Sony made waves with the launch of the FX3, a standout addition to their cinema FX line, which also includes the FX6 and FX9. The FX3 bridges the gap between the legendary A7SIII and the FX6, offering creators the best of both worlds: a compact, video-focused workhorse packed with features typically found in high-end cinema cameras.
Built with solo shooters in mind, the FX3 emphasizes mobility and versatility. It’s designed for one-handed operation, with six customizable video-focused buttons and multiple screw holes on the body and handle for attaching accessories with ease.
While the FX3 is intended as a backup to Sony’s higher-end FX cameras, it’s more than capable of standing on its own in various shooting environments. Its compact design sets a new standard in the consumer market, offering reliability and durability without sacrificing portability.
The FX3 delivers incredible value: a built-in fan for all-day shooting without overheating, 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, frame rates up to 120fps, legendary autofocus, impressive dynamic range, dual base ISO, strong battery life, and versatile audio options.
Sony truly knocked it out of the park with the FX3 — cheers to them!
The Sony FX3 Cinema Line camera brings the visions of passionate content creators to life. Cinematic expression is matched with reliable performance and streamlined operation to serve the needs of tod...
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The FX3 is the younger sibling to the FX6, built with a video-focused design that takes the A7SIII to the next level. It features a compact body with ¼"-20 mounting holes, tally lights, a built-in fan to prevent overheating, and an included top handle with XLR inputs. Add in 4K 4:2:2 10-bit codecs, dual base ISO, exceptional autofocus, and IBIS, and you’ve got everything you need in a powerhouse camera.
This camera is an absolute workhorse, ready to shine in any scenario. Sony’s new 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR processor deliver faster performance, better noise reduction, greater dynamic range, and stunning colors — putting an end to the "old Sony color" stigma. Canon better watch out.
With insane DR and gorgeous colors, the depth you get from a full-frame sensor is lovely.
For SLOG3, your base ISOs are 640 and 12800. It's insanely clean at 12800; it feels like a cheat code.
Brand: Sony
Product Type: Minimal Cinema Camera / Mirrorless Cinema Hybrid
Best For: Filmmakers looking for versatility in a compact package. The FX3 is the smallest cinema camera with professional video tools, incredible low-light performance, and a stunning full-frame sensor. It’s perfect for cinematographers, YouTubers, wedding videographers, and DPs alike—punching well above its weight.
Hi, I'm Thomas — a filmmaker constantly on the move. My work takes me to places where lugging around large cinema cameras isn’t practical. I’ve always prioritized owning only the gear I need — versatile and minimal equipment that fits my style.
Back in 2015, I was using a GoPro but wanted an upgrade. After tons of research, I landed on the Sony a6500 paired with a 16-70mm lens. This was one of Sony's early hybrid APS-C cameras, offering great photos and video in a small package. It completely changed the game for me. I could shoot more because it was so easy to carry around, and the quality instantly elevated my work compared to the GoPro.
By 2019, I was ready to move on. While Sony’s older cameras were groundbreaking, their colors and image quality weren’t keeping up. I wanted something more focused on video than hybrid capabilities, but my budget was tight. Enter the Blackmagic Pocket 6K. For $2,000, it delivered 12-bit BRAW and 10-bit ProRes — an incredible deal. But it came with challenges: it needed a big rig to function well. The screen wasn’t usable in daylight, it didn’t flip out, and the whole setup was fragile with cables sticking out everywhere. Traveling with it was frustrating, and I realized I needed something more versatile for my documentary-style projects.
Sony is a top choice for mirrorless cameras, leading the way in beginner cinema and offers stellar optics for photos. Which model is right for you? Here's our top 7 favorites.
Read moreFast forward to 2021. I still own the Pocket 6K, but my primary camera is now the Canon C70. This camera was a game-changer. It's lightweight, has incredible autofocus, great image quality, solid audio options, long battery life, and a flip-out screen. Everything about it felt designed for a solo filmmaker like me. I even got to test it extensively while working with Samuel Elkin on his YouTube channel. We used my Pocket 6K initially, but it quickly became clear it wasn’t practical for travel or fast-paced workflows. When Sam bought a C70, everything became easier.
After a year of using the C70, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It struck the right balance of power, portability, and versatility. I was ready to buy one for myself and maybe pair it with a Canon R5 or R6 as a backup. Then, Sony launched the FX3 — and suddenly, I was rethinking everything.
Quick spoiler alert — I ended up with the FX3.
The FX3 fits my needs perfectly and will likely do the same for many creators. I love how versatile it is — I can take it into the backcountry for my YouTube channel and then use it on set for client work. Its flexibility lets me focus on storytelling and composition without being held back by bulky gear.
The design is stunning — minimal and highly functional. The video-focused layout makes adjusting settings quick and intuitive. The autofocus is rock-solid, the dual base ISO is a game-changer, and the IBIS delivers consistently smooth results. The built-in fan is a lifesaver for long shoots, especially in the sun. Plus, Sony’s updated sensors produce beautiful colors, giving me a consistent look every time.
Editing footage is simple, and it saves a ton of storage compared to shooting in RAW. Let’s be real — do you really need RAW? If you do, you can always use an external recorder for 16-bit ProRes RAW, but after eight months with this camera, I’ve never felt the need.
The FX3 also boasts Sony’s best log profile. With slog3, you can seamlessly match colors with other Sony cameras. And reliable autofocus? It’s a luxury I’ve come to rely on—so dependable that I use it over 80% of the time. The dual base ISO is another standout feature, with 640 and 12,800 offering incredibly clean results. At 12,800, I often need three stops of ND because it’s so sensitive. The built-in fan keeps it cool even in extreme conditions—I’ve shot hour-long takes in a hot office and all day in 95°F heat in Death Valley without overheating.
The top handle with dual XLR ports is a dream for interviews and documentary work; I can plug mics directly into the camera. For a smaller setup, I just remove the handle, add my Rode VideoMic NTG, and still get fantastic audio for personal projects.
Battery life is another win. I don’t need a larger battery to power my kit, which keeps things compact. I carry three batteries in my Moment Fanny Sling and typically use just one or two for a full day of shooting.
When choosing a camera system, it’s essential to take a step back and focus on your needs and what each brand offers — leave behind any stigmas or preconceived notions. For me, I needed a reliable "B" camera that could handle client work and grow with my career. After weighing my options, the Sony FX3 stood out as the perfect choice. It gave me everything I needed without compromise.
If you’re a hybrid shooter, you might lean toward cameras like the Canon R5, R5C, R6, or Sony A7IV. But if you’re primarily focused on video and prefer a minimal kit, the Canon R5C or Sony FX3 are likely at the top of your list.
The FX3 is an excellent choice for almost anyone, especially filmmakers who want a single, versatile camera that can handle just about everything.
Here’s some advice: buy a camera based on its current capabilities, not future promises. When I was doing my research, Canon was teasing cameras like the C50, C90, and R5C. These "C70 companions" never materialized, and the R5C didn’t launch until 5-6 months after I already owned the FX3. I didn’t want to invest in a camera like the R5 or R6 based on rumors of something better coming later.
The FX3 pairs beautifully with the FX6, sharing settings, full-frame sensors, gorgeous colors, full-size XLR inputs, and slog3. While the FX6 has a base ISO of 800 compared to the FX3’s 640, they’re an ideal A/B camera setup.
The Canon C70 is a great camera, but pairing it with the R5 or R6 isn’t as seamless for video work. The C70’s DGO Super 35mm sensor delivers stunning image quality, but the R5 and R6 are full-frame and lack features like clog2 (Canon’s equivalent to slog3). For me, having a consistent workflow and everything built into the camera is key.
Would I have chosen the R5C over the FX3 now that it’s out? Probably not. While Canon has made strides toward a video-focused design, the R5C is still a hybrid camera. It includes a cinema menu, but the body is bulkier, lacks built-in XLR inputs, and only offers clog2 in RAW—an overkill codec for most projects.
The FX3 and A7SIII are very similar but have critical differences. The FX3 costs a bit more ($3,900 vs. $3,500) but includes features like tally lights, a built-in fan, and a top handle with XLR inputs. While you can add XLR ports to the A7SIII with the Sony XLR-K3M accessory, the FX3’s video-focused design makes it more intuitive. The preset, labeled buttons for video settings—like iris, shutter, white balance, peaking, and zebra—are incredibly convenient. Having multiple record buttons also makes starting and stopping recordings easy, no matter how you’re holding the camera.
If you’re a serious filmmaker looking for a video-focused camera, the FX3 is hard to beat. Its built-in XLR inputs and streamlined design make it incredibly practical. That said, the A7SIII is also an excellent choice and a great backup option. In the future, I plan to add an A7SIII to my kit to complement my FX3. While two FX3s would be ideal, the A7SIII’s lower price makes it a solid backup.
Any serious filmmaker looking for a minimal, high-value camera. If you need robust audio inputs and a reliable setup that won’t overheat, the FX3 is perfect for you. It’s ideal for wedding filmmakers, cinematographers, and YouTubers who need a versatile, run-and-gun camera. The Sony FX3 stands out from the competition — it’s like a supercharged mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional performance.
