Today, Sony unveiled the newest addition to its renowned Cinema Line roster: the Sony FX3, a powerful yet lightweight cinematic camera with out-of-this-world results. Before we dive into the details surrounding this jam-packed camera, here’s a look at our hands-on test with the Sony FX3:
Sony FX3 Overview with Test Footage
New Sony FX3 Camera
The Sony FX3 makes capturing smooth, immersive footage easier than ever, with a handheld design that’s built with solo shooting in mind. The FX3 uses S Cinetone Color Science like the rest of the Cinema Line; this ensures seamless footage integration with rich color and a professional aesthetic. Adding to that, the FX3 boasts full-frame bokeh with a shallow depth of field created by its full-frame sensor. This, plus the 15 stops of wide dynamic range, ensure subjects and scenery stand out as the filmmaker envisioned.
Low-Light Power
Like most Sony cameras, the FX3 has incredible low-light power, with up to 409,600 ISO. Even slow-motion footage can be captured in extreme low-light. And, this slow-motion footage can be captured at up to 120fps at 4K.
Exceptional Autofocus, Even on Moving Subjects
Autofocus is another area where the FX3 excels, even when subjects are shot in slow motion. Sony’s fast hybrid autofocus system continues in the FX3, with the ability to detect and focus on moving subjects, not to mention integrated eye AF, even when shooting with a shallow depth of field or at a high frame rate. Touch-focus makes changing between manual and autofocus shooting simple; the FX3 also offers different transition speeds to perfect that rack focus. These autofocus features work seamlessly with Sony’s wide range of E-mount lenses.
Built-In Stabilization for Handheld Shooting
To guarantee smooth footage, the FX3 boasts active-mode image stabilization, delivering distraction-free, smooth shots while moving. And, to make footage even smoother, filmmakers can use Sony’s Catalyst Software for further stabilization.
A Camera Built with Filmmakers Top of Mind
Ergonomics were top of mind when Sony designed this camera. It’s the most compact Cinema Line camera, and it has an XLR handle that makes shooting in low or awkward positions easier than ever. The handle also has two dual full-size XLR inputs, with the ability to record 24-bit 4-channel audio without an external recorder. Additional thread holes on the body and handle ensure filmmakers can add numerous accessories without the need for a cage. With the vari-angle LCD monitor that’s touch-sensitive—not to mention dust and moisture resistance and dual memory card slots—Sony truly thought of everything with the new FX3!
The Sony FX3 is available to order through Adorama. The FX3 is also available for rental; you can reserve the Sony FX3 here.
