Sony FX30: a Super 35mm cinema camera in a compact format

The FX3, a true hybrid

In winter 2021, Sony surprised by announcing the FX3. This box is a hybrid in the first sense of the term, between a cinema camera and a mirrorless camera. The machine then took up the codes of a camera such as the FX6, but in the size of a Sony Alpha 7C (A7C) that would have been a little inflated. This camera now returns with its little sister, the FX30.

Netflix approved

For the features, it was roughly an Alpha 7S III (A7S III) to which we would have simply subtracted the electronic viewfinder and added a fan to slow down the heating and thus increase the autonomy. The FX3 is also the most compact Sony camera to receive the mention Approved for Netflix.

The spotlight on Super 35 mm

In the fall of 2022, the Japanese firm therefore returns with the FX30. At first glance, nothing seems to vary except the flocking and the mention Full Frame. The housing and ergonomics options are identical. The difference is internal. The only variation, and not the least, concerns the sensor of the beast. Exit the sensitive 24×36 cell of 12.1 megapixels, here it is replaced by a new generation APS-C sensor of 26 Mpx.

4K UHD resampled from 6K

Always mechanically stabilized, the maximum definition is obviously only available in photos. In video, the FX30 uses 20.1 Mpx in the Super 35mm format dear to videographers. Despite this definition, make no mistake: the FX30 does not shoot in 6K, but only up to 4K UHD and 60 fps. This 4K is announced however as of a superior quality, since resampled from 6K thanks to the more defined sensor.

External 16-bit Raw

Note that with slow motion in 4K and 120 fps, you will have to do with a crop x1.6. In all formats, the capture is done internally up to 4:2:2 10 bits and Long Gop, all at 600 Mb/s. It is possible to reach 240 fps in FHD. To increase the speeds, you will have to go through an HDMI recorder (via the appropriate type A socket) and then capture 16-bit raw sequences.

Compared to an FX3 or an A7S III and their 24×36 12.1 Mpx sensor, Sony announces that we lose a dynamic stop at 14 IL, against 15 IL. Likewise, the range of sensitivities is shorter, going from 100 to 32,000 ISO, compared to 80 to 409,600 ISO for the previous cameras.

Double ISO base and pro profiles

However, we keep a double ISO base with two levels 800 and 2500 ISO. The FX30 also offers three recording modes for those who want to get closer to an even more cinematic look:

• Beginner: with PPLUT and S-Cinetone
• Intermediate: with Log, ISO Flexible and Cine EI Quick
• Professional: with Log and Cine EI

It is clear that even the Beginner mode is aimed at very enlightened amateurs. According to the company, thanks to the internal assignment of LUTs or the S-Cinetone profile from Sony cinema cameras, it makes it possible to obtain a convincing result directly from the box for lovers of the big screen.

The other modes therefore offer to shoot in Log or to use the Cine EI profile. The latter is the same, regardless of Sony’s “pro” cameras, and allows you to enjoy greater latitude regarding the management of sensitivity, dynamic range or color range. However, this requires more grading and post-production work.

Between the two options, the Cine EI Quick mode is therefore similar to the Cine EI, but with automated sensitivity management by the camera, for example.

AF tracking always on top

For the management of the autofocus, hardly any surprise because we can always count on the know-how of Sony in the matter. To the classic monitoring of the faces and eyes of humans and animals, Sony adds that of the birds that we already find on other boxes of the firm. There is still no question of vehicle tracking of any kind, as can be seen with some competitors.

The FX30 also inherits focus assistance functions from the world of cinema, which were added to the Sony Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV), such as the focus assistance card.

Price and availability

Announced on September 28, 2022, the FX30 will be offered on its own at a price of €2,299. A kit is also marketed at 2799 € with the handle equipped with two XLR sockets, thus facilitating sound capture.