MY MINIMALIST SONY FX3 RIG // IN 2021

[@Jamesmatthews]

Soooo. What do you lot like about the FX3? 🔥 Personally, as a commercial shooter shooting interviews and performances etc, its great. I love the Tally Lights and the XLR's. However, if you don't need these two things, save yourself some dosh and get the A7siii 🤷‍♂️ Simple as that 👌 Sorry for the Docklown haircut. The barbers will be open soooooon. Stay strong boys. BOSHH 😎

[@meyerdigitalfilm]

Hey james, fx3 is a strange release its 99 % a sony A7sIII with holes and the audio input is not really a good thing, i rather would like the interface to have an safety track outside the body otherwise a external audio recorder (with xlr plugs) and a signal into the sony might much more meet a professional "audio" expecation :-) Nice Review i love your honest und no bs style!

[@Jamesmatthews]

@@meyerdigitalfilm thanks dude! Yeah I agree. But I think the XLR inputs are a HUGE thing. Especially for me as I shoot lots of interviews etc, this would make a brilliant B cam

[@meyerdigitalfilm]

absolutely with you.. did you buy one yourself or do you considering it?

[@Jamesmatthews]

@@meyerdigitalfilm No, I havent bought one yet. Considering it however, I still shoot stills when Im on a trip (Mainly for Insta) and I like to have a VF for that. So might go for the a7siii. However, the Fx6 would better suit my FX6 for Client work... Its a hard one

[@meyerdigitalfilm]

@@Jamesmatthews i dont use VF too often but if i need it in bright sunlight it is a blessing. Thx mate for your answers Wish you a bloody nice evening from germany

[@ResizeFilms]

Outstanding camera! XLR inputs, active cooling system, mounting points, top handle, 10-bit internal, RAW video output, absolutely amazing! Sony finally made a powerful and reliable compact camera for professional video work, they really nailed it. Will definitely preorder one!

[@aram.v]

No DCI , Shutter Angle, Timecode or 24p (not 23.98)

[@KYLERHOLLAND]

You don't know what you're missing until you use a camera with Tally lights. 💡 So helpful!

[@Jamesmatthews]

Mate, it’s actually true life

[@audiovisualelements]

@@Jamesmatthews I totally agree, and the tally lights are the main thing for me, that the FX3 has over the A7SIII! Missing shots on the A7SIII because the camera wasn`t rolling is really a pain in the ass and didn`t just happen once in real life situations, because the Cameras LCD is not always that visible... and there is no way to output just a record sign to the external monitor. Wished Sony would have adressed that in the former Firmware Update.

[@rodrocketon9480]

@@audiovisualelements Nothing more dreaded than that sick feeling that you realize you were not rolling when a really great take took place.

[@audiovisualelements]

@@rodrocketon9480 For sure! I missed a really great run&gun shot in the autumn mountain woods with perfect timing of leafs falling down, the wind blowing them up again, the sun in backlight and my youngest daughter happily jumping along that fairytail trail... I can remember that moment so clearly, abouth 5 month ago, but didn`t got it on camera. Its there in my memory, forever ;)

[@raksh9]

The number of times I've checked my Panasonics to see they're recording the interview is huge. Tally lights would make me feel so much more secure.

[@PeterKae]

00:43 This was a banger introduction! one of your best in the last month .. went really deep.

[@Jamesmatthews]

Haha thanks mate!!

[@LeeZavitz]

I dig this setup. Im. all about quick swap setups

[@Jamesmatthews]

Glad you like it my dude. Me too. Efficiency is key for me

[@Jamesmatthews]

@Cut Comedy andy CINE C7

[@leestuart38]

The gripe with the top handle is 100% spot on, I thought the same things. Otherwise this camera is perfect 👌🏻

[@simonjacobsphotography]

Yep. The reason for this camera explained perfectly. After seeing this it’s a no brainier over the A7slll if you just use it for video. Thank you!

[@fb_prod_5945]

Every single time: you are such an inspiration! Thanks mate

[@Jamesmatthews]

Haha thanks my dude!!

[@Alphain]

Love this so much James! You're videos are always on the point no bs

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks so much my man

[@BikeShopGirl]

how are the FX3 preamps compared to something like the Zoom H6? Trying to slim down gear carried but don't want to take a step back on audio.

[@PresidentNiczen]

Did you guys see the new Kondor Blue Cage for this??

[@jaikavi5464]

Sweet rig! I know what you mean about the cage. I stopped using one on my a7iii. Now I use a double cold shoe adapter with monitor and mic attached. Comes off real easy when I change to gimbal mode

[@NickDelDuca]

What about mounting the monitor on the one at the back end of the handle?

[@Jamesmatthews]

Works for on a tripod, but not handheld ☹️

[@Superjeanmarc]

@@Jamesmatthews Why not? Look at this setup: photos.app.goo.gl/GUytuMixanacTMjq6

[@Jebsvibe]

Love this! I agree that rigs are personal

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks dude! They definitely are

[@JimEdds]

Nato side handle usa link is the rail

[@Weird_Quests]

Hmmm to FX3 or a7sIII?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

What monitor is this?

[@MrCameraJunkie]

love the idea of bringing down the XLR module on the handle 🔥🔥🔥 Great Vid

[@Jamesmatthews]

Yeah man, that would have been super helpful

[@lorisstaeubli]

Well if not, it's hard to use the handle

[@ParallaxEffect]

Finally someone talking sense about this camera.

[@andersistbesser]

this rig looks so damn badass and usable. i wish i had the money for this combo

[@OfTwoLands]

Sweet minimal rig mate !! Still not sure how I feel about this cam though haha.

[@lake1guy]

Great video! Sony needs to hire you as a consultant. I agree with everything you said.

[@KeithsTVHD1]

Do you have a link for the bracket that is holding the monitor to the Sony top handle?

[@peturthor5140]

Nicely done - particularly like your audio work on this one dude - good work !!

[@dzdrums1426]

Dude, I keep loving the B-roll omg 🔥

[@RobertsIslandLivingAdventures]

I have the FX3, I’m concerned the top handle mic mount is too weak for my Rode shotgun mic. It’s only attached with 2 micro screws.

[@lucaloschi8958]

Any news for the release of a firmware update that could eventually bring waveforms, shutter angles and the option to disable noise reduction on this "Cine" mirrorless camera? 🤔

[@lucaloschi8958]

Also was wondering if there is any adaptor that could move the top handle a bit higher and in front still keeping the contacts for the audio module (maybe with an hot shoe cable?). Smallrig has a nice top handle with recording button integrated and a better design, also seems to have more space for the hand that doesn't hit the mounting bolts of the original FX3 handle. Didn't try but I'm pretty sure could be adapted to the FX3 too

[@Elie.Khoury]

Unique video when everyone is just talking about specs, that's very helpful mate

[@Jamesmatthews]

My thoughts are the same as the usual suspects so didn’t want to make the exact same video 😂

[@AM2PMReviews]

What monitor do you use

[@gregwestwoodmedia9053]

Love the videos James, watching your videos has inspired me to make a gymshark spec ad. Been living the colours in your films!

[@Jamesmatthews]

Love that mate. Worked for them myself a number of times. Cheers dude. Been working on the colours for a while now. Slowly getting somewhere!

[@gregwestwoodmedia9053]

@@Jamesmatthews yea remember seeing your video, a dream company for me, had a chat with Larry Gerrard and everyone there seems so welcoming. Keep up the upload, living them being pretty regular now!

[@shotbyarian]

will the smaller nato rail work or not? can't find the older higher version anywhere anymore, thanks!

[@JAMESBOCCO]

Just glue a cold shoe on the top of the audio module?

[@FlorianFrickel]

What external monitor do you use ?

[@Luke-vg7ut]

What is the side handle? I dont see a link, I see two links to nato rails no handle (only top handle)

[@danep99]

I’m really favouring the FX3 over the A7siii because of the XLRS and mounting points. I think it will suit my client projects better 🤔

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Why I got it!!

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

What Sony should do is give us a monitor of their own, and you know why? All the touch options for tracking/switching focus will transmit to the camera. It will still possibly need the HDMI for video transmission, but it could use the hotshoe for the other features that I mentioned (either directly mounted to the hotshoe on a swivel arm like you have for your monitor but with connections passing through - or on a handle with passthrough - or even on any handle you want, but with an additional cable that plugs into the hotshoe and then somewhere on the monitor. And, if we're not done fantasizing here: What if that monitor had a slot with connectors on it's back (similar to the battery slot) that can be used to attach a minimalist XLR (maybe even mini-XLR) module just like the one they have. Think of this module the same way you think about attaching a grip to your camera. Modularity at it's finest!

[@TheBjornarv]

The most useful FX3 review out there.

[@markshanks2468]

Maaaate try a cheese plate on the bottom of the camera and the smallrig gimbal handle along the side. Doesn’t block the top buttons and has a monitor mount right on the top of the handle. Plus gives the doors enough space if you use on that side 👌

[@jdawg63000]

Yeah! I love it mate. Nice and compact. I am downright cantankerous that Sony released the FX3 right after I blew my budget on the A7Siii. Tally lights, active cooling are 2 huge selling points for me. Nice setup

[@geverniveup]

Blows my mind how you have 221k subs but have some of the best content/personality in KZbin. Hope to work with you one day....boschhhhhhh

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks Jona, appreciate that dude

[@matthewleemoore]

Very nice setup. I can't use handles because I like my hands on the camera body to change settings quickly, but if I did use a handle...it would be this exact same setup!

[@pzark3638]

Can all 3 tally lights be disabled or no?

[@trevorallen_dp]

bro I would miss the viewfinder from the a7siii if I switched! I used it more than I thought!

[@piratapro_4kFPV]

Danggggg that b roll is killer J..!!!!!🔥🔥

[@JGorg8]

What handle are you using in the video? The link seems to be a bit different and wouldn’t work with the mic like you have

[@TheElusivePanda]

If you take off the Sony top handle, you lose 4 channel audio input right? I haven't seen any 3rd party digital interfaces for the 4-channel audio so it seems like you're stuck if you want that audio option.

[@johnathanbutler4892]

Why isn't there a side handle link in the description?

[@Elyakim_binenstock]

How do u do those write on text to explain things, u got to do a tut on this ,please

[@100x35Vlogs]

never ever let go the bosshh thing mate !!! i wanted the a7s iii when it came out but there was something telling me don't buy it yet and now with the fx3 I'm more likely to buy this one.

[@justkayy]

Damn, how many cameras do you have bro!🤪

[@Jamesmatthews]

Haha Its not mine bro :( Its Sonys! Wish I could have it. Lets hit a trip when we can!

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Got the side handle to tryout this setup and love it bro!! I put mine on the left because that's what I prefer but really dope minimalistic setup bro absolutely loving it with my atomos shinobi and Sony 35mm 1.4

[@AngeloPoulis22]

why the 100 mm nato rail? it seems like the nato rail is longer on the left side, goes pass the camera. the 90 mm or even 70 mm would be even better right?

[@Jamesmatthews]

70mm doesn’t fit unfortunately, it can fit the two far left mounts but it doesn’t for the one on the right if you want two screws in it.

[@AngeloPoulis22]

@@Jamesmatthews but the 90mm though should fit exactly, right? if u screw the hole on the right, and the one on the far left...or the one next to it also left?

[@Jamesmatthews]

@@AngeloPoulis22 if there is a 90mm one then yes! I couldn’t find one

[@AngeloPoulis22]

@@Jamesmatthews on the first link below u have provided, "nato rail", if u click there, there is a 90 mm..which seems the perfect one.

[@AngeloPoulis22]

@@Jamesmatthews Ah i think its because u live in Uk and the UK amazon link only shows 100mm. i am in USA that has from small up to 150mm..

[@francisdeandrade7463]

the added monitor: what brand is it?

[@ekphotography]

Sony FX Free... Love it..

[@keenanlam_]

mate those tally lights are a game changer, coming from an a7iii, didn’t realise the bloody thing overheated and stopped recording 20 minutes into a 1 hour recording 😭😭 i was PISSEDDD

[@Jamesmatthews]

Hahahha bruhhhh trust me. I feel that so hard. That screams James Matthews 2011

[@BERNARJE]

Happen to me recently. I was so pissed!!!

[@moliban8133]

Dude as always Lit Intro 🔥

[@dytravelvlog5556]

Was waiting for your review bosh ✊🏾

[@Kuliginvitalik]

what is the name of your red multitool?

[@00huzu]

clicked so fast, cleeean rig!

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks my dude!!!

[@IanSnape]

I think honestly the A7s3 is a more viable option, one it’s cheaper and if you do want the audio XLR just get the Sony K3M and have better rigging options? Thoughts?

[@fredventure]

Love this set-up! But I see now that the SMALLRIG NATO Side Handle seems to be out of production. Would you know of something that would fit just as nicely?

[@hobatronic]

I like the modular setup. Have you seen Kondor Blue's cage for this camera?

[@marjaanmahmood]

Would it be a good idea to use one more side handle on the other side attached to the same nato rail, so that we can get more stabilized footage ?

[@troywalt4834]

Should have made the top handle optional and give us a lower starting price. I personally don't need XLR.

[@Jamesmatthews]

That camera is called the A7siii ;)

[@troywalt4834]

@@Jamesmatthews haha yes but the design of the fx3 is really cool over the a7 s iii, but yes you have a point 😅

[@joeucreative-old]

Never have I ever.... seen such tasty b-roll 👀🔥🔥

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks JOE! Glad it was to your taste 😉

[@DAGABASE]

Love the channel my guy

[@GaryCantrell]

So CLEAN!!!!!

[@MamoAir]

Hi James, thanks for the videos. Do you still shoot with the BMPCC6K or just Sony? How do you find the workflow in editing with either camera? What's the best quality between the 2 in your opinion? I'm on BMPCC4K at the moment and thinking to go back to Sony, on FX3. If you want to shoot some stuff, by the way, I'm London based too.

[@truemoments427]

Cool rig. Love the idea to unmount everything that fast and put in on a gimbal, evetually

[@Jamesmatthews]

Yeah man for sure. I love being fast on a shoot as I’m always changing my mind with Handheld or gimbal for the shot 😂

[@hamzarock5390]

can we use this setup for a7siii??

[@philpritchard8772]

Did you miss the evf of the a7siii over the audio unit, wonder if it’s worth it really for little difference?

[@DrRONYmusic]

Nice one for the video! What monitor do you use?

[@seandewispelaere]

No, your setup is better. Did we just become best friends? Another epic one here, James.

[@Weird_Quests]

I’d love to see a BRAW vs ProRes RAW comparison.

[@guidoserrano2629]

Do you think this camera could get 4K DCI with a firmware update? Is the only reason why I may think on getting this over the A7S3

[@RGMGFitness]

Won't be buying this particular model but I do enjoy the Sony line of cameras. As you mentioned...I love knowing my camera is recording just by glancing over at it. Those tally lights are a nice touch. I've forgot to hit record (or my camera shut off) more than once, and from a distance its certainly a nice feature.

[@marekdzurak1867]

That hendle have one more screw hole at the end ....so maybe for extender to hold it like that ?:D

[@ShazammtheProducer]

Imma be real how you put the monitor on the handle was perfect for me lol looked great and I would hold it how you originally gripped it. I just grabbed the Pocket 6k Pro the Fx3 was going to be my autofocus camera

[@Jamesmatthews]

Theres no room on the handle bro and its not comfortable. But if it works for you it works for you! The bmpcc 6k pro looks amazing too man. Might pick one up

[@davidtruong219]

hi, which monitor mount are you using?

[@_onemorestep]

I like the rig idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@NathanKatash]

the monitor is amazing you just need to change the settings

[@darrenzane1961]

Love it Jamo! 😎 Would have loved to see how the FX3 compares to your Black Magic.

[@LuisGomes.]

I was waiting for this since you started to share the rig on Instagram... 🤘😎

[@Jamesmatthews]

Hahaha Yeeeee! What do you think?? 👊🏻👊🏻

[@LuisGomes.]

@@Jamesmatthews it looks minimalist, I haven't finished the video btw... Let me give to this 99.99% retention time hahaha

[@LuisGomes.]

@@Jamesmatthews you are right.... I think I really love... One step and I can remove all from the camera... Excellent video Mate

[@KineticAirRgV]

El Cuhh hair cut. Kool.

[@arielbadeo5562]

Hey James.... What monitor are you rocking?

[@farzadq]

Does that sound yoke come off the handle itself? not sure i need it at the moment, would rather bang monitor there

[@lucafantini9679]

Yes, very nice and practice!

[@raksh9]

Is there a standard screw spacing for cage handles, and does the FX3 use this? The third party handles for the FX3 will soon emerge.

[@YountFilm]

There are some people who added a smallrig extension on the handle and mounted a top monitor easily. But the lack of a cold shoe makes no sense... who in their right mind wants to use that built-in shock mount?

[@ryantarran7919]

Hi mate did you have any issues with your external monitor? I have a small HD external monitor and an A7S2. There is a known bug with Sony where by you are unable to view your settings info on the external monitor if shooting in 4K however this is possible when shooting in HD. So weird. Does this bug exist for the fx3 when using the external monitor? Thx in advance Ryan

[@Carlito_MD]

0:02 You managed to get your hands on the new Fx FREE??? I def want that one.

[@Jamesmatthews]

No ☹️ It’s going back next week

[@ATreeForFive]

@@Jamesmatthews i think he was joking about your British accent (3/free) which is funny 😁

[@sson7638]

wow really I rated it! love your setup!!! Wish I could get the exact same one!!!! jelly!

[@redhousemediala]

Can you please tell me the mount when you showed the monitor mounted on the top left? I'm begging you haha

[@TravisVarga]

Great. I like having smallest setup possible, so I use my EVF with my a7siii as my ‘monitor’ to double check shots. The lack in this justifies my purchase and I enjoy the lack of fomo. But would still love to own this camera too lol. Thanks for the vid - I did a comparison with if vs the a7siii on my channel - and -basically same!

[@ZamoraChristian]

I was searching this info. THANKS ALOT

[@moosa3956]

ngl that fit is fire

[@MaryWenPhotography]

Your presentation is always phenomenal. Thank you!

[@redfoxcreatives]

Love your vibe, your review and your amazing talent!

[@Jamesmatthews]

Thanks David! Appreciate that my dude

[@HiddenOaksMedia]

Not being able to use the xlr and monitor at the same time is dreadful. The lack of nds was something I was willing to look past, but the horrible ergonomics with a monitor made me decide to exchange mine for the fx6

Hey James, which external Monitor do you use?

[@JamesClark1991]

+1

[@Jamesmatthews]

Andy Cine 4k C7