Sony FX3 – The Game-Changing Camera for Filmmakers

Sony has long been considered a leader in the camera industry. Their latest offering, the Sony FX3, is a testament to their ability to create high-quality cameras for professional filmmakers. Equipped with impressive features, this camera is sure to be a game-changer in the filmmaking industry.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony FX3 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 23 2021

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight716g
MSRP$3900USD

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Overview of the FX3

When it comes to creating high-quality content, having the right camera is key. This is especially true for filmmakers who are looking to produce films that stand out from the rest. The Sony FX3 is a camera that has been designed with filmmakers in mind and is sure to be a game-changer in the industry. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Sony FX3 and all that it has to offer. We'll explore the camera's impressive features, discuss how it compares to other cameras on the market, and consider why it is a top choice for professional filmmakers. So, let's dive into the world of the Sony FX3 and see what all the fuss is about.

The Sony Alpha Series Lineup

Sony FX3 thumbnail

Sony FX3

Released Feb 23 2021 | 12MP resolution

Sony FX30 thumbnail

Sony FX30

Released Sep 28 2022 | 26MP resolution

Sony FX3 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony FX3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

15 Stops Dynamic Range
Great Low Light Performance
Magnesium Alloy Construction
Tally & Front Recording Lamps
Dual CFexpress Type A / SD Card Slots
4k @ 120p, HD @ 240p Video Recording
Dual XLR Microphone Input With Top Handle

Cons

No Viewfinder
12MP Resolution Only
No Built in ND Filters

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony FX3

Weather sealed
Dimensions130 x 78 x 85mm
Weight716g
Thickness85mm
Weight
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Weather Sealing

The Sony FX3 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the FX3 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFully articulated
Screen Resolution1,440k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAverage
VideographyExcellent
TravelExcellent

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,440k dots. This makes the Sony FX3 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Sony FX3 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the FX3 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony FX3 has a 12MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Sony FX3 has a native ISO range of 80 - 102400 which can be boosted to 50 - 409600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 23 2021

Announced

80 - 102400

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 409600
Max resolution4240 x 2832 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

85 / 102

Color Depth

24.2 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

13.4 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

3900 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony FX3 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is above average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the FX3 is above average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageDual SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Battery Life600 shots
Battery ModelNP-FZ100
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony FX3 supports Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Sony FX3 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Sony FX3 uses the NP-FZ100 model of battery pack. This is rated for 600 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony FX3 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony FX3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony FX3 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 759 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony FX3?

The Sony FX3 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony FX3 weather sealed?

Yes the FX3 does have weather sealing.

When was the Sony FX3 announced?

The Sony FX3 was announced on Feb 23 2021

Does the Sony FX3 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the FX3 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony FX3?

The FX3 has a native ISO range of 80-102400, which can be expanded to ISO 50-409600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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