The all-new Sony FX30 Cinema Camera exhibits all the features young and independent filmmakers are currently looking for to make great cinematic footage on a budget. The new Super 35mm sensor makes it a more affordable — yet still extremely capable — camera for young content creators. To test it out, I spent the day in Central Park to see how it performs in harsh lighting conditions.
Watch the footage from my shoot at the AdoramaTV video below:
The Sony FX30 Camera has a 20.1 MP1 Exmor R APS-C (Super 35mm format) image sensor. It offers a dual base ISO of 800 and 2,500, with a 14+ dynamic range. The new hybrid autofocus is also fast and reliable, featuring real-time eye tracking autofocus with options for human, animals, and birds.
The Sony FX30 captures 4K footage that is oversampled from 6K at up to 120 fps. You also have the option to shoot full HD at up to 240 fps. The compressions and format options are the same from the FX3. You can also feel free to adjust between Flexible ISO, Cine EI Quick and Cine EI Log shooting modes to find what works best for you.
Check out A Complete Guide to Color Grading for information about this method.
The camera has 14+ stops in S-Log3 with many options of picture profiles. You also have the option to make your own User LUT. These can be previewed on the camera’s LCD screen display, or you can record the metadata and use Catalyst Prepare Plugin in Adobe Premiere Pro to bake your LUT directly in post-production.
Need some more help on this topic? Read What is a LUT? What You Need to Know About Color Grading.
Build Quality and Display
The FX30 has most of the features of the FX3, aside from its super 35 sensor. Its compact size and functions will make it great for documentary videography. Plus, it is dust and moisture resistant for an optimal on-the-go shooting experience. You also have a 16-bit RAW output via HDMI and audio port. The FX30 uses a NP-FZ100 battery — same as the Sony Alpha models.
The Sony Cinema Line FX30 Super 35 Camera now joins the FX3, FX6, FX9, Venice, and Venice 2 in Sony’s professional digital cinema line-up. Learn more about this product below:
