Sony FX3

All About the Sony FX3

Kamera Express

Sony FX3

Small is the new big

Sony's FX series is the series for the videographers among us. The FX3 is the most striking one in the range. It's smaller than the FX6 and FX9, but no less capable. This is down to the sensor (Exmor R CMOS) combined with the processor (Bionz XR). Together, they ensure you have no issues with rolling shutter, can enjoy a dynamic range of +15 stops, and much more. We'll take you on a journey of discovery through the FX3.

Features of the Sony FX3

Before we start explaining the more complex features, we'll first highlight a number of characteristics that make this camera so special. We've listed the specifications for you below:

  • Exmor R CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor
  • 4K 120 fps resolution
  • ISO expandable to 409,600
  • +15 stops dynamic range
  • 4:2:2 10-bit recording
  • S-Log2, S-Log3 and S-Cinetone picture profiles
  • Only 715 grams
  • Compact form factor

Outstanding quality in a compact form factor

When you place the FX3 next to the other cameras in the FX series, its appearance immediately stands out. Where the FX6 and FX9 look more like traditional video cameras, the FX3 has the look of a mirrorless camera, making it considerably more compact and easier to handle than the other cameras. This doesn't automatically mean the FX3 is inferior to the FX6 or FX9. The sensor and processor are the same across the FX series, so you don't have to compromise on quality when switching cameras. You can still take advantage of 4K resolution at 120 fps, +15 stops dynamic range, and an expandable ISO up to 409,600. This allows you to capture perfect footage even in the darkest and most challenging lighting conditions, without any colour loss or noise. If you want to adjust your white balance, you can choose between 2,500K and 9,900K, as well as pre-programmed settings such as auto, daylight, shade, underwater, or custom. This camera is therefore a great choice for anyone just starting out with filmmaking or looking for a more compact model.

Picture profiles

Picture profiles are handy tools for adding as much detail, colour, and contrast to your footage as possible. The most well-known of these is S-Log3. This picture profile gives you an incredible amount of dynamic range. You won't see this at first glance, as you'll be capturing footage with little contrast, producing hazy or greyish images. Not particularly appealing at first sight. But it's precisely these raw images that allow you to add more contrast and colour in post-production without losing any detail. Your footage truly comes to life. You can compare it somewhat to RAW photos — there's a lot you can do with them in post-production.

Another picture profile is S-Cinetone. Perhaps slightly less well-known, but incredibly interesting when you don't have much time for post-production. S-Cinetone is particularly appealing for cinematographers. This picture profile creates a cinematic look that captures human skin tones with exceptional natural accuracy. Unlike S-Log3, you'll see the results directly in your footage. S-Cinetone is therefore a solution for anyone who doesn't have time to edit their footage, but still wants access to contrast, colour, and detail.

Recording formats

To ensure you can record your footage in the highest possible format, the FX3 features two card slots where you can choose between saving to CFexpress Type A cards or an SD card. The file format in which you save your footage can be adjusted, allowing you to get the highest quality out of your recordings. XAVC-S is a file format that lets you record in 4K with 4:2:2 10-bit. With this, you can capture up to one billion different colours. You'll find this extremely useful in post-production. In addition, you can record in H.264, a well-known format for anyone looking to stream on social media platforms such as YouTube, and MPEG-4. These formats ensure your footage loads faster and takes up less storage space.

Autofocus

As we've come to expect from Sony, this camera also features Eye Autofocus for both humans and animals. We want to highlight it because it remains an incredibly useful feature — not just for beginner videographers, but especially for professionals too. How convenient is it to never have to redo a shot or miss a moment? This makes filming a great deal more enjoyable. We've kept the heading deliberately general, as the autofocus goes further than that. The FX3 also features touch tracking. This handy focus tool ensures your subject stays sharp at all times, even when it's moving. You activate it by enabling touch tracking in the menu and tapping on your subject. This is incredibly useful in a world where everything happens at speed.

Comparison between the FX3 and the FX6

You've now gained a fair amount of knowledge about the Sony FX3. Are you looking for more specifications, or would you like to compare it with the Sony FX6? Take a look below for a comparison between these two models.

Sony FX3 Sony FX6

Release date

February 2021

November 2020

Lens mount

E-Mount

E-Mount

Photo function

4240 x 2832

X

Megapixel

12.9 Megapixel

12.9 Megapixel

Sensor type

Exmor R CMOS Sensor

Exmor R CMOS Sensor

Video quality

UHD 4K

UHD 4K

Frames per second at 4K

120 fps

120 fps

Video codec

H.264, H.265

H.264

S-Log

S-Log2/3, HLG

S-Log3, HLG

Bit rate

10-bit 4:2:2

10-bit 4:2:2

Built-in microphone

Stereo

Mono

Integrated variable ND filters

X

1/4 - 1/128

ISO sensitivity

80-409600

800-409600

Image stabilisation

5-axis image stabilisation

X

Autofocus

Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, Tracking

Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF

Touchscreen

3 inches, 1.44 million pixels

3.5 inches, 2.76 million pixels

HDMI connector

HDMI type A

HDMI type A

Memory card slots

2

2

Battery type

NP-FZ100

BP-U35

Weight (body only)

640 grams

890 grams

Getting started with the Sony FX3

In a world where everything moves fast, it's reassuring that Sony takes into account the features that matter most. High quality, quick and easy operation in a compact form factor. Videographers appreciate having a choice and the ability to expand when they want to. That's exactly what this camera offers. Both professionals and beginner videographers can get to grips with this camera thanks to its E-mount. Professionals already using Sony equipment can get started straight away, as their existing lenses are compatible.