Where to Start in the World of Sony Cinema Cameras
FX3 vs FX2 vs FX30 — A Filmmaker’s Guide to Choosing the Right Sony Cinema Camera
Sony has steadily been building a powerful ecosystem of cinema cameras that range from online content creators, indie filmmakers to Netflix-approved productions.
If you’re wondering where to begin—or how to upgrade—this will be a great read as I will break down the real-world strengths of the Sony FX3, FX2, and FX30, with detailed features, use-case scenarios, and why they matter.
Before we dive into the cameras, we must address the question, Why Choose a Cinema Camera Over a Mirrorless Hybrid in the first place?
Sony have created a huge line up of mirrorless cameras covering full-frame and cropped sensors like the Sony A7IV, A7S III and A6700 which offer amazing video features and outstanding results but they are built for versatility and not for dedicated video, they tend to lack all the truly geeky things like full sized HDMI ports, High end audio ports, timecode, as well as all the internal functions such as high bitrates and cinema codecs, LOG, zebra’s, focus peaking, false colour and shutter angle which are ALL found in video and Cinema line cameras. (I suggest you Google some of those features if you haven’t heard of them before).
For serious video work, Sony’s Cinema Line gives you key advantages:
1. Cinematic Workflow & Colour Science
- S-Cinetone & Cine EI Modes: These cameras offer native cinematic colour profiles like S-Cinetone, used in Sony’s high-end VENICE camera, and Cine EI modes for precise exposure control in post.
- Better Dynamic Range Management: Especially when shooting in S-Log3, these cameras provide more control over highlights and shadows, crucial for colour grading.
2. Form Factor Optimised for Video
Unlike the hybrid mirrorless cameras (which are designed for both photo and video), cinema bodies like the FX3/FX30/FX2 are made for:
- Rigging with cages, monitors, and external recorders.
- Top handle recording (included with the FX3/FX30/FX2) with XLR audio inputs.
- Active cooling systems to prevent overheating during long shoots.
3. Professional Audio Capabilities
- Built-in XLR inputs (via the top handle) allow direct connection of pro microphones without extra adapters or recorders.
- Support for 4-channel 24-bit audio recording, which is often missing in mirrorless bodies.
4. Focus on Video-First Features
- Timecode Syncing (available in FX3/FX30 via accessories): useful in multi-camera shots or on a large set with many people recording the same scene.
- Tally lights, shutter angle, custom LUT previews, and unlimited recording time are small but powerful upgrades.
- Dedicated buttons and UI optimised for video operations (e.g., separate still/video modes not needed).
5. Sensor and Codec Optimisation
FX3 and FX2 share the same full-frame sensor as the A7S III, but with:
- Improved thermal design = longer, uninterrupted 4K120 recording
- Enhanced All-Intra & XAVC-SI codecs for post-production workflows
- FX30 offers a Super 35 sensor with cinema features at a lower price point—ideal for indie filmmakers or budget-conscious productions.
6. Longevity & Expandability in Pro Production
- Cinema Line cameras are part of a scalable Sony ecosystem: from FX30 → FX3 → FX6 → FX9 → VENICE.
- That means easier colour matching, consistent workflows, and shared LUTs or settings across cameras in a multi-cam shoot.
Cinema cameras are purpose-built for delivering the best possible image with the most amount of customisation to be able to suit any solo creator or large production’s needs.
The Big Question is which Sony Cinema camera is right for you: FX3, FX30 or FX2
Here we have three cinema cameras that, from the outside, look very similar, but each one has its unique selling point that may be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s start with the Sony FX30. Why would you buy this camera over the FX2 and FX3?
Sony FX30 with handle, XLR interface and Lens
If you're a filmmaker on a budget or just starting out, the FX30 is arguably one of the best entry points into Sony’s Cinema Line. It brings many professional features at a fraction of the cost — while still delivering excellent image quality.
You get pro-level features like:
- S-Cinetone, which is a LOG format.
- Cine EI modes are Usually ONLY found in larger, more expensive cameras.
- XLR audio (with included top handle)Built-in fan for long recording.
The FX30 has a Super 35mm sensor, which is smaller than the FX2 & FX3, but it has some benefits in being smaller; a smaller sensor gives you more control over depth in your image (this is why cinema cameras like the Arri Alexa Mini choose this size sensor).
Sony FX30 showing its Super 35 APS-C sized sensor
Lenses for this format tend to be more affordable, and if you attach a full-frame lens to this camera, you will achieve a natural magnification, making it ideal for capturing wildlife and sporting events where being up close and in the action isn’t an option.
The FX30 has the same body as the FX3, meaning you can rig these two cameras very similarly and easily swap/interchange them on a gimbal without resetting the gimbal settings.
It has the same ports, button layout, large HDMI port, and CFexpress Type A + SD card slot.
While not as good in low light, the FX30 has excellent autofocus, rolling shutter control, and processing speed, supports Breathing Compensation, Focus Mapping, and Animal/Eye AF from newer firmware.
The FX30 is a great choice if you do not need a full-frame camera and do not wish to spend the extra to go for the FX3. This does however come at a cost elsewhere, as it doesn’t have the native dual iso that the FX3 has, nor will it perform as well as the FX3 in low-light, and unlike the FX3, it does not have the ability to capture photos.
Why choose the Sony FX3 over the FX30 and FX2?
The FX3 has quickly become a favourite with solo filmmakers, YouTubers, wedding shooters, and run-and-gun cinematographers—and for good reason (it was also the main camera used in the movie The Creator on Netflix).
Sony FX3 with XLR interface and Lens
It blends the best of Sony’s full-frame Alpha mirrorless cameras with pro-level cinema features, all in a compact, handheld-friendly form.
If you're looking for full-frame cinematic depth and superior low-light performance in a lightweight body, the FX3 might be the sweet spot.
You get standout features like:
- Full-frame sensor for that shallow depth-of-field and excellent low-light capability.
- Dual native ISO (800/12,800) that gives you cleaner images in darker environments.
- 12.1MP sensor optimised for video, not overloaded with resolution, so you get better readout speed and dynamic range.
- S-Cinetone, Cine EI, and S-Log3 for cinematic colour grading flexibility.
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) with Active mode for smoother handheld shooting.
- Top-handle with XLR inputs (included) for pro-level audio without extra gear.
- Compact body with excellent thermals (internal fan) for long shoot days.
- Photo capability, unlike the FX30 and FX2.
Sony FX3 showing its Full-Frame sized sensor
The FX3 shares the same body design as the FX30, which means you can rig and gimbal these two together effortlessly—great for multi-cam setups. Its full-frame sensor also provides more lens options and gives you more light per pixel, especially useful for event, documentary, and wedding shooters working in natural or low-light.
In comparison to the FX30, the FX3 is stronger in low-light, has better dynamic range, and dual native ISO makes it more flexible in uncontrolled lighting. The addition of photo functionality makes it ideal for hybrid shooters needing high-quality stills on occasion.
Sony FX2 — Why choose this over the FX3 and FX30?
The FX2 is the newest addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, and serves as a powerful hybrid between the compact form factor of the FX3 and the pro-grade image quality of the FX6 (a much more expensive dedicated cinema camera made by Sony).
Sony FX2 showing the EVF in-use
It’s built for cinematographers who need uncompromising image quality, high dynamic range, and robust codec options, but still want a compact, travel-ready package.
One of the biggest key differences of the FX2 is that you get a built-in viewfinder, something the other Sony cameras are missing. Having a viewfinder allows you to shoot in much trickier environments such as bright light, low light and comes in handy when you need to get precise manual focus.
Sony FX2 showing the EVF detail
You get premium-level features like:
- 6K full-frame sensor downsampled to 4K for sharper, cleaner footage.
- 16-bit RAW output via HDMI or 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording.
- Dual Base ISO (800/4000) for high dynamic range in bright or low-light conditions.
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3, Cine EI Quick/Advanced, just like the FX6 and VENICE.
- Timecode in/out and Genlock support via the multiport (with adapter) for multi-cam sync.
- Currently more robust codecs and recording formats than the FX3 or FX30 (All-Intra, XAVC-I).
- A fantastic heat dissipation system for extended recording times in high-res codecs.
- Built-in cooling fan and same pro button layout as FX3.
The FX2 is designed for Solo shooters, short films, commercial work, and high-end content creation where colour fidelity, grading flexibility, and pro-level monitoring are crucial.
Sony FX2 in a fully-rigged up configuiration
The FX2 lacks photo capability (like the FX6), so it’s not for hybrid shooters. But if your work is video-first and you care about post-production control, maximum image quality, and features like RAW output, then this is your camera.
It’s the ideal choice when the FX6 is too big, but you still need that cinema-grade performance in a portable, gimbal-friendly form factor.
If you made it this far, then pat yourself on the back! That was a very geeky, in-depth ride, but I enjoyed taking you along with me. Be sure to head back to our main page, castlecameras.co.uk, to make the most of the current savings and offers!
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Posted by Charlie
25th July 2025
