
The Sony FX30 Camera Hands-On Review | Budget Cinema Camera
Updated on Oct 20, 2022
An affordable cinema camera with maddening specs, the FX30 from Sony is the latest jewel to hit the market for filmmakers.
Film industry experience allied with state-of-the-art imaging technology. The outstanding Cinema Line series of cinema cameras is built on decades of experience in the film industry and supported by Sony's sophisticated new technologies on the cutting edge of digital imaging.
The FX30's back-illuminated Exmor™ R APS-C CMOS sensor captures memorable Super 35mm imagery with outstanding resolution and shallow depth of field. 6K oversampling compresses a vast amount of information into 4K recording and output, and the BIONZ XR™ processing engine enables natural gradations, realistic color reproduction, low noise, and other image quality improvements.
The S-Cinetone picture profile provides cinematic-looking color, skin tones, and other visual aspects straight out of the camera, without the need for any post-production color grading.
For production color matching, and to access the full capabilities of the image sensor, the FX30 can shoot with an S-Log3 gamma curve. This gives you access to the FX30's expansive color gamut and 14+ stops latitude.
Flexible exposure mode handling. Cine EI offers wide latitude and the highest possible image quality, while Cine EI Quick2 simplifies setup by automatically selecting the camera's base ISO. Flexible ISO provides the greatest flexibility for exposure settings.
With 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second with autofocus, you can create extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imagery to expand your storytelling options
Active Mode is a 5-axis image stabilization mode that uses a precision gyroscope sensor and optical compensation, enabling hand-held shooting at 4K resolution without a gimbal.
In-camera Focus Breathing Compensation, when used with compatible lenses, provides more stable imagery by minimizing the field-of-view shift that can occur when racking focus. Additional breathing compensation is also available in post-production software7, supported by camera metadata.
External monitors, recorders, batteries, video lights, extension grips, wireless microphone receivers, or other add-ons can be stably and securely attached to the FX30's body and to its XLR handle unit.
With its highly efficient cooling system and stable power supply, the FX30 is designed to keep working reliably over extended shoots.
The main body and covers of the FX30 are constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy to enhance durability and performance even in challenging environments.
CFexpress Type A is the next standard for compact storage, with fast write/read speeds suitable for 4K movie recording at high bit rates. Dual slots enable either relay or simultaneous recording.
A side-opening vari-angle rear monitor allows broad positioning and framing freedom. It's bright enough for easy outdoor daytime viewing, and it incorporates a swipe-to-access function menu.
An HDMI Type-A connector can be used for external recorders and display devices. Other connectors include USB Type-C®, Multi/Micro-USB, mic, headphones, and a Multi Interface Shoe with built-in digital audio interface.
For demanding workflows, 16-bit RAW output is available over HDMI connection to compatible external recorders. RAW video output is 4672 x 2628 [16:9] resolution, exceeding DCI-4K resolution.
Updated on Oct 20, 2022
An affordable cinema camera with maddening specs, the FX30 from Sony is the latest jewel to hit the market for filmmakers.