Sony FX3 (ILME-FX3)
The Sony FX3 has a compact design for solo filmmakers, vloggers and is the ideal B-camera. The Sony FX3 takes features from both the Cinema Line and Alpha series cameras to create an optimized portable cinema camera.
The FX3 features all the imaging features you would expect from this class, but in a new lightweight, portable form factor with a streamlined profile and a ready-to-shoot design that allows various accessories to be attached directly to the camera body.
Expressive UHD 4K video recording
The FX3's 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor (10.2MP effective in video mode) is paired with a BIONZ XR processor to capture UHD 4K video footage with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling or 16-bit raw output.
The sensor’s BSI design increases brightness and sensitivity, with an extended ISO range of 80-409600 and over 15 stops of dynamic range. S-Cinetone mode offers colour and tonal control, and can and can even be matched with the Sony VENICE, FX9 or FX6. There’s also support for S-Log3/2 gamut and 10-bit HLG for easy HDR production.
The sensor and processor also work together to greatly reduce rolling shutter, and the sensor design incorporates a Fast Hybrid AF system for intelligent, high-speed focusing and subject tracking performance.
4K Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R sensor
A 12.1MP Exmor R sensor and BIONZ XR processor bring a true cinematic experience to the FX3. The full-frame sensor delivers shallow depth of field, impressive bokeh, and reduced rolling shutter artifacts.
A base ISO of 80-102,400 is expandable to an impressive 409,600 for impressive low-light shooting. A dynamic range of over 15 stops reproduces the nuances of both spectacular outdoor shots and carefully lit indoor scenes with ample room for colour grading.
S-Cinetone color
The FX3's default S-Cinetone color setting creates beautiful skin tones and a softer look that complement your VENICE, FX9 or FX6 images.
S-Log-3, S-Gamut3, S-Gamut3.Cine and 10-bit 4:2:2 support allow the FX3 to be matched with Sony's Cinema Line cameras, while HLG HDR offers the option of direct HLG playback without the need for grading.
Video recording
Capture sharp, detailed footage at up to 4K 120p and up to 5x slow-motion at 24p. Recording options include the ability to output DCI 4K+ in 16-bit raw via HDMI to compatible recorders, while simultaneously recording XAVC 4K and proxies in-camera. Internal 4K recording options include 4:2:2 10-bit colour with All-Intra and Long GOP codecs.
- Cooling features such as a quiet fan and heatsink dissipate heat to enable uninterrupted recording up to 4K60.
- Dual SD card slots accept both CFexpress Type A and SDXC cards for easy relay or backup recording.
- Super35 1080p recording at speeds up to 240p
Stable focus
- Now even solo filmmakers can keep the action in focus thanks to Real-time Tracking and Eye autofocus functions made possible by AI-based algorithms, plus a simple touchscreen focusing function.
- Seven choices of AF transition speed let you hold focus, and five AF subject shift settings let you adjust the speed when shifting a locked subject.
- Fast Hybrid AF uses 627 points to cover approximately 89% of the frame.
Ergonomic shape for solo use
The FX3’s ready-to-shoot design lets you mount ¼”-20 compatible accessories directly to the camera or to the detachable grip. The clustered record, focus and menu buttons, and six assignable buttons all help facilitate one-handed operation, leaving your left hand free to balance the camera or operate your lens.
Easy-to-see status lights
Tally indicators on the top, front and back let the filmmaker, talent and sound engineer know exactly when the camera is recording.
High quality audio options
Pro audio recording options include:
- A detachable XLR adapter handle with two XLR-1/4" TRS combo audio inputs.
- A microphone holder and a 3.5mm input for adding a microphone
- Up to 4-channel, 24-bit audio recording
Remote control, streaming and transfer
Control your FX3 remotely with the Imaging Edge Mobile or Imaging Edge Desktop apps, and transfer files over Wi-Fi or a wired USB Type-C connector, so your editor can quickly get started in post-production.
You can also stream your content using your computer and the Imaging Edge Webcam app.
Post-production stabilization with E-Mount lenses
- Sony's Catalyst Prepare/Browse software uses vibration metadata to stabilize your image.
- An adjustable balance between vibration compensation and image area cropping lets you fine-tune the image.
Enhanced FX3 Features
The FX3 refreshes the Cinema Line with enhancements including comfortable, ready-to-shoot handheld operation, a battery life that’s 1.6x longer than the a7S II, and a USB-PD power option for extended recording times.
Common features FX3/FX6/a7S III
Like the FX6 and a7S III, the FX3 has the following features:
- Full-frame, back-illuminated 12.1MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor.
- High speeds of 120p in 4K and 240p in HD
- A dynamic range of 15+ stops
Common features FX3/FX6
Features that the FX3 shares with the larger FX6 camera include:
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3, HLG and Rec. 709 gamma options.
- Tally lamps on the front, side and rear
- An internal fan to prevent overheating
- A zoom lever for easy image adjustments
Common Features of the FX3/a7S III
Features the FX3 shares with the a7S III include:
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 16-bit raw output via HDMI
- S-Log2 gamma selection
- 80 to 409.6000 ISO range (expanded)
Wireless connectivity
- Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz wireless connectivity
- Wired LAN connection via the USB Type-C port and a separate adapter
Sony FX3
Rechargeable battery NF-FZ100
Battery charger BC-QZ1
Power cord
XLR handle unit
Accessory shoe set
Accessory shoe cap
Handle shoe cap
Housing cap
USB-A to USB-C cable (USB 3.2)
Imaging
Lens Mount | Sony E |
Lens Communication | Yes, with Autofocus Support |
Sensor Resolution | Current: 12.1 Megapixel |
Image Sensor | 35.6 x 23.8mm (Full Frame) CMOS |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
Built-In ND Filter | None |
Internal Filter Holder | No |
Capture Type | Stills & Video |
Exposure Control
Shutter Type | Electronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode |
Bulb/Time Mode | Bulb Mode |
ISO Sensitivity | Video |
Advertised Dynamic Range | 15 Stops |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Metering Range | -3 to 20 EV |
White Balance | 2500 to 9900K |
Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps |
Interval Recording | No |
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes | H.265 Long GOP/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit |
External Recording Modes | Raw 16-Bit via HDMI |
Sensor Crop Modes | Super35 / APS-C |
Fast/Slow Motion Support | Yes |
Gamma Curve | HDR-HLG, S Cinetone, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3, Standard |
Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
Audio Recording | 4-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio |
IP Streaming | Yes |
Still Image Capture
Image Sizes | 16:9 JPEG / Raw |
Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
Image File Format | HEIF, JPEG, Raw |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A/SD |
Video I/O | 1 x HDMI Output |
Audio I/O | 2 x XLR / 1/4" TRS Combo Mic/Line Input on Included Handle |
Power I/O | 1 x USB-C Input |
Other I/O | 1 x USB-C (Ethernet, USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) (Shared with Power Input) |
Wireless | 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth, NFC |
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | None |
Monitor
Size | 3" |
Resolution | 1,440,000 Dot |
Display Type | Articulating Touchscreen LCD |
Viewfinder
Type | Optional, Not Included |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 627 |
Built-In Flash | No |
Maximum Sync Speed | 1/125 Second |
Dedicated Flash System | TTL |
External Flash Connection | Intelligent Hot Shoe |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C |
Storage Temperature | -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C |
General
Battery Type | Sony Z-Series |
Power Consumption | ≤7.3 W |
Tripod Mounting Thread | 1/4"-20 Female |
Accessory Mount | 1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe |
Netflix Approved | Yes |
Material of Construction | Magnesium Alloy |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.1 x 3.3 x 3.1" / 129.7 x 84.5 x 77.8 mm |
Weight | 1.4 lb / 640 g (Body Only) |