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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@worldlife9834]

DJI will be banned in many countries.

[@300plus]

please tell me, how does the mount between the camera and the microphone at 03:40 and you can ask for a link to this mount on Ebay ? please скажите пожалуйста, как выглядит крепление между камерой и микрофоном на 03:40 и можно попросить ссылку на это крепление на Ebay ? пожалуйста

[@alenaxp]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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. :-)

[@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

[@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?

[@shushin4651]

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

[@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.

[@InspectionerTR]

WanderWorx i like your channel

[@austinhazeltine6062]

WanderWorx Glad to help

[@JevenDovey]

Thank You!!

[@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

[@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!

[@johndraws5988]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@CengizDev]

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

[@SirJamesX]

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

[@darkstepwarrior88]

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

[@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

[@Sabundy]

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

[@calseynez]

ok on 2:28 does it have a input and out audio/video cables that very. I don't know if i'm saying this right. because I am recording for games and does it vary on it's limit. because I am finding ways to record audio and record on tv screen and laptop screen to capture videos and games mainly. I hope this makes it clear as possible.

[@iamjaredrichard]

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

[@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.

[@PrimalLane]

what is the lens size for the Sony X3000? 8mm, 10mm, 12mm?

[@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?

[@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.

[@kellwx]

May I know what's the connector you used for the FDR-X3000 and the Rode videomicro in your video (04:00min)? Thank you.

[@ronperkins5763]

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

[@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.

[@hatcam587]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

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

[@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.

[@matsewunderlich]

3:35 Super clear and sharp picture .. Do you see the aircraft approaching in the background: Maybe C-17 or IL-76 ? Great Camera at all and Thumbs up for the Video

[@EmilianoMaugeri]

can you please put a link of the little arm you show at 10:58 to handle the camera and the mic?

[@shashishashu]

Very informed and true review👍👍

[@v73c]

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

[@kennysofyan3452]

Liked for a detailed and comprehensive review!

[@powderriver2424]

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

[@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+

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Love my FDR-X3000

[@FranciscoShibata]

WORTH IT OR NOT? Fog problems?

[@UpDownUnder]

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

[@FTBLETSAS]

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

[@chris01gonzalez]

Which handheld device are you using at 3:41 when testing the rode micro?

[@hkknd.digital]

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

[@Ang3lik4Sway]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ClutchFirst]

Awesome video. Really enjoy this one.

[@HiFiInsider]

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

[@LostandFoundTravel]

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

[@MMOGood2Go]

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

[@sendnoods5035]

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

[@bloomvikung]

And overheats

[@blizzforte284]

Can I turn on this camera with a smartphone? And does the Live-Remote have to be turned on constantly in order to record? I just want an easy way to turn the cam on without wasting too much time and battery.

[@SemihGun]

I'm assuming you are back 🏡 did you fix the 🎤 setup? Please let me know I'm about the buy the camera. Thank you so much! Hoscakal 🇹🇷👍👏

[@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...

[@travel-putovanjatadejsluga9990]

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

[@operationada]

Hey, amazing review! Would you be able to tell me what camera you use to film the still footage of you, like seen at 5:37. Super nice crisp detail!

[@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.

[@Nm_Kng]

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

[@ecsyntric]

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

[@mrkadirish]

canım abim ... what do you think about gopros? can you make a compare video with gopro and sony actioncam? we're waiting for it.

[@NicMediaDesign]

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

[@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.

[@DnCs]

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

[@bassmoore2083]

Anyway to use that rode micro on the top of the cam for kayak fishing ??

[@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

[@flynntesshildebrand9712]

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

[@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.

[@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 ;)

[@lordbow]

@iPhonedo hey, that's cool how you brought out the image of your tablet onto the screen to see what you were doing. How do you do that? Do you have a video for doing that effect? What's the name of that effect?

[@karlmaxweber]

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

[@Bangbangboom51]

Awesome video man! I hope you can help me with my dilemma, I'll be travelling to HK next month and plan to take videos of my travel, I have a Galaxy s7 and planning to get a 3-axis gimbal for it but if splurge a bit more cash, I can buy this x3000 instead. Which do you think will take better video, S7 w/ Gimbal or the X3000? Yep, the S7 does have OIS but seems not as good as the x3000 base on your video samples. THank you.

[@PA96704]

Nice, that's where i grew up right in Kailua & Kaneohe. Can it shoot pictures?

[@BK42Cycles]

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

[@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!

[@keezer4346]

Excellent review!

[@fergusfurlong]

awesome!!! great review and very entertaining!

[@KevinJHurt]

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

[@rwells242]

Great reviews and content. I was wondering if this camera be used on its side . I.E. If i wanted to mount on a 5 inch quad?

[@vegetablepolice]

Can you adjust the mic volume levels when using a lav mic plugged directly into the camera? Most videos I see of people using lav mics with this camera, the audio is clipping badly.

[@Ragnarok.Phantom]

Veg Police .. I mean camera conspiracies was on this three years ago .. still no update to this action cam...

[@fa_rich]

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

[@liogomez9178]

Nice review! Love this cam. Best Action Cam hands down

[@lostsoul9546]

Lionel Gomez can u take pictures???

[@liogomez9178]

yes u can! also has a timelapse option

[@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.

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

does it allow you to record footage to an external hard drive or only to the card?

[@frigidtsunami]

im debating on stabilization set up. Go pro with gimbal, smart phone with gimbal, but this cam looks to have great stability. Small size with portability. But I saw in some post this thing overheats at 4k for prolong periods of use.

[@NicMediaDesign]

Most 4K cameras without active cooling fans overheat if you record very long (even compact cameras and camcorders). If you use it in a normal fashion, it won't overheat (if you shoot multiple clips instead of one gigantic 1 hour clip). Also use the camera without the case if you are not going to submerge it, since the case acts like a greenhouse and immensly slows the heat transfer from the CPU to the sourrounding air. I would go for this, since you have nearly the stabilization of a gimbal, while being less expensive than a Hero 5 with Gimbal (350+299$) and is smaller while also being less fragile.

[@AlloffroadAu]

just wondering can you switch the Sony on/off via WiFi like the GoPro (when it then works ocassionaly)?

[@NicMediaDesign]

AllOffroad 4x4 Adventures TV You switch it on and off via bluetooth

[@AlloffroadAu]

ok that is great seems like I can get rid of my GoPro's now..

[@adampate6298]

Have you been able to live stream to facebook or anything on it? I just got one for that purpose and am having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to do it. It says it pairs with USTREAM but I'm having no luck. Also the bluetooth doesn't work at all.

[@pundadah]

Hey Iphonedo I will be doing a lot of indoor video recording using my Sony FDR X3000R. Can anyone recommend the best gimbal to use with this action camera please. What post production app (software) do you use or recommend . Your reviews are very detailed and your advice is also very valuable. Keep up the good work. 👍 Excellent Maestro👍

[@StandardCorporation]

Hi, great video. Please tell me, what camera are you using for this video?

[@andgastvideo]

Hey iphonedo right now im looking for the best camera for timelapse, its quite a job, i had the canon vixia mini and got stoled but that was the best ive seen, what do you recommend?

[@noaheligolf]

just curious, do you know if you can export video's from the multicam. i have previous models of action cams and thats one thing i hope sony has added with the play memories app! add your vids are amazing! pretty much watched all of them!