FX30 for Wildlife Photography - Is it worth it?

[@AllThingsFilm1]

As a filmmaker, I can tell you that the FX30 is quite capable. As far as noise goes, I use DaVinci Resolve for editing, vfx, etc. The noise reduction tool in Resolve, with very little effort, can reduce the noise quite well with very little effect on render times. When you reduce the color (RGB) noise separately, it goes a long way to making the footage looking more cinematic since film grain has no color "noise". Plus, the FX30 sensor is 4K downsampled from 6K, so you're getting very sharp imagery out of the gate.

[@ollenilssonen]

That’s great info! Thanks for sharing mate!

[@kapilesh14]

It's not the camera it's just that you are fantastic at what you do.

[@Yupthereitism]

Exactly

[@cleanclouds]

No, it's the camera too. We need to stop these BS comments about how the photographer is everything. If the camera was bad the results would be bad too.

[@ybitv5475]

Why do comments like this always exist, I challenge pro photographers to only use cameras for children 🗿

[@kapilesh14]

@@cleanclouds My comment is not made in absolutes. The camera is good but the lens is f2.8 in many of the shots and he did require a lot of skill to extract maximum results from the camera in many 4k 120 fps (that humongous crop).

[@kapilesh14]

@@ybitv5475 As I mentioned in my previous reply, my comment is not in absolutes. If I were to believe myself I would have never bought a7Siii. The camera is fairly limited in its capacities with regards to wildlife(apsc, huge crop in many video formats and limited dual native iso power). I also understand that he would only show his best shots but despite all that you still require skills and hence made the comment.

[@leonardobosnar7194]

You're very wholesome and honest. I like the way you talk about gear and the art you're doing. Cheers pal!

[@BulletproofPitbulls]

This guy says he's not a professional and this video was better then anything else I've seen 🤣🙏🏽

[@marc.schoeffel]

Always wonderful videos, beautiful shots, only 2:20 into the video atm and already blown away by the quality of the footage !

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Even though I have a Blackmagic Camera, I do respect the Sony Cameras for their In Body Camera Stabilisation. It may become a feature in future Cinema Cameras, and that may not be a bad thing.

[@strikeking14]

I recently started doing research on the FX30 thinking I will need it for other work. Your video is so timely because I also shoot wildlife. I may get it with the thought that any time I need the 4K 120, I can reach for it but otherwise continue to shoot with my alpha cameras for mainly photo and 4K 60 video. Thanks for the video!

[@hashimmahmood2031]

I have the Sony A7III and use it predominantly for video but now getting into product images. My lenses are 55mm f1.8 & Tamron 17-28 f2.8. Im thinking of getting the FX30 because of the 4K 120fps as the A7III is 4K 25FPS which really isn’t ideal. But how are pictures compared on the A7III compared to the FX30? Is the A7III much better?

[@carlosmvela]

@@hashimmahmood2031 FX30 looks better IMO

[@hbp_]

I was introduced to digital photography in the early 2000's. When you describe a picture very noisy I'm just amazed how little noise there is 😂 IIRC even as low as ISO 50 was a rather common base ISO and many sensors were unusable above ISO 800, or at least you had to take the noise artistically because there was no AI noise reduction in post.

[@lettochfilms]

Really helpful. Tempted by the FX30 but perhaps the full frame 100fps of the A7Siii is the better option for lower light wildlife video shooting (?), although it is in a different price bracket for sure.

[@RTReview.]

and wont get updates anymore by Sony.. Sadly

[@mauriciojcYT]

This video is exactly what I needed. I was searching for a use case scenario of the fx30 for photography. You answered every concern that I had. I have an A6400 and less than $1.5k budget. I was thinking: 1. another lens 2. Sell my A6400 for the fx30, or 3. sell everything and going full frame.. But with your video, you inspired me to wait for a better deal for my needs (well also a better budget), and to practice photography with what I have. Your work seems amazing.

[@Derickthefox]

I love this kind of relaxin n informative videos

[@ollenilssonen]

Glad to hear that!❤️

[@aronisink1]

I've seen a lot of videos, a bit to many actually and your videography is amazing..Your a true artist..

[@SaifZiya]

This is wild, Olle. Thanks for sharing mate!

[@zayyan.althiga]

how could this channel growth so slow while the whole content is dope! hi Nilsson! from Indonesia

[@maddybaliga]

You say 60 FPS is enough....but the 60 FPS on A7IV is forced crop mode which makes it very similar to the 60 FPS on FX30 and hence not really that useful....so basically A7IV does not really offer anything extra in terms of higher frame rate modes

[@ollenilssonen]

You definitely have a point! In terms of higher frame rate modes the FX30 is obviously a winner. But in the video I'm trying to come up with some kind of conclusion when making the decision between the two cameras. therefore, I need to count in all the different factors and considering the percs of the A7IV, I think 60fps is enough. But this is just my opinion :)

[@maddybaliga]

Yes I agree with all your other points....great video...useful for people deciding 🙂 Maybe you should mention in the side that its a crop....even Sony has it under the **....most people could easily miss it

[@Jtytwister]

I agree. I went from a crop sensor Fujifilm to the A7iv. The 4K 60 being cropped was something I unfortunately overlooked. I was very bummed out when I realized the full frame camera that I always dreamed of having was basically a crop sensor in 4K 60. I now how a FX3 and want for nothing.

[@ShafreelCosmos]

I truly enjoyed this short film. Thanks for doing a photography video on the FX30

[@Josh_Sattin]

Great review Olle! I really loved your take on this camera.

[@WillR-s9c]

The joystick on top is not a compromise for space, its because videographers typically use the flip out screen or a monitor for viewing. Often they'll hold the camera lower, below the face, and your thumb is on top of the camera in this position. Your argument holds true though, this probably isnt the most convenient for wildlife photography.

[@RiversPhotography]

Hey Olle! I'd like to say that you've been my favorite photography KZbinr so far, and your videos have been incredibly entertaining and informative. I'm a new photography and I hope to be at your level someday haha

[@MindfulGrinds]

Great points. I look forward to a review on wildlife video on the FX3. Thanks for a well put together video!

[@pestrack4647]

Amazing video❤ love your effort.. All the best from Uk🇬🇧

[@Its_SNEAKS]

National Geographic level work, well done friend. I am so glad I found this channel

[@ollenilssonen]

Wow, Thank you so much!!🙏🏻

[@Its_SNEAKS]

@@ollenilssonen big fan, keep it up my man

[@jakobalp]

Great video mate, keep up the great work!

[@omagnomusic]

this is an amazing video thank u

[@karelam]

You put enough patience to show us all how nature photography a great and relaxing hobby :) and i do enjoy watching your videos :) hope you make more fantastic and amazing nature trippings and hikings videos 😊

[@A1P2]

0:48 is this colour grade or raw footage

[@Blubunnyphoto]

Amazing video. Thanks for the review

[@indiemoto]

Stoked to find you on here Brotha!

[@ollenilssonen]

Hey bro! Hope you’re doing well!

[@vupham.wildlife]

Using this camera Sony Fx30 for more than a month since it release, what you said totally right at the point. In my rain forest situation - open space, under good sun light ISO 400 will produce happy free noise, everything will be tricky once get into dense forest understorey light blocked every where, to compensate for shutter speed, ISO easy rank up from 4000 to 10000, thing will be worse with 120fps. Still a nice camera, hold it in hand, I love it, with the fan built in I can do the shoot all day long. If I gonna buy another camera (not replace) then Fx3 good to go.

[@vupham.wildlife]

indeed FX3 is far better. I did the change. Your amazing video made think hard to get a proper tool and be creative than sitting hours working through the hard process. Thank you.

[@KienVirak_]

Thank you brother for sharing this video with the best idea ❤

[@bilsonvarghese8884]

Im a regular viewer of your channel 🤗love all your videos ♥️

[@ollenilssonen]

That’s awesome man. Glad to hear that. Thank you so much!

[@Gleebi]

First time in youtube history someone who doesn't claim to be a professional cinematographer. Finally 👏

[@Snolos]

Your videos motivate me a lot. thank you!

[@shogenx]

for wildlife video I would consider it, the 10 bit video and flexibility of file formats is nice, and as someone that already has the a7iii i dont feel like upgrading to the a7iv to be worthwhile incomparison to investing into a kit that will improve the videos I can record considering as of late ive gotten more request about video over photography I feel maybe having a camera with solid video capabilities that doesnt crush a ridiculous amount of detail in its compression

[@JuanLop3zzz]

I’ve been waiting for someone to make this! I have the a7riii with a 200-600 and I’m considering having a dedicated video rig.

[@TheMrNeffels]

I wish canon had a camera like this. But maybe I'll make investment in Sony someday too. The reach, price, and 4k 120 would be great for wildlife

[@nimda0]

This camera is literally meant to be put inside of a cage, made into a cinema rig, and then used for video. With the necessary add-ons, it's an amazing wildlife Videography workhorse.

[@alpenfoxvideo7255]

for me, the joystick on top is a godsend as the camera usually sits on gimbals or handheld waist-level. You grip the camera with the thumb over the joystick

[@TW-iu9zy]

… great video 👍🏻 … in combination with my 70-200 GM II the FX30 looks absolute amazing filming wildlife in 4K 100p. For the 200-600 I prefer indeed the a7S III.

[@briancooperwildlife]

agree

[@sachintharavindu3356]

I think you miss understood the point of the top mounted joystick and record button. The camera itself is not supposed to held in the normal orientation like a a7iv (hence the lack of a view hinder). Your hand grip should be rotated 90 degrees outwards, make the thumb come over the top of the camera and your index finger to fit around the zoom dial in front.

[@ollenilssonen]

Ahaaa! Thanks pointing it out!

[@markwalker8374]

Physically hard to do that while looking at the screen on the left. I wasn't able to do that gymnastic contortion when I tried an FX30 in a camera store

[@sachintharavindu3356]

@@markwalker8374 That's why it's popular to use with a external screen and looking down at it..

[@gokulakrishnanm3005]

Awesome content ☺️

[@douglascarrphotography]

Hei Ole takk So I'm looking at gear again and although I use to be a pro photographer a few years ago now my future is only video, filming wildlife in Africa but as you mentioned the f6.3 at 600mm might be a problem on the fx30 in low light but how do you think it would be in Africa and I was also thinking about the 60-600 for those times the elephants are very close the 200-600 on especially a crop sensor can't be filmed unless I focus on something close up like the eye. So would you recommend th fx30 for me or rather a7Siii or a7siv thx

[@Mike_Wolfel]

The additional crop with 120 and poor low light performance is enough to keep me away, thanks for the review!

[@GlobalShutterNY]

What are the recommended 'base' ISO's for still shooting on the FX 30 - S-log3 video uses base ISO of 800 and 2500, S Cinetone has base ISO 100 and 400. I assume the 1000 and 400 are the dual base ISO that RAW still shooting would use as well. Any thoughts??

[@EricJenkinsDiscGolf]

Do you have a tutorial on how to color grade and camera settings ❤️ this is amazing footage

[@justonbrazda3846]

Hmm. I have an a1 and an a7iv and am considering the fx30 for reach. at 4k 120 with my 200-600 + 1.4TC its seems I would be at about 2500mm. Is that true? and does it actually work? Can I focus on a bird that far away? Does haze or heat blur get in the way?

[@shahaf6191]

The color grading is amazing! would love to get a LUT or something... Don't mind to pay (Im using FX30)

[@alexnaturelove]

This is just a energy of life and dynamic range.

[@josephsee2425]

I've been having a good amount of trouble with the AF on the fx30...either I don't know how to use it properly or using it with an adapter plus sigma 150-600 is messing with it. Seems to screw up when you need it most.

[@DrDemoman74]

irrespective of the camera etc. amazing shots!

[@ollenilssonen]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!🙏🏻

[@rockeystudio]

I'm fan of this cam!

[@europeanambience]

Thanks for the Tipp with Focus Assist

[@konstantin_redeker]

Interesting footage!

[@alishohe8863]

🖤🖤🖤 big fan

[@ollenilssonen]

Appreciate the support bro!

[@RezaAliMN]

Some pretty awesome bird videography. I think the joystick is on the top because most of the time the camera is held waist high. Very good for videography.

[@kikakapu1]

I looked at the FX30 for wildlife however it doesn’t do pre-roll (or cache recording), as with the FX3.

[@he3amo]

Thanks for the video dude ❤What do you think about the sony 200-600? Good lens for birds or are there better options?

[@alone5241]

Color grading another level

[@lemphaboham]

I was planning to buy fx30 but it's not available right now so i brought a7iv.... I couldn't wait. Did i made the right choice??

[@ollenilssonen]

I think you did! :D

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Great video

[@schoeferfilm]

I am searching for a b cam for my fx6 🎥maybe the fx30 is a perfect second video cam

[@chinarianphotographer]

Your work is nice plus the lenses you use is fantastic to if you use those lens on Sony A7iv maybe you will get more nice footage 😀 thanks for sharing this beautiful video

[@ollenilssonen]

Thanks!! That’s what I normally do!

[@predatoracademytv]

So we video predator hunting, most shots at 200 to 400 yards. What lens do you suggest if your going to run AF?

[@360DegreeTN]

Hi Iam using XH2S I doing short film I need cinematic lens Which is best lens for movies Plz advice

[@300AMGHOST]

This guy is a wizard

[@stank8063]

I’m new and I’m looking to buy my first camera. I want to shoot videos and photography as well. I’m tempted to buy the fx30, but can’t decide between that, the a7iv, or the new the zv-e1 that’s dropping in a couple days. I know it takes skill to get that crispy fresh cinematic look, but I’d like for my camera to make that easier. Any opinions? Anything tips before I get into this?

[@ollenilssonen]

If you want to do both I’d go with the A7IV! Such a great camera!

[@abdullahsenocak2675]

Does AF work well when shooting birds video? Did you try?

[@MarkWLphotograpy]

I love this video

[@bayern1806]

Well in my area A7 IV costs 400 Euro more than FX30. And how do I use my APSC lenses on A7 IV? It possible but with some serious limitations and you partially lose the low light capabilities of A7 IV. I will get FX30

[@rohedron]

a6700?

[@valeriomazzanti8681]

fx30 upgrading to 2.0 which sdxc are read? Thank you

[@joopsmiranda9219]

idk when you say noise, sounded like nitpicking to me man lol those images looked great zoomed in or normal view

[@philipgowdy]

Great stuff..

[@ollenilssonen]

Thanks Philip!

[@crazy-t5670]

Have you tried the A7RV yet or will you try it? And why aren’t you using the A7IV instead of the A9II? I am really interested in your opinion because I am using an A6400 for wildlife and would finally like to get a full frame. The only thing is, that I am very conscious about the frame rate of “only” 10 fps for A7RV and because I am cropping almost every photo the resolution of 24 mp of the A9II. But also the A9II has still the better sensor. The A7RV instead the better AI Autofocus. And also what is your opinion about the new specs of the A9III?

[@_systemd]

I ve been in this decision making scenario before, if you have to crop "almost every photo" you are loosing potential noise and depth of field advantages of full frame, while also loosing resolution way too hard compared to your crop camera . Imho the high megapixel body offers kinda the best of the both worlds with the ability to crop, still if you were to crop every shot into APSC crop, you are kinda wasting money and getting much larger annoying files to work with. 10fps is fine imho, depends what is your exact field , if getting 2x or 3x that FPS equals increased profit/jobs or if your hobby is ospreys diving into water. Still I tell myself that majority of wildlife photo-competitions are won by older cameras anyway and people do just fine with devices providing sub 10 fps. Any AI algorithms must be backed up by computing power and a9 is a beast for sure. dunno about a7rV, I never cared to check since Ive been using 6-7yo cameras anyway. On the other hand the a7rX sensors are great, noise reduction, downsampling etc can give at least as clean and sharper results. So check your wallet, check your lightroom exifs for max-focal length shots that still need cropping. Then maybe drop cash on getting better opportunities and getting closer, instead of getting better gear that won't help you with that.. in a way unless you sh1t money, your award-wining camera is sitting on your shelf.

[@dmxgraphicart1632]

Hi bro.. What lens did you use at 1:54 seconds?

[@ollenilssonen]

Sony 20mm 1.8

[@dmxgraphicart1632]

@@ollenilssonen thanks bro 👌👌

[@PhillipSkraba]

Great video Olle, wonderful shots! You should start an Instagram account or something and show some of these off!

[@ollenilssonen]

Thanks Phillip!! Haha maybe I should consider an account after all these years on MySpace!!

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@ollenilssonen haha, I'm not sure I ever signed up for that either!! I wonder if the patience workshop I'm enrolled by my two children would translate to sitting in that box and waiting for the perfect shot... It looks peaceful in there.

[@ollenilssonen]

@@PhillipSkraba It’s very peaceful!! You have to sit from darkness to darkness. So 07-17:00 ish. Can’t complain😂 Great to charge the batteries for the playing at home with the kids!

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@ollenilssonen Might have to come and try it one day!

[@wildlifehouse]

Awesome video! I live in an area that gets extremely hot in the summer and I heard that the a7 IV has a tendency to overheat in the hot sun. This might rule out the a7 IV for me. Accordingly, it seems like it's between the a7R V and FX30 for me. Is the a7R V worth paying double for? I will be using the camera mostly for video. Any cameras recommended over those two for wildlife video? Thanks!

[@ValJedi]

I experienced overheating on a7 4 only a few times when shooting long interviews. Like 5 hours straight. Had like 3-4 shutdowns closer to the end. Pretty embarrassing... otherwise its never gave me any trouble. Put it on a tripod in church as a backup cam for the entire wedding ceremony (about an hour of 4K 30fps 422 10bit h264) and its all good. B-rolls and other small shots are obviously no problem. The only downer compared to fx30 is the lack of ProRes Raw output, if you intend heavy postproduction of your footage that may be a bit more of a challenge on a7 4, especially shooting in uncontrollable conditions. Slomo framerates are overestimated i in my opinion, as most software can slow down footage very effectively these days.

[@wildlifehouse]

@@ValJedi thanks!

[@birdsbegformore]

This was a helpful video. I will not purchase the FX30 for photographing birds. Would prefer the A74. Again, helpful video

[@jordiolbe]

Nice videos Olle! About the Sony A7, IV did you found the photos with electronic shutter suffer from rolling shutter effect? I'm thinking of buying it for birds, travel, landscapes... but when I shoot birds I do from a photoblind with the e. shutter for the silence and the comments in internet are a bit... let's say dramatic, do you notice a lot of that?

[@ollenilssonen]

Hey! It does have some rolling shutter. it works of the camera is still and the birds are moving, but when panning it surely does look a bit odd. but it's not a huge problem for me. Still worth getting the camera imo!

[@jordiolbe]

​@@ollenilssonen great to hear that, i'm using the Sony A9 cause a friend let me try it and in a month or so I have to return it :( I have to decide between getting an used A9 or the A7 IV. Thanks for the answer

[@andrewleejenkins]

Can you trigger a flash with the camera?

[@FailedOrbits]

Gigi ❤

[@mikeseia]

😍

[@eike.zender]

Wow - how did you manage to make this seemles switch at 0:11 😱?

[@igelkotte]

He recorded at 100fps and just sped up the first part.

[@eike.zender]

@@igelkotte yep, this sounds manageable :)

[@procamara359]

Is the fx30 waterproof?

[@Iloveyoulord1984]

Beautiful 😇

[@victorthenotsogreat1975]

I was thinking in buying this camera but I am glad this guy mentioned it does not have a viewfinder, now I won't buy it, plus it s a 12 mp camera, so I will go for the Sony A7IV

[@MichalOlender]

Nu behover vi bara lite upgrades for a7sIII fran FX30 😅

[@ollenilssonen]

Jaa det vore fett!!

[@feingemacht4604]

Did u test it With the Sigma 500mmf4?😊

[@ollenilssonen]

unfortunately not!

[@markr041]

Why not use touch screen focus to change the focus spot? It is instant in that it jumps from one spot to another, no need to move it across the screen. For video you can set the time of transition.

[@Stasiek_Zabojca]

Good luck doing it with gloves when it's cold or while holding camera with heavy tele lens handheld with both hands. It may be useful, but you can't always use it.

[@markwalker8374]

I tried the FX30 in a camera shop today with the 70-200 F2.8 mounted. Like Ollie said the joystick is positioned in an ergonomically impractical to use location. I am left handed and don't have the fine finger control in my right hand middle finger which is where the joystick falls on my hand. So your only option is the touch screen and I found it difficult to accurately get my finger on a distant face which would be made harder for a right handed person with the screen being on the left. In the shop the screen seemed dim even with using 1600 ISO and a F2.8 lens so using this with a slow lens would be harder and add to the focus hunting. So all up sadly it seemed impractical for filming birds in dim light.

[@markr041]

@@markwalker8374 There is a brightness setting for the screen that can make it significantly brighter than the default.

[@markr041]

@@markwalker8374 You can set the brightness of the screen. The default brightness is NOT the highest. What setting was used for AF? - you can change the size of the spot to make it as accurate as possible. I have zero problem seeing the screen indoors in any light, and have no problem with touching focus on the smallest of objects using a small spot (I am right-handed). Trying a camera "in the shop" without reading the manual is not the best way to test or review a camera. I'm not arguing the fx30 is the right camera for you, just providing information so that others are not misled.

[@ganaugent294]

Beautiful

[@SVFresh2Salty]

Is it weather sealed ??

[@Kita.Ada.C.H.l]

Aku sangat menyukain videomu temanku From malaysia🥰🥰🤩

[@jondoeslifestuff]

Don't forget the high base iso is 2500 and is much better with noise than 2000 (which is still weird to me)

[@DanielTroyer]

Switches to a different gain circuit. It remaps the dynamic range to the lower end.

[@HUILATRAVEL]

Se observa una camara genial para footos de Naturaleza.

[@manuCH_]

I use The Sony a7ii!

[@ollenilssonen]

Great camera!

[@NomadFilmmaker305]

Sounds like your beard ripped that beautiful Arcteryx jacket 😆

[@totallytomanimation]

Yep - Agreed

[@НикитаМысник-й3о]

It’s better to get canon r7 which was created for wildlife and sports stuff like this, also has 100 fps and 30fps photo burst. Actually for birds it has pre-shoot so you can capture the moment even if your reaction is to slow

[@ollenilssonen]

R7 looks really good!!

[@kamalyadav3024]

sir this camera in use flash light .. godex light ....

[@LifeGreen0]

Please sir 🥺 can I get the raw pictures

[@mtmccornack]

(I totally put a tiny bit of gaff tape on my front REC lamp... shhhh!)

[@everydaysamething]

I mean you can make do but the FX30 for any photography use is really just making do and settling with the fact that you didn't buy a hybrid.