Sony's Race Isn't Over: Sony's Cinema Line FX3

Marc Rhodwyn Yabut
May 21, 2021
3 min read

Sony’s group is breaking resistance in terms of photography as it launches a different new variety in their camera line.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

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Sony FX3 the smallest cinema line camera

Introducing the Cinema Line camera - enhanced for solo movie shoot up to 120p 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 in all recording modes and ISO up to 409,600.

Having a 15+ stops dynamic power range and intense sensitivity. S-Cinetone and a compact cage free design featuring ¼”-20 mounting points, VENICE colorimetry inspired.

In addition, it has a top handle with XLR/TRS. Uninterrupted 4k 60p video recording thanks to its cooling fan for effective heat sink and in-body image stabilizer with Active mode for steady shooting.

Features of Rear Controls

In its back portion, we find the power button located at the very top left, which is designed to be hard to accidentally bump. Mode button gives you an on-screen image where you can select various shooting options in PASM or auto modes, movies, 'S&Q' for slow and quick, and memory recall modes.

Wide tally light system is located between the Mode and Menu buttons for recording purposes.

In addition, a jog wheel that has a four-way controller. By default, you can access the focus magnifier, display options, zebra exposure warnings, shutter and focus peaking. Menu, Fn or playback buttons.

This new set of designs enables you to quickly maneuver your camera, giving you the most efficient results in cinematography and photography.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

Touchscreen

Having a Sony’s Cinema Line FX3 touch screen feature helps you control the camera’s settings easily, it also helps you view your recent photo or cinematic activity. Having no built-in viewfinder.

Normally, it can be added using the multi-interface hot shoe (such as on the RX1 full-frame compact camera), but we haven't yet heard some official statement on compatibility.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

Sensor and shutter

FX3 has a 12MP full-frame BSI-CMOS electric eye we first encountered in the a7S III. It is located on a stabilizer. Active Steadyshot' system is also available in FX3 which crops the image and applies digital stabilization. Like the a1, the FX3 will also be capturing the measurements using its gyro electric eye.

FX3 have no built-in ND filter like that offered by the larger FX6, be sure to pack your filters and step-up rings for your favorite lenses when you're about to use it in your photography or videography.

Another thing is a nod that is present in its feature even if this is a video-focused camera, it will capture 12MP images.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

Ports and vents

A HDMI is secured on the left side port which can output 16-bit Raw video to an external recorder. A headphone and microphone jacks, a USB-C port that charges or powers the camera, and a Micro USB port for other accessories. You can see the fourth 1/4-20 UNC threaded mount on the upper left part.

Vent is also secured on the right of the port. That lets itself cool, avoiding overheating.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

Card slots

The right side of the camera is home to the dual UHS-II SD / CFexpress Type A slots. The FX3 has a very high quality of cinematic results, thus, it is recommended for you to add and use more SD cards for your projects and similar activities on your work.

Image from Sony | Camera Channel YouTube

Battery

NP-FZ100 battery is packed with FX3 that all the latest Sony stills-focused ILCs (and the a7S III) use. Having a 135 mins of continuous recording or 580 shots (per CIPA standards)

XLR Grip

The XLR handle gives you more than just comfort, and as the name implies, you get two XLR inputs (and one 3.5mm stereo minijack input) on the right-hand part. 1/4" plugs are also compatible with FX3.