Sony FX3 Image Stress Tests and Comparison with Red Komodo, FX6, FX9 and a7S III - Mini-Cine

[@Josev-TV]

“You might need an ND with ISO of 12000”... what a time to be alive!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Agreed!

[@RostykMakushak]

Have watched already entire bunch of FX3 videos on YT. Yours is probably the best one! And you guys actually went and shot with it and did bunch of tests in various scenarios 👍 I love the part about ISO settings! And koodos to your model - looks very cinematic! :)

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@fieldhousetv]

This by far is the best review of said camera(s). Thank you. I had no clue about the Sony app

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Aggyoko]

Thanks for your efforts. Very informative. The only issue I have with the video is the claim that the FX3 is much more useable than the A7SIII in a "cinematic" context. Please stop propagating marketing BS. They are pretty much the same camera.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for your feedback. We didn't mean that in regards to the image, but rather the ergonomics. The XLR top handle and the built-in 1/4"-20 female threads mean there's less of a need to add a cage. The cleaner HDMI output filled the full viewable area of the Flanders monitor we used in the studio, whereas the A7SIII sent out an image that was letterboxed on the Flanders, and looked less like what a professional video client is used to seeing, and more like what you'd see from a DSLR-style camera. It could have been a matter of settings. However, in the context of our shoot, we didn't have to make any adjustments to the output of the FX3 to achieve the most professional monitoring, whereas the A7SIII, which still had factory HDMI out settings, would have needed adjustment.

[@AaronMahlon]

Finally a channel with professional output to show the reality of the results. Thanks. You guys will do well.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching, and for your feedback.

[@jasongambleharter]

This is so much better than standard youtube gear reviews because you guys actually know what you're talking about!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks! We appreciate it!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I've been seriously looking at the FX3 as my next camera, being a low budget/indie filmmaker. Coming from Hot Rod Cameras, I feel confident I am armed with enough information to make a decision. Which would be a big "yes" for the FX3. Great work. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Glad we could help!

[@jpd4real]

Great Breakdown, one of the best for the fx3 I've seen so far.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@nyambe]

I would love to see as detail analysis about s-cinetone vs 709 and other straight out of camera options. You guys are really awesome. Very helpful info

[@Hotrodcameras]

Great feedback- we will definitely incorporate an S-Cinetone test the next time we make a video about a Sony camera!

[@RyanBartonGrimley]

I find this very useful and helpful, thanks guys! Most of the reviews are from VLOGers so nice to see production folks reviewing it because that's what I do!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

You're welcome, and thanks!

[@readfrost]

Great look into the images an FX3 can produce in a real world setting. I'm very much on the fence, I just wish there was internal ND's, perhaps in place of the mechanical shutter.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

If there are any other features / issues you'd like to discuss, you can feel free to get in touch with us at our store (323-230-3589 [e-mail]). FX6 is the next camera up in the Sony's cinema line, and it includes internal ND's.

[@film42tv]

Great item chaps. I just got an FX3 and tried it out earlier in the week as a B camera. I Love the little thing to bits.. I was told 640 was it’s ideal iso which was a bit low for the shoot. Pushed it to 800, but nearly threw in 12800 when i saw how good it looks! I go back as far as Betacam and I can’t grasp how to work with this amazing sensitivity. My F5 is just right at iso2000, but not sure the FX3 would like it. A whole new learning curve 😆

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks! ISO is such an interesting topic with a sensor that's so good in low light. "Ideal" is not exactly quantified, though - It probably depends on whether you prioritize signal to noise ratio or dynamic range.

[@drewbennettphoto]

This was a next level test guys. Incredibly well done! You've got a new fan here.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for the feedback! We appreciate it.

[@joshuakingortiz341]

Love these kind of videos, it reminds me a little of the Zacuto shootout videos back in the day. And I love Hot Rod Cameras, it's my go to place for local equipment purchases in LA. When others don't have it, they usually do.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching, and for your support!

[@pabloportillo9478]

I really enjoyed the perspective and style of the video. I hope you guys keep doing stuff like this. Would really like to see you guys do a BMPCC 6K Pro analysis.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks, we appreciate it! We definitely plan to do more of this sort of thing. We recently shot a diffusion filter test with the Pocket 6K Pro, which we hope to make available some time soon.

[@tossemanden]

Very good information! Much more useful than a lot of other reviews! Thanks a bunch!!!!!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching, and for your feedback!

[@chrischomyn]

I look forward to more of your videos. This was great.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@2dlivestreamit562]

Wow, finally, you guys gave youtube a first smart aproach on sony camera iso levels. I just hate the ones that state at the noise and have no clue on what the true effect of ISO/noise is on actual shoots. You just nailed it, nice work 👍🏻

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you for the feedback, and thanks for watching. We appreciate it. It's a much more expansive topic than what's often discussed, and we didn't even get into exposing to the right, signal to noise ratio, etc. Hopefully we'll get to look at that sort of thing another time.

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

There's no way those guys sitting down are talking!

[@majestysutedja286]

😂😂

[@brianhawkins]

This is just the sort of intelligent analysis that I admire. Didn't understand your comment about the camera being "rated correctly," but found a ton of good info here. Just ordered the FX3 as an upgrade from my A7S2. Subscribed.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! There have been controversies over the years about whether manufacturers were being "optimistic" with their ISO ratings, in order to make their products (including filmstocks) sound more sensitive to low light than they really were.

[@vanishingeyefilms]

Dig the lighted Hot Rod Cameras sign. Love that vintage look. Super cool! Nice job on the video as well. :)

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you. This is Dain, from the video writing. I'm a huge fan of the sign, too. Ever since Illya commissioned it, I've been eager to use it in projects.

[@charlesnetzler2262]

Very useful, I see a lot of complaints about this camera but in the right hands, it can create and achieve so much it seems. As a wedding videographer that IBIS and AF would make my life so much easier and I think at the end of the day if a product can take a load off the mind and allow you to think more of on the creative side then the technical side then it's worth the investment.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

100% agree. We've had extensive internal discussions about how perfect this camera is for wedding videographers. Autofocus at f4 + ISO 12,800 means you can shoot in dimly lit wedding / reception venues like never before. You can even stop down further for increased depth of field.

[@spycam111]

I've been using the A7siii for my wedding videos lately, and I can't decide if it's worth selling it for the FX3. Any thoughts?

[@Hotrodcameras]

@@spycam111 Good question. What are the problems you would like to solve by moving to the FX3? If having a top handle with audio inputs, or having rigging options without a cage are among them, I would say it's a great upgrade. The ergonomics do make it more convenient for shooting.

[@lostgyrodog]

very well done thank you!!! beautifully shot...maybe good to mention you need to bring up the shutter speed when you use the software later for stabilization

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching.

[@RobinDcreation]

great review guys! Happy that Ive bought my fx3 straight after they release it ❤️

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks! Are you enjoying your FX3?

[@HumanityDone]

Guys, this was an amazing analysis. Keep it up

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you, we appreciate it. Will do!

[@Jmccabe1111]

Absolutely loved this review. Best I've seen by far. Well done guys!!!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks, John! It's always great to hear from you! (Dain writing)

[@_juanchamorro]

this was fantastic. Canon shooter, but i was looking for Komodo videos and this was very educational and enjoyable! Keep up the great work

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@eduardogonzalez4243]

Good video. Nice breakdown. Can you keep going? You showed you did a comparison between the cameras so I kept waiting for that. I don’t mean just images but discussion about what you found on each. So please do that, thanks

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Is there anything specific you're wondering about? The looks of the footage from camera to camera is what we were most concerned with, and there are not huge differences in regards to that.

[@skyko]

@@hotrodcameras3656 What about low light comparison with the A7S III? Is it right there running along side of the A7S III? You did touch on it, but would have liked to see where each breaks up and gives unusable footage.

[@DavinciHD_]

This video was very helpful. ive been debating between getting a Sony FX3 or the A7siii and this video helped me figure out the FX3 is the only camera ill ever need

[@Hotrodcameras]

We're glad it was helpful! FX3 is a great fit for a lot of people.

[@thefunggurtion]

this comparison what I am looking for , thanks guys.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching! You're welcome!

[@aybee5908]

Would be interesting, if the red komodo got that slightly higher dynamic range of one stop (shot in Red Raw). And...could you see a difference in the highlight rolloff?

[@Hotrodcameras]

That would be interesting to see, but we didn't really set up lighting in a way to demonstrate the highlight rolloff or dynamic range, and we finished by applying Rec709 LUTS, meaning we weren't taking full advantage of the dynamic range. Thanks for watching.

[@kwameryan]

Fantastic video! Super helpful for prospective FX3 owners.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks!

[@peterwarrendop]

Excellent video! I would just challenge the comment that the A7Siii is designed for photography, with only 12 megapixels I think it is marketed more to Videographers. Photography is a bonus.

[@Hotrodcameras]

I understand the sentiment. It's absolutely full of photography features, and there's definitely room for a low-light specialty stills camera. I'd imagine the engineers would say it's optimized for both.

[@Cameraonthemove669]

I am curious if the Komodo even needed the bounce outside to fill like the FX3 or if the dynamic range is the same. Generally Reds have enough dynamic range that you don’t absolutely need a bounce but it is always better. I’m just not seeing any difference between the FX3 and Komodo on all the tests online, the tests btw are all vague and lack detail. Controlled lighting graded to match. Any Red I’ve used destroyed my Sony’s but I don’t have the newest Sony’s so are they really that good?

[@hotrodcameras3656]

"Need" is subjective, and the footage was ungraded. Illya's intention was to show how easy it would be to "overlight" a night exterior, even with a low-powered light. Keeping in mind that all of the footage was graded simply by placing a 709 LUT, we're not seeing the true dynamic range of any the cameras in the night exterior footage. It's hard to come up with an informative test without controlling lighting, as it's a variable most people don't want to leave to chance, and even daylight changes as time passes. I think the largest difference visible differences between the Sony cameras and Komodo in a lot of situations are going to be rolling shutter versus global shutter, high iso signal:noise ratio, and autofocus (if you use it).

[@HenryCK]

Always support new KZbin Channel. You guys did a great job!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you!

[@frannyfranman]

I don't care about noise really. I think of it solely in terms of how much I want to bias the DR towards the highlights. Obvi for quick turnaround and VFX lower ISO is usually the way to go, but man Neat Video works wonders

[@Hotrodcameras]

Very cool. Thanks for commenting.

[@markmorgenstern]

thank you! the app you mention: does that work on fx6 also?

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Yes.

[@rasheed106]

Very informative! Thanks for the review. How would you grade the overall image quality of the FX3 to the Red Komodo? In terms of cinematic imaging.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

They're pretty different, but there are similarities. It really depends on your priorities. The sensor sizes offer different aesthetics. FX3 offers high frames rates without cropping, whereas Komodo does not - if you shoot a lot of slow motion, FX3 is more suited to it. The base ISO of 12,800 makes it an incredible low light beast. However, if the global shutter on Komodo is your priority, a rolling shutter camera simply cannot replicate the look. Pretty much all of the cameras available right now offer very different strengths, so I'd recommend making choices based on your priorities - figuring out which features (if any) are must-haves or deal-breakers, and work from there.

[@albertcurielx]

This is VERY useful! Thank you guys for doing this! Make more!!!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching, and for the feedback! We're on it!

[@calebcollinshomes]

I’ve seen you on indie mogul before. Great to see you have your own channel now. 👍🏼

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching!

[@BensBoringVideos]

Awesome FX3 tests, thanks Hot Rod!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaxCarola]

Thank you! This is a very deep comparison and very helpful in the decision process.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching - that's what we were hoping. If there's anything else we can do to help in the decision-making process, feel free to get in touch with us by phone or e-mail.

[@ShannonVisuals]

Great stuff! I would have liked to have seen this in 4k tho, as YT compression is bad as it is- it's fitting that camera image quality tests are shown in the highest quality. Great concept and I love that you showed the Sony App, which I feel nobody is talking about.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Yes, I believe you watched the video before KZbin rendered the 4k version. The video is in 4k now!

[@ShannonVisuals]

@@Hotrodcameras Oh my bad. Thanks! Great review.

[@Hotrodcameras]

@@ShannonVisuals No worries! Thanks so much

[@eliostamm7393]

Great stuff. Real world tests are much appreciated. If I could suggest an improvment uploading a UHD version of the video would help (if it is not still being processed by KZbin and therefore not available yet) as KZbin really compresses any HD upload to death...

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks so much! It appears you watched the video before KZbin had rendered it in 4k. It's in 4k now!

[@eliostamm7393]

@@Hotrodcameras Great. Just watched it again. My biggest problem with the A7s iii/FX3 is the heavy noise reduction. I find the second base ISO of 12800 to be way less detailed than even the ISO 2000 shot. That is a problem. Making me want to stick to low ISO which is a pity with a camera with such great low light potential. The FX6 is way more detailed at 12800. Please Sony allow us to reduce the amount of noise reduction going on.

[@holaitsruben]

Very useful and comprehensive information. Thanks for the care an attential to detail, nice job!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@redsoulmedia]

What would you recommend, use active stabilization or not? Should I use gimbal or active stabilization is ok?

[@barznhookz8768]

The fp and fpL are actually the smallest full frame cinema cameras.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching.

[@alexferrec9439]

Great vid. Very helpful. If using the app, can more than one device be paired to monitor the video feed?

[@Hotrodcameras]

I don't believe so. Accsoon offers wireless transmitters that can transmit to several iOS / Android devices at once: hotrodcameras.com/accsoon-cineeye-2-pro-wireless-video-receiver/

[@jamdva8176]

That was pretty, I don't have a single idea of who are you guys, but this video is definitely crutial to me.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you! We appreciate it! We're a brick and morter store in Burbank, CA, serving the Hollywood motion picture industry, as well as the country in general, often via our web store. We sell all major brands of cameras and lenses, as well as lighting, grip, and electric. We also manufacture original products. Our found / president, Illya, is on two ASC committees - a lens committe and a lighting committe, and our general manager, Lisa Sotolongo, is member of the Producer's Guild of America. You can check us out on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like (we also start a lot of the professional equipment groups on Facebook), an you can see our website at www.hotrodcameras.com Thanks for watching, and for your comment. Making more content is a goal of ours moving forward, we hope to reach people like you, who can see the information as beneficial, and who may not have heard of us.

[@jamesreed7278]

It looks like you color graded the footage rather than just using a 709 LUT. I love the outside footage! Did you desaturate the footage or something?

[@Hotrodcameras]

The only footage that was graded was the outdoor montage at the very end. Other than that, nothing other than a 709 Lut was applied. Nope, no desaturation either.

[@jamesreed7278]

@@Hotrodcameras WOW! Thanks!

[@roberthenry5399]

this was a fantastic breakdown. Thanks so much for making it.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching!

[@seraphimsanctuary]

Great video nice to have pros do these kinds of videos who have shot 100’s of times on a real set.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks! We appreciate it!

[@Weird_Quests]

Excellent breakdown!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching!

[@Weird_Quests]

@@Hotrodcameras my pleasure :)

[@SergeCousineau]

I was looking to buy a A7SIII But I will look seriously the FX3 . Great review and love your model 😉 also I subscribed to your channel. Serge Have a great day H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈 From Boisbriand Québec Canada 🇨🇦

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching! Both cameras are great.

[@SergeCousineau]

@@Hotrodcameras Welcome 😉👍 Waiting to what the Sony A7IV will have to offer 🧐 before deciding?

[@BarefootMediaTV]

i feel like the xlr inputs just ruin using an external monitor.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for the comment. Do you mean because you find more difficult to access the HDMI port? In the case of FX3, the audio signal is communicated through the hot shoe on top of the camera, so it doesn't interfere with the HDMI port. There are 1/4-20" screws on both sides of the handle, and on the sides of the camera, so there are other places you can add a monitor.

[@RambunctiousPictures]

Love this. Thank you!!!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching!

[@kolapyellow7631]

Looks just like A7C very cute and Compact.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Yes, it's very compact.

[@kasaka28]

Native ISOs are 640 and 12800

[@bespinfilms-c5m]

Thanks guys! Great test! Great footage!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks, we appreciate it!

[@cbphotography8184]

Great video, thanks.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thank you!

[@Kemet3.0]

Yes, I understand the black wear. But, you still needed to add more color. That black coat sucks the color out of the image.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thank you for the feedback

[@glu5]

thanks for the video. you should mention in the video that you are a store, so people that don't live in the area know that.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for the input! We will make that more clear in our next video.

[@animusvisual]

What lens and ND used? Also was it slog2 or 3? the footage looked fantastic but positive the a7siii would perform similarly.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Great questions! All the FX3 footage was taken with the Sony 24-105mm, and we shot in S-LOG 3. And you are correct that in just a straight comparison between the image quality, the FX3 and a7SIII do look very similar. The main differences lie in the feature-set being more geared for cinema applications as opposed to stills.

[@Hotrodcameras]

...and the ND filter used was the Tiffen Platinum IRND0.9 + SLR Magic ND1.2

[@animusvisual]

@@Hotrodcameras thanks for the info. Irnd continue to be a good investment. Good video

[@jamesbridges1107]

thank you for the test. BTW, where can you get the SimpleCine baseplate?

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Unfortunately, it's been discontinued. It's made to the Ronford Baker standard. You can get the Ronford Baker plate here: hotrodcameras.com/ronford-baker-large-quick-release-plate/

[@town3]

Keep it coming great work.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@Kevlexicon]

very helpful. thanks

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks! We're glad to hear it!

[@souravSP]

This was extremely helpful.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for letting us know.

[@krzysztofzwolinski956]

2:14 I will disagree with that, 'S' models are video-centric design based on form factor and handling for photographers.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

They are definitely stills cameras first. Within the A7 lineup, they are the most video-specialized of the cameras.

[@mcgreevs24]

You guys rule for doing this. thanks!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks!

[@VacationRentalShow]

For sure useful and helpful, thank you.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@ResizeFilms]

Amazing FX3

[@hotrodcameras3656]

We agree.

[@c_f97896]

Great job guys!!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

A7S III because the viewfinder matters outside for run and gun.Otherwise you are kitting that FX3 out like a Komodo. So, get the damn Komodo because you can't beat that global shutter!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching!

[@alha1074]

Let's see fx3 vs Sony A1?

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching.

[@MohamedKeita]

This video is awesome, thank you.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@TravisVarga]

Nice! Great filmmaking. A7siii Fa life ;)

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks a lot!

[@TravisVarga]

@@Hotrodcameras Your welcome. Check out my channel if your keen, i did a video on the a7siii new s cinetone to see if it's the bee's knees or what - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKuuhIF9aLSfepY

[@alha1074]

Very helpful thx!

[@Hotrodcameras]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@LensMeFilm]

Greetings from Singapore! Have always heard about your name from Epic Light Media & gave you a sub :) Really cool how you paired Fx-3 with the underrated SLR magic micro primes. How is the image quality paired with that lense?

[@hotrodcameras3656]

We like the SLR Magics a lot. Unfortunately, we had the camera for a short period of time, so didn't get to shoot with them at all. We thought it made sense to at least show the camera with one mounted, to illustrate that there are small cinema primes that compliment the size of the FX3 nicely.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Full disclosure, Hot Rod is 1 of only 3 real stores in the USA where you can buy the "SLRMagic MicroPrime Cine" Lenses, and we generally keep all the E-mount versions in stock. I don't know if they are underrated, but they are criminally overlooked! In our opinion these lightning fast FF35 cine primes should definitely be on the short list of someone looking for small E-mount cine primes. With an average max speed of T1.3, they are lightweight, small, and pair perfectly with the FX3. A set of 25, 35, 50 and 75 won't set you back very much money and they might just be the best lenses SLRMagic has ever made. The slower 18mm SLRMagic Cine Prime (2.8) also is a decent match, and even less expensive than the rest. We love 'em! hotrodcameras.com/lenses-optics/slr-magic-microprime-cine-35mm-t1-3-f-sony-e-mount/

[@NeilAngeloBriones]

Does the FX3 have similar capabilities from FX9 and FX6 by doing Cine EI Mode?

[@Hotrodcameras]

It's got similar capabilities overall, but each camera has a unique feature set. The work well with each other, but are not necessarily substitutes for each other. Thanks for watching.

[@scope_lucas]

thank you for sharing

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching!

[@mcarlkv53]

Does fx3 shoot 24p or 23.98p or both?

[@Hotrodcameras]

It shoots both. Thanks for watching.

[@jimmybajwa2944]

Hey guys, what type of lens mount and lenses were at 1:38?

[@Hotrodcameras]

Hot Rod Cameras is the inventor of the PL mount for E camera systems, at 1:38 is our latest version the Hot Rod PL, the Mark II, which quietly went on sale a few weeks ago. The lens is the 50mm Meike Full Frame PL mount cinema lens. It's one of the most impressive entry-level cinema lenses we've ever seen, and is in stock at Hot Rod Cameras, the price is only $959 which is pretty incredible for what you receive. We have a major launch planned for the Hot Rod PL, Mark II including a major discount when purchased with cinema cameras from Hot Rod.

[@jimmybajwa2944]

@@Hotrodcameras thank you for the info, i would like to purchase the adapter if you can provide the link.

[@Hotrodcameras]

@@jimmybajwa2944 Sorry we missed this comment. Here is the link, if you're still in the market. hotrodcameras.com/hot-rod-cameras-pl-to-e-adapter-mark-ii/

[@TimandLauren]

great video hot rod, and i know you guys from epic light media lol i was wondering, is there a difference in digital sharpening with the fx3 and a7siii? i know that could be one thing that separates the two

[@hotrodcameras3656]

I don't think we had sharpening on for either camera. The menus for FX3 are identical to A7SIII, from what we could tell. We didn't get to look through every page of the menus, but we weren't able to find any differences where we did look.

[@TimandLauren]

@@hotrodcameras3656 hey hot rod thanks for the reply guys! Oh sorry to clarify, i meant sharpening in the image quality between the two cameras Was the sharpening the same for both fx3 and a7siii? Or perhaps fx3 was less sharp?

[@Hotrodcameras]

It's possible that we didn't have the same sharpness settings in place. Alternatively, it's possible that there were different noise reduction settings, which would affect apparent sharpness.

[@DirectorAndyPalmer]

Fantastic video and info guys!!!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks!

[@lucaloschi8958]

I was expecting that you would talk not only about the pros but also about some of the cons that this small camera has... No mention about the lacks of shutter angles, waveform, scopes or falsecolor, no proper timecode, 12.800 iso without possibility to adjust the noise reduction to end with and a sub standard display (the only thing to check the image if you want to go simple and sleek) and an handle that has no recording or setting functions apart of the klm-3 audio module. I like the A7s3 and I really hoped Sony would have done something more other than a rehousing with some tally lights and the clear image zoom rocket... It's less expensive than other real cinema camera, but maybe because it's not a real cinema camera... (Ps. It's not cheap either, anyway)

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for your comment Luca. You raise some good points. Here's our take. 1) Shutter angle (vs speed). It's only metadata, it's trivial to understand the difference in nomenclature and work accordingly. Waveform it's definitely a feature but it's "nice to have;" and while many recent cameras include it, the majority of professional cinema cameras don't include waveform, so while companies like Panasonic include it all the way down to the S1H, you won't find it on a Red camera, and it's hardly a strike against the FX3. Legitimate criticism against Sony should be with professional I/O, it's typically the number one thing that separates a "cinema camera" from a hybrid, and the real thing to pick on Sony that's lacking on the FX3 is an HDSDI output. They do make up for it (somewhat) with the new top handle, but our #1 criticism is that SDI should exist. The lack of SDI was our number 1 criticism of the Digital Bolex, a camera designed specifically as a digital replacement for 16mm film. Our longer videos (like this one) are not the same as our NTB (New Tech Breakdowns) videos those are really only about specs and features. The longer videos offer our unique take, one we believe you're unlikely to find elsewhere and highlight facets we believe are worthy of attention. Even though this camera is not Netflix Approved, Netflix makes a nice list of equipment to compare against. Images from the FX3 are more than worthy of inclusion, and if you rank it by price, this camera would be the least expensive full frame cinema camera, and the 3rd least expensive overall. That's a bargain.

[@rickevertsz]

First time I've heard anyone say: "A7siii is first and foremost designed for stills". If your priority for a hybrid camera is stills, it's unlikely that you'd choose the A7s3. If the reverse is true, then the A7s3 is an excellent choice. The A7s3 is perhaps better viewed as a video camera in a stills camera body, rather than as a primarily stills camera with video features.

[@Hotrodcameras]

The control knobs and the sensor format of the a7sIII is all designed for stills. Cameras designed for shooting >24fps be it "cinema," broadcast even the humble "camcorder" style may also have still photo functionality, but they are designed for shooting motion. Please keep in mind that before 2009 the idea of shooting any motion with the mirrorless camera format didn't exist and the fact is that video functionality has been shoehorned into a still photo camera design. I appreciate your comment.

[@rickevertsz]

@@Hotrodcameras I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I think sensor format is a bit of a misdirect, because by that token, the FX3 is a stills camera. From your reply, it is clear that we both agree that the A7s3 has a stills camera body. I think that's what you meant by "designed for stills"; I took your statement as a more general comment on its intended functionality, and that's what threw me. Will be interesting to see if there is ever an A7s4, now that the FX3 line has been created. To me though, the FX3 is just an A7s3 in a more video-friendly housing. Its "stills camera" lineage is there for all to see... no ability to set shutter angle, no waveform display, etc. Still a terrific first gen. mini "cinema camera" though. Oh, and I forgot to say "terrific video". I'll probably watch it again, as there's a lot in there to digest.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

@@rickevertsz Thank you. It looks like Sony has established their camera lines at this point - my guess that A7, A7S, and A7R will all continue to exist concurrently, as the differences in their sensors mean they are essentially each specialized for different people's needs. FX3, without an EVF, doesn't make the most sense for most people who primarily shoot stills. It can be used for stills, but without the evf as a third point of contact, the ergonomics are not as conducive, especially with telephoto lenses. If Sony continues their pattern of the last few years, it will probably be 5 or more years until we see an A7S IV.

[@AlexanderCornel]

Great review!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thaks for the feedback!

[@digi8902]

Thx!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisn.1942]

Great video, very informative. Makes me want to add an FX3 to my rental company. Illya if I decide to buy one, I will buy it from Hot Rod Camera!

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thank you so much, glad it was helpful!

[@Querenciatv]

Amazing Work ✌️

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@WalterArgueta]

I see a large saturation difference between the lower line a7siii, fx3 and the higher end fx6, fx9. That seems like a pain to have to work around when shooting this as a b camera.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

We didn't compare everything on the scopes. We did use the same LUT with all of the cameras, though. For something like a difference in saturation, a different LUT with increased saturation might do the trick and provide a time-efficient solution.

[@chrisniswonger]

Keep it up!

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for the comment. Will do!

[@Maros_Mari]

thank you for this thorough comparison. I could see kind of difference in overall feel/look of footage between higher end ones fx9&fx6 and the a7siii & fx3. To me it would make more sense to save up and get fx6 as overall I see the footage is on the more "pro level"to my eyes - like if one would like to shoot for Deutche Welle, NHK world, Vice or more commercial work.

[@hotrodcameras3656]

Thanks for watching. Out of curiousity, what are the differences you perceive?

[@barznhookz8768]

I think this difference you perceive is about price. I don’t see any differences that would negate any from pro work, either doc work or cinematic expression.

[@GuillaumeB7]

Can you touch focus using the mobile app? :o

[@Hotrodcameras]

Yes you can! We didn't use that particular feature in this test though.

[@borluos]

great video, what lenses were used?

[@Hotrodcameras]

Lenses used: Most of the FX3 footage was shot with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 We also used: SLR Magic MicroPrime Cine 25mm T1.5 f/Sony E Mount, and (also from the same SLR Magic MicroPrime set) the Cine 35mm T1.3, and Cine 75mm T1.5 And the BTS footage was shot with a Panasonic GH5 using the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8

[@Hotrodcameras]

...and the ND filter used was the Tiffen Platinum IRND0.9 + SLR Magic ND1.2

[@borluos]

@@Hotrodcameras great thank you! the shot of the woman under the bridge, do you remember what sense did you use?

[@Hotrodcameras]

@@borluos Yes, that was the Sony 24-105. All of the outdoor daytime photography in that park and around the bridge was using the 24-105.

[@aarongolden]

Is the fx3 a big jump up in quality, compared to the a7iii? (Not a7siii)

[@Hotrodcameras]

It is in some regards, yes. But that will depend on how you use it. a7III is a great "jack of all trades." FX3 has big usability improvement and those will matter more to some people than others. As for performance, not everyone needs the super clean 12,800 ISO option. I personally feel like the the FX3 is a worthy upgrade, and it just feels like a better overall use/experience, but this will depend on how you use an a7III. If you're shooting narrative, commercial, corporate or event, definitely choose the FX3, if you are using just for KZbin or travel, the a7III may work fine and also save you a good deal of money.

[@user-nm6qj9xm8l]

👍😎

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching.

[@AaronStoneVLOGS]

So green.

[@Hotrodcameras]

Thanks for watching. Are you saying the colors look green to you? If so, Sony offers a lot of control over the image via settings in-camera.

[@SuperBratan]

i can buy the same handle of the fx3 for a7s3

[@Hotrodcameras]

The handle is held in place by two screwholes on the FX3. A7S3 does not have the same screwholes, so there would be nothing to hold it in place.

[@gongbody]

What lens or lenses where used with the FX3?

[@Hotrodcameras]

Most of the FX3 footage was shot with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 (including all the daytime outdoors / in the park and around the bridge) We also used: SLR Magic MicroPrime Cine 25mm T1.5 f/Sony E Mount, and (also from the same SLR Magic MicroPrime set) the Cine 35mm T1.3, and Cine 75mm T1.5 And the BTS footage was shot with a Panasonic GH5 using the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8