would most likely make using something like a Ninja V for RAW unnecessary AND have the side benefit of being compatible immediately with Davinci Resolve. It would be 'the' feature that would make users think twice about buying a low end RED (like the Komodo) or an ARRI, which most users shoot in 12-bit 4444 instead of RAW. Engineers and accountants likely deemed the ASIC's necessary to encode 12-bit h.265 as "unnecessary" and I'm sure the execs wanted to protect the FX9 which also doesn't (and can't) have this feature. Still you need to cannibalize your own stuff, or someone else will (a paraphrase from some smart guy at Apple). Even with those caveats - size, cost, weight, resolution, full frame(!), rolling shutter, audio inputs, audio DACs, frame rates, codecs, buttons (programmable and numerous), layout (ergonomics), autofocus, battery life (a single 70Wh BPU can last well over 4 hours and the 98Wh in excess of 6 hours) - it goes on and on - all are either the best or in the top 3 (hence all-rounder) as compared to any other camera. There are other cameras that do 1 thing or a few things better than the FX6, but all of those combined? Good luck. For working professionals, runner/gunners, doc shooters, live event shooters, travel film makers, interviews, or anything requiring autofocus; there is no camera better than the FX6. Especially at its price point, it's a near perfect camera. And it feels to me like the FX3 was artificially limited as to essentially not be a "full fat" FX6 costing $2000 less.
This is the first time I see someone point out that the Fx3 shoots 1 stop brighter. The other day I was shooting an interview, and everything looked very well in the histogram and screen and no zebra. But when they reviewed the footage it looked way overexposed. It was shot in HLG so they didn’t used additional luts…
To get flawless playback in post with the FX3 footage, use the all intraframe codec XAVC-S I which is much less compressed, not the XAVC-HS which have H.265 (HEVC) based compression. Hope that helps.
Thanks resize. One point I neglected to make was that in fact I was using the intraframe codec and still having issues. I also have a pretty powerful MBP. So IDK ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
If you really want flawless playback, shoot in ProRes HQ using an external recorder since it runs back smoother than butter in Final cut and Premiere and has very little to no compression
I would just add that for run and gun, hand held and when camera size matters, having a built in viewfinder can make a huge difference! Love a lot of the features in the FX3 body, but I want and need that view finder there... Thank you 🙏 for another excelente and insightful review! ; )~
I finally find a video where they compare the fx3 and the a7s3 side by side, especially since they all say it is the same camera. but if you manage skin tones differently
Thank you so much for creating these in-depth, no fluff, no bs filmmaking videos. The knowledge and experience you have shows in the quality of these videos. Most small sub filmmaker youtube channels have the the best content. Keep safe and thank you!
Love your videos and very helpful! As a FX6 user I'm looking for a b-cam since moving over from Panasonic. For my use I think the a7s3 might be the better partner for my FX6.
At 8:00 I notice that the a7siii color was a bit on yellowish/greenish than fx3 when they all use the slog 3 on all camera. So i guess there's also a bit difference on picture profile?
I rate the honest feedback and then the opposing reviews in the comments. This is such an underrated way of learning about the cameras without investing first. Appreciate the content!!
On the topic of the S-Cinetone being brighter on the FX3/A7s iii vs FX6/FX9, check out this post by Alister Chapman: www.xdcam-user.com/2021/02/which-sony-iso-ratings-are-correct/ . It seems ISO 100 in S-Cinetone on the FX3 is ISO 320 with the FX6/FX9.
Thanks for this great review. I am still stuck on my decision between a 2nd as7iii body and the Fx6. I am getting more and more commercial work but am also shooting a lot of weddings still. Need a second body for that as well ugghhh
I'm in the same situation. Even If I prefer the FX6 form factor (and it looks really nice and pro, I must say), I think that the lack of onbody camera audio on the FX6 (without the handle), the lack of stabilized lenses in the Sony line up (making the lack of IBIS on the FX6 quite problematic), and the fact that the A1 just showcased how good their new 8K sensor can be even in low light situation (a real glimpse of the future), makes me think that I should wait for the FX6 M2 before investing a lot into a future-proof cinema camera that I will use for years (at that price, you hope that it will be good for a while). I also already have an Atomos Ninja V, so I can get DCI 4k, noise reduction turned off, and timecode if I want to, through my Atomos. And I only have a Tamron 28-75 2.8 at the moment. The FX3 would leave me money to add some new lenses to my kit. The only thing I would really miss from the FX6 right now, is the ability to control the cam through the wired movable handle, which could be useful to easily move the focus point, but maybe I could just buy one of those remote control?
one of the best review on YT of the FX3 (and comparison with the FX6 and A7SIII) Good job, that 10min was well invested since now I know I want the FX6 instead. By the way, which EVF would you recommend with it?
Thanks you for a great review. I have a quick question. What is the name of the phone app you used to slate your videos? I’ve goggled and haven’t find this exact one you are using. It’s at time marker 6:14. Thanks
Thank you Daniel! If you're in an environment where you're moving quickly with the camera (sports, wildlife, fashion, etc) I can't think of any photographer I've ever seen find a way to shoot like that by just looking at the back of screen. There are some exceptions, of course - but by and large - shutting out all light and being able to focus on the framing is the core reason you need an EVF in that situation. LCD/OLED screens are not only very dim (comparatively), have glare, black out or delays. So those are also challenges that make it difficult to use the EVF for photography. The one exception that I made in the video is studio still life/commercial/portrait work. Typically we'd use medium format cameras parked on a big heavy support and look through a viewing port or screen from a bit of a distance. But this is far much more the exception than the rule.
Hi Mark. I haven't even seen it yet to be honest. It does look like it has some much needed improvements over the previous model. But it's a different bird to the Sony cameras. I would put BM on one of the spectrum and Sony on the other. Sorta MAC vs PC kind of thing.
Thanks a lot, great job. Now I know want to by the fx6, maby also later on as b-roll camera or on the drone... By the way, what is the name on the Clapborad app you used in the video?
Hey! Thanks for your great video! I have a questions: What lenses do you have on your cameras in the interview at 6:15? I thinks it's beautifully soft - and often I think these cameras are too "sharp" and don't have the filmic look that I have had on both FS7 and C300. But your pictures look really nice and soft. Is it the lenses? The grading? Or just magic? Thanks :)
Thanks Deten. They were just standard Sony lenses. No filtration of any kind. Sony’s imaging has drastically improved in this area over the last few years. Especially with the introduction of S-Cinetone.
@@vistek Ah ok - I just think that what you are doing on the fx3 looks more soft and smooth than any other example videos I’m seeing on UA-cam. I have a question then: I own one fx3 and a 25-105mm g lens. In a couple of days I’m shooting an interview for a documentary where I need two cameras angles. Same kind of interview setup as yours in the video. Although I don’t have any other Sony cameras - BUT I do have access to a C300 mk2. Do you think that it’s a terrible idea to use the fx3 with slog3 as the wide picture and the c300 with clog3 with a 70-200mm as the close up? I’m aware that the pictures won’t match perfectly - but the documentary IS gonna be graded by a post production company afterwards. So colors can be corrected. BUT I am unsure if the overall look of the two cameras will work together. Or if, for instance, the fx3 will look more “sharp” in the not so cinematic way compared to the c300. I know it’s not the optimal solution, but it’s the gear that I have access to - oor should I just avoid it, what do you think? Thanks:)!
Hi Deten, I think as shooters we often give our audience far too much credit. The footage would have to be wildly different for the average viewer to notice a difference. You notice it because it's your job to notice it, but you've been trained to see those differences. The average viewer is unlikely to notice any change in sharpness, or skin tone, unless again, it's wildly different. A further anecdote is I was once privy to a conversation between two high level DOPs. One DOP was complementing the other on a beautifully shot documentary film. He further said, "It's absolutely stunning. Was that shot on an Alexa?" To which the doc DP said, "I could say yes, and I know you'd believe me. But it was shot on the C300 Mark 1, which is a 420 8-bit camera." I've also seen this happen in my own work. I shot a doc series for Amazon Prime using two very different cameras (one 8 bit one 10 bit) and after the colour timing, it's impossible to tell which camera is which. The short answer is - yes shoot with the C300 in Clog2 or 3 and your colourist will have very little trouble getting the Slog3 footage to match. You can help this along further by shooting a colour chart with both cameras at the top or end of the day. Good luck!
@@vistek Ha yes I I think you are totally right. And I have experience with same kind of interview where one angle was c300 and the other one fs7. No problem when graded. It’s just that the fx3 seems more sharp - again in the not so cinematic way. Which makes me doubt if the looks of the two pictures match. Not the colors but the look and feeling apart from the colors... I’ll try it out :) thanks again
Im not sure if you mentioned FX6 has no IBIS.... It has gyro data but that will take longer than any codec benefits, and FX3 can record proxies and h264 so not too bad. The colors do look better to me on FX6, but i like the compact size and IBIS for run and gun wedding video work. I dont like the EVF personally as it can disable the rear LCD on gimbal work if your moving fast. I love the tally lights over a7siii because missing a shot for double click of record can wreck a wedding shoot! Each to their own, but FX3 for me XD
For me, lack of Timecode may be a deal breaker. You didn't really talk about this in your review. How big of a deal is this to you and how difficult do you personally find it to sync audio from multiple cameras?
Hi John, I understand your point completely. That said, those who need TC are also not the market for this camera. That is the place of the FX6. I firmly feel that Sony is making the right choice by keeping SDI etc off of their mirrorless cameras (of course, that can change in the future). They really want this camera to be for that Wedding shooter/film student/influencer market. That all said, I've personally shot close to a hundred hours of television where we used TC on the A-Cam, and then a mirrorless on a B-cam and no producer or editor ever complained directly to me. If it's slated, it's a non-issue. The only area where I see it being an issue is genlock and multicam production. Even then, I've done multi-cam (recorded, not live) and just synced the 5 cameras to slate and it was fine. There is also plural-eyes which I know a lot of post houses use. In the end this is a long-winded way to say, if TC matters to you - chances are you're not going to shoot on mirrorless cameras anyways, and Sony as well as most other brands understand that.
@@vistek yeah. besides premiere has a setting now where you can literally right click and 'synchronize' and it aligns waveforms for you for different clips
I own an FS7mii and I need a proper B-cam. Mainly something small that I can shoot handheld with. I can't decide whether to sell the fs7 and get the fx9 and work towards getting the fx3 or fx6. my other option would be keeping the fs7 and getting a smaller cam. Would love your advice!
Hi MPP, thank you for your comment. I’m going to give you an answer that you probably won’t like. Which is, there is really no effective way for me to advise you in a way that would satisfy you. There are so many factors that go into that. At best I could say that if you do “video work” then it would make a bit more sense to go with the FX6/3 system because it gives you flexibility. If you work in broadcasting or commercial work, then the FX9 would make more sense. Outside of that, you’ll have to balance your needs with what each camera offers. It’s not an easy decision - and each side makes a compelling argument. The good news is that you’ll be quite happy with the cameras either way you go.
There is no perfect camera, with your s5 you will do amazing videos. The next month will release another new camera and so on... so don't beat yourself up
I very much agree Adam. It was one of the first comments I made to Sony's engineer lead. His reply to me suggested that they didn't even think people cared about that and would wait for users to start asking for it. I suggested that it was absolutely a fundamental feature in motion work and that many mirrorless cameras (notably those from Panasonic and BM have had this feature for some time)
I can totally agree with the waveform. But with the shutter angle, I can honestly say shutter speed works just fine. Just knowing you put it at 1/50ss for 24fps, and /125ss for 60fps. And basically any fps you have, just multiply that by 2 and be the amount you put on your shutter speed.
Do you know if the K3M (with or without handle) will be available for purchase to put on the A7siii? I would prefer another microphone than the one that comes with the sony kit.
Hi Terry, the K3M was announced and available when the A7SIII was announced last year. It's been available on it's own since then. The actual K3M unit does not come with a handle, and the only way you can get the handle unit is by buying the FX3 as it's specifically made for that camera, whereas the K3M works with any Sony hot-shoe compatible camera. Though I don't know what its compatibility is like outside of the A7S3.
@@vistek Thanks for the speedy response. I guess I also miscommunicated what I was asking for. If you are looking for a7siii or fx3 and also wanted XLR inputs, the fx3 seems like a better deal. However, when you buy the a7siii with the K3M you also get a microphone where the FX3 does not. I was just wondering if there were going to sell a K3M without the shotgun mic so that it is easier to compare the same features if I plan to use a Seenheiser MKH 416 :)
Ahh that I can't say. I haven't been told by Sony that they have any plans to include a microphone with the handle unit. I suspect that most FX3 users are happy to choose their own mic if the need arises and thus save a couple hundred on the camera.
@@vistek thanks again for the answer. Sadly it was still not my question :). Let me try once again. Any chance that Sony will sell the XLRK3M hot shoe mount without the ECM-XM1 Shotgun microphone? That way in either case we could have a camera that connects to another microphone via XLR.
Ahhh. That I don't know to be honest. I'd hazard a guess that if they haven't done it thus far, they're unlikely to - unless they see overwhelming user demand. Knowing what I know about Sony, I wouldn't rule it out - but I also don't think you should hold your breath either.
Hi, thank you really much for your review. I just got a question about the handle of the FX3. Is there a headphone jack on it ? Because it could be really annoying to deal with the LCD screen and the headphone jack on the body of the A7S III.
@@vistek I was under the impression that the a7s3 has face priority but not face only (where it doesn’t rack to background when the face disappears from frame)
Thank you for that. It made me feel better about my purchase. I switched from A7SII to FX3, and there are times I want to return it. Not having an EVF is a drag, and this camera will stop shooting in the summer when it gets hot. I tried turning off the fan, but it still stopped. One additional thing I think is great, is the dual memory card slot we don't have on the AS7III and of course the ability to turn the screen around.
Hi now that we can go outside cause the quarntine is almost over. I'm glad I got the a7siii cover the FX6 cause its hard to see the screen in the sun. the EVF is very important to me cause I don't always carry my ninja V.
Hi W.A.GFX : There are a few sony lenses that are made for video which have electronic servos. They are: SELP18110G, SELP28135G, SELP18105G, SELP18200.
This was an insightful video. I appreciate you recognized inconsistencies across Sony’s cinema series because that’s the sort of thing that will impact professionals using this as a B-camera. Two question: One reviewer called-out Sony for using XLR inputs instead of 3.5mm inputs. Many content creators looking at a smaller form-factor camera for handheld self-filming (think vlogger) or people looking to gimbal mount this camera aren’t going to be using XLR inputs. So, did Sony completely miss the mark on who is going to use this camera or is there another demographic out there I’m not aware of? If so, who are those people and what type of filming do they do. 2. Should this camera have built-in ND? Please support your answer. Thank you.
Hi Colin. My apologies, I missed the latter part of your comment. My opinion is that Sony absolutely did the right thing. If you want 3.5 just use a 1/4” to 3.5 adaptor. Now you 3x 3.5 jacks. Also, XLR gives you the best audio quality because the nature of its noise cancelling properties. If vloggers aren’t using XLR, they should! As for Internal ND, well that’s a debate that goes well beyond this forum. You have to first consider what the user is willing to pay (guessing market willingness) and also make careful design plans to not compete with your other products. From the user side, I would say that it’s always good to have ND - but I’d likely assumed that the demographic for the FX3 falls on the type of user who would just use a lens based vari-ND. Again Sony (like all mfr’s) have to balance features with a number of other factors.
All I can say is a quick internet search yielded no response. I've used the FX6 quite a bit and I don't recall ever seeing a function for that. But I also wasn't looking for it.
@@vistek kind of what I expected. I like to use my A7SIII to shoot thumbnails occasionally. Though I suppose pulling a frame from the FX6 footage wouldn’t be that difficult either.
Bmpcc4k is cheaper and better... The workflow on bmpcc4k with SSDs is unmatched, b-raw is a game changer the MFT mount means that every lens has 2 effective focal lengths, for example Sigma 18-35 with speed booster is 12-24 so with one 18-35 you actually have a 12-35 . the only reason I'd see someone going for the fx3 and not bmpcc4k is if they primarily shoot on a gimbal without a nucleus nano or for drone shots. I can see buying the a7s3 over bmpcc4k for stills and evf but fx3 idk it's a pretty niche product.
Hi jp gri - I can certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for both BMPCC and MFT. I'm also a fan. But I don't think it's accurate to call one camera "better." Better in the sense of better for you - because you like what the system offers you. But there are many shooters who feel the opposite. When choosing a camera system I think it's imperative to try a few different ones and decide on the value from personal experience. I do agree that the FX3 fits a bit of a niche - in fact, I would argue the FX3 feels a bit more logical than the A7Siii, and thus it's the A7Siii that feels a bit more niche to me.
help!!! anyone using apple products here? can a macbook m1 handle this? what kind of laptop/mac specs will i need? i cant find a clear and consistent answer on youtube or web reviews.
I'm with you on that - but I've been told (when I said the same thing as you), that some film schools are requiring a video camera (with xlr audio) as part of admission. How true this is - I have no way to fact check, but all I have is this anecdotal point given to me. Also, it may be a case where a school buys a bunch of them because 10 FX3s is a lot cheaper than 10 FX6s, for example.
![ARE THEY BASICALLY THE SAME?! Sony FX3 vs A7s iii Breakdown [and why I'm buying an FX3]](/img/n.gif)
In the scene at 9:01 you can clearly see a much gentler highlight rolloff from the FX6 on the floor, the couch, and the window/curtains. Everything about the gamma curve is less punchy and "crushed". Big fan of the FX6 image. (Yes I'm trying desperately to justify my purchase)
Well done. A nice and very informative video. I would personally disagree in the fact the A7Siii EVF is more than for just stills. It’s the best way to shoot video especially with the mediocre and dull LCD screen, no way you can accurate pull focus manually on that thing! It’s also so important for reviewing back footage.
Very honest and not misleading at all unlike another review I recently watched from a retailer that didn’t once mention that the FX3 and A7S III were basically the same camera!
You're not wrong, Philip. It wasn't an intended omission so much as a way to keep the video from being a rambling 20 minute albatross. If at any time I can look through an EVF versus the LCD, that's going to be my choice. Thanks for the kind words as well Philip. I sincerely appreciate it!
A very good point! Thanks to you, I started reviewing the footage I shot on my A7S III using EVF. I can't believe Sony uses such crap LCD displays on their cameras. I wish the screen had the quality of GH5's display. That would make A7S III a near-perfect camera.
I frequently missed recording on A7III because of double press or not able to see the red dot during fast pace filming. The tally light on FX3 looks very tempting.
The best and straight-to-the-point comparison. I'm an A7S III owner I need 2 more cameras for my workflow. Your video really helps!
Thank you TechLine!
I'm late to this party and Philip Bloom has already weighed in, that said my thoughts in short (or in long, lol):
For me the big disappointment with the FX3 is that Sony could've gone all out and made custom firmware so that it operates more like a cinema camera.
There is no Cine-EI mode. No usage of shutter angle. And most egregiously (and Philip Bloom talks about this in his review) no way to turn off all of the internal processing. The FX3 looks the way it does vs the FX6 because it has internal noise reduction and internal sharpening that can be "reduced" but not turned off. This leads to that contrast crunch that it has, as well as making it digitally sharp (or less organic, or not filmic, or whatever your preferred parlance is) as well as overly smooth (no grain texture what-so-ever). It's a disappointment that the FX3 and FX6 don't match perfectly.
It also is missing that beautiful internal eND filter, which I think most cinematographers that actually want/need a compact cinema camera would prefer over having IBIS. I'll also note that perhaps some of the rolling shutter improvement/performance may actually be due to the IBIS smoothing out movements vs the FX6 which doesn't have this.
-----------
So all this said, the FX6 really shows us what that sensor is capable of. And it's nearly the perfect all-rounder camera. It's just missing a few things that I wish it had that it rivals do have. Panasonic as an example allows for full 3:2 sensor readout and a host of square anamorphic modes. And heck, just having a 3.5" audio jack on the camera body itself (which as we know has been commented on a thousand times and beaten to death). It would also be nice if Sony decided to be ahead of the game and offered 12-bit h.265. Their sensor is 16-bit! Getting 12-bit LOG would offer much more tonal gradation and smoother colors in a data package size that isn't much larger than their 10-bit h.265 (XAVC-I is basically a Sony proprietary h.265 format). This feature would most likely make using something like a Ninja V for RAW unnecessary AND have the side benefit of being compatible immediately with Davinci Resolve. It would be 'the' feature that would make users think twice about buying a low end RED (like the Komodo) or an ARRI, which most users shoot in 12-bit 4444 instead of RAW.
Engineers and accountants likely deemed the ASIC's necessary to encode 12-bit h.265 as "unnecessary" and I'm sure the execs wanted to protect the FX9 which also doesn't (and can't) have this feature. Still you need to cannibalize your own stuff, or someone else will (a paraphrase from some smart guy at Apple).
Even with those caveats - size, cost, weight, resolution, full frame(!), rolling shutter, audio inputs, audio DACs, frame rates, codecs, buttons (programmable and numerous), layout (ergonomics), autofocus, battery life (a single 70Wh BPU can last well over 4 hours and the 98Wh in excess of 6 hours) - it goes on and on - all are either the best or in the top 3 (hence all-rounder) as compared to any other camera.
There are other cameras that do 1 thing or a few things better than the FX6, but all of those combined? Good luck. For working professionals, runner/gunners, doc shooters, live event shooters, travel film makers, interviews, or anything requiring autofocus; there is no camera better than the FX6. Especially at its price point, it's a near perfect camera. And it feels to me like the FX3 was artificially limited as to essentially not be a "full fat" FX6 costing $2000 less.
This is the first time I see someone point out that the Fx3 shoots 1 stop brighter. The other day I was shooting an interview, and everything looked very well in the histogram and screen and no zebra. But when they reviewed the footage it looked way overexposed. It was shot in HLG so they didn’t used additional luts…
THANK YOU for addressing the menu on the left side problem!! that has drove me NUTZ!! 🙄 GREAT VIDEO!
Ha! Thanks Ben. Good to know I'm not the only crazy one.
To get flawless playback in post with the FX3 footage, use the all intraframe codec XAVC-S I which is much less compressed, not the XAVC-HS which have H.265 (HEVC) based compression.
Hope that helps.
Thanks resize. One point I neglected to make was that in fact I was using the intraframe codec and still having issues. I also have a pretty powerful MBP. So IDK ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
If you really want flawless playback, shoot in ProRes HQ using an external recorder since it runs back smoother than butter in Final cut and Premiere and has very little to no compression
I would just add that for run and gun, hand held and when camera size matters, having a built in viewfinder can make a huge difference!
Love a lot of the features in the FX3 body, but I want and need that view finder there...
Thank you 🙏 for another excelente and insightful review!
; )~
I'm sure y'all have wonderful staff at Vistek, but more of Dale and these videos please! Super informative, great presentation and right to the point!
I finally find a video where they compare the fx3 and the a7s3 side by side, especially since they all say it is the same camera. but if you manage skin tones differently
Thanks for this review...it finally answered the questions I had and nobody else was trying to address on youtube. Really helpful.
Thanks Greg!
Highlights in the fx6 just look soooo much better... if only the fx3 was closer in comparison to the fx6 than the a7siii.. darn.
Thank you so much for creating these in-depth, no fluff, no bs filmmaking videos. The knowledge and experience you have shows in the quality of these videos. Most small sub filmmaker youtube channels have the the best content. Keep safe and thank you!
Thanks so much Bebeboom. Very much appreciate you taking the time to comment and saying as such.
There's always room for one more Sony body. Great video Dale!
Thank you Ben! Super appreciate the comment!
Love your content and knowledge. Keep going man!
Thank you Guillaume!
im waitin to see when a7iv came out, until then , just watch!!!
Yeah me too! Hopefully at the least 6K downsampled to 4K with a lot of the recent tech carrying over. Definitely looking forward to this one.
Love your videos and very helpful! As a FX6 user I'm looking for a b-cam since moving over from Panasonic. For my use I think the a7s3 might be the better partner for my FX6.
Thanks YSS! Really appreciate the comment!
whyy ?
Good job with this video. It just reaffirms, for me, to wait for FX6. Save up for the actual camera that I want, instead of getting FX3 or a7s3.
Thank you ET!
I think i'll stick with my used fs5 for just a bit longer
6:13 Is that a clapper app? If so, which one it is? :)
wich app is it?
No budget slate
At 8:00 I notice that the a7siii color was a bit on yellowish/greenish than fx3 when they all use the slog 3 on all camera. So i guess there's also a bit difference on picture profile?
I rate the honest feedback and then the opposing reviews in the comments. This is such an underrated way of learning about the cameras without investing first. Appreciate the content!!
Thank you Jackson!
Great review! Loved seeing the FX6 tossed into the mix with the waveform tests.
Thanks for making the comparison between the fx6 and a7siii. Great review
Thanks Mitchell!
On the topic of the S-Cinetone being brighter on the FX3/A7s iii vs FX6/FX9, check out this post by Alister Chapman: www.xdcam-user.com/2021/02/which-sony-iso-ratings-are-correct/ . It seems ISO 100 in S-Cinetone on the FX3 is ISO 320 with the FX6/FX9.
Great comparisons. Really helpful showing differences on the scopes.
Thank you Elio!
Thanks for this great review. I am still stuck on my decision between a 2nd as7iii body and the Fx6. I am getting more and more commercial work but am also shooting a lot of weddings still. Need a second body for that as well ugghhh
Great job! Love this channel.
Thank you CC! Really appreciate the comment!
Nice work as usual, Dale!
Thanks Jon!
can i remove the pro audio interface from the handle if u only wanna use the handle? thanks
I WANNA KNOW THAT
No, sorry you cannot. There is no separate handle.
awesome review but i m totally lost because of sony now.. i was hesitating between FX6 and A7S3.. and now.. i don't know what to get between those 3 😅
I'm in the same situation. Even If I prefer the FX6 form factor (and it looks really nice and pro, I must say), I think that the lack of onbody camera audio on the FX6 (without the handle), the lack of stabilized lenses in the Sony line up (making the lack of IBIS on the FX6 quite problematic), and the fact that the A1 just showcased how good their new 8K sensor can be even in low light situation (a real glimpse of the future), makes me think that I should wait for the FX6 M2 before investing a lot into a future-proof cinema camera that I will use for years (at that price, you hope that it will be good for a while). I also already have an Atomos Ninja V, so I can get DCI 4k, noise reduction turned off, and timecode if I want to, through my Atomos. And I only have a Tamron 28-75 2.8 at the moment. The FX3 would leave me money to add some new lenses to my kit. The only thing I would really miss from the FX6 right now, is the ability to control the cam through the wired movable handle, which could be useful to easily move the focus point, but maybe I could just buy one of those remote control?
At least is Sony vs Sony...
@@GuillaumeB7 i m a hundred percent agree with you! it s exactly what i think. we are exactly in the same situation. i would wait for the FX6 mark ii
one of the best review on YT of the FX3 (and comparison with the FX6 and A7SIII)
Good job, that 10min was well invested since now I know I want the FX6 instead.
By the way, which EVF would you recommend with it?
Thank you Chuck!! Very kind!
@@vistek EVF?
Super in-depth review. Thank you. I'm picking one up.
Thank you Auxsom!
Excellent comparison, you really came prepared with this, thank you!
Thanks NWFS!
Thanks you for a great review. I have a quick question. What is the name of the phone app you used to slate your videos? I’ve goggled and haven’t find this exact one you are using. It’s at time marker 6:14. Thanks
Hi Jerry, it's the NoBuSlate.
Enjoyed watching, very informative. Do you have any comparison on their slo-mo capabilities?
Hi there. I’m afraid I don’t. But likely there are some that exist online.
Thanks for the great video! Question: What was that "slate" app you were using on your phone before shooting the test footage?
Hi Jordan and thanks for the nice comment. It's the NoBuSlate. It's free and fun! Use it often.
@@vistek I wanted to ask the same, thanks!
No budget slate app 😁
Great job. I'm an fx9 owner and am looking for a b cam/ gimbal cam. Looks like the fx3 is the right one.
UND SONY FX3 VS BMPCC6K PRO ?
Very informative, and helpful review. Thanks so much.😊👍
Thanks!
Great review, is the a7siii already a video focused camera?
Yes, but it's physical design is made for photography.
That was an outstanding video! I still don't understand why EVF makes it easier to take photos though?
Thank you Daniel! If you're in an environment where you're moving quickly with the camera (sports, wildlife, fashion, etc) I can't think of any photographer I've ever seen find a way to shoot like that by just looking at the back of screen. There are some exceptions, of course - but by and large - shutting out all light and being able to focus on the framing is the core reason you need an EVF in that situation. LCD/OLED screens are not only very dim (comparatively), have glare, black out or delays. So those are also challenges that make it difficult to use the EVF for photography. The one exception that I made in the video is studio still life/commercial/portrait work. Typically we'd use medium format cameras parked on a big heavy support and look through a viewing port or screen from a bit of a distance. But this is far much more the exception than the rule.
@@vistek Also holding a camera to the EVF reduces stress on the arm and allows more stable handheld shots.
Great review! Gerald Undone & Philip Bloom where OK, but your review is way better. Thanks!
Thank you Olimpiu! Really appreciate the support. (Tho, the other two lads are top shelf)
Thanks - whats your thoughts on the new BMPCC 4K Pro.
Hi Mark. I haven't even seen it yet to be honest. It does look like it has some much needed improvements over the previous model. But it's a different bird to the Sony cameras. I would put BM on one of the spectrum and Sony on the other. Sorta MAC vs PC kind of thing.
@@vistek which one's Mac 😁
Thanks a lot, great job. Now I know want to by the fx6, maby also later on as b-roll camera or on the drone... By the way, what is the name on the Clapborad app you used in the video?
Thx! The app is No BU Slate.
What app are you using at 6:13 and 8:34?
Hey! Thanks for your great video! I have a questions: What lenses do you have on your cameras in the interview at 6:15? I thinks it's beautifully soft - and often I think these cameras are too "sharp" and don't have the filmic look that I have had on both FS7 and C300. But your pictures look really nice and soft. Is it the lenses? The grading? Or just magic? Thanks :)
Thanks Deten. They were just standard Sony lenses. No filtration of any kind. Sony’s imaging has drastically improved in this area over the last few years. Especially with the introduction of S-Cinetone.
@@vistek Ah ok - I just think that what you are doing on the fx3 looks more soft and smooth than any other example videos I’m seeing on UA-cam.
I have a question then:
I own one fx3 and a 25-105mm g lens. In a couple of days I’m shooting an interview for a documentary where I need two cameras angles. Same kind of interview setup as yours in the video. Although I don’t have any other Sony cameras - BUT I do have access to a C300 mk2. Do you think that it’s a terrible idea to use the fx3 with slog3 as the wide picture and the c300 with clog3 with a 70-200mm as the close up?
I’m aware that the pictures won’t match perfectly - but the documentary IS gonna be graded by a post production company afterwards. So colors can be corrected. BUT I am unsure if the overall look of the two cameras will work together. Or if, for instance, the fx3 will look more “sharp” in the not so cinematic way compared to the c300.
I know it’s not the optimal solution, but it’s the gear that I have access to - oor should I just avoid it, what do you think? Thanks:)!
Hi Deten, I think as shooters we often give our audience far too much credit. The footage would have to be wildly different for the average viewer to notice a difference. You notice it because it's your job to notice it, but you've been trained to see those differences. The average viewer is unlikely to notice any change in sharpness, or skin tone, unless again, it's wildly different. A further anecdote is I was once privy to a conversation between two high level DOPs. One DOP was complementing the other on a beautifully shot documentary film. He further said, "It's absolutely stunning. Was that shot on an Alexa?" To which the doc DP said, "I could say yes, and I know you'd believe me. But it was shot on the C300 Mark 1, which is a 420 8-bit camera." I've also seen this happen in my own work. I shot a doc series for Amazon Prime using two very different cameras (one 8 bit one 10 bit) and after the colour timing, it's impossible to tell which camera is which.
The short answer is - yes shoot with the C300 in Clog2 or 3 and your colourist will have very little trouble getting the Slog3 footage to match. You can help this along further by shooting a colour chart with both cameras at the top or end of the day. Good luck!
@@vistek Ha yes I I think you are totally right. And I have experience with same kind of interview where one angle was c300 and the other one fs7. No problem when graded. It’s just that the fx3 seems more sharp - again in the not so cinematic way. Which makes me doubt if the looks of the two pictures match. Not the colors but the look and feeling apart from the colors... I’ll try it out :) thanks again
Best FX3 review!
Thank you Höggren!
Im not sure if you mentioned FX6 has no IBIS.... It has gyro data but that will take longer than any codec benefits, and FX3 can record proxies and h264 so not too bad. The colors do look better to me on FX6, but i like the compact size and IBIS for run and gun wedding video work. I dont like the EVF personally as it can disable the rear LCD on gimbal work if your moving fast. I love the tally lights over a7siii because missing a shot for double click of record can wreck a wedding shoot! Each to their own, but FX3 for me XD
at 8:56 the Dynamic Range seems radically different between the two, is this due to a change in settings? is the difference in the sensors that great?
For me, lack of Timecode may be a deal breaker. You didn't really talk about this in your review. How big of a deal is this to you and how difficult do you personally find it to sync audio from multiple cameras?
Hi John, I understand your point completely. That said, those who need TC are also not the market for this camera. That is the place of the FX6. I firmly feel that Sony is making the right choice by keeping SDI etc off of their mirrorless cameras (of course, that can change in the future). They really want this camera to be for that Wedding shooter/film student/influencer market. That all said, I've personally shot close to a hundred hours of television where we used TC on the A-Cam, and then a mirrorless on a B-cam and no producer or editor ever complained directly to me. If it's slated, it's a non-issue. The only area where I see it being an issue is genlock and multicam production. Even then, I've done multi-cam (recorded, not live) and just synced the 5 cameras to slate and it was fine. There is also plural-eyes which I know a lot of post houses use. In the end this is a long-winded way to say, if TC matters to you - chances are you're not going to shoot on mirrorless cameras anyways, and Sony as well as most other brands understand that.
@@vistek yeah. besides premiere has a setting now where you can literally right click and 'synchronize' and it aligns waveforms for you for different clips
revisiting this since the update?
I own an FS7mii and I need a proper B-cam. Mainly something small that I can shoot handheld with. I can't decide whether to sell the fs7 and get the fx9 and work towards getting the fx3 or fx6. my other option would be keeping the fs7 and getting a smaller cam. Would love your advice!
Hi MPP, thank you for your comment. I’m going to give you an answer that you probably won’t like. Which is, there is really no effective way for me to advise you in a way that would satisfy you. There are so many factors that go into that. At best I could say that if you do “video work” then it would make a bit more sense to go with the FX6/3 system because it gives you flexibility. If you work in broadcasting or commercial work, then the FX9 would make more sense. Outside of that, you’ll have to balance your needs with what each camera offers. It’s not an easy decision - and each side makes a compelling argument. The good news is that you’ll be quite happy with the cameras either way you go.
Awesome Work 👍
Thank you!
Damn i bought the Pana S5 a month ago... this would have been perfect
There is no perfect camera, with your s5 you will do amazing videos. The next month will release another new camera and so on... so don't beat yourself up
I couldn't agree more. The camera does not make the artist. I think I may have actually mentioned that...
@@vistek thank u!
@@davidsanchez1 Yeah good point the S5 is a great camera and it´s not holding me back on creating amazing videos
It’s a totally different camera and price. Sounds like you just want the latest thing
Till this gets a waveform or shutter angles, this is not for me, I'll stick with my a7siii. Great review . X
I very much agree Adam. It was one of the first comments I made to Sony's engineer lead. His reply to me suggested that they didn't even think people cared about that and would wait for users to start asking for it. I suggested that it was absolutely a fundamental feature in motion work and that many mirrorless cameras (notably those from Panasonic and BM have had this feature for some time)
@@vistek hey vistek, is it possible for shutter angles to be implemented in a firmware update?
@@TimandLauren I would say most likely.
@@vistek they want to force users into their different product tiers, very annoying. The FX9 has waveform and angles, of course.
I can totally agree with the waveform. But with the shutter angle, I can honestly say shutter speed works just fine. Just knowing you put it at 1/50ss for 24fps, and /125ss for 60fps. And basically any fps you have, just multiply that by 2 and be the amount you put on your shutter speed.
Well done Dale
Thanks Illya! 🙏
One of the most handsome reviewer in yt.
Gross dude....
@@MichaelRichards983How?
Do you know if the K3M (with or without handle) will be available for purchase to put on the A7siii? I would prefer another microphone than the one that comes with the sony kit.
Hi Terry, the K3M was announced and available when the A7SIII was announced last year. It's been available on it's own since then. The actual K3M unit does not come with a handle, and the only way you can get the handle unit is by buying the FX3 as it's specifically made for that camera, whereas the K3M works with any Sony hot-shoe compatible camera. Though I don't know what its compatibility is like outside of the A7S3.
@@vistek Thanks for the speedy response. I guess I also miscommunicated what I was asking for. If you are looking for a7siii or fx3 and also wanted XLR inputs, the fx3 seems like a better deal. However, when you buy the a7siii with the K3M you also get a microphone where the FX3 does not. I was just wondering if there were going to sell a K3M without the shotgun mic so that it is easier to compare the same features if I plan to use a Seenheiser MKH 416 :)
Ahh that I can't say. I haven't been told by Sony that they have any plans to include a microphone with the handle unit. I suspect that most FX3 users are happy to choose their own mic if the need arises and thus save a couple hundred on the camera.
@@vistek thanks again for the answer. Sadly it was still not my question :). Let me try once again. Any chance that Sony will sell the XLRK3M hot shoe mount without the ECM-XM1 Shotgun microphone? That way in either case we could have a camera that connects to another microphone via XLR.
Ahhh. That I don't know to be honest. I'd hazard a guess that if they haven't done it thus far, they're unlikely to - unless they see overwhelming user demand. Knowing what I know about Sony, I wouldn't rule it out - but I also don't think you should hold your breath either.
Hi, thank you really much for your review. I just got a question about the handle of the FX3. Is there a headphone jack on it ? Because it could be really annoying to deal with the LCD screen and the headphone jack on the body of the A7S III.
Hi Gilles - regrettably the headphone port is still only on the body. I do get what you're saying though. It's a frustration of mine as well.
@@vistek thank you very much for your reply :)
Does fx3 have face only tracking mode?
Whatever the A7Siii has, so does the FX3. So ... yes?
@@vistek I was under the impression that the a7s3 has face priority but not face only (where it doesn’t rack to background when the face disappears from frame)
Yeah, so then I would say the same as that. Sorry if I'm not more helpful. It's identical to the A7Siii from a function point of view.
Great review pal. Looks tasty.
Thanks bud! It's a camera... y'know. ;)
What Slate APP are you using ?
No BU Slate
The Sigma FP is a very capable camera as it is. I don't get why everyone neglects it quickly...
is fx3 or fx6 good in low light please?????????????
Awesome comparison!!
Thanks Paul!
Thank you for that. It made me feel better about my purchase. I switched from A7SII to FX3, and there are times I want to return it. Not having an EVF is a drag, and this camera will stop shooting in the summer when it gets hot. I tried turning off the fan, but it still stopped. One additional thing I think is great, is the dual memory card slot we don't have on the AS7III and of course the ability to turn the screen around.
Do you mean on the A7SII? The A7SIII has both dual memory card slots (really 4x slots) and the ability to turn the screen around!
Awesome Job Dale as usual... Love you channel by the way! Just wanted to clarify. The FX3 does not have TC right?
Thanks DPJ! Really appreciate it. You are correct. It has no additional features beyond the A7Siii. It's simply an A7Siii with a body design change.
@@vistek Great, thanks for the answer. Keep up the awesome work
So what about comparing them with a1?
The XLR adapter alone makes this more attractive than the A7siii
Hi now that we can go outside cause the quarntine is almost over. I'm glad I got the a7siii cover the FX6 cause its hard to see the screen in the sun. the EVF is very important to me cause I don't always carry my ninja V.
there is a new firmware for S-Cinetone for the a7siii
Nice first look thanks. I subbed
Thanks Benjamin!
Thanks for your review. Only thing you really didn't mention is that the fx6 does not have ibis but the fx3 and a7s3 do have ibis. 🏆
Yeah I forgot to mention that. Thanks for making the comment.
Excellent review. Thanks.
Thanks for the review bro !
Thanks for providing all information done subscribed
bro you are correct about rolling 😂😂😂 this happened to many times
Hey vistek,
so is the fx3's color science better than the a7siii?
Hi LT Digital. Nope. It's identical.
@@vistek but why does the fx3 and fx6 both have the same 10.2 mp sensor and the a7siii has a 12mp sensor?
can anyone tell me, is the autofocus of the FX3 same as the A7S3?
Yes. Same firmware, same camera, different body (basically)
Which lenses suitable for fx3 zoom Rocker bro?
Hi W.A.GFX : There are a few sony lenses that are made for video which have electronic servos. They are: SELP18110G, SELP28135G, SELP18105G, SELP18200.
Great job👍👍
Mikey
Thank you PDL!
YaHOOOOOOOOOOO YaHOOOOOOOOOOO. Welcome to the Philly FAMILY... 💙😂😂 and thank you for your support...:%
Nice comparison video. 👍👍
Thanks Sean!
This was an insightful video. I appreciate you recognized inconsistencies across Sony’s cinema series because that’s the sort of thing that will impact professionals using this as a B-camera.
Two question: One reviewer called-out Sony for using XLR inputs instead of 3.5mm inputs. Many content creators looking at a smaller form-factor camera for handheld self-filming (think vlogger) or people looking to gimbal mount this camera aren’t going to be using XLR inputs. So, did Sony completely miss the mark on who is going to use this camera or is there another demographic out there I’m not aware of? If so, who are those people and what type of filming do they do. 2. Should this camera have built-in ND? Please support your answer.
Thank you.
Thank you Colin! Appreciate the comment!
@@vistek Hi Vistek, thanks for your reply however I’d really like to know your answers to my two questions.
Hi Colin. My apologies, I missed the latter part of your comment. My opinion is that Sony absolutely did the right thing. If you want 3.5 just use a 1/4” to 3.5 adaptor. Now you 3x 3.5 jacks. Also, XLR gives you the best audio quality because the nature of its noise cancelling properties. If vloggers aren’t using XLR, they should! As for Internal ND, well that’s a debate that goes well beyond this forum. You have to first consider what the user is willing to pay (guessing market willingness) and also make careful design plans to not compete with your other products. From the user side, I would say that it’s always good to have ND - but I’d likely assumed that the demographic for the FX3 falls on the type of user who would just use a lens based vari-ND. Again Sony (like all mfr’s) have to balance features with a number of other factors.
No timecode 🥲
Haven’t heard anyone point out whether the FX3 gives you the ability to turn off the aggressive noise reduction or not?
Hi Zach, it operates exactly as the A7SIII does. All the same options. So just apply what you know about the A7Siii to the FX3 in that regard.
@@vistek Brutal
Thank you so much😊
My pleasure! Thank you for the comment HKL.
Can the FX6 take a photo in a pinch? Or is there no option at all?
All I can say is a quick internet search yielded no response. I've used the FX6 quite a bit and I don't recall ever seeing a function for that. But I also wasn't looking for it.
@@vistek kind of what I expected. I like to use my A7SIII to shoot thumbnails occasionally. Though I suppose pulling a frame from the FX6 footage wouldn’t be that difficult either.
The lack of built-in ND filters is an epic fail on the fx3. Does Sony even know what people use this camera for??
Great vid with best info
Thank you Randy!
my exact dilemma
Great video!
Bmpcc4k is cheaper and better... The workflow on bmpcc4k with SSDs is unmatched, b-raw is a game changer the MFT mount means that every lens has 2 effective focal lengths, for example Sigma 18-35 with speed booster is 12-24 so with one 18-35 you actually have a 12-35 . the only reason I'd see someone going for the fx3 and not bmpcc4k is if they primarily shoot on a gimbal without a nucleus nano or for drone shots. I can see buying the a7s3 over bmpcc4k for stills and evf but fx3 idk it's a pretty niche product.
Hi jp gri - I can certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for both BMPCC and MFT. I'm also a fan. But I don't think it's accurate to call one camera "better." Better in the sense of better for you - because you like what the system offers you. But there are many shooters who feel the opposite. When choosing a camera system I think it's imperative to try a few different ones and decide on the value from personal experience. I do agree that the FX3 fits a bit of a niche - in fact, I would argue the FX3 feels a bit more logical than the A7Siii, and thus it's the A7Siii that feels a bit more niche to me.
help!!!
anyone using apple products here? can a macbook m1 handle this?
what kind of laptop/mac specs will i need? i cant find a clear and consistent answer on youtube or web reviews.
I would have purchased it if they had included shutter angle and DCI 4K with true 24p.
I want to know what kind of student can buy an FX3! Good review though.
I'm with you on that - but I've been told (when I said the same thing as you), that some film schools are requiring a video camera (with xlr audio) as part of admission. How true this is - I have no way to fact check, but all I have is this anecdotal point given to me. Also, it may be a case where a school buys a bunch of them because 10 FX3s is a lot cheaper than 10 FX6s, for example.
Thanks!)
quixk and to the point...thanks
Great stuff
Thank you Al!
straight to the point NO BULL SHIT and very clean info and honest as well u earned my sub my friend! and FX# is for me THNX!
Thanks Jerry!! Super appreciate the comment!