{"id":124243,"date":"2021-02-26T14:56:36","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T14:56:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=124243"},"modified":"2023-10-18T07:23:06","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T06:23:06","slug":"sony-fx3-review-the-ultimate-camera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/photo\/sony-fx3-review-the-ultimate-camera\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony FX3 : The ultimate camera"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the heart of the FX3 is a back-illuminated 12.1MP full-frame Exmor R sensor.\u00a0The 12MP sensor has a high ISO of 409,600 and promises up to 15+ stops of dynamic range when recording in S-Log 3. The sensor can also record still images at up to 10 frames per second.\u00a0In the Sony ILME-FX3 preview, we will take a closer look at the functionality of the new product.<\/p>\n

Sony FX3 review<\/h2>\n

Design<\/h3>\n

Sony designed the FX3 for handheld (solo) photography, while other Cinema Line cameras are more geared towards production teams.\u00a0To this end, the FX3 has a smaller, more mobile and lighter body than the existing FX and Venice cameras.\u00a0For single shots, the FX3 offers more autofocus options.<\/p>\n

Sony says the layout of the controls is very different from other Cinema Line cameras.\u00a0The appearance is about the same as that of the A7S III series cameras.\u00a0But for more streamlining, the minimalist rectangular shape of the FX3, like the Canon\u00a0EOS C70\u00a0, lacks the viewfinder protrusion.\u00a0There is also a large grip on the right for handheld shooting.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

You might think that such a small case will overheat after prolonged use.\u00a0But that won’t happen thanks to the built-in fan.\u00a0There are options for working in Auto, Minimum or Off mode in recording, or off completely.\u00a0The fan runs very quietly.\u00a0The FX3 can record 4K \/ 60p videos for 13 hours.<\/p>\n

Of course, environmental conditions can affect this result, but it’s still impressive considering the size of the camera.\u00a0There are several mounting holes on the magnesium alloy body.\u00a0With their help, you can attach various accessories.<\/p>\n

Camera control<\/h3>\n

Sony FX3 Cinema Line has 6 customizable buttons.\u00a0All controls are easily accessible with one hand.\u00a0The 3.0-inch LCD screen tilts to the side and tilts for high and low viewing angles.\u00a0The included detachable XLR handle attaches via the Multi Interface Shoe for easy handheld shooting from small angles.<\/p>\n

Users can also instantly “split” functions between automatic and manual mode.\u00a0For example, if you quickly needed the camera to take over the ISO or exposure functions.\u00a0There is no need to use an all-or-nothing approach: you can let the camera take care of what you want and then instantly switch the function back to manual control when needed.<\/p>\n

Video quality<\/h3>\n

The Sony FX3 camera records 4K UHD video at up to 120fps.\u00a0When recording Full HD video, the maximum frame rate is 240 fps.\u00a0The camera includes the Sony S-Cinetone Picture Profile, which promises a beautiful cinematic look with soft tones.\u00a0There are 11 selectable picture profiles in total.<\/p>\n

FX3 includes S-Log3, S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color spaces.\u00a0When shooting in S-Log 3, the FX3 promises over 15 stops of dynamic range according to internal Sony testing.\u00a0With All-I (XAVC S encoding) bitrate up to 600Mbps.\u00a0The FX3 records 10-bit images in 4: 2: 2 format.<\/p>\n

The FX3 camcorder supports MPEG-H and HEVC \/ H.265 encoding.\u00a010-bit Hybrid Log Gamma 4: 2: 2 (HLG) is also available in all recording formats.\u00a0FX3 includes the function of recording proxy files.\u00a0Proxy options are available in 10-bit Full HD and 8-bit 720p.<\/p>\n

Autofocus and stabilization<\/h3>\n

The Sony FX3 camcorder has a built-in 5-axis image stabilization system.\u00a0This is the first time Sony has included IS in a Cinema Line camera.\u00a0IBIS includes Active Mode, which expands the compensation range in exchange for cropping the image area by about 10%.\u00a0Focusing on handheld shooting, the FX3 can be used without a gimbal.<\/p>\n

You can also use Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare software to account for gyro data stored in the metadata of recorded clips.\u00a0Using such software, the operator can choose the compensation range and the resulting cropping when processing video files.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

Autofocus performance is provided by Sony Hybrid AF technology.\u00a0The Sony FX has 3,627 AF points covering approximately 94% of the image area vertically and 95% horizontally.\u00a0The FX3 also includes face detection and real-time eye AF.<\/p>\n

You can use the rear variable-angle touchscreen to enable touch tracking and autofocus for manual focus.\u00a0Significantly, as with the FX6 and Sony\u00a0A7S III\u00a0, there is user control over AF transition speed that is sensitive to subject movement.\u00a0Sony also promises strong low-light autofocus performance.<\/p>\n

Lens mount<\/h3>\n

Unsurprisingly, the FX3 is equipped with Sony’s E-mount system, which allows access to a wide variety of lenses.\u00a0Moreover, both native and other attachment systems through adapters.\u00a0The only aspect it lacks is the built-in ND filter.\u00a0But it, we are told, would be difficult to implement in a camera of this size while retaining the AF and IBIS system.<\/p>\n

Sound recording<\/h3>\n

When used with the included XLR knob, the Sony FX 3 offers 4-channel 24-bit audio recording.\u00a0The handle has XLR inputs, a built-in stereo microphone and a 3.5mm microphone jack.\u00a0The FX3 body itself contains microphone and headphone jacks and also includes a built-in stereo microphone.<\/p>\n

Connections<\/h3>\n

The camera is equipped with a full-size Type A HDMI slot that supports 16-bit RAW output.\u00a0You can use a wired LAN via a compatible USB adapter.\u00a0The FX3 has a super speed USB Type C port in addition to a micro USB connector.\u00a0There is also built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

FX3 uses new type A CFexpress cards as well as SDX SD cards.\u00a0The only time fast Type A CFexpress cards (VPG200 or higher) are required is when shooting in S&Q 10-bit 4: 2: 2 Intra 60p.\u00a0The data bit rate can be up to 1200 Mbps.\u00a0If you plan to shoot in high quality at high frame rates, the V60 or V90 will do.\u00a0So far, CFexpress Type A cards are expensive.<\/p>\n

FX3 supports mobile modem, remote control and FTP data transfer.\u00a0You can also use a USB charger to supply power via USB-C.\u00a0The I \/ O interface is covered by pressure doors.\u00a0There is a certainty that when the door is closed, it will not open accidentally.\u00a0and water and dust will remain outside.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

At its core, the FX3 is the alliance between the Alpha hybrid mirrorless camera series and the high quality Cinema Line camcorder series.\u00a0With the Alpha series and cameras in general, there has been a major push for cameras to address the multimedia shift in video filming.<\/p>\n

More and more photographers are turning to video, more and more videographers are looking for photo opportunities.\u00a0The lines are blurry and the FX3 sits in the middle but leans heavily towards filmmaking.\u00a0Surprisingly, this makes the FX3 a strong candidate for photographers looking to move towards high quality video.\u00a0Especially if they are already shooting with Sony Alpha and have E-mount lenses.<\/p>\n

The FX3’s most distinctive strengths are its form factor, image stabilization, and its physical design, which is designed to eliminate the need to add any accessories. If you’ve already considered the a7S III for filmmaking, the FX3 is a tempting option in terms of workflow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At the heart of the FX3 is a back-illuminated 12.1MP full-frame Exmor R sensor.\u00a0The 12MP sensor has a high ISO of 409,600 and promises up to 15+ stops of dynamic range when recording in S-Log 3. The sensor can also record still images at up to 10 frames per second.\u00a0In the Sony ILME-FX3 preview, we […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":124255,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[651],"tags":[778],"class_list":{"0":"post-124243","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-photo","8":"tag-reviews"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=124243"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124243\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/124255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}