Hey, everyone, Kevin here! Welcome to our comprehensive beginner’s guide to the Sony FX30 — a cinematic bestseller at a reasonable price point. Think of the Sony FX3’s little brother. And while the FX30 delivers exceptional video capabilities, it can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re just getting started. Below, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to start shooting cinematic video, from initial setup and button layout to recommended key settings and workflow tips.
First things first, we need to turn on the camera and go through the basic settings to maximize the Sony FX30's full potential. Watch our YouTube video to see the full visual breakdown of the menu, but use our list below as reference points to important chapters.
The Fx30 uses the Sony NP-FZ100 battery type, which is a high-capacity battery shared by many Sony mirrorless cameras. You can find these anywhere from ShopMoment to Best Buy to Amazon. Always keep two to three spares if you’re shooting an event or extended project. I've even suggest investing in a multi-battery charging system (like a dual charger) to keep your workflow smooth.
Some users recommend using Airplane Mode (found in Network/Connectivity settings) when you don’t need the wireless functions — this can help extend battery life in a pinch.
Each slot supports both UHS-II SD and CFexpress Type A. CFexpress Type A cards are faster (useful for high-bitrate 4K 120p or 10-bit 4:2:2 footage). UHS-II SD cards are more common and usually more affordable, but may limit higher data-rate recordings if you buy lower-end models.
Either Sony Tough and ProGrade cards are the best go-to’s for their reliability and fast speeds. I personally wouldn’t bother with third party mockups, as these are cheaply made (less reliable) and super slow for playback.
In practice, many shooters find UHS-II V90 cards sufficient for the majority of 4K and slow-motion work. if you find yourself needing ample field time using these settings, I’d recommend this type of card.
The top handle provides XLR inputs and physical audio dials—handy if you record professional audio on-set. Slide it carefully into the Multi-Interface (MI) shoe, and tighten the screws with a coin or flathead screwdriver. Keep a small toolkit in your camera bag (screwdrivers, Allen wrenches) for on-the-fly adjustments.
The FX30 supports the entire Sony E-mount ecosystem, including both APS-C and full-frame lenses. Channels like Caleb Pike’s DSLR Video Shooter suggest pairing the FX30 with fast prime lenses (e.g. 24mm f/1.8, 35mm f/1.8) for a nice depth of field on a budget.
Located on the top left corner when viewed from the rear. Set the date/time/zone properly for accurate file naming and metadata; especially useful if you shoot across multiple time zones.
After powering up and completing the basic setup, these are the critical video settings to dial in for the cinematic results the Sony FX30 is famous for.
The Mode button is located near the top-right of the rear dial. Manual video mode is the most popular choice among pros because it provides full control over shutter speed (or shutter angle), aperture, ISO, and maintains consistent exposure and motion blur from shot to shot.
Some videographers like Potato Jet recommend experimenting with Sony’s S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode for in-camera slow-motion or quick-motion capture.
For resolution always shoot for 4K for crisp, detailed footage; this is especially useful if you plan to crop in post. 1080p can suffice for social media or quick turnaround projects but lacks the resolution for heavy post-processing.
In terms of bitrate & file format, learn this rule:
If your computer struggles with 4K 10-bit footage, transcode or use a proxy workflow in software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere.
There's a few file formats to learn and t consider. The name are a tad confusing if you're just starting out, so here's a brief breakdown:
The most common settings are 4K at 24ps (this is arguably the most cinematic look) or 60fps (smooth motion; can slow down to 24p for a 2.5x slow-mo).
Higher frame rate options range from 4K 120fps and 1080p 240fps. These are great for super slow-motion, but keep an eye on rolling shutter and potential overheating.
You should use caution with higher frame rates, as they can degrade low-light performance and dynamic range — test before using it for critical shoots.
Log curves capture a wider dynamic range, which is perfect for color grading. I always recommend shooting in LOG if you’re aiming to shoot more pro footage (which I assume you are if you’re shooting with this camera).
With Flexible ISO Mode, you can ease your entry into log shooting, letting you adjust ISO dynamically. I suggest looking atGerald Undone’s deep-dive on Sony’s S-Log profiles, it's a great crash course. Then, you can practice color grading in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere with S-Log3 LUTs to get the feel of it.
Pro Tip: To minimize noise, expose S-Log3 at least one stop brighter than normal (commonly called “ETTR” — Expose to the Right).
This is a super simple yet clean and professional-looking option. It offers pleasing color, contrast, and skin tones without significant post-processing.
The best time to use S-Cinetone is during shoots with fast turnarounds, corporate or wedding work where color grading time is limited.
These miscellaneous but important settings will help you fine-tune autofocus, stabilize your shots, and get the most out of the FX30’s photographic features.
Enable Face/Eye AF in the AF/MF settings to get real-time tracking of your subject. You can specify Human or Animal Eye AF, depending on what you're shooting.
AF Transition Speed & Sensitivity menus nfluences how fast and how easily the camera shifts focus from one subject to another. Gerald Undone and Matt Johnson show some recommended AF Transition Speeds around 4–5 for a more natural, less jumpy rack focus.
Pro Tip: Test your AF settings in real-world conditions— bright sunlight vs. low light vs. backlit scenarios— to dial in the ideal transition speed for your style.
There's two different stabilization modes to consider:
If you pair a lens with Optical SteadyShot (OSS), combined stabilization can be very steady for handheld shots, close to gimbal-like in moderate motion scenarios. Again, the 24-70mm F/2.8 is a solid option!
Check out this video that helps showcase side-by-side comparisons of Standard vs. Active, helping visualize the crop factor and stabilization difference.
Despite its cinema-first approach, it still produces 26MP RAW photos. RAW + JPEG is great if you need quick social media images and the flexibility of RAW for detailed editing.
A sharp prime lens (e.g., Sony 35mm f/1.8) is a go-to for many hybrid shooters who want both photo and video on the FX30.
After you’ve dialed in your basic camera settings, consider the following workflow to achieve a cinematic look. Start by using Manual Video Mode to maintain maximum control over exposure, focus, and color. Shoot in 4K at either 24fps for a classic cinematic aesthetic or 60fps if you want the flexibility to slow down your footage. For the best dynamic range and color grading potential, opt for S-Log3 (Flexible ISO).
Next, switch to Shutter Angle Mode to lock in the ideal motion blur regardless of your frame rate. If you’re filming in bright conditions but need to preserve your chosen shutter angle, add a Variable ND Filter to avoid overexposure. Finally, set your White Balance manually so you can avoid shifts in color temperature as you shoot and streamline color correction during editing. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to producing a video with a truly cinematic feel.
Even compared to its higher-end sibling, the FX3, the Sony FX30 packs plenty of professional video features in a more budget-friendly package. Whether you’re shooting short films, YouTube content, or client projects, the FX30’s combination of robust codecs, reliable autofocus, and in-body stabilization make it an excellent choice.
Grab your FX30, set it to Manual Video mode, pick a suitable lens, ensure you have the right memory card and battery, and get out there to start creating cinematic magic. For a deeper dive into advanced features like Timecode, Cine EI, or anamorphic shooting, let us know!
Be sure to watch the full YouTube video for a visual breakdown (it's also linked at the top of the article!). If you have any questions, leave a comment on the video or in our article, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Now, go make something awesome with your Sony FX30! If you have any questions, email us at hello@shopmoment.com!
An affordable cinema camera with maddening specs, the FX30 from Sony is the latest jewel to hit the market for filmmakers.
