The Best Action Camera - Sony FDR X3000 In-Depth Review [4K]

In-Depth review of Sony's 4K 30fps 100mbps action camera which has an amazing optical stabilization system.
Sony FDR-X3000: amzn.to/2jihs5c (no live view remote) - Sony FDR-X3000R: amzn.to/2k5gXZL (with live view remote)
Røde VideoMicro: amzn.to/2jjZteV
JOBY Suction Cup w/ GorillaPod Arm: amzn.to/2khcHZn
The little part mount between Røde VideoMicro and Sony FDR X3000 is the mount that came with this ultraclamp:
amzn.to/2mJQhRx
I used this camera in my vlog daily, you can see all sorts of sample footage over there as well: • Hawaii VLOG
Watch it being compared to GoPro Hero 5 Black: • GoPro Hero 5 Black VS ...
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[@iPhonedo]

After I shot this video, I exchanged my Sony FDR X3000 with FDR X3000R twitter.com/iPhonedo/status/827681992191864832 , then I prepared a complete comparison to GoPro Hero 5 Black. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn7Hh32Ghqmmo8U

[@naria2006]

iPhonedo what is the different between the 2 cameras?

[@dinolaz]

Fantastic reviews. Really like your style of reviewing and the quality of your video. Subscribed! I'll be buying the Sony and ditching my GoPro Hero 4 Silver!

[@robertkristinsson]

Tam Nguyen I believe the R comes with the Remote

[@WongSuiHong]

The one and only difference between X3000 and X3000R is that the live view remote RM-LVR3 is included in X3000R. Just for your info, the RM-LVR3 is not sold seperately.

[@allencentonzo2424]

iPhonedo does this camera float when in waterproof case? thank you

[@claytonware3562]

Vlogging is now less conspicuous with smaller action cam like that of DJI. It's so tiny I love it.

[@Movewithdavid]

Or a GoPro bt DJI pocket 3 is dope

[@Feudly]

That stabilization is incredible! I've been looking for a compact vlogging camera, and i think I've found it. Great video as always!

[@EastyUK]

get it with the viewer as you cannot buy the viewer on it's own at the moment. its ideal for vlogging as you can rotate it so the screen is on the forward side. it's the RM-LVR3 I did a recent video using the RM-lvr2 on my A7r camera as a similar thing.

[@Feudly]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into the one with the viewer.

[@Tsagami]

Feudly An also nice camera for vlogging is the canon G7X with epic image stabilization..

[@jayareselos3767]

Clean hdmi output?

[@HarvyDangerFilms]

I didn't want to like this action camera but, you are right, it is the best out there at the moment. I think GoPro needs to really Ho their game. Thanks for the great review.

[@TheButcheredGarage]

As an old GoPro fan boy, I have lost faith in the company. I will for sure make this my next purchase, and thank you for your review !🍻

[@carstenhansen5757]

Did you get it, and if so, are you happy about it?

[@RachelRLewis-ho3wq]

"I hate Sony,,, because there's no going away from it." is why i found this video haha. Ill be switching from my go pro into a sony!

[@alenaxp]

what a great camera, what a great review. I really love this channel :)

[@sendnoods5035]

DJI action 2 is more like it for me. 4k Video, waterproof, magnetic mounting and it's tiny.

[@bloomvikung]

And overheats

[@Sabundy]

I wonder if SONY will ever update it's action camera range 🤔🤔

[@ChunMotorsport]

I still use it in 2021 and I really enjoyt it for how easy it is to work with. Huge benefit when I do multi camera control in motorsport and perfect for vlog since active stabilization are farily good or good enough for my needs

[@donleamon8653]

I think I'm going to order one. My GoPro has been good, but meh... Love your work and edits! Peace, and World Dominashhhhhhh!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Kinda ironic that that Sony hasn't included an audio jack in the RX100 M5 but they add it to this superb action cam...

[@MrKdr500]

Lots of vloggers use action cameras so it makes sense really...

[@SebMellia]

Yeah, but so sad we cant reduc the volume of mic. It often sature

[@LozzerGuide]

That is true, but the same can be said about compact point and shoots. :-)

[@lachlanbrown8110]

You are actually going to force GoPro bankrupt. First the Mavic vs Karma video and now this.

[@Omniat]

Heh. I think they are doing a good job of that on there own.

[@BushBlastersPaintball]

Get this camera, its a bit pricey but it is so worth it if you are thinking about an upgrade to stabilize your footage. Went paintballing with one yesterday, great stabilization and image quality!

[@SHMULIKVI]

i want you to be the TOP reviewer on youtube. you are FAR better than most "popular" reviewers on this site. i really enjoyed this video it was very VERY detailed and just good!

[@SinghalLouis]

i cannot take my eyes away from the backdrop of your location. Where is this beautiful place? I'm so jealous..

[@Stu-SB]

Yea same here looks like Hawaii

[@brianwells8678]

Kailua Beach on the Island of O'ahu, where Honolulu is... bring lotsa money, you'll need it... just to feel poor. lol

[@billlockhart2272]

welcome back! great review. I have been thinking about getting a GoPro 5, but now you've got me checking this one out. Horse Chocolate!

[@Black-gt2wi]

Not horse chocolate it is "Hoşçakalın" it is mean goodbye at the Turkish

[@samgriffin6221]

Brick Cave no no no, I don't know why this guy is talking up the Sony cam so much. Hero 5 has all the same features and more. It has a screen, voice control and is water proof without a housing case.

[@markr041]

Yes, you don't know. What is better is what counts: better resolution, color, low-light performance, and much, much better stabilization, which does not degrade the video. Maybe you watch the video again...

[@MrKdr500]

I sold my hero 5 and kept the sony! hero 5 is a battery draining piece of crap....it does not have optical IS either so don't claim it has the same features....The audio on the hero 5 is garbage also. Another fun fact is that gopro still corrupts the video files if the battery goes flat while filming, other cameras don't have this problem.....the Yi 4K is a much better option to the Gopro and it also records 4K for over 2hrs on a single charge. You're words " I don't know why this guy is talking up the Sony cam so much" well simple if you owned the Sony you would know why he is talking it up! it's the best action cam on the market!

[@RocketLR]

I had the Gopro hero 4 silver. And Ive used my friends sony FDR something lower than the x3000. And let me tell you that Sony is WAY better. even the cheaper Sony action cam has better image quality compared to Gorpo hero 5. Wide angle yet sharp image and etc.. Trust me, consider the Sony action cams instead. I sold my gorpo because it was so disappointing.

[@SirJamesX]

7 years later and it’s still the best out there!

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Love my FDR-X3000

[@FranciscoShibata]

WORTH IT OR NOT? Fog problems?

[@Emuspaul]

I have the older Sony 4K actioncam. Now I want this one!

[@ExclusiveMontages]

Paul Emus and how are you liking your X1000 so far? No overheating? Also, don't you miss any stabilisation in 4k mode? I'm thinking about getting the X1000 as it's half price of the X3000.

[@MemoriesOfTheSummer]

hahaha love the start of this video - "Oh hey, I was just gazing at the view"

[@johndraws5988]

You shoot and edit such good videos. Sony should pay you for this one.

[@CengizDev]

Weldone for "Hoşçakalın" on the end. I ordered a FDR-3000R after this video. Welldone. Greatingsigs from Turkey.

[@drsagdic]

Adam Türk zaten :D

[@rogerhuston8287]

What grip are you using that allows you to attach the mic on the bottom? Also, did you find a better solution that allows you to attach both and set it down on a table?

[@troyom]

I have one of these and they are truly amazing. On a whole other level to what GoPro is doing.

[@FranciscoShibata]

Troy Orem Fog?

[@iamjaredrichard]

For those who keep asking, it appears that the grip he uses for the mic set up is a simple flash bracket.

[@wcg981dddwwwhhh]

I have X3000, the stabilization is good. However, the live-view on the app always lag, so I cannot use my phone as monitor. I also have YI 4K which never has the lag problem on my phone. X3000 has 50 minutes for 4K recording, YI 4K has 120 minutes for 4K recording. The new YI 4K+ can shoot 4K 60 FPS, and 4K 30 FPS with EIS.

[@jiriq8853]

This is maybe the best action camera, but everybody is gonna buy the GoPro anyway....

[@Defender_Tom]

Maybe because the GoPro has better rolling shutter, is cheaper (when adding a monitor), has better color range, dynamic range, is voice controlled, does automatic timelapse stitching, allows you to adjust your ISO, doesn't require a waterproof case, has a better battery life, and allows you to use your smart phone to control, adjust settings, and view what you are capturing. The only thing the sony has going for it is optical stabilization and bit rate.

[@4IN14094]

Shaddrach I actually buy GoPro 5 for its out of the box weather/waterproof ability, if I have longer time to set things up I'd go for Sony every time.

[@MrKdr500]

hero 5 is junk! better of with hero 4. the Yi 4k is even better again. Also the sony is quicker to navigate the settings menu than the Hero 5.

[@jiriq8853]

MrKdr500 Yeah, it's true, I am a bit disappointed with Hero 5 too... After two years there is almost nothing new in Hero 5... Yi has also better video quality... I am hoping for some revolution with Hero 6..

[@MOTORCYCLES-ANDGUNS]

JM TechReview TBH I bought the go pro 5 and couple days ago never opened it up yet I'm definitely going to return it and get the Sony 1 it looks amazing.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

I liked that you really go in depth with the live view function. To see all the options you have

[@OrlandoStreets]

I just bought a memory card for this camera, the Lexar 1800x. I was using the Sandisk Extreme Plus, and just today discovered it was only capable of 50mbps write speed, which runs counter to the 4k 100mbps capability of the Sony. Just a FYI before you BUY.

[@NicMediaDesign]

Yeah, either ask on the Sony community forum, or check out the SonyActionCam subreddit.

[@OrlandoStreets]

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks.

[@src.chandrasekar6265]

Brother,for mic in outdoor just wrap a small sponge on the mic side and put the rubberband that's all magic the wind sound will vanish,that is the way Harold is using his sonygopro

[@MobileMusic]

There is always a weird gadget on the block. This one doesn't have a viewing screen and so, I don't know what I'm filming. That's a bummer to use it for YT vlogging videos.

[@LostandFoundTravel]

Bought one yesterday because of your praise "teased" in a previous video. Looks like my niece is getting my Hero4 Silver.

[@shushin4651]

this guy is one of the most objective tech reviewer i know, with added bonus of making it fun haha

[@ecsyntric]

after about 8 other vids..this was the one ... [Add To Cart]

[@HiFiInsider]

Another great video! How long will it record in 4K before it shuts down? Is there a time limit due to over heating?

[@shashishashu]

Very informed and true review👍👍

[@OzzyMoto.]

Can you list the parts you used to make the vlogging grip at 10:58. Looks like three or four different parts. Thanks, great video

[@jwasher13]

I'm curious too.

[@SamLeachMEng]

myrk98466 Also would like to know

[@CramTabil]

I sold my Gopro3 long time ago and got Sony As200v and AS20 actioncam. Sony's action cam features are just way ahead of Gopro. Like, image stabilization. Gopro released a camera with stabilization, IIRC only with Gopro5.. I never regret switching to Sony. It has some flaws, but overall it is a better camera compare to Gopro, in my opinion...

[@karlmaxweber]

Aksanı duyduğum "ilk an" bir Türk Vlogger'la karşı karşıya olduğumu anlamıştım. Thank you for this review.

[@ClutchFirst]

Awesome video. Really enjoy this one.

[@MrPilcher1]

Your review had me sold except I had to go a buy a USB battery bank, no problems found 25,600 bank for $79AUD solved the time lapse using Sony action cam software So, Now I'm an advocate for the Sony FDR X3000R not sure why I have an R$ on the end of the 3000 but it is all good

[@MrMinecraftAtlantis]

Your voice sounds a lot like Gru from Despicable Me. Other than that, thank you so much for your video!

[@Defender_Tom]

What handle/mic mount contraption thing do you have there?

[@SamLeachMEng]

Shaddrach I was going to ask the same thing. Anyone know?

[@rayyourday]

I used something similar for it: Grip:www.amazon.de/gp/product/B06WW7D4VJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Adapter: www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01GH37HN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@pbosche]

Yes!! I'm here scouting for info too. Please let us know iphonedo!

[@MegaDenis8888]

Yeap, I looking for this info as well.)) Please share with us!

[@Fu2kan]

Her ne kadar geçte olsa sonunda aklı başında birisi inceleme yapmış :) Sony bu kadar başarılı bir ürünün pazarlamasını nasıl yapmaz anlam veremiyorum. 3-4 aydır kullanıyorum ve inanılmaz memnunum. Ayrıca housing içerisindeki ses kaliteside hiç yabana atılamaz. GoPro'mu ? Aksesuar seçenekleri ve isminden başka birşey ifade etmiyor benim için, ayrıca karşılaştırmayı RXM4 ile yapmak yerine aynı klasmandaki rakibi olan GoPro Hero5 ile yapılabilirdi. Tercih yapmak isteyenler için güzel bir anlatım olmuş, eve gittikten sonraki yeni düzeneğide paylaşırsan ilham kaynağı olabilir bizim içinde :).

[@kuriyamatidusflossy]

Bende aldim bu kameradan tatilimde goruntuler cekmek icin gercekten Sony marketing departmani ne is yapar!?! GoPro'ya boyle bir market nasil birakilir ...Mesela Sony Xperia bugun Samsung'un yerinde olabilirdi buyuk bir pazari nasil kacirdilar

[@GerbendeJong]

Why didn't you tell us about the loss of focus issue? Why? Why? Why? I bought it and when it starts to heat up when using it for longer takes the focus shifts because the idiots of Sony GLUED the lense and the sensor together! AKA the glue softens up, causing it to shift the focus, thus: image fucked... Damnit!!! Other than that, love the camera. But this is a huge mistake in design/build!

[@IDidintUploadNoVDOs]

hello ! i need your advice looking to purchase this camcorder. is there a better one similar to this one out now

[@UpDownUnder]

Keep up the good work Mr iPhonedo. Addicted to watching your reviews / blog. Can't put my finger on why :-)

[@jimmyperkins97]

Is it available in black?

[@javinsac]

Awesome review! Please give an update when you get your new mic setup. I'm curious how you will do that.

[@PincheALsGarage]

I have theb1080p version of this cam and all I can say is Wow! I had go pro Hero 5's and have sold them because of this camera. I film all my KZbin Videos with it.

[@manu.yt25]

Very nice test and very interesting camera! You should also try the chinese sportcam "Yi 4k+" (the first sportcam with 4k 60fps), it might be not as good as the Sony but she should be cheaper and it could be interesting to see if 4k 60fps is that great...

[@EastyUK]

Nice video mate. so many reviews never really mentioned the physical stability and 100mbs. crazy as those features separate it from the competition. I've used their previous 4k action cam in solid rain for 6 days on a motorcycle with no issues. and I've used the waterproof case to dive upto 40m with no issues. get the remote viewer for vlogging mode. i just did a video on how to use the remote viewer with a little diy mount. but sony do one with the remote viewer 3.

[@NicMediaDesign]

Hey there ;)

[@FTBLETSAS]

Superb video! What is in between the camera and the mic?

[@HeidiandFranny]

I love that camera. We just got one a few weeks ago. You have good taste. I would like to know how you did the review with your iPad and showing the screen. I had to do my last review sitting in a dark closet. (Audio sounded good though). I much preferred your way. The scenery looked surprisingly familiar in the review. Enjoyed the review as always. Heidi.

[@JohnSotomusic]

Brotharrrrrr, love your videos. Did you fix your blogging setup? What items do you use? I am purchasing the same one. I love it.

[@AdventuristoSupremo]

I have to say the stabilization is excellent, much better than most cameras, especially the nearly-useless IS in the RX100 series. The video itself too looks pretty superior to other action cams, especially in regards to white balance - very balanced, very neutral.

[@ronperkins5763]

After watching your fun, informative review purchased a Sony HDR X3000R. Wondering whether it can be paired with a DJI Osmo mobile.

[@MMOGood2Go]

Just discovered your channel, and it's fantastic. I'm totally going to get this camera. Thank you for the information!

[@zacihr5485]

the open video is really beautiful

[@anakwatan617]

I'll stick to my D500 and A6300 due to lens choices. For action already bought Hero5. Maybe buy FDR3000 somewhere future or YI4K+

[@borneo4x4]

Yeah.. I just checked the X3000 is cost just a little more than the GoPro5 with 2 batteries and a lot of goodies included here in Malaysia. I'm going for it. Thanks for the review.

[@hatcam587]

Dude you are awesome. Heading to vacation... just found the camera I need. Love your energy and analysis..

[@AmerijamAcres]

edit using davinci resolve. it automatically takes all pictures taken in for time lapse and makes them one video file.

[@hkknd.digital]

Best review of this camera, thank you iPhonedo! I,ve bought this camera and i'm in love with it....

[@v73c]

Great review, helpful information, and nice sample videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@NicMediaDesign]

Nearly perfect review. Though you can also change the Field Of View in XAVC-S (1080p).

[@sixthisoverdrive]

good review. One thing I wish that they would do is make the camera waterproof like the hero 5, and also make more mounts for it. I do motovloging and it is so much easier to use the hero products. Now that Hero has waterproof without the case it makes it very attractive in that regard. I hate having to switch in and out of the case all the time when at the beach, or when it rains while on my motorbike. Other than that the things I love about the Sony are...a tripod mount (hero makes you buy one) a proper audio jack, better audio when recording inside, the stabilization rocks, 120/1080 slo mo, and better overall pic quality. Right now I use the samsung galaxy s7 for my vlogging, with the dji osmo mobile, so the vlogging part is handled. Again thank you for the review...I do wish you were a little harder on the camera like you are on the hero, as there are some short comings...granted, maybe not for vlogging, but for action shots and accessories that you can use to get the perfect shot, it does fall short of the hero.

[@NicMediaDesign]

The Sony is splashproof, so you don't need a case on your helmet. Also which mounts do you miss? I hear this argument a lot, yet the Sony Action Cams have all the mounts you can wish for.

[@sixthisoverdrive]

I wouldn't trust it in med rainfall though. I wouldn't go swimming without the case either...much the same way I wouldn't want to take my phone which is waterproof (s7) in the lake...even if I don't plan on dropping it. Plainly put...the Sony would blow the GoPro away if they addressed this item. Also, because of it's shape, it is very awkward to have it mounted in front of anything, as it sticks out about 3 inches. Great for side mounting though. I really find out of all my action cams I use my session the most because of the compact size, easy mounting and water proof ness (word?). I am looking at this one for the quality. It would make a great camera for in or on a car.

[@VikingCreatives]

sixthisoverdrive I rather they didn't because it would ruin the good audio...if u want waterproof simple just add a case...GoPro sacrificed way too much with hero 5 and ruin the cam...I still prefer my hero 4 which has same pic quality while having way better audio

[@powderriver2424]

Well done done video finally a reviewer explaining what I was interested in.

[@BK42Cycles]

Thanks for you good and honest review :) I've got one of those to record my bike vlogs :)

[@Camillethompsontech]

Thank you so much for sharing. Now I can make an effective decision!

[@fa_rich]

Nice review with nice cam bro. Anyway where is the location of the beach?

[@kevinhurt7119]

Great review. Did you resolve how to add external mic so you can mount on a stand? I have the trippler mobile tripod. This looks like the camera/mic setup to suit me perfectly

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for the review and comparisons on this the camera. It helped shape my decision to buy the Sony over the GoPro. One question though. Did you have any audio level problems when using an external mic? When I use my Rode Lav Mic the audio recorded appears to be heavily amplified. The audio track is clipped and peaks above 0db, and records a lot of background hiss. The on-board mic doesn't do this and there doesn't appear to be away to adjust the input levels.

[@morrisonbrett]

Great review! Thank you.

[@dikasochirin4116]

This might actually be the best vlogging cam with the external mic jack and viewfinder that u can place literally anywhere!

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Great in-depth review - nicely done, much appreciated!

[@sanemyaman1815]

GoPro’dan girdim bu videoyla ciktim ve su an almaya karar verdim. Tesekkur ederiiimm:)

[@kennysofyan3452]

Liked for a detailed and comprehensive review!

[@RoodyCall]

4:13 next level acting

[@MsNIKITA]

Great video! I stil use one in 2024 for IRL Live streaming.

[@oyski]

The dark days are gone and the bright days are here, My Sony one shines so sincere. Sony one so true, I'll buy you! - by Boney M.

[@grahamball364]

I've just got myself this model it's good and easy to set the video mods,works well with hand mount monitor , your video has been a great review, thank you.

[@DnCs]

Thanks for your great videos , really helped me pick what action cam I want .

[@DrinkingMilo]

Hi, i try to shoot in 1080p 120fps 100mb, sandisk extreme pro 128gb. The video seems to be a choppy not really smooth. Do you mind share what you use for this sony cam? Setting and accessories. thanks

[@SanJose_Panda]

Damn it iPhonedo!! Wasn't even looking to buy a new action cam, but then I saw this review and had to go for it! Great video!

[@Nm_Kng]

the best intro lol i dont know why im saying this now im subbed since 2 years

[@badwaterdenali]

This is the camera used for the song, Makhna. From the 2019 Netflix film Drive.

[@tirtariandi]

Nice review, thanks. Help me choose camera

[@AlexJohn2us]

" Congratulations VERY WELL DONE ! "

[@JevenDovey]

Nice review. I want to test this vs the GoPro5. Obviously the stabilizer is awesome on this but I shoot vlogs in 1080 mostly so the GoPro one works great too. I use the GoPro5 for all our vlogs and it works really well. Also having a screen helps a ton. I've heard this camera overheats. How many batteries do you eat through in a day of vlogging?

[@austinhazeltine6062]

WanderWorx At about 10:50 in the video, he says with two batteries he has no problems shooting all day.

[@JevenDovey]

Flint Sawyer thanks. Must have missed that completely! Wow.

[@onaykeskin119]

WanderWorx i like your channel

[@austinhazeltine6062]

WanderWorx Glad to help

[@JevenDovey]

Thank You!!

[@steamy1937]

I JUST got mine this July and it's awesome:)

[@samihachem3212]

Hi new to your channel and I subscribed.. your reviews are very entertaining and helpful for me to make a decision on a product to purchase 👍.. thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge..

[@MarioSurfinTheSky]

Good review :] You convinced me to buy this camera

[@Ang3lik4Sway]

Having second thoughts about gopro hero5. This camera looks like a winner. Could you pls do an audio test with the casing?

[@IamMstar]

GREAT REVIEW BRO! LUV UR KZbin CH KEEP IT COMING! I HAVE THE SAME SONY ACTION CAM N THE SAME MIC WITH UR SET UP ON THIS VLOG. I DIDN'T KNOW CAN ATTACH THE MIC LIKE THAT TILL I SAW U DID IT. THX AGAIN BRO ^^

[@keezer4346]

Excellent review!

[@flynntesshildebrand9712]

Great review, I know which one I'd like to get now..! Thank you for taking the time to do this for us.. 👍🙌🌴

[@steveschroeder1670]

iPhonedo, I love your reviews. They're both informative and entertaining. I now own the Sony FDR-X3000. I find it really easy to use but I have an issue keeping the horizon even close to horizontal. I think it's because of the lens being on the end it seems more difficult to tell if you are holding it level. Do you do anything in post to clean that up? You're videos are always so well done.

[@travel-putovanjatadejsluga9990]

Great, instructive video. I have a question. Is the attachment or rod-holder next to it? Thanks for your reply.🇸🇮👍

[@MrPilcher1]

LOVE IT so bought a couple Sony FDR-AX53's but still trying to figure out if I can run the 300 in cinematic mode hate those little buttons