My HONEST Thoughts On The Sony FX30 (A Review)

The Sony FX30 is positioned in a unique position in Sony's camera lineup. There are a lot of pros, but a few key cons that you need to consider before purchasing. Here are some of my honest thoughts on the Sony FX30.

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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Sony FX30
1:19 - Image Quality
2:09 - Dual Base ISO
3:36 - APS-C Sensor
6:04 - Internal Fan
6:50 - Audio Handle
7:52 - Auto Focus
8:03 - 1/4in Threads
8:14 - Record Button
8:23 - Flip Out Screen
8:31 - Grip
8:43 - Resolutions
8:54 - Correct Shutter Speeds
9:13 - New Menu System
9:32 - Who is this for?

[kraigpruett]

What has been your experience with the FX30?

[sergiosanchez]

Funny how many youtubers talk about cameras like the FX30 being only usable for begginers... Meanwhile the veterans like me are drooling because we can get cheap ass light equipment that we would have loved to have on many of our projects. I´ve been doing this stuff for 25years, I´ve shot all kinds of stuff from commercials, corporate videos, feature films and network dramatic series with almost all the expensive cameras out there and I really think this is a very competent all round camera that can be used for almost anything. The S35 sensor in it is on par with sensors like the Red Dragon that I used on two feature films, and the Canon C300mii which is a great super35 camera. Focal length is not really an issue, it´s easier to pull focus on a s35 sensor than on a full frame and there´s a huge variety of high performance glass on that format as well, it has been the standard for film in the last 75 years so is not a problem for old guys that are used to working with it. ISO is not great compared to other Sony DSLRs and video cameras, but is not bad either, with lighting kits being so cheap and portable now, you can always bring a couple of LED tubes to rise the exposure a bit, maybe for weddings and events you´re a bit limited but, I´ve shot documentaries in super 16mm film stock and the highest ISO you could get commercialy was 400, so 2500 is a happy problem for me. So obviously is not the best camera out there, but it´s pretty close and for very little money you can bulid a nice multicam setup to shoot high end stuff with great image quality and with equipment that is actually fun to use.

[o.f.ftrack]

I bought the FX30 during the first week of June this year and aside from the situations where I simply didn't know how to manage it, it's been everything I needed. For the first month, I filmed everything in 4k120(I'm a track coach) and straight out of the camera the video quality was amazing. Granted I was outside with plenty of light. I began experimenting with different settings and that's when I decided to shoot everything manually. I was disappointed with the slog3 initially but that was before I learned how to properly expose it. Once that was taken care of, the only limitations that I've encountered were the crop and in some obvious low light situations.

[jennifergala]

Excellent analysis. We use very fast glass and don't have any problems with low light. We are very careful with exposure though. We sold the FX3 and got two FX30.

[paperstacksfilms]

for lowlight, a fast lens and trying to get the image properly exposed at iso 800 helps. If your not getting the exposure you want there push to 2500. going over tht number you lose dynamic range and just introduce more noise. switching your meter to spot and sticking to your focus point allows you to determine the exposure in different parts of the image. long as your subject is properly exposed you should be fine. also saw some advice from a colorist who said you dont absolutely need to overexpose you image to 1.7-2.0 unless there is a lot of white in the image. for most skin tones and situations you can go 1.0-1.3. a sony rep also confirmed this to me

[bunkertons]

I LOVE my Sony FX30, it's a tank and even in low light, I dont have any problems. For reference, I'm shooting on a Sigma 2.8 and I'm very happy. I agree with everything you said in the video, but im really happy with it and plan to grab another when it goes on sale.

[MyPortugueseCulture]

APSC lenses are much cheaper than a full frame if your a beginner or using the FX30 as B camera

[ChrisParayno]

Your logic when you talk about the apsc censor makes no sense. Yes, you have a crop so you factor that in. Use the right tool for the job. As you mentioned, you don't have enough lenses to cover then use more light or shoot in a different way to get more light. I used to complain about crop sensors being a big factor, but having shot with a black magic ursa, fs5, c70, it's definitely up to the user to make the best image possible. If you're a pro, you're getting paid to shoot the best image possible and tell the best story you can.

[Masterhughesproductions]

lots of people complaining about the handles breaking, the handle is cheap plastic a piece of crap if it breaks it costs 600.00 to replace.

[healer]

I have controlled indoor settings, this camera seems perfect for that. The issue is I have glass for the A7 series so I may need to get the 16-35mm

[JoshConnectMedia]

Honestly speaking, what’s the look of a full frame Sony footage compared to an APSC crop sensor footage ?

[DanarathTales]

Hi, Kraig. Is there a Sony camera within the price range of FX30 that doesn't struggle as much as in low light? I usually shoot in run-in-gun situations, so having access to lighting equipment isn't always an option. I've seen quite a lot of videos of the FX30 in low light, and while it seems alright, it didn't blow me away or anything. Was wondering if that's just a compromise I'm going to have to make or if there are some alternatives available within the Sony lineup?

[BlackapinoTheTechGuy]

*I LOVE MY FX30!!. I love the S-Log 3 as I'm still learning Log Editing but I bought this too Replace my A6400 because I wanted a Video Focused Camera. I do Love that Dual SD Card Slot and I'm still Learning the Dual ISO and I'm still learning that Menu setting and because it's an APS-C it'll work with my Sigma 16mm and My Sony 11mm and they work Fine BUT I need another good Talking Head Lens and still struggling lmao but I love that versatility & I got the Body only. All in All this is My end all to be All Camera*

[Freewxll]

Great review!! I’ve been very interested in picking up an FX30 but keep watching reviews and reconsidering the 6700, A7IV, & ACii. Already own a6400 and looking to upgrade my video quality, leaning towards FX30 but if you can offer any advice, it would be appreciated!

[BouphasaGaming]

Hey so I film basketball games for my brother and soccer work. I just have a cans on m50 as of now, planning to upgrade to fx30 or a74 what do you think is better?

[BVM_]

Definitely subscribed! Quick question. I’m setting up studio interviews and minimal model photography. Price rage is around 2k should I save a few bucks and get the a7iv? Grab the a7iii or go fx30?

[Tshering-cb]

Thanks for this great video. Will nd filter help if you use ISO above 2500?

[nelsonngu]

I have a question, I have the a7IV now, and I still struggle to shoot at low light with 24mm f1.4 GM. Am thinking to have FX30 as B cam or getting the new ZV-E1 as my B-cam. What would you suggest?

[jesparagus]

would you recommend purchasing an fx30 now (as a beginner), and getting glass for apsc if im looking to upgrade to an fx3 later?

[doctorbarns]

For a YouTube studio like yours would you recommend Canon R6 ii or Fx30