Is the Sony FX3 or FX30 Better for Documentary Filmmaking?

[@NickKhoo]

💯 audio is so important. It’s crazy how much people sleep on this

[@LucForsyth]

Impossible to tell a good story without it!

[@JeffBourke]

But you don’t need a top handle for that.

[@schoeferfilm]

I think the fx30 would be a great b-cam for my Fx6 😅 best cinematic greetings from germany 🎥

[@jking7519]

Your gear reviews and comparisons are notably better than most because of the real world experience and professional feedback that you incorporate. Please continue to lean into that.

[@timha4102]

I can confirm the sound issue. The 24bit audio codec is called "iPCM" and I think Sony has made a typo in their firmware, as there is no such thing as iPCM. It's just regular 24bit PCM and if you correct the raw "iPCM" name in the WAV file with a hex editor, it gets recognized by all audio/video software.

[@LucForsyth]

Sorry to hear that, but so glad it’s not just me. This seems like the most Sony-like issue possible - death by typo

[@timha4102]

@@LucForsyth Yeah, and it can‘t be corrected because the programmer would lose his face. :) But it might also be some thing that Sony is doing on purpose. I remember a similar issue with a NX30 and NX70 camera where the 24bit PCM was called „Bluray Audio“ in the metadata and no software except maybe VLC wanted to play it.

[@timha4102]

@@LucForsyth Btw. I just realised I did an ffmpeg script that quickly batch rewraps your ipcm FX3 files into good ones. Tell me if you‘re interested, than I‘ll dig for it on my harddrive.

[@quasiguy]

Great video, Luc. Another question about incompatibility-has anyone figured out how to play the 10 bit files on their Mac by just selecting the file and hitting the space bar (like you can with 8 bit?) It’s annoying to have to open Catalyst Browse just to quickly preview footage. But the 10 bit stuff just doesn’t play nice with my Mac. Thanks!

[@TimmyAdejumo]

i really feel bad because a lot of people don't understand filmmaking and how cameras used to be which people still created extremely great content with and how much of a step up these newer cameras are. i've heard a lot bad comment on the fx30 that its bad in lowlight, image quality isn't very good, noise performance is bad and all of that nonsense and for me any camera that is usable up to ISO 12800 is crazy. Its the fx3 fx6 and a7siii that are extremely good and made for lowlight but that does not make any of the other cameras bad. 90 percent of all the cameras within the past 5 years have enough to create fantastic content with.

[@LucForsyth]

Agree! They're so good we need to stop splitting hairs about things and just make stuff!

[@scienceinfo7229]

I have FX3 and FX30 but most of the time i use FX30 i like the clarity and the quality of the video its very HDR

[@mikejohnsen346]

Luc, thanks for finding time to teach more than the specs. @mikejmedia

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

I was also excited when the FX3 was announced. I picked one up as soon as I could and have loved it, I have built up a rig for it over time to get it where i wanted it, including a handle extension (my meat mitt was also a tad too large). This camera is my first venture into a cine type camera as I have shot all dslr and mirrorless in the past. The audio capture was a big deal for me as well. It has really been a game changer for me.

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, glad to hear it! Hopefully it's just the start of a new generation of mirrorless that have pro audio options!

[@chickenpasta7359]

I'm gonna flat out say the FX3 is better for documentary filmmaking mainly because of the bigger sensor since it will get more light. A lot of the times you need to capture moments that aren't in favorable lighting conditions and the reality is the full frame will be cleaner.

[@ToneyFranco]

Wrong! The FX-30 is sharper from its 6k sensor plus it’s a cheaper for those that can’t afford the FX-3 same image quality sir 😂😂😂

[@SuLu_XD]

​@@ToneyFranco Only a fool believes that purely higher resolution is better for everything.

[@thesidneychan]

​@@ToneyFrancodid you miss the point about low light performance?

[@user-jr9dt8tm7r]

Just put on 0.95 - 1.2 lens for low light

[@seancloutier2577]

I would agree...I spent the summer doing a documentary....60 hours of footage all done on the FX30...night and day shoots using only natural and city lighting. The FX30 did a fantastic job...however for one shoot I would have loved to have had the FX3...there was barely any light and the FX30 struggled. however for the cost difference I have 2 FX30 bodies, and bought another lens...so depending on your budget.... all round though...I am very very pleased with the FX30...some of the shots I have are incredible...I have a 32 inch 10 bit Benq monitor and the FX30 has done me wonders...

[@RyugaBlader]

What about using a zoom f3? 5:43 I think its amazing and super simple to rig to a camera, Connect the line to the camera input, and you can have the 32bit file backup

[@erikpreston2393]

Amazing thoughtful, balanced review. FX-30 ordered, accordingly. Thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

I hope you like it! Curious to hear your thoughts as I want one now!

[@AlexanderTheFirstMate]

Your timing is perfect! I was binge watching all ur videos yesterday for advice and was wondering this exact question as well! Thanks for all the knowledge Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@Afaqfilmslb]

One of the best filmmaking channels on KZbin! Great inspiration

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, really appreciate that!

[@bradbloom5649]

100% correct regarding the immense importance of audio. The eye is forgiving. The ear is not. Currently filming a multi-cam international documentary single-handedly with three GH6’s. Schoeps boom mics, DPA lavs with Sound Devices A20 mini and A20TX/RX transmitters and receivers recorded with a Sound Devices 833. All three cameras and 833 are time-code synced with Tentacle Syncs. Filming 5k V-Log ProRes 422, with sufficient light the results are outstanding. Very much looking forward to upgrading at some point to something with, among other things, dual/triple native ISO like the FX series, et al. Keep up the good work.

[@perthlongboardingsociety321]

Hey Luc, with not being able to preview 10-bit footage on Mac, I've been able to fine but I had to use Elmedia Video Player as my new preview player. VLC and other common players didnt work for me either and its not just with FX3 footage but a lot of 10-bit footage in general. Used to have similar problems with 10-bit GH5S footage as well.

[@temporaryspacestudios]

13:12 I've heard of this problem before. The mp4 codec that is used, for some reason, does not support more than 2-channel audio. Adobe has some kind of plugin that can handle it. But I know you can convert the mp4 files to mkv because it supports 4+ audio channel files.

[@KurtRatliff]

I picked up the FX 30 to go with my A7S III and was stoked figure out that with a little bracket to add to the cage - you can secure the FX30 audio top handle to the A7S III and it will still allow for the 4 channel audio. Kind of the best both worlds now. I can use the FX30 most of the time but switch to the A7S when I need the high ISO performance or want the depth of field.

[@dathofilms]

also XLR adapter is available for A7siii, I dont knw why people are still hyped for fx3. How many times, I had to use EVF is insane. A7siii is still a smaller package with all the benefits FX3 has plus EVF.

[@KurtRatliff]

@@dathofilms I will say the FX3/FX30 XLR top handle is much better than the standard A7S III XLR adapter in my opinion. The only other advantages I’d see in the FX3 is the ability to use Cine EI, which seems to benefit narrative shooters more than doc shooters and the ability to load LUTs.

[@dathofilms]

@@KurtRatliff yes, update did really help FX3 and also timecode thing is huge. But why would you say XLR adapter is not good enough, from what perspective do you mean?

[@KurtRatliff]

@@dathofilms For me, it makes adding a top handle/mounting an external monitor pretty awkward.

[@dathofilms]

@@KurtRatliff I see, I think monitor issue also happens on FX3 handle isnt it? with XLR adapter you get a cable extension that allowes you to mount anywhere else, while FX3 is limited to only where handle is. Aynways thanks for your input, I always try to see different perspective and its nice to hear your side.

[@thesidneychan]

I shot some of my best work on the old Canon DSLRs, and both of these cameras are a huge step up. This comparison is basically about which minor inconvenience you could live with.

[@Pierluca72]

Nice channel. I’m not a huge Sony fans but I see the convenience for many kind of works and I like how you kept your opinions well balanced . Good review

[@LucForsyth]

Cheers, appreciate that…no sony fanboy here either, they’re just the tools that work for now!

[@johntupper1369]

Care to critique my dream setup for video? FX30 w/ 18-105 E PZ f/4 OSS as handheld workhorse for social media content and sigma 16mm f1.4 locked off for a more intimate interview setup. In either case rode wireless go ii w/lavs and sony ecm-vg1 or maybe sennheiser mke 600 if I can find one used as camera mounted shotgun. Input?

[@LucForsyth]

Sounds like a great set up to me!

[@rsmith02]

16mm on APS-C seems wide for an interview.

[@alimog9347]

Discovered this channel, and this is what i want, i want the real life use of gear. I like!

[@timschooler]

Was it Phillip Bloom who said it’s normally better to use external audio as the preamps in the cameras aren’t generally very good? Plus the option of 32 bit float in some. I have debated selling my A7s3 for the FX3, but not for the top handle, but rather for the ability to load custom LUTS. Wish Sony had included that in the latest firmware update. Otherwise it would not be worth giving up the fantastic viewfinder in t

[@luucamNY]

This dude that’s shooting a documentary with a group I work with we were both going to be at the same event and I shoot on blackmagic pocket 4K but he shoots on a fx6 he asked if I was comfortable using his fx3 to color match footage later in post and yo the fx3 did everything I needed it to especially with how easy it was to use

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one! Yeah it's a great camera all round - glad the shoot went well!

[@timdanyo898]

I was so close to getting the FX30, but now I’m thinking FX3. Ultimately, I’d Iike to have the FX6/FX3 combo and getting the FX3 gets me closer. I currently shoot on the FS5m2 where the FX30 makes more sense.

[@HopeProphecy]

Thanks Luc, thanks for sharing these insights! I am debating between the FX3 and FX30. The camera will be used for talking head videos, in a studio, with controlled lighting. I will be using shadows on my face (not flat lighting) and will have a darker backdrop with practical lights and a few other items in the darker background. Would I see any noticeable improvement visually by going with the FX3 over the FX30 in this use case? Thanks!

[@AtomicPixel]

I haven’t used the fx30 and I do have the fx3. For controlled situations you mentioned, I think the fx30 would be more than enough. I’ve been a fujifilm shooter for commercial and wedding work, but recently picked up an fx3 because I found a good deal on one. Mainly for weddings since it’s all uncontrolled. That being said, I still love my Fuji’s and still use them, so that’s why I think the fx30 would work well for you and save you some money. Just some thoughts. :)

[@HopeProphecy]

@@AtomicPixel thanks! I went ahead and bought the FX30 and I'm very happy with it so far. My previous camera was the Fuji Xt3, so I can relate to your reasoning :)

[@AtomicPixel]

@@HopeProphecy nice! How do you find the high iso noise compared to the xt3?

[@saschaschwarztv]

In your video you talked about manual lenses with a large focus throw which reminded me that I am still looking for a manual zoom lens for my FX6. Basically the 28-105 f4.0 lives on my cam but focusing manually is a pain in the manual. Do you know a similar lens fully manual?

[@sebastianjcano3052]

Hello Luc, I have a question: I just bought the Sony a7iv to make documentaries. Overall I think it is a great camera. However, I did some warm-up tests and it turned off several times after some 60fps tests in 4k. My question is this: Does the camera sensor suffer in the long term when it is turned off due to overheating? Thank you.

[@LucForsyth]

What do you think? Are you going to shell out for the Fx3 now that the Fx30 is around? Or are you going to pocket the cash and spend it somewhere else? Speaking of saving money, thanks to Audiio for sponsoring this video. Seriously - don’t miss the boat on the best deal out there when it comes to royalty free #musicforfilm. Go to the link in the description to save an insane 70% before they get too big and pull the deal!

[@crodas8628]

I have 2 fx3 . Perfect for corporate and weddings. What are your thoughts of the fx6 vs fx3?

[@karankashyap3187]

I am going for fx30 because I am upgrading from Sony A6000 series and I have too much apsc lenses. So it makes sense for me because I won't have to buy new lenses. I do like fx3 but I really don't think it's worth twice the money. From the money I save, I can buy another camera such as Panasonic S5 as a B cam.

[@bluedun9816]

I bought the A7S III before the FX3 was released so I have that sunk investment. I have S35 Fujinon zooms and Irix FF primes so if I were to add a new camera instead of renting I would go with the FX30 and pair this with the zoom lenses. I bolt on a Zoom F3 to my S3 for audio, it works quite well but I still have to manage power, I use USB-C from a NEO v mount.

[@tarekalkhattab]

For the moment I keep my blackmagic because I prefer it's texture image over the Fx3, but when I'll start to do more documentaries / vlogs, I'll get the fx3 over the fx30. I must admit that I prefer super 35 over 35mm, but the fx3 is better in low light.

[@tor2919]

I was going back and forth between the 3 and 30 and ultimately I bought a used but mint FX3. It only cost me 500$ more than a new FX30.

[@moniquebeastie]

Thanks again for another great video. You have become one of my go to resources for doc/filming advice. I will be picking up the FX3 in the next 3-4 months. Glad to know you would purchase again if given the option.

[@LucForsyth]

Appreciate that, thanks! I think you'll be very happy with it, happy shooting!

[@tarekalkhattab]

So glad to see that you reached 10K subscribers !!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, appreciate that!

[@brianmengini]

I’m upgrading from mirrorless to cinema cam. Would you recommend an FS7 or FX3? A used FS7 is about the same as a new FX3. Thanks!!

[@LucForsyth]

Big question, but really depends on the kind of work you do. Fx3 is newer tech, better sensor, better in low light, better autofocus, etc. But the form factor of the fs7 makes for a more stable platform and you can use non full frame glass which opens up more lenses. I'd say the mk 2 is worth the money for sure though, as the VND is probably the thing that makes the fs7 better than the fx3. The fs7 is also designed to shoot for hours and hours a day without stopping, while the fx3 isn't really. If you're operating mostly by yourself and want a small set up that will look great, go with the fx3, but if you're planning to work with crews and shoot tons of footage, the fs7 mk 2 is probably a better bet IMO.

[@CaleMcCollough]

I picked up the FX30 to use with the Sony 10-20mm and 18-105mm f/4 PZ G lens and I'm getting an A7 IV; that is about the same price as the FX3 but they match better. The FX3 is less sharp, but that may be more desired. It's not that night vision 12,800 ISO analog gain, but it's 3,200 base ISO, which is more useful. I think you can fix the rolling shutter in Catalyst Browse with a crop, which might make it as sharp as the FX3.

[@danielmueller5284]

I have the fx6 and i was really tempted to get the fx30 just bc of the lens motions you can use with it with out having to shoot less then 4k.

[@LucForsyth]

hmmm, interesting...I mean the fx6 is so good, but the fx30 could be a great bcam

[@marianoguy]

10:50 that statement can't be true by itself, otherwise f numbers would be meaningless. it at least has to be related to the relative size of the photosites to the whole of the sensor, right?

[@LucForsyth]

Oh I'm sure it's all connected in a way that I don't fully understand...but smaller sensors do let in less light than full frame at the same f-stop as far as I know. Correct me please if anyone knows this better than me!

[@marianoguy]

@@LucForsyth yeah, maybe you mean proportional to the size of each sensor, meaning you need a bigger relative aperture for let's say an 8×10 piece of film than you need for 8mm film but it's still the same amount of light on the surface in the end. Otherwise you would need to compensate for each format or there would need to be a way of standardizing... which is what f stops do.

[@StormKingExpedition]

Hi Luc, I purchased my FX3 in September after much research, including your content. I know that you have done a lot of outdoor filming in serious weather conditions and would love your thoughts. Just did the dumbest thing ever and left my camera outside overnight during a rainy camping trip. Thoughts on if I should turn it on or let it dry for a couple of days? Thoughts on the G 70-200 OSS II lens as well? Greatly appreciated. TY

[@christiandacosta]

Watching this video confirms why I love having 2x FX6s. Especially with the rs3 out you can easily strip down the fx6 to nearly the same footprint as an fx3 but still have internal ND. From my perspective the best B cam is the same as your A cam. It just makes the workflow so much better.

[@LucForsyth]

Sounds like a great set up...now if only it were possible to buy them these days!

[@PNWMOTION]

I have given up on the fx6, I want one so bad but they just aren't available. I'm sure the next round of cinema cameras aren't to far away, by the time I get the fx6 ill be using an old camera

[@loudmotion5639]

@@LucForsyth take a trip to Dubai or South east asia, pick one up there, some places are selling for 800$ cheaper than in the us, so that could pay partly for your air ticket lol.

[@fmh357]

Thanks. As they say Camera's have a much shorter lifespan than good glass. That being said I realize many of the worlds best cinema cameras have used 4/3 sensors. That said the full frame sensors have advantages so going fx3 makes sense to me since the camera lifespan will be less than the glass which makes financial and performance sense.

[@LucForsyth]

Good points!

[@astralboy]

24 bits audio would work but may cause clipping, using 32 bits you can correct for audio clipping in post audio software. 48bits audio ? that's news to me.....edit: the FX30 specs only have audio upto 24bits, so should be ok, try to convert in sound forge studio......specs: LPCM 2 ch(48 kHz 16 bit), LPCM 2 ch(48 kHz 24 bit), LPCM 4 ch(48 kHz 24 bit)

[@LucForsyth]

I'm pretty sure I misspoke there - 24bits, 48khz. Good catch, thank you!

[@JeffBourke]

I have a question that all the "experts" keep ignoring. HOW do you set a whitebalance off a grey card when you are using your saved Memory settings? It is greyed out on the FX30. How do you work around it?

[@LucForsyth]

Good question! I typically don't work off grey cards, mainly I just go b/w 5500, 4300, and 3200. I know how to do it on my fx9, but never tried on the fx3 - guess I'm not an expert!

[@JeffBourke]

@@LucForsyth nah I wasn’t having a go. More that all the Sony camera shills doing “reviews” always leave out the actual problems. They are too busy complaining about things like shutter angle. But for me, the disabling of this function makes the memory save ability completely useless.

[@garypranzo9334]

The S5II has a good XLR option and gives you 4 channel audio. The down side is you have to deal with the 4 channels regardless if you ever use XLR or not.

[@LucForsyth]

Good to know, thanks!

[@Brandon4Weiss]

I haven't had the chance to utilize the 4-channel audio since getting my FX3, but now I want to test it out and see if I have the same audio issues you're having when it comes to playback. Also, for what it's worth, Smallrig also makes a little cage/platform that connects to their top handle extender and goes up over the audio module that has some 1/4"x20 mounts and a cold shoe. That's been a handy spot for me to mount my Sennheiser G4 receiver (or RWG II receiver). I see you have velcro on yours, though, so if that's working for you, awesome!

[@LucForsyth]

Let me know! And yeah - the smallrig option looks great too!

[@Brandon4Weiss]

@@LucForsyth I did a few brief tests on the audio just now. No issues at all! Audio set to 48kHz/24bit 4ch, video at 4K60 at their highest respective bitrates in XAVC HS, XAVC S, and XAVC S-I codecs. using the FX3 with the latest firmware (using the top handle, obviously) writing to a ProGrade v90 card, recording in XAVC S 4K60, 200M 10bit Channel/XLR 1 - Sony ECM-XM1 mic (+48V) Channel/XLR 2 - Rode PodMic (+48V) Channels 3-4 - Rode Wireless Go II playback was just pressing the spacebar in Finder on a 2021 16" M1 Max MBP (when playing both directly from the SD card and from the hard drive). The only weird thing I noticed is that there was noticeably more self-noise in the recordings in the XAVC S-I and XAVC HS codecs 🤷🏼‍♂

[@TimmyAdejumo]

me waiting every wednesday for your videos😁 much love from Nigeria

[@LucForsyth]

Very glad to hear it!

[@OurVoicesOurLives]

Have you done any videos on data storage and backup for documentary filmmakers?

[@LucForsyth]

Not yet! But good idea

[@OurVoicesOurLives]

@@LucForsyth That would be awesome. Its something I struggle with, especially shooting multiple 30 - 60 min interviews in 4k for multiple projects. That's not even getting into the b-roll.

[@popartmediaPL]

Luc - another great video. Big fan of your work and this channel! You keep me motivated - thx a lot!!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Damian, appreciate that!

[@popartmediaPL]

@@LucForsyth oh and Audioo stock is so amazing!! Just purchased via your code!

[@thestreamshed]

I love my FX3 but I bought that for my company day job. Not sure what I want to buy for myself. What are your thoughts on the Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Cinema Camera?

[@LucForsyth]

I've never actually used one tbh, but I think it's probably great. Lots of people love Panasonic mirrorless, and at that price point I don't think there's much of a chance it will be a bad camera. If you end up going with one, let me know!

[@thestreamshed]

@@LucForsyth thanks. Also thanks for the review. I need a camera for personal paid gigs and love the FX3 as a run and gun camera. I do worry about the smaller sensor on the fx30. XLR is key and I agree with your handle assessment :) but so far when I use the FX3 I know the image will be great. Love you channel, I've been a in broadcast production most of my career and would love to do docs in the future, that said I still learn something new in everyone of your videos!

[@JohnBRealtyTeam]

Would you recommend the fx30 vs the fx3 for real estate video? is the fx3 over kill for real estate video

[@DEKO37]

the Pocket 3

[@josuegomez1274]

Happens to me in Davinci Resolve in the free version. I just can play the sound of the clips

[@LucForsyth]

so annoying!

[@Energine1]

Hello from Jalisco 👋 Im suprised that a run and gun doc journalist doesnt value 32bit float audios infallibility. Any thoughts?

[@LucForsyth]

I do value it! I have 3 tentacle track e's and they're great. Loving 32 bit doesn't mean I still don't want a lav and shotgun straight into camera though!

[@Energine1]

@@LucForsyth Oh of course! From a guy trudging through the jungle in places locals wont go... I cant tell you how much I appriciate your channel and your work... but just in case thankyou. I feel like a crazy person some days out here sweating color science snd exposures but im heading to Seattle as I type to try and network. Here goes nothing! (But i really hope its something). Also I watched your video Trash your camera(?) While setting my camera up in my truckbed, in a river to catch a cattle crossing and I almost cried. Thankyou

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@markshirley01]

Hi - is there a video/photo switch on the FX3/FX30

[@LucForsyth]

Not a physical switch. It can shoot photos, but it's with the mode button.

[@linshangpo]

What is the shotgun mic at 5:20

[@LucForsyth]

That one is the sennheiser MKE 600

[@linshangpo]

@@LucForsyth Thanks!

[@4CardsMan]

I don't see the need for two XLR ports. It seems that one should be enough. Also, does it supply phantom power? If not, using a professional microphone would be problematic.

[@LucForsyth]

For me running a lav and a shotgun is 100% necessary. And yeah, supplies phantom power!

[@4CardsMan]

​@@LucForsyth I've always wondered why someone didn't make a camera with just one XLR. Thanks for the reply.

[@andyreynoldsiprovid133]

Two people talking with a shotgun each.

[@95Ldunc]

I shoot exclusively corporate content. I cannot emphasize the importance of professional audio (XLR inputs) when 90 percent of your content is “talking heads”. One thing you cannot compromise is the audio. FX-6 is my A Cam and the FX-3 my B-Cam.

[@LucForsyth]

💯

[@CHECKTHISOUT-CANADA]

You’ve produced some good videos! Also noticed you’re in Vancouver too.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! And yes - I live here, but am on the road a lot!

[@danielschaller-digitalcrealab]

great video, thank you Luc 👍

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@Superjeanmarc]

I love the FX3, but I do not have the same experience as you regarding the battery life though... I would never be able of going through a whole day with 4 batteries as you say. Not sure if this is my unit only... I've bought the ANTON BAUER Titon Base for that reason.. its nice, but really heavy and expensive. Also, regarding 48bit audio, I also had the same issue with Final Cut pro until a recent update... not sure if it's MacOS or the NLE, but it seems solved now.. Anyway, in my case, the preview (space bar) doesn't work for me when the footage is 10bit.. so I never use the finder to review footage. Agree on handle size, I have the small rig extender, and it's AMAZING, also because it add a NATO rail on top that I use to rig a 5" monitor and allow to mount it or take it down in seconds (as well as adjusting the position)

[@LucForsyth]

That's a bummer about the batteries. I do use it more as a bcam sometimes, so my experience might change if I was using it as my main verite cam. And glad/sorry that I'm not the only one with the audio issue - I hate it! So much faster at the end of a long shoot day to not have to import everything into a NLE...hopefully a firmware fix! Glad you're liking the camera in general though, it's been a good one for me

[@Superjeanmarc]

@@LucForsyth I totally love this camera, and never would I want to replace it by the a7sIII which I have used before the FX3 release. The handle, yes, but also the button layout, the second record button in the front (use it all the time), the tally lights, the fan, the build quality / look in general.. is a big improvement over the a7sIII. I personally would never use a fixed viewfinder to film anyway.. Monitor is a must, indeed, but with the handle extension and Nato Rail it fits perfectly into a compact rig. Love it.

[@popartmediaPL]

They fixed playback of 10bit files in Finder via spacebar. I had the same problem and it works for me now with every 10bit files from my a7siii. Mac Os Monterey

[@Superjeanmarc]

@@popartmediaPL Holy Crap, you just changed my life! I did not realise this... Thank you so much.

[@popartmediaPL]

@@Superjeanmarc glad I could help ;-)

[@OffTheBeatenPot]

I would live the fx3. But I’ll make do with my fuji xt4 until clients insist!

[@LucForsyth]

That's always the best strategy for buying gear!

[@bloodybrit127]

You can also use a speedbooster with the fx30, increasing your low light performence. I think the fx30 is better bang for your but, but I won't be trading my fx3

[@LucForsyth]

Good call! I feel the same - better value, but I’m keeping the fx3

[@Sam-em1ic]

I thought about this route with the speed booster, and maybe if I had a bunch of apsc glass, but you’re adding a quite expensive piece of glass in the middle and I never feel great with that. There was one recently with canon that added a purple circle in the middle of a lot of footage. I dunno it just scares me for run and gun. It hurts but I’m gonna bite the bullet and go for fx3 cus I want that look without the speed booster factor

[@bloodybrit127]

@@Sam-em1ic if you can swing it I do think the fx3 is the way to go, and for run and gun especially the 12800 iso makes a huge difference in some situations

[@Sam-em1ic]

@@bloodybrit127 thanks I’m thinking the same. Can’t beat that flexibility of not ruining the footage in very low light situations

[@infinitesimulations]

I don't think either the FX3 or FX30 are better or worse, they are what they are and they do what they do, and one can't completely replace the other. Translation: both are very good cameras, buy them both.

I buy the top handel a few moths a go... I don't like the ergonomics of top handels... Si hi, not at all what i tough it would feel, seem everyone using top handels i'm in shock

[@sungrakchoi]

I have two problems with FX3/FX30 - No 4K DCI and 24.000 shutter speed.Other than those, it is perfect for me.

[@LucForsyth]

Fair enough. Haven't been a huge problem for me, but I could see that being really annoying if your workflow required them!

[@MindfulGrinds]

The 3 now has that with the latest software update.

[@sungrakchoi]

@@MindfulGrinds exactly 😁

[@iamakkkshay]

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro is a slightly unpolished cinema camera when compared to Sony's FX30 but still the footage looks good & can give anybody a good lesson to handle manual filmmaking equipments. The only reason I still incline towards BMPCC is that I love Davinci Resolve software & grading BRAW is really flawless when you get the Resolve Studio Liscence which is bundled free with any Blackmagic equipment.

[@LucForsyth]

Very fair! If I was more into narrative or maybe commercials I would probably love the BMPCC as well!

[@conner_productions]

I mean when you're talking documentaries, you're talking a lot of uncontrollable environments, and the FX3's low light capabilities is perfect for that. But I have both and they're both amazing!

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one...#goals!

[@Michi.108]

using autofocus on the b-cam hit me the most

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@BryceDearden]

I have an FX30. The second native ISO in SLog 3 is 2500. Bit of a bummer but still better than nothing. As for the 4 channel audio problem, from what I understand it’s that the clips are saved as .mp4 but have 4 channels, where basically every program will expect 2. If Sony somehow updated the camera to wrap the files in a MXF container it would work, but idk if that’s possible. I know some people have developed ways to have ffmpeg/handbrake re-wrap the files as MXF without re-encoding, but it’s definitely inconvenient. Even if they did though, QuickTime won’t playback 4:2:2 10bit h.264 or h.265 anyway, so the footage still wouldn’t work hitting the space bar.

[@LucForsyth]

That makes sense, thanks for explaining it...still drives me crazy! 2500 is plenty for almost everything, not a huge problem

[@robertoiuri]

Are you generating your image in the studio using AI?

[@richardpascarelli4134]

Promo code is not valid

[@LucForsyth]

I tried 3 minutes ago and it did! Luc70 - not sure why it's not on you end, sorry to hear that

[@MichaelPerez83]

Yep, same problem exists with the Sony a7S3 as well. It is annoying.

[@LucForsyth]

Sorry but also relieved to hear that!

[@stroe.filmss]

you look like a younger version of Dr House

[@LucForsyth]

hahahah, that's not the first time I've heard that. Less addicted to pills I hope...

[@PARISONFIRE]

Im so used to have 6k footage now and the freedom to do with it whatever. 4k, for me, is a step back even if the lowlight performance makes me cry inside

[@Samiam-mu5ln]

Oh God, I lied! The review actually starts at 10:00 o.o has yet to address the question that is stated in the title xDDD only has talked about why audio is important...

[@LucForsyth]

just gotta hear my own voice as much as possible!

[@dannyowen-kohutek3843]

@@LucForsyth lol

[@loudmotion5639]

On what cam are you filming this? you look like a wax statue or plastic even.

[@acedia4453]

Folks will spend thousands on a camera and then just a few hundred on sound. Sound > visual quality in the documentary world.

[@LucForsyth]

You're not wrong!

[@Samiam-mu5ln]

Actual video starts at 3:00, holy moly some KZbinrs just love to hear themselves talk o.o

[@LucForsyth]

yep, just the worst!

[@jarrodbarker]

Awkward…. Someone should probably tell this guy the FX3 is the a7siii… and he’s just a victim of good/insidious marketing.

[@Documentary81]

@@jarrodbarker You're obsessed with this guy 😂

[@jarrodbarker]

@@Documentary81 by making 1 comment in the “comment” section? I guess that makes you obsessed with me. Sorry, I’m engaged.

[@Documentary81]

@@jarrodbarker 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@Documentary81]

@@jarrodbarker Also, engaged? Not looking like that you're not. Well, maybe. Your missus, I'm guessing she has a guide dog 😀