SONY FX3 - Still Worth It In 2024?

The Sony FX3 was released almost 3 years ago... so is it still worth it in 2024? Or should you save your money for something else?

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[EdsonSantos-qmwc]

just got a package with a FX3, GM 70 - 200 2.8, Sigma 24-70 2.8, 3 Tough 160 CF, Rode wireless mini- mic set up with Lavs, Two 1tb SSD's, XLR Handle, Sony Mic, 4 Sony batteries, Cage, and a camera bag for $4500. Stoked to see this Vid!

[picjv]

I got my fx3 in 2022 for $3200 and it’s still my favorite camera!!

[thehomienicked]

Hey, great video! Some great observations here. I just had one little thing that struck me while watching it that I wanted to mention in case anyone was confused.

At 8:55 you mention that FX30 and other crop sensor camera users are "limited to APS-C lenses of which there's a much worse selection. Only 57 compared to the 142 full frame lenses or you'll have to deal with the 1.5x crop factor." I'm not sure if you just got a bit confused during your explanation or you misunderstand how crop factor works, but here it goes...

Both full frame and APS-C lenses will look the same on an APS-C (or other "cropped") sensor camera assuming everything else is equal (aperture, focal length, distance from the subject, etc.). They will have the same field of view and the same depth of field on that same camera. The crop in terms of field of view will always occur when compared with a full frame sensor regardless of which type of lens you choose.

For example, a 50mm lens of any sort will show the same field of view on a given camera as any other 50mm with any size image circle provided that both lenses have large enough image circles to cover the sensor. Full frame lenses cover an APS-C sensor so they don't experience any additional "crop" when compared with an APS-C lens of the same focal length. In fact, the whole reason why larger sensor sizes allow for more control over depth of field than smaller ones is that you use a longer lens to achieve the same field of view on a full frame and longer lenses mean a shallower depth of field (one of the three main factors along with aperture and focal distance).

Since a 75mm lens on a full frame camera will show the same field of view as a 50mm on a 1.5x crop factor camera your depth of field will be more shallow with the same focal distance (distance from the subject) and aperture. This means that to match depth of field you must shoot at a more open aperture on the 1.5x crop camera. People sometimes get this confused and believe that larger sensors produce an inherently shallower depth of field. It's the longer lens at a given field of view which actually produces this result.

Anyway, the real difference in terms of lens selection is that if you put a "cropped" lens on a full frame camera it will have a port-holing effect where you can see the edges of the cropped sensor lens' image circle. There are reasons to choose an APS-C lens over a full frame lens for an APS-C camera. They are often cheaper and lighter, for example. And some good ones (the Sigma Art 18-25mm f/1.8 DC HSM zoom is a good example) are just straight up not available in full frame versions.

If anything choosing a full frame camera means that you lose access to APS-C lenses because they don't have image circles large enough to cover your larger sensor. Choosing an FX30 means you gain access to those lenses. Just the nature of having a smaller sensor that is covered by a larger range of lens image circles.

[logankahler]

The Eric Hartman cutaway had me rolling. I’m so glad I stumbled upon you man. Your content is 👌

[studio]

I bought my fx30 in 2022 and got fx3 just this month. Both are fantastic cameras. I love my fx30 for its crop when shooting sports. I love my fx3 for low lights. I intentionally did not buy APSC lens because I knew I would buy a FF later on and it worked out great.

[temomorales]

I just purchased the FX3. It’s going to be a great option for years to come. As someone who has used the a7iv for video for a while. This is a great option for me.

[hancynunez]

I don’t think it sucks for photos at all. In a pinch it gets the job done and does a phenomenal job at getting amazing images even in its current form factor. Out of convenance if I need to shoot both video and photos I just bring the FX3 and it does both well.

[StrongFrontTV]

Finally got one, had to go new cause everyone wanted almost new pricing for used. One thing I noticed you said Dual base ISO 640/12800. It is 800/12800 if I am not mistaken. Thanks for the video, it was part of my decision on getting one in 2024.

[Edwin--]

Thanks for the interesting video! I have the feeling that we have plateaued a little when it comes to camera tech, which is a luxury problem. And where it does develop, it is tech that the far majority of users does not need, but where camera companies try really hard to convince us we do. Does the average video shooter need a global sensor, 4K240, 8K60 or 8K120 fps? We don't see any real progress in dynamic range for the past years, which tops out at 15-16 stops for full frame, and 16 bit colour. Raw video is there, but only used by a handful as the file sizes are prohibitively large. We mainly see processor upgrades, but what do most people need beyond sticky autofocus on a stationary or gently moving subject? For those who need superfast, there are specialised cameras (A9III, A1 etc.)

I think the A7S3 and FX3 mark the beginning of where the tech currently plateaus, where cameras got really great, and they will be good cameras at least for another 5 years. I don't see 8K taking over anytime soon, especially considering that 95% of all YouTube videos is watched in HD or lower resolutions, and not even 4K. People like to say these days a product is 'long in the tooth', but that is a judgement of age and not performance. And the performance of all these cameras is absolutely still there, even 3 to 4 years later!

[rajan]

which camera is good for me for product photography and video graphy.. budget is around sony fx3's price. and please give few options

[iDealMedley]

My only complain is that it's optimise for only 10bit. Missing features from the cheaper FX30 like variable shutter. Wish it's more flexible

[gnsmovies]

1:14 AYOO THATS BIG COTTONWOOD

sorry got excited.... great video btw

[xXPhunKXx]

I bought the ZV-E1 and I love it for photos, but it overheats CONSTANTLY. Try getting through a 30 min zoom with it in 4k as you webcam or even just shooting video for longer periods- GOOOD LUCK. Ended up buying the FX3 anyway.

[HK-NYC]

Do you know the base ISO or ISOs for HLG2 / H:LG3? thanks.

[POVwithRC]

It is the GTX1080ti of cameras. Built way too well and with enough longevity to seriously impact long term profit for Sony because people buy the and keep them much longer than expected. The FX3 will still be in many hands a decade from now, I expect. I also suspect the next lineup of FX bodies will not be as well rounded or long-term useful.

[cwoods]

Can you explain why you say that the FX30 is limited to APS-C lenses? I understand that it's an APS-C sensor, but you should be able to use FF lenses on it just fine, it's the other way around that doesn't work, at least not without having to crop in

[RaduPNT]

Indeed, amazing product even those days but for a low budget, let's say around 1000$, what are the recommendations?

[jeanchindeko]

9:06 what are you talking about here? The sensor is smaller and that doesn’t affect your lenses at all! You just have to do a little bit of math to find the FF equivalent focal length when using APSC sensor.
The way you’re framing it making it look like your lenses are being downgraded or something bad happening to your lenses!
Man take a deep breath and stop the FF BS talking point. All Cinema camera no matter which one you’ll pick from any brand RED, Arri, Sony, … are for some aspect ratio cropping in the sensor. Even your 16:9 or 17:9 aspect ratio on your FX3 is cropping in the sensor! If you want full sensor readout you then need open gate which seems to be only available on the Venice from Sony side.
Real filmmakers have been using crop factor to their advantages for ages doing a little bit of math instead of seeing it as a limitation.

[AndrewAbbeyquaye]

Impressive performance at 3:29 where’s that footage from? Do you have a link to it ?

[ty-k]

How do you shoot? Are you in S-log3 full time, or S-Cinetone, or does it just depend on the project? What LUTs do you grade with? I've heard good things about the Phantom LUTs!