Sony FX3 - The Most Versatile Video Camera (Long Term Review)

[@keeshanganatra]

FX3 owner here and have zero regrets in purchasing for about 2 years! I chose it over an sIII b/c of the fan, the tally/record lights. Love it, love it, love it! I also use Canon's at work (C70's, R5C, and C100's) and while I enjoy using them, the FX3 does what they do but in a smaller form factor. Great review and couldn't agree more!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@benjhaisch]

The FX3 was the camera that got me to switch my canon stuff over to Sony. It’s a “special” camera which is rare for a modern digital camera for me.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Nice! Cool to hear that you use the FX3 too!

[@Mrdalejo2]

I am in the same boat. I own Canon R5, and 5D IV, and just switched to Sony, now owner of FX3 and FX30. Super happy with Sony.

[@danilogonzalezmx]

Im switching from markIV to Fx3 right now, and I like it

[@scottievee330]

I like how you do the crossover comments to keep all the viewers happy. I respect that. I've seen a bunch of your test footage. Glad to see some client work. Nicely done. I know watching your stuff you will always be honest.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thanks Scottie!

[@ecmjr]

Good morning Josh and happy Friday all!!!

[@martin_wood]

I will say I prefer the rolling shutter performance of a 12 megapixel sensor (4k) vs a 30 megapixel sensor (6k)(a7iv). Global shutter 6k would be amazing though. Shutter angle should be on all the cameras. So easy to implement

[@Rahproductionsmiami]

I own 2 fx3’s and they keep busy constantly! Love love love them!!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Workhorses for sure!

[@thomas.kovacik]

Amazing video josh! Funny how we both have had similar findings / paths with the c70 and fx3 haha Appreciate you for having me on!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thanks Thomas! It was awesome to collaborate with you on this. I appreciate your contribution and perspective.

[@invisibleadversary]

Considering price, the FX3 is the best overall video camera on the market right now. It's funny because this is a camera that was widely panned upon release due to the perception of it being too similar to the A7s III. The big brother FX6 has internal NDs but it lacks IBIS and the smaller form factor. Even if you're shooting on a more robust camera like the Alexa, the FX3 ends up being a perfect B camera.

[@RandumbTech]

All reasonable feature requests at the end of your vid. The one feature you didn't mention was that the FX3 has native timecode support separate from 3.5mm jack like most other cameras. For those of us that record externally, it's a necessity. Having the ability to capture audio with an on-camera mic while still writing TC to the metadata is a HUGE plus.

[@andreyosipov6153]

It also helps with high frame capture while also having timecode. Audio LTC can't be used for high frame capture.

[@victorn7563]

Hello Josh , I absolutely love your videos and I purchased an FX3 because you and I’m loving it. I’m here in Greensboro NC . If I get the opportunity to meet you that will be great! Can always learn from you . Kudos

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you so much. Glad to hear you are loving the FX3!

[@EricGebhard]

Great review and I agree with you that the FX3 is a very versatile camera, especially now that it has focus breathing compensation. On the photo side it takes really nice photos. For most of my photos I use a Fuji GFX100S, which is amazing but does not work nearly as well in low light as the FX3. So, despite the FX3 only having 12MP it has become my go to camera for astrophotography. During a recent trip the Caribbean I just brought the FX3 and used it for both photos and video. It worked great.

[@PatrickChondon]

I have no hesitation using my FX3 for both photos and video. The lowlight performance for photos is right up there, if not better than my A1 and A7IV.

[@EricGebhard]

@@PatrickChondon As a photographer I can sometimes be a megapixel snob but 12MP is plenty.

[@PatrickChondon]

@@EricGebhard If it was feasible, I would use my Canon 5D Classic for paid gigs. And that’s even lower resolution. :) But, yes, even for weddings and events I use photos from my FX3 and A7SIII. Aside from cropping ability, it’s more than fine.

[@NadirMessaïShorts]

Amazing video Josh !

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you!

[@Superjeanmarc]

Nice review Josh, I own an FX3, and I remember I was doubting a lot between the a7sIII only for price reasons and I’m SO glad I went for the FX3. There is something I don’t agree though, it’s about battery life.. There is no way I can “throw a couple of batteries in my bad and be good for the day” as you say. 😅 A battery will at most last for 1h30 for me. I’ve now added the smallrig V-mount battery plate 4064 and it’s amazing because you don’t need rods. Another point is that, as you mention, the flip screen is pretty much crap and I end up using an external 5” monitor all the time. So when you add the monitor + vlock batteries, the compact size turns into something closer to a C70 .. but I do agree that I love to have the option to use it fully stripped down .. I’ve had to do this in several run and gun situations requiring maximum discretion and flexibility but it’s definitely not as ergonomic (+ I quickly get battery anxiety lol ) I’m saying all this and I still love my camera but I think that potential buyers should know they will have to rig a bit the camera to get the most of it. The smallrig handle extension for example is an absolute must. Thanks Josh.

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. It really depends on how you use your camera. For how I personally use the camera, I can get away with a few extra batteries. I run it pretty stripped down and use a battery on my monitor. In certain situations I would rig out the camera with a V mount, but that's just not how I personally use this camera that often because I have other cameras.

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Great video as always Josh. I very much feel the same as Thomas with the C70. I have both and I do love some of the results I can get with the C70 however the camera I always come back to is the FX3.

[@thomas.kovacik]

Yep! The c70 image crushes the FX3 for me, but the simplicity + versatility of the FX3 makes it tough to justify. I have the c70 for client work, but I could really see myself selling that for the komodo x now and running the FX3 for run n gun stuff. The c70 feels too much of a redundancy, but who knows, maybe I could keep it hah

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thanks! Yeah, Thomas and I feel very similarly about those two cameras.

[@vincebaldwin2829]

Charlotte NC here

[@yarospringglory]

I've been a Canon shooter for 10+ years! but I'm noticing Canon behind on video- i too am a real estate creator and looking to pick this is up as a run and gun for my video! Thank You so much for the review and mentioning that too!!! bidding on a few used ones !!!

[@Josh_Sattin]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@yarospringglory]

@@Josh_SattinNOW A PROUD OWNER OF A SONY FX3!!! Have you used canon glass with the adapter and what are your thoughts ?

[@thomasberra38]

As an entry level Canon shooter, this totally makes me want to buy the FX-3. The E mount is just such a good value proposition compared to the RF glass, and the FX-3's size and capabilities make it hard to look at this and consider adopting early.

[@Veda.Inside]

Curious to check this Sony FX3 when I've learned that the next movie of Gareth Edwards "The Creator" (blockbuster) has been done with it. It seems to cost around 4000$. When u know that most of the US Blockbusters normally use Alexa 65 which cost 10 000 $... by day (rental)

[@SerPetKo]

I'm currently torn between the Nikon Z8 and the Sony FX3. I understand they are quite different cameras. Primary focus is video. Photos are secondary. If you were building a video system from scratch, which would you choose?

[@Brandon4Weiss]

The Smallrig accessories for the top handle are a must, IMO. the extender grip with a NATO rail, and the L-shaped cold shoe that goes over the top of the audio portion. adds a little more protection, a huge NATO rail and a bunch of 1/4-20 holes, and 2 cold shoes are great.

[@Superjeanmarc]

💯% the extension is simply indispensable, something Sony should have done in the first place.

[@Brandon4Weiss]

@@Superjeanmarc I often forget it's not even part of the original top handle. I'm pretty sure I put it on immediately after unboxing the camera. I took it off for funsies last week and held the handle for 3 seconds before thinking, "oof this thing is terrible."

[@arhon888]

A great camera for sure. Really wish built-in VNDs though. I think all hybrid and particularly videocentric cameras should have this as standard. My dream camera would have timecode sync built-in:-)

[@Alexrocks1253]

I had the choice to buy an FX3 back in 2021 when I had enough and an A7RIV with lenses, but chose to buy another system (Panasonic S5.) I don't know if that was the right move or not, but I've been making the most of it. Surprisingly, I find it takes second place to the FX3 in terms of low light quality. Due to the lack of internal noise reduction in video, I can denoise more effectively in post. This leads to the mid ISO range looking far cleaner and specifically sharper. I've never tried the FX3 and still would like to someday. Now I just have Panasonic S5II (internal fan and good AF) and Fuji (for film-looking photos). Maybe I'll get back into Sony but given I'm not making a penny off of video; dropping $3800 on a camera that hasn't price dropped once in 3 years would be a big mistake.

[@dimaphotographer90]

I love your videos. I bought A7R V for photography, and I’m planning by the end of the year to buy FX3 for videos. Should I wait for Mark 2? Thank you.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you! I always recommend to people that if you need a camera for your work now, don't wait for something to come out. Buy the tools that you need to make money. There are always new cameras coming out.

[@jakenotfromstatefarm]

I agree! Thanks for the long term review! Well done!

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@skylarpettingill2792]

I feel like as soon as I buy one, they’re going to drop the FX3 V2 and I’m gonna be screwed lol.

[@AverageDadMTB]

I feel this. Current x2 FX30 and want to jump up. My luck. V2 drops right after. 😭

[@matthewmerry2679]

YEAH NORTH CAROLINA! Great video bro.

[@thunderstruck560]

this just makes me feel better about buying one of these last week! i considered just getting another A7SIII but the fan and the stripped down design with the very simple buttons is great. I love the sony auto focus. But part of me wishes I had invested in APSC lenses instead of full frame instead because the FX30 is like half the price and i've seen people get amazing looks out of it too.

[@Lynxdefense]

North Carolina represent!

[@martinekwall4671]

I like your videos and this one too! Really fantastic camera. One thing I notice with this sensor is that its great in sunlight but otherwise it looks like it suppresses the light somehow. Canon needs to do something similar with ibis.

[@Parkerr_19]

Love your videos. How do you think it compares to the video capabilities of a something like the Nikon Z6II and canon RS mark II today ? Cheers

[@BarefootMediaTV]

love my a7iv and fx30. wish i could afford a couple fx3's. Im hating the canon r6 mark ii i have to use at work. just ruined a shoot trying to shoot clog and it being too noisy. And i see an interview with Jason Brown! i filmed an interview out on his farm a couple years ago!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Nice! The Browns are awesome!

[@BoReynolds]

You da KING! well done buddy.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you so much!

[@OluOkunnu]

Thanks for this review on FX3. Can I ask which camera you shot this video with? Great smooth texture and DR.

[@LeoArmenta]

Finally got it and i love it!!! It looks that second version is comming??? 😮

[@Josh_Sattin]

Nice! I have no idea when we will see a FX3 II. I think it's going to be a while though.

[@LeoArmenta]

@@Josh_Sattin thankyou Josh!!!

[@JosePortillo]

Josh!!!!! how are you mate? I just bought an Fx3 and I really love the camera, my only concern is all the moire I can see on the footage. My main camera is a Bmpcc6k and I've never had this issue. I'm filming in Cine EI, 4K. Have you had this problem? Is there any advise to avoid this horrible Moire? Thanks in advance!

[@Josh_Sattin]

I'm good thanks! I have only encountered moire on a FX3 a handful of times. It hasn't been too much of a problem for me. Some companies put an OLPF (optical low pass filter) in their camera and some don't. This helps reduce or eliminate moire.

[@KristianRoald]

I have been looking for a video like this. Great content! But I am so torn between FX3 and FX6. I am right around the corner for a purchase. They should come in a dual package 🙂

[@AtomicPixel]

Both great cams, but I think if you do a wide array of content, the fx3 is smaller and more nimble. More convenient. Unless you do mainly studio/production shoots, then the fx6 might be better. But really, can’t go wrong with either.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you. Yeah the FX3/FX6 combo is pretty awesome!

[@durianriders]

great camera!

[@POVwithRC]

Same. Every time a new body drops I scan it against my FX3. So far, so good. It gets aced in certain ways, but none that make me want a divorce. Definitely my summit camera.

[@thetruthseeker23]

Detailed breakdown. Thanks.

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@alansarpy]

I would love to see a video on your settings for real estate with the FX3

[@Josh_Sattin]

Here is a video where I cover my settings and everything about the FX3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHOxgKqLlrR4bpY Here is a video about my real estate setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmSUhI19bNmdp80 I shoot everything in S&Q 60p->24p Cine EI

[@alansarpy]

@@Josh_Sattin awesome! Love the channel ! Thank you

[@acpirola]

GREAT video. I would ask if it is still worthy (and the FX6) in 23/24 (or should I wait), as I expect a gear update withim the next 5 months, but you spoke it out last minute😄😄😄. Thanks so much!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you! I always recommend to people that if you need a camera for your work now, don't wait for something to come out. Buy the tools that you need to make money. There are always new cameras coming out. The FX3 and FX6 will be great cameras for years, even if new versions come out.

[@acpirola]

@@Josh_Sattin Thanks Josh!

[@mex5341]

yes , great camera , but price could be lower . For 3800$ this camera supposed to have built ND filters and Dynamic stab ( from Zv-e1)

[@jaymills1720]

Soo good just out of my price range. FX30 - won’t overheat but suffers in lowlight A7c2/ave1 - similar image but overheating Paralyzed lol 😢

[@martin_wood]

If sony made an attachable EVF like they did in the past (RX1 camera) for the FX3 i would have bought one. I have the a7siii to view the image in EVF in bright sun without more proper color without a monitor. FX3 is more ergonomic for sure

[@Josh_Sattin]

A modular EVF would be super cool.

[@MensHealthMedia]

There’s waveform in the new update 4.0 when paired to an iOS device

[@lochanamedia]

Thanks for the video. Considering the a7sIII or a7IV atm. What I'm keen to know is what is the actual advantage of the image quality of the FX3 over the a7sIII. The creator of Creator talks about that filmic look. If that's the case, the a7sIII should have the same exact look right? Or am I missing something here?

[@Josh_Sattin]

A7S3 and FX3 produce nearly identical images. They have the same sensor.

[@alansarpy]

Love your channel! Do you think they will ever update the a7siii with the firmware update for uploading luts?? Thanks !

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you! I really hope they do, but it doesn't seem likely at this point.

[@alansarpy]

Hey Josh... I changed the Detail to 0 from -7 in slog 3 and I feel like my footage looks way better for real estate purposes.. I think it was set to -7 automatically what are your thoughts on changing this option? @@Josh_Sattin

[@qtben17]

Sony’s next breakthrough will be a Burano in a fx3 body. Hopeful that it will come one day

[@oupekha]

Thank you for your review video love your lighting. I totally agree everything you mentioned about FX3. I am looking forward buying two them in the next year, I wish there is an ND filter build in. I have a question some people said it is fake 10 bit compared to other 10bit pocket cinema camera or under $5.000 price. What do you think?

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome! I'm not sure what "fake 10 bit" means.

[@oupekha]

That is what I wonder. I think that is how cinema camera lover say and they think Sony FX3 is not real 10bit rate video mode however 10bit is 10bit isn't it it can even do Raw 16-Bit via HDMI@@Josh_Sattin

[@ice1337chris]

Hi josh I wanna say you are amazing and your guides are insane. I have finally saved up a decent chunk towards my dream of video production and content creation. I was wondering If you think this option is still viable in 23 going into 24. Planing on buying Fx3 with 24-70 gm II , 50mm 1.2 gm. I have about 10k budget gave or take. would you go this route still or a different way?

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you so much. I would definitely recommend the FX3. In terms of lenses, a 24-70 F2.8 is usually a good bet but it depends on what you do.

[@ice1337chris]

I am interested in doing small video side jobs to make some money while going to college. Music videos , weddings , docs anything honestly also want to start a KZbin channel mainly vlog style about my journey. What do you think I should go with ?

[@Josh_Sattin]

@@ice1337chris A 24-70mm F2.8 is a versatile lens and you can use it for everything you mentioned.

[@darrenorange2982]

Z-CAM E2 series does not need a fan and works no problem in all condition.

[@IAMBRIDGEFORTH]

Never knew you even had a farm channel lol. Just subbed to it and you don’t post on there anymore 😩

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yeah I am unfortunately not farming anymore.

[@richfelder9771]

You said earlier the xh2s had slightly better dynamic range than the fx3 so would you consider this a competitior? Way cheaper too

[@Josh_Sattin]

There are a lot of good cameras out there, including the XH2S. I would personally use the FX3 over the XH2s for the autofocus, lens options, full frame and low light.

[@AlbertoCadeddu]

Do u recommend for a beginner who’s starting approach professional video making?

[@Josh_Sattin]

If it's in your budget, the FX3 is a great camera.

[@arttiz01]

I only wish for shuttle angle 😢

[@JeromeFryer]

Considering the ZV E1, what's the major difference? Thanks

[@Josh_Sattin]

Mainly form factor and heat management. Here is my video about the ZV-E1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaOom4Rnn8ufkJY

[@mugbun6963]

I choose to shoot with fx3 on my latest short film , Then i got confused. the camera can shoot all intra recording but they do by shooting in MP4 container , as of my knowledge MP4 container used for H.264 codec and they are a Long gop codec , how they get all intra on a long gop codec 🤔🤔

[@Josh_Sattin]

The XAVC S-I is H.264 ALL-I and the XAVC S is H.264 Long GOP. All Intra and Long GOP are different things.

[@CixXxiz]

Just overall question, what lens do you guys think pairs the best with the FX3?

[@Josh_Sattin]

It really depends on what you use your camera for. I like to recommend a 24-70mm F2.8 for general use though.

[@JakeThesnake-k1n]

Just picked one up. FOMO got to me. “Everyone is using it so why shouldn’t I right?” Was my thinking (didn’t even test it). Out of the last 3 camera systems (Canon C200 and BMPCC 4K and 6K Pro) I’ve used for my work the FX3 is my least favorite. You can hammer me in the comments but first impressions stick with me and the colors out of this thing are bad. I bought it because of the auto focus which every says is king, but I found several bits of footage during my last shoot to be out of focus.

[@tsuriranpu]

The reasoning to get one might've been the cause of the problem in the first place. Maybe you still have to get used to it :) Took me some time to figure out the colors and autofocus hasn't been a problem for me personally. What lens are you using it with if I may ask?

[@JakeThesnake-k1n]

@@tsuriranpu I use it with a Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II. This year I’ve found myself shooting a lot of branded content for apparel companies. I was using the 6K with a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 as I loved the image coming out of it. Lots of moving subjects (manually focusing at f/2) and with the 6K some things would go out of focus but I would work around it. The image from the Sony is just blah.

[@tsuriranpu]

@@JakeThesnake-k1n That's fair :) I came from Fujifilm and I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of the colors either. It's whatever suits your needs, sorry to hear out It's not working for you ✌🏼 I can accept the color and focus because of the small and easy to work with package the FX3 provides. But I understand how it might not be the camera you're looking for, maybe the C70 is something you'd be interested in?

[@JakeThesnake-k1n]

@@tsuriranpu thanks for the correspondence, we’ll get through this, bad colors and all!

[@streetographer]

Is the FX3 2 times better than the FX30? I'm leaning towards picking up an FX30 as B-cam to compliment my R5C.

[@RandumbTech]

I own both FX3 and FX30 - they complement each other well. I don't think you can say the same for the R5C. Two completely different operating systems, lenses, etc. would slow you down significantly. I don't think the colors would match well either. Maybe rent one for a week and try it out before you buy.

[@Josh_Sattin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3_Xq4Vvhq14n9E

[@vincebaldwin2829]

Hand held or gimbal?

[@NARRASSAFilmes]

I have a FX30 and thinking about buy a FX3, but it’s a huge investiment in camera and lenses. FX3 has crop mode to use crop lenses sometimes?

[@samjessanclarance]

as far as I know only in 1080p. Since it's a native 4k sensor, you cannot crop in while shooting 4k.

[@Josh_Sattin]

You can only put the FX3 in crop mode in 1080p.

[@edi18912]

people keep saying that the 800 and 12800 is the cleanest iso but i found that 12800 has more noise then even 1600 iso, so i dont understand ?

[@Josh_Sattin]

The camera has dual base ISO of 800/12800 so those are the best places to shoot in terms of dynamic range. As you increase the ISO in any camera, you will increase the noise. The FX3 isn't great in terms of noise in the middle ISO range. Above 1250/1600 I would go up to 12800 because of the second gain stage. I do think Sony is using a lot of noise reduction at 12800.

[@edi18912]

@@Josh_Sattin if your shooting indoors or at night do you always have it at 12800?

[@Josh_Sattin]

I don't do much low light stuff. If I am shooting indoors I generally am using lights. I try to keep it at 800.

[@WasionKey]

FX3 is so BOSS. But i have a feeling that Panasonic is gonna crush this thing soon

[@Josh_Sattin]

I hope all of the companies keep making better cameras. Competition is awesome for us.

[@WasionKey]

@@Josh_Sattin absolutely, we win at the end of the day

[@travelwithcamera]

Would love to own an FX3 but man is it pricey.

[@raulgutierrez3050]

The movie The Creator that just released was shot on this camera

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yes I mentioned that within the first few minutes of this video.

[@TheOneMonk]

Hm…while I really appreciate your Fx3 tutorials this vid is a miss. You dont mention the significant shortcomings of this camera, e.g. ongoing lack of critical video exposure tools because of Sony‘s pathetic firmware chaos. The IBIS is just bad and without rigging the camera you can hardly use it in run&gun scenarios, which was the initial value proposition. SSD recording? Nope. The LCD screen? Poor. As you point out there are alternatives. Today I would rather buy the S5IIx - or nearly two of them for the price of the FX3.

[@Josh_Sattin]

I'm guessing that you didn't watch the whole video.

[@TheOneMonk]

@@Josh_Sattin I did. You say a FX3 mk2 should get some of the mentioned features. I say the Fx3 should have it/should get those features which can be baked into firmware, e.g exposure tools. But of course this will not happen with Sony‘s firmware approach/customer support. Or the lack of it.

[@_o__o_]

i farted

[@777ElZorro]

Ready to buy one cash in hand but now feel milked I should wait on the Fx3 II where it’ll have everything we wish it had 🫠

[@Josh_Sattin]

I always recommend to people that if you need a camera for your work now, don't wait for something to come out. Buy the tools that you need to make money. There are always new cameras coming out.

[@SeguraCine]

Great review and I agree with you that the FX3 is a very versatile camera, especially now that it has focus breathing compensation. On the photo side it takes really nice photos. For most of my photos I use a Fuji GFX100S, which is amazing but does not work nearly as well in low light as the FX3. So, despite the FX3 only having 12MP it has become my go to camera for astrophotography. During a recent trip the Caribbean I just brought the FX3 and used it for both photos and video. It worked great.