Sony FX30 - Cinema Camera

The new Sony FX30, which follows in the footsteps of the popular Sony FX3 (FX3) , is a small cinema camera equipped with a 26MP stabilized APS-C sensor . This leaves room for interpretation for those interested in the Super 35mm format , while retaining all the great ergonomic features that made its predecessor a success.

The FX3, announced in winter 2021 by Sony, is a hybrid device that sits somewhere between a cinema camera and a mirrorless. The device took the codes of cameras such as the FX6 but had a size closer to that of the Sony Alpha 7C (A7C) , although a little bloated. This device is now back with its little sister, the FX30.

The Sony FX 30 is similar to the Sony Alpha 7S III (A7SIII) in terms of features, but without the electronic viewfinder and with an included fan to prevent overheating and increase battery life.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the FX30 is Netflix approved .

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE SONY FX30 CINEMA CAMERA:

• Compact and lightweight Super 35mm cinema camera packed with professional features to take your videos to the next level.
• Record in high-quality 4K 120p oversampled in 4:2:2 10-bit as well as high-speed FHD 240p for slow-motion playback.
• Enjoy 14 stops of dynamic range in S-Log3 and take advantage of fast, reliable Hybrid AF with subject detection and tracking.
• Versatile recording with a wide range of settings including XAVC S, S-Cinetone, Cine El and 16-bit RAW over HDMI.
• Professional features include a tally light, zoom lever, TC input with dedicated adapter, custom LUTs and more.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SONY FX 30 CINEMA CAMERA

The Sony FX30 Cinema Line camera is Sony's first cinema camera with an all-new APS-C sensor, designed for creators who want to produce incredible video content.

The back-illuminated sensor with 6K oversampling pairs perfectly with the blazing-fast BIONZ XR processor to create stunning XAVC S 4K/120p 10bit 4:2:2 and FHD 240p footage internally, with an astonishing 14 stops of dynamic range when shooting in Sony’s S-Log3 gamma curve.

If you prefer post-processed RAW footage to the S-Log curve, you can record 16-bit RAW footage to an external recorder via a full-size HDMI interface.

The Sony FX 30 camera is a lightweight and versatile option for professional filmmakers. It includes features such as an internal cooling fan, 5-axis stabilization, Hybrid AF with Eye-AF and tracking (human, animal, bird), a tally light, a zoom lever, Timecode sync and more.

The Super 35 camera also compares to the full-frame Sony FX3 and Sony FX6 cameras, sharing features such as dual base ISO (s-Log3) and breath-breathing compensation.

SONY FX30 CAMERA FEATURES:

• New back-illuminated APS-C Super 35 4K sensor
• BIONZ XR Processing Engine
• 4K 120p / FHD 240p upsampled recording in 10bit 4:2:2, Long GOP, All-I / H.264, H.265
• Dual ISO base in S-Log3
• 14-level dynamic range with S-Log3
• Fast and reliable Hybrid AF/Eye-AF tracking (human, animal, bird)
• 5-axis stabilization (active / standard) in the body
• 16-bit RAW output via HDMI Type-A to external monitor/recorder
• Tally lamp, zoom lever, TC IN with a dedicated adapter, custom LUTs, etc.
• Two CFexpress Type-A / SD memory card slots
• Compact dimensions of 129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5 mm and light weight of 562 g (body only)

THE SONY FX30 CINEMA CAMERA IN DETAIL

IMPRESSIVE IMAGE QUALITY

The Sony Cinema Line FX 30 camera delivers premium performance and features for a true cinematic experience.

With industry-leading image sensor technology, you get high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range with 4K Super 35 resolution, while maintaining excellent image quality.

Additionally, the ILMEFX30B is equipped with S-Cinetone(TM) technology, inherited from other digital cinema cameras such as the VENICE 2, which ensures natural midtones, beautiful colors and stunning highlights, essential elements of cinematic expression.

Recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve enables smooth cinematic grading, and three modes are provided for this purpose. Imported custom LUTs can be saved to reduce the grading burden in post-production.

Dual Base ISO (800/2500) also allows capturing high quality images in different lighting situations. 4K Super 35/ S-Cinetone/ PPLUT/ Dual Base ISO/S-Log3 recording is possible with this product.

BOOSTED AF PERFORMANCE

Sony’s ILMEFX30B camera is renowned for its reliable and accurate autofocus performance, with wide-area tracking across the entire frame. Real-time Eye AF tracks the face and eyes of humans and animals, making it easy to accurately focus on the subject.

This feature is effective even when using shallow depth of field or tracking fast-moving subjects thanks to Sony's AI-based real-time tracking.

The Sony FX30 also offers stable AF and flexible focusing for a wide variety of shooting situations.

Finally, assistive features like AF Assist, Focus Map and Breathing Compensation are more reasons to opt for the Sony FX 30 Cinema Camera.

COMPACT DESIGN WITHOUT CAGE

The Sony Cinema Line FX30 is designed to be both lightweight and compact for easy mobility. The housing features five threaded holes for accessories, eliminating the need for a cage while providing optimum flexibility and stability.

Built-in stabilization allows the entire rig to be highly mobile and handle more challenging shooting situations, without the need for a stabilizer or gimbal in some situations.

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR FILMMAKING

The new main menu gives you faster access to the items you use most, so you can focus on taking great photos and videos . You’ll know when a recording is in progress with the lights and recording display, helping you stay focused.

With the Sony FX30’s flexible, high-resolution touchscreen LCD, you can freely position and frame gimbal-mounted shots. The zoom lever also gives you control over compatible motorized zoom lenses, allowing Clear Image Zoom to be used with non-motorized zoom lenses and prime lenses while delivering excellent image quality.

Additionally, auto and manual modes for iris, shutter speed and ISO can be set independently for a more customizable exposure mode.

You'll also find useful vertical aspect markers to confirm framing in horizontal orientation.

CONNECTIVITY OF CINEMA SYSTEMS IS EXCELLENT

The camera has two XLR audio inputs for high quality recording .

An optional XLR microphone can transfer digital audio data directly to the camera, providing exceptional sound quality without signal interference. Other connectors include USB Type-C, Multi/Micro-USB, headphone, and a multi-interface shoe with integrated digital audio interface.

The ILMEFX30B's wide expansion capacity to meet a number of shooting needs makes it an excellent choice for photographers .

Additionally, its support for UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) standards allows the device to act as a high-performance webcam when connected to compatible devices via USB.

WIDE RANGE OF COMPATIBLE SONY LENSES

E-mount lenses offer creators a wide range of creative possibilities.

Combining a Super 35 sensor and Sony E-mount lens with a remote camera opens up new possibilities for cinematic expression, such as breathtaking sharpness and pleasing bokeh for content creation.

Only native Sony lenses can fully exploit the camera's performance and achieve exceptional image quality with the best stabilization and autofocus support.

APS-C-SIZE EXMOR R™ CMOS SENSOR

Sony's new back-illuminated APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor delivers high-resolution images with memorable detail.

This efficient imaging technology is integrated into a new Super 35 format sensor (20.1 megapixels), allowing you to capture the scene in 4K resolution with expressive depth of field, bokeh and cinematic freedom.

S-CINETONE™ CINEMATIC EFFECT WITHOUT CALIBRATION

Using the same color science as the FX9 and FX6 cinema cameras for natural skin tones, the Sony FX 30 produces stunning midtones that are essential for healthy-looking skin.

S-Cinetone also delivers superb highlights and smooth colors, easily achieved without post-production grading.

VERSATILE RECORDING FORMATS

Record full, natural gradations in 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally using Long GOP or All-Intra compression. XAVC HS approximately doubles the compression efficiency, enabling exceptionally clear 10-bit video with 4:2:2 color sampling at comparable or lower data rates.

DUAL ISO BASE FOR CLEAR SHOTS IN LOW LIGHT

The Dual Base ISO feature allows you to have two settings for your base ISO, one at 800 and one at 2500.

This feature helps you achieve sharp images with low noise and optimize the dynamic range of the Sony FX30 when taking pictures in low or bright light conditions.

A latitude of more than 14 stops minimizes the risk of highlighting or darkness in your photos.

RECORDING CINEMATIC LOGS

The Sony FX 30's S-Log3 gamma curve has been designed for visually appealing gradations, making it easy to achieve cinematic image quality during post-production grading – perfect for large productions.

Both S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 Cine provide excellent color reproduction over a wide latitude.

Sony has taken meticulous care in adjusting the camera's output so that everyone can easily achieve the best possible image quality in post-processing.

NEW SHOOTING OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE JOURNAL

Three additional logarithmic shooting modes are available for use with the S-Log3 gamma curve.

1. Cine EI, found in Sony's luxurious Cinema Line models, allows you to shoot with extremely wide latitude to produce stunning image quality.
2. Cine EI Quick makes getting started easy by automatically setting the camera's base ISO to the selected Exposure Index (EI).
3. Sony's s709 has added available LUT presets, providing the greatest flexibility for exposure adjustments.

USER LUTS

With S-Log3, it can be difficult to know what the final recording will look like because of the way the image appears on the monitor.

However, with the FX30's customizable LUTs that can be applied to both the LCD monitor preview and HDMI output, as well as embedded clips in post-production, this problem no longer exists!

There are also preset LUTs in addition to the 16 user LUTs that can be easily imported into memory via a card.

FOCUS ON RELIABILITY

Sony's tracking technology helps keep your subject in focus, so you can worry about composition and lighting.

Wide-area AF with Intelligent Tracking uses focal plane phase detection to ensure tenacious subject tracking across most of the frame.

“Real-time Eye AF ensures precise focus on human faces and eyes, while Real-time Tracking delivers reliable results every time thanks to Sony’s recognition software.

RECORDING UP TO 4K / 120P

The Sony FX30 gives you the ability to record in 4K at up to 120 frames per second for incredibly smooth 5x slow motion footage thanks to autofocus.

This allows for new expressive abilities and opens up a new world of creative potential.

ACTIVE MODE IMAGE STABILIZATION

With 5-axis optical image stabilization active mode, it is possible to capture stable 4K footage even when shooting handheld without a gimbal or while walking.

This feature measures camera shake using a precision gyro sensor and makes optical compensations accordingly.

CATALYST METADATA

Five types of metadata are recorded by the Sony FX30 camera: LUTs, image stabilization, breathing, camera rotation, and shot marks.

This metadata can be useful when viewing footage and preparing to edit it with Sony's free Catalyst Browse software or the paid Catalyst Prepare software.

TAKING STILL IMAGES

The Sony FX 30 is a versatile tool that can take stills or movies, which comes in handy when you're scouting locations.

You can use it to take photos that will be used in storyboards or presentations during pre-production, and for other purposes.

DESIGN OF A CAGELESS CASE

The Sony FX 30 features five threaded holes (1/4-20 UNC) to allow mounting of additional accessories, eliminating the need for an additional cage.

The optional XLR handle also features three additional threaded holes, allowing you to securely and stably attach other accessories if required.

By forgoing a cage, Sony was able to keep size and weight to a minimum.

NEW MENU DESIGN

The new list-style main menu gives you easier access to frame rate, shutter speed, and other key settings.

You can also assign the main menu display to a custom button so you can view it quickly and easily.

TALLY LAMPS

Recording lights located on the top front and back of the camera let you know when it's in use, while the REC button on the top of the camera also lights up.

This makes it easy to tell when the camera is recording, as is the red frame that appears on the screen.

VERTICAL ASPECT MARKERS

With so many creators producing images in a variety of aspect ratios and orientations, it's difficult to keep up.

The Sony FX30 offers several horizontal orientation markers that can be used to ensure your image is correctly framed.

XLR AUDIO CONNECTORS

For high-quality audio recording, the optional XLR handle unit provides two XLR audio inputs.

With an optional XLR microphone, digital audio data can be transferred directly to the camera for superior sound quality without any noise or signal degradation.

Additionally, there is a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording, allowing compatibility with both 2-channel and 4-channel audio formats.

16-BIT RAW VIA HDMI

External recorders can capture 16-bit RAW footage at 4672 x 2628 [16:9] resolution, which exceeds DCI-4K quality.

Additionally, XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K or XAVC SI 4k files and proxy files are recorded simultaneously in the camera.

ROBUST MAGNESIUM ALLOY HOUSING

The camera body and covers, made from magnesium alloy, are lightweight yet durable enough to perform even in tough shooting conditions.

LCD TOUCH SCREEN

The Sony FX30 Cinema Camera also features a rear vari-angle LCD screen that flips out to the side for more natural positioning and framing when shooting with a gimbal, handheld, low-angle shots, and any other shooting situation.

The 3.0-type 2.36 million-dot touch LCD screen provides clear display even in bright outdoor environments. You can quickly access the function menu (Fn) by swiping up on the screen.

SONY FX30 CAMERA BOX CONTENTS:

• Sony FX30 Super 35mm Cinema Line Camera
• Power adapter
• Cap for accessory shoe
• Housing cap
• Power adapter
• NP-FZ100 rechargeable battery
• USB-A to USB-C (USB 3.2) Cable

OUR OPINION ON THE SONY FX30 CINEMA CAMERA

Sony’s latest professional cinema camera , the Sony FX30 Cinema Line APS-C 4K Super 35mm Camera, completes its lineup of video-centric hybrid mirrorless cameras.

This affordable professional camera is perfect for videographers and film makers who want to improve the production value of their films without breaking the bank.

Although it is small and easily portable, the Sony FX 30 is a powerful tool for creators thanks to its advanced features, some of which are not available on other models.

You’ll be amazed by the superb video quality , thanks to the new 4K sensor working in tandem with the award-winning BIONZ XR processor. The Super 35 sensor is used for 6K oversampling without pixel binning for 4K 120p / FHD 240p recording capabilities in a variety of formats and codecs, including XAVC S, 10bit 4:2:2 Long GOP All-I and H.264/H.265

Sony’s S-Cinetone lets you record high-quality, ready-to-use footage straight from the camera. Plus, S-Log3 offers 14 stops of dynamic range and flexible post-production grading options.

Finally, a full-size HDMI connection lets you record RAW footage externally to an additional recorder.

The Sony FX30 is packed with great features like 5-axis stabilization for steadier shots, Hybrid AF with subject detection and tracking, and professional video capabilities like Tally Light and Timecode IN.

Any videographer worth their salt would be happy to have this camera in their collection for filming solo or team productions .