Sony has pulled the covers off the FX3 – a feature-packed cinema that squeezes into a tiny compact body – a compelling combination that may well be an absolute game-changer for content creators who shoot solo.
Built around a 10.2 megapixel full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R sensor and powered by a BIONZ XR image-processing engine, the FX3 sits below the FX6 in Sony’s range, but offers much wider appeal thanks to is shape and size, with the body tipping the scales at just 715g and the 77.8 mm high, 129.7 mm wide and 84.5 mm deep footprint being similar to cameras like the A7R IV.
Offering both a whooping 15-stops of dynamic range and a crazy-high ISO ceiling of 409,000, Sony explains that the FX3 has been designed with solo shooters in mind, making it easy to capture video without any assistants. The tough magnesium body is weather and dust resistant, making it suitable for use in harsh conditions and footage can be recorded to the dual card slots that take SD or CFExpress cards.
Sony were also keen to point out that videographers don’t need to worry about any overheating issues as the FX3 can capture uninterrupted 4K video at 60p and, for those looking to capture slow motion footage, the FX3 can also shoot 4K 120p too. What’s more, along with Sony’s S-L3 profile, the FX3 includes S-Cinetone, which enables users to capture cinematic -looking footage without the need of intensive post-processing work. 4K 60p video in 10-bit 4:2:2 or 16-bit RAW format can be recorded via an output to an external device via the FX3 HDMI Type-A jack.
Featuring multiple tally lights on the front, top and back of the camera to let subjects and the operator know when footage is being recorded, the FX3 features an impressive autofocus system that covers 95% of the frame. Videographers will also be pleased to hear the FX3 includes the popular Real Time Eye AF autofocus mode that’s also found on Sony’s mirrorless stills cameras and the system uses 627 AF points.
Compositions can be lined up via the touch-sensitive LCD that features a vari-angle design that will prove useful when setting up low/high scene and Sony’s Active Mode stabilisation will help keep footage steady. The FX3 includes a XLR handle unit that offers two XLR/TRS audio inputs and, because the XLR adaptor is integrated into the handle, it doesn’t require any additional cables or batteries.
Existing Sony stills shooters will of course be able to use their E-mount lenses with the FX3 when it becomes available in March and the tiny cine camera will cost $3899/£4,200.