Filming Sports with the Sony FX30 (Review + Test Footage)

In-the-field review of the Sony FX30 camera from Sony’s cinema line. Discussing image quality, filming modes, ergonomics, and comparisons to similar Sony mirrorless and cinema cameras.

GEAR MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO

In this video, I bring you into the field for a first-hand review of the Sony FX30 cinema camera for filming sports! We talk about the Sony FX30’s image quality, ergonomics, filming modes, comparisons to other Sony cameras such as the Sony A7IV, and more! Hopefully this video can help you learn more about a very interesting beginner cinema camera so that you can decide whether the Sony FX30 potentially makes sense for you.

If you liked this video, then please consider subscribing to my channel! I post sports videography and video editing tips and tutorial videos, plus other educational content around my work as a freelance videographer working in the sports media industry.

(Football content in this video was filmed for the Canadian Football League)

EQUIPMENT THAT I USE

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[SundaysSkateboarding]

Best real world review yet! Thanks for this. Also, really impressive shots there, nice work.

[tylerdancisin]

I just bought the FX30 a few weeks ago and I love it! Used it for a few basketball games so far and the results have been great

[VinceDiaz]

This the review I’ve been waiting for. I’m considering getting the FX30 for filming local football games.

[TheumbrellaMG]

You just earned a sub! Thank you for this content, I’m going to be using fx30 + 70-200 f4 for my sons first football game tomorrow

[jamesmcintoshjr]

My first camera was a 7D, shooting mediocre 1080/24 and 720 at 60fps, for a little less than the fx30 cost in 2011. I've had mine for a day and it blows me away.

[Tobirama_isHimju]

So glad you are testing this out I was waiting for this! Question: Do you shoot the real time in 120fps so you can slow it down in certain areas?

[deansheley]

Thank you for these reviews, Peter. Please contine and thank you again!!!

[teamkaskas]

So happy I purchased the fx30! Great video 👌

[gbwalther]

Nice cinematic work. Great visuals with movement. Not that easy to get. The camera is second, the cinematographer is FIRST!

[kyledarrenhanson]

Incredible footage! I’m very interested in this camera for filming pickle ball both indoor and outside. Lots of reviews say this camera is pretty noisy in low light. I shoot more for fun but would love to get your input take on it for indoor. I shoot primarily Fuji x-t3 and x-h1 and they get noisy too but it’s the continuous autofocus just isn’t good enough

[beccamitchell]

No one mentions the 4k 60 proxies! That’s so helpful to know!!

[guardplay]

i'm looking to do local Basketball games. i'm looking into this one as wel

[Styalistic]

Nice used at a soccer game with mine the either day used your technique on shutter speed and work well for me!

[Eav_Prods]

hey, do you use a 70-200? if so what f stop is it? Love the videos man 🎉

[derrenthompson]

Another banger definitely will look into this one soon

[ProdigyHighlights]

Late comment, what's your personal thought on the rolling shutter, in this camera and in modern sideline sports videography today in general? I'm torn on it. I know it's a given for mirrorless camera video, but it seems really pronounced. Do people more or less just accept that it's going to happen today? I know the mirrorless image is incredible, but I also love a professional 4K camcorder that allows for jerky side to side panning to follow the ball (or puck) while zoomed in tight, which gives a neat tracking shot when slowed in post editing. I filmed with a 7D and 70-200 on the sidelines professionally 10+ years ago for the NCAA, colleges, etc.. So I'm no stranger to rolling shutter. Thanks for the review, I found your video while searching "FX30 sports". Looking to get back into sports videography.

[RandumbTech]

Wow, you are super talented. The footage I take of my kids sports looks nothing like this, but there's still time to learn. Thx for sharing!

[brittanymorris]

I can't decide! Seems like people use the a7iv more for short clips, but fx30 for continuous filming. As a beginner, which option should I go with? I'm wondering if the 120fps is really necessary for sports? Or can I get away with 60 fps for slow motion?

[ivani]

Thanks for the video, great work mate! I am really hesitating between the F30 and A7IV to shoot sport and podcast. You mention you have an extra reach with the FX30 as it is an APSC sensor but you do also have a crop at 4k60 with the A7IV so isn’t it the same at the end in terms of that extra reach?

[nickeightyfour]

Amazing shots, thanks for the video. One question - I’m filming soccer and find the focus shifts a lot because there are so many obstacles on the field (goalposts/players). What are your go-to iris settings to get a nice focus but also to make sure most of the subjects get in focus? Autofocus transition speed etc. Any tips appreciated and Happy New Year!