We’re big fans of the Sony FX3, a full-frame cinema camera in a mirrorless-sized package. It’s awesome. However, there are filmmakers out there who continue to prefer the classically cinematic look of Super35 sensors and, for those folks, the Sony FX30 should prove a much more suitable alternative.
Sharing much of the same feature set as the FX3, the new camera should provide the same filmmaking chops as last year’s release, albeit with an entirely different sensor onboard. It comes in the same compact body, too, making it a great entry-level option for folks who want to start dabbling in cinema cameras without getting overwhelmed by more advanced models.
The Sony FX30 is equipped with a backside-illuminated 26-megapixel APS-C sensor that, as it turns out, the outfit has never used in any camera before. It has a dual-base ISO (800 and 2,500) providing 14 stops of latitude in S-Log3, all while being fast enough to capture stills without a focal plane shutter (not fast enough to work with strobes, though). The camera captures Super35 4K video at 60 fps and 16:9 aspect ratio, which it crops from an oversampled 6K footage. Do note, despite the fact it samples from 6K original footage, it doesn’t actually capture 6K video, so you’re maxed out at 4K. It can also grab 4K UHD at 120 fps (albeit with an addition 1.6x crop) or full HD at 240 fps for capturing slo-mo footage, as well as shoot in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally to allow more latitude for color grading.
Being catered towards novices, the camera seeks to ease the hurdle for those new to grading footage. As such, it comes with S-Cinetone profile, the same color science Sony puts in its higher-end cameras, as well as the option to upload LUTs and record with them to streamline post-production workflows. It can also shoot Cine EL and Cine EL Quick log modes.
The Sony FX30 has a robust autofocus system that covers 90 percent of the frame with 495 points, all while being fast enough to support high-speed, precise autofocus and accurate tracking even when recording footage at up to 120 fps. There’s support for real-time eye autofocus for animals, humans, and birds, as well as AF assist with smooth switching between manual and auto focus. It’s also got five-axis in-body image stabilization, so you can get smooth and stable handheld shots, along with support for Power Zoom lenses.
Designed for portability and mobility, the camera body has dimensions resembling mirrorless cameras and a light weight of just 1.4 pounds, all while coming in a dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium alloy enclosure to withstand challenging environments. Other features include cooling fan ventilation, continuous recording up to 175 minutes, an XLR top handle designed to make capturing low-angle footage a lot easier, a rotating touchscreen LCD in the back, Bluetooth 5.0, CFE, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and two memory card slots.
The Sony Cinema Line FX30 will be available starting late October, priced at $1,799.99 for just the body and $2,199.99 when bundled with the XLR handle.