The Sony FX30 Camera Hands-On Review | Budget Cinema Camera

Who Is This Camera For?

The FX30 punches way above its weight for anyone diving into cinematic video. This compact, take-anywhere cam can capture stunning 6K oversampled footage with a cinematic vibe that feels like a massive upgrade from your smartphone. The autofocus and stabilization are top-notch, too, making it feel almost too easy to get pro-level shots, even if you’re just starting out.

Unlike trying to rig a hybrid model built for stills, Sony designed the FX30 purely with video in mind. It opens the door to high-quality color grading and a more serious post-production workflow without the nauseating price tag. This camera is all about giving you the tools to create beautifully color-graded videos, thanks to features like the S-Cinetone profile and 10-bit Log options, which are pro-grade yet easy to use.

For filmmakers looking for a solid B-cam, newbies stepping into cinema-quality territory, or anyone in between, the FX30 is a game-changer that’s easy to grab and get going with.

Differences Between FX30 & FX3

The FX30 has an APS-C sensor, while the FX3 rocks a full-frame one. This means the FX30’s sensor is a bit smaller, so it won’t be quite as strong in low light as the FX3. For low-light shooters, the FX3’s Dual-Base ISO kicks in at 640 and 12,800, compared to the FX30’s 800 and 2500.

But don’t count the FX30 out just because it has a smaller sensor. That APS-C gives you a 1.5x crop factor, which is actually a win in a couple of ways. First, APS-C lenses tend to be more affordable, and second, you’ll get a little extra reach on your lenses. So, that 70-200mm lens suddenly feels like a 105-300mm; perfect if you’re shooting something further away. Plus, Sony’s mount works for both APS-C and full-frame lenses, so you can swap lenses across cameras without fuss.

Another perk of having a smaller sensor requires less battery drain, and you'll get more battery life out of your FX30 and a slightly lighter camera body (646g) than the FX3 (715g).

Finally, while many shooting specs are similar to the FX3 in 4k, 10bit, Slog3, and Cinetone, this camera has an additional crop of 1.6x when shooting in 4k 120FPS.

Overall, there's a lot of overlap between these cameras; they look identical physically. For pixel peepers, there are some cool differences under the hood. That said, we’re seriously impressed with the FX30’s performance and Sony's ability to engineer cameras for everyone, not just professionals with large wallets. It’s a fantastic pick for anyone just starting out in filmmaking or as a solid B-cam for more seasoned pros.

Choosing One Camera Over Another

As mentioned, the Sony FX30 camera rocks the APS-C lens mount system, meaning the sensor's physical dimensions indicate a different pixel count. A full-frame sensor is 36mm by 24mm in size based on the traditional 35mm film format. An APS-C sensor is 1.5 times smaller, 25.1mm by 16.7mm, and named after the Advanced Photo System type-C film format, hence its abbreviation.

So, when you mount a full-frame lens on a camera with an APS-C sensor, you'll get a crop factor; your camera's APS-C-size sensor magnifies the scene to produce an image that will match the lens's full-frame image circle.

The effect is that a 50mm full-frame lens mounted on an APS-C body with a 1.5x crop factor will capture a field of view that is the same as that of a 75mm on a full-frame body.

Historically, 35mm film became the go-to format because it hit a sweet spot: compact enough to carry around easily but still big enough to capture really nice, professional-level photos. Back then, lugging around a 35mm was way easier than hauling a medium or large format camera. Even now, digital full-frame cameras (which use sensors similar in size to 35mm film) keep that legacy alive with high-quality shots that both pros and beginners adore.

But full-frame isn’t the only way to go, and it can come with a few downsides. Full-frame cameras are almost always pricier, and both the bodies and lenses are often heavier. If you’re into travel or prefer a lighter setup, that weight can start to feel like a lot. Plus, in all honesty, on-to-go travel is a must for most creators in this day and age,e espcially YouTubers. The case for constantly needing a full frame isn't the norm anymore. Times have changed, and so has our gear.

But to be perfectly fair as a devil's advocate, the difference between the two cameras is not just "full frame versus APS-C." With its dual base ISO, the FX3 has amazing low-light performance, especially at that sweet spot of 12,800 ISO, where it drastically reduces noise. Add to that the larger photosites on its full-frame 12MP sensor, and you’ve got a downright impressive camera in darker conditions. Plus, the FX3’s faster sensor readout means you’ll see much less rolling shutter than with the FX30, keeping those fast-moving shots clean and smooth.

The FX30’s smaller sensor does oversample 6K footage to deliver a 4K image, theoretically adding sharpness, but in practice, the difference isn’t huge. In fact, some tests have shown that the FX30’s downsampled 6K can introduce banding or moiré under certain conditions. So, if you’re after superb low-light performance, reduced rolling shutter, and a cleaner image all around, the FX3 edges out the FX30 as the "ultimate" choice.

In Detail

I won't overly bore you with specs and technical lingo because I don't really operate like that. Sometimes, filmmaking is more than the gear or tech specs; it's about how the footage looks and feels in the editing room.

Overall, the camera body does a decent job of maintaining cinema while traveling. Sony’s built-in 5-axis stabilization keeps your footage smooth even if you’re shooting handheld, walking, or without a gimbal. Its built-in gyroscope measures every little shake and corrects it in real time, so you can still get stable 4K footage if you leave the tripod at home or in the car.

The FX30 is also set up for those who love a cinematic look and color grading. When you record with the S-Log3 setting, the live view might look a bit flat, but no worries, you can load custom LUTs to get a better preview of your final colors right on the screen. Sony even includes a built-in LUT that adds a more film-like vibe to your shots, and you can add up to 16 of your own, so you’re ready to make every scene look exactly how you envision it.