The Sony FX3, a compact, full-frame cinema camera — exclusive review video tests included

Sony announced the newest camera in its cinema line, the FX3. Like the FX6, FX9 and Venice, it supports a full-frame image sensor. This is Sony’s first cinema camera with a form-factor closer to their Alpha camera line.

The Sony FX3 is more than just an a7S III with a grip. Sony included many video first features. With its full-frame 10.2MP high BSI image sensor, the camera shoots up to 409,600 ISO. It has the BIONZ XR image processing engine. It captures 120 frames per second (fps) in 4K and up to 240fps in HD.

The highest bit-rate and bit-depth are also available while shooting high framerates. It has dual card slots that accept either the new CFexpress type A cards or SD. Internally, it captures up to 10-bit 4:2:2 and touts 16-bit RAW out of its HDMI. It offers in-body image stabilization or IBIS and Sony claims 15+ stops of dynamic range.

The camera is much like the a7S III but offers S-Cinetone, uninterrupted 4K 60p recording and — with its included grip that connects to the hot shoe — offers two XLR inputs. The grip is connected via two 1/4 20 screws that don’t need a tool to the multi-interface shoe on the top of the camera. The amount of mounting points makes needing a cage obsolete.

The shape of the camera is similar to the Alpha camera line but is boxier and has mounting points on all sides but the port side. It has a full-size HDMI port and a USB C port that powers the camera. Lastly, it offers a new zoom control that is a ring around the shutter button.

Rolling shutter on the Sony FX3

The FX3 is just 640 grams, making it just 250 grams less than the FX6. The biggest missing feature for this camera is an ND filter.

Sony expects to ship the FX3 in March of 2021 with a MSRP of $3899.99.