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

[@iPhonedo]

After I shot this video, I exchanged my Sony FDR X3000 with FDR X3000R twitter.com/iPhonedo/status/827681992191864832 , then I prepared a complete comparison to GoPro Hero 5 Black. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn7Hh32Ghqmmo8U

[@naria2006]

iPhonedo what is the different between the 2 cameras?

[@dinolaz]

Fantastic reviews. Really like your style of reviewing and the quality of your video. Subscribed! I'll be buying the Sony and ditching my GoPro Hero 4 Silver!

[@robertkristinsson]

Tam Nguyen I believe the R comes with the Remote

[@WongSuiHong]

The one and only difference between X3000 and X3000R is that the live view remote RM-LVR3 is included in X3000R. Just for your info, the RM-LVR3 is not sold seperately.

[@allencentonzo2424]

iPhonedo does this camera float when in waterproof case? thank you

[@claytonware3562]

Vlogging is now less conspicuous with smaller action cam like that of DJI. It's so tiny I love it.

[@Movewithdavid]

Or a GoPro bt DJI pocket 3 is dope

[@worldlife9834]

DJI will be banned in many countries.

[@Feudly]

That stabilization is incredible! I've been looking for a compact vlogging camera, and i think I've found it. Great video as always!

[@EastyUK]

get it with the viewer as you cannot buy the viewer on it's own at the moment. its ideal for vlogging as you can rotate it so the screen is on the forward side. it's the RM-LVR3 I did a recent video using the RM-lvr2 on my A7r camera as a similar thing.

[@Feudly]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into the one with the viewer.

[@Tsagami]

Feudly An also nice camera for vlogging is the canon G7X with epic image stabilization..

[@jayareselos3767]

Clean hdmi output?

[@alenaxp]

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

[@SHMULIKVI]

i want you to be the TOP reviewer on youtube. you are FAR better than most "popular" reviewers on this site. i really enjoyed this video it was very VERY detailed and just good!

[@HarvyDangerFilms]

I didn't want to like this action camera but, you are right, it is the best out there at the moment. I think GoPro needs to really Ho their game. Thanks for the great review.

[@RachelRLewis-ho3wq]

"I hate Sony,,, because there's no going away from it." is why i found this video haha. Ill be switching from my go pro into a sony!

[@donleamon8653]

I think I'm going to order one. My GoPro has been good, but meh... Love your work and edits! Peace, and World Dominashhhhhhh!

[@shushin4651]

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

[@billlockhart2272]

welcome back! great review. I have been thinking about getting a GoPro 5, but now you've got me checking this one out. Horse Chocolate!

[@Black-gt2wi]

Not horse chocolate it is "Hoşçakalın" it is mean goodbye at the Turkish

[@samgriffin6221]

Brick Cave no no no, I don't know why this guy is talking up the Sony cam so much. Hero 5 has all the same features and more. It has a screen, voice control and is water proof without a housing case.

[@markr041]

Yes, you don't know. What is better is what counts: better resolution, color, low-light performance, and much, much better stabilization, which does not degrade the video. Maybe you watch the video again...

[@MrKdr500]

I sold my hero 5 and kept the sony! hero 5 is a battery draining piece of crap....it does not have optical IS either so don't claim it has the same features....The audio on the hero 5 is garbage also. Another fun fact is that gopro still corrupts the video files if the battery goes flat while filming, other cameras don't have this problem.....the Yi 4K is a much better option to the Gopro and it also records 4K for over 2hrs on a single charge. You're words " I don't know why this guy is talking up the Sony cam so much" well simple if you owned the Sony you would know why he is talking it up! it's the best action cam on the market!

[@RocketLR]

I had the Gopro hero 4 silver. And Ive used my friends sony FDR something lower than the x3000. And let me tell you that Sony is WAY better. even the cheaper Sony action cam has better image quality compared to Gorpo hero 5. Wide angle yet sharp image and etc.. Trust me, consider the Sony action cams instead. I sold my gorpo because it was so disappointing.

[@JevenDovey]

Nice review. I want to test this vs the GoPro5. Obviously the stabilizer is awesome on this but I shoot vlogs in 1080 mostly so the GoPro one works great too. I use the GoPro5 for all our vlogs and it works really well. Also having a screen helps a ton. I've heard this camera overheats. How many batteries do you eat through in a day of vlogging?

[@austinhazeltine6062]

WanderWorx At about 10:50 in the video, he says with two batteries he has no problems shooting all day.

[@JevenDovey]

Flint Sawyer thanks. Must have missed that completely! Wow.

[@InspectionerTR]

WanderWorx i like your channel

[@austinhazeltine6062]

WanderWorx Glad to help

[@JevenDovey]

Thank You!!

[@TheButcheredGarage]

As an old GoPro fan boy, I have lost faith in the company. I will for sure make this my next purchase, and thank you for your review !🍻

[@carstenhansen5757]

Did you get it, and if so, are you happy about it?

[@rogerhuston8287]

What grip are you using that allows you to attach the mic on the bottom? Also, did you find a better solution that allows you to attach both and set it down on a table?

[@ChunMotorsport]

I still use it in 2021 and I really enjoyt it for how easy it is to work with. Huge benefit when I do multi camera control in motorsport and perfect for vlog since active stabilization are farily good or good enough for my needs

[@johndraws5988]

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

[@300plus]

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

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Kinda ironic that that Sony hasn't included an audio jack in the RX100 M5 but they add it to this superb action cam...

[@MrKdr500]

Lots of vloggers use action cameras so it makes sense really...

[@SebMellia]

Yeah, but so sad we cant reduc the volume of mic. It often sature

[@LozzerGuide]

That is true, but the same can be said about compact point and shoots. :-)

[@SirJamesX]

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

[@SinghalLouis]

i cannot take my eyes away from the backdrop of your location. Where is this beautiful place? I'm so jealous..

[@Stu-SB]

Yea same here looks like Hawaii

[@brianwells8678]

Kailua Beach on the Island of O'ahu, where Honolulu is... bring lotsa money, you'll need it... just to feel poor. lol

[@OzzyMoto.]

Can you list the parts you used to make the vlogging grip at 10:58. Looks like three or four different parts. Thanks, great video

[@jwasher13]

I'm curious too.

[@SamLeachMEng]

myrk98466 Also would like to know

[@Defender_Tom]

What handle/mic mount contraption thing do you have there?

[@SamLeachMEng]

Shaddrach I was going to ask the same thing. Anyone know?

[@rayyourday]

I used something similar for it: Grip:www.amazon.de/gp/product/B06WW7D4VJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Adapter: www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01GH37HN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@pbosche]

Yes!! I'm here scouting for info too. Please let us know iphonedo!

[@MegaDenis8888]

Yeap, I looking for this info as well.)) Please share with us!

[@lachlanbrown8110]

You are actually going to force GoPro bankrupt. First the Mavic vs Karma video and now this.

[@Omniat]

Heh. I think they are doing a good job of that on there own.

[@BushBlastersPaintball]

Get this camera, its a bit pricey but it is so worth it if you are thinking about an upgrade to stabilize your footage. Went paintballing with one yesterday, great stabilization and image quality!

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Love my FDR-X3000

[@FranciscoShibata]

WORTH IT OR NOT? Fog problems?

[@jimmyperkins97]

Is it available in black?

[@Sabundy]

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

[@ronperkins5763]

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

[@sendnoods5035]

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

[@bloomvikung]

And overheats

[@MobileMusic]

There is always a weird gadget on the block. This one doesn't have a viewing screen and so, I don't know what I'm filming. That's a bummer to use it for YT vlogging videos.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

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

[@troyom]

I have one of these and they are truly amazing. On a whole other level to what GoPro is doing.

[@FranciscoShibata]

Troy Orem Fog?

[@javinsac]

Awesome review! Please give an update when you get your new mic setup. I'm curious how you will do that.

[@kellwx]

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

[@src.chandrasekar6265]

Brother,for mic in outdoor just wrap a small sponge on the mic side and put the rubberband that's all magic the wind sound will vanish,that is the way Harold is using his sonygopro

[@CengizDev]

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

[@drsagdic]

Adam Türk zaten :D

[@Sportsprimal]

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

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for the review and comparisons on this the camera. It helped shape my decision to buy the Sony over the GoPro. One question though. Did you have any audio level problems when using an external mic? When I use my Rode Lav Mic the audio recorded appears to be heavily amplified. The audio track is clipped and peaks above 0db, and records a lot of background hiss. The on-board mic doesn't do this and there doesn't appear to be away to adjust the input levels.

[@blizzforte284]

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

[@Bangbangboom51]

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

[@SemihGun]

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

[@kevinhurt7119]

Great review. Did you resolve how to add external mic so you can mount on a stand? I have the trippler mobile tripod. This looks like the camera/mic setup to suit me perfectly

[@DrinkingMilo]

Hi, i try to shoot in 1080p 120fps 100mb, sandisk extreme pro 128gb. The video seems to be a choppy not really smooth. Do you mind share what you use for this sony cam? Setting and accessories. thanks

[@OrlandoStreets]

I just bought a memory card for this camera, the Lexar 1800x. I was using the Sandisk Extreme Plus, and just today discovered it was only capable of 50mbps write speed, which runs counter to the 4k 100mbps capability of the Sony. Just a FYI before you BUY.

[@NicMediaDesign]

Yeah, either ask on the Sony community forum, or check out the SonyActionCam subreddit.

[@OrlandoStreets]

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks.

[@Emuspaul]

I have the older Sony 4K actioncam. Now I want this one!

[@ExclusiveMontages]

Paul Emus and how are you liking your X1000 so far? No overheating? Also, don't you miss any stabilisation in 4k mode? I'm thinking about getting the X1000 as it's half price of the X3000.

[@anakwatan617]

I'll stick to my D500 and A6300 due to lens choices. For action already bought Hero5. Maybe buy FDR3000 somewhere future or YI4K+

[@travel-putovanjatadejsluga9990]

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

[@noaheligolf]

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

[@shashishashu]

Very informed and true review👍👍

[@FTBLETSAS]

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

[@Ang3lik4Sway]

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

[@HiFiInsider]

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

[@wcg981dddwwwhhh]

I have X3000, the stabilization is good. However, the live-view on the app always lag, so I cannot use my phone as monitor. I also have YI 4K which never has the lag problem on my phone. X3000 has 50 minutes for 4K recording, YI 4K has 120 minutes for 4K recording. The new YI 4K+ can shoot 4K 60 FPS, and 4K 30 FPS with EIS.

[@iamjaredrichard]

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

[@borneo4x4]

Yeah.. I just checked the X3000 is cost just a little more than the GoPro5 with 2 batteries and a lot of goodies included here in Malaysia. I'm going for it. Thanks for the review.

[@LostandFoundTravel]

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

[@calseynez]

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

[@rwells242]

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

[@PA96704]

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

[@puppyDawgw00f]

Beautiful video. Where did you film at?

[@karlmaxweber]

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

[@EmilianoMaugeri]

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

[@MrPilcher1]

LOVE IT so bought a couple Sony FDR-AX53's but still trying to figure out if I can run the 300 in cinematic mode hate those little buttons

[@fa_rich]

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

[@sanemyaman1815]

GoPro’dan girdim bu videoyla ciktim ve su an almaya karar verdim. Tesekkur ederiiimm:)

[@nicholasbrouillard7655]

Hey I bought the same mic for the action camera, but what mount did you use for the mic, I don't see it listed.. Please let me know, thanks, Nick.

[@lordbow]

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

[@ozcanturgut8730]

Merhaba, Isminiz neydi? I came across your video while browsing the web, and you made it easy for me to choose between the Gopro Hero 5 or Sony3000. I do have a question. I guess I would like to have a viewfinder so I know where I am filming and a good mic (Rode mic?)to place ontop. Any recommendations so I can hold the camera plus viewfinder and the mic. Thanks again, and awesome videos. Ozcan Turgut

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

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

[@bartoszplo]

Hey, what did you use to record this episode though? The image quality is great.

[@mrkadirish]

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

[@adampate6298]

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

[@Qawzerty]

Is it still worth getting this at this time or should I wait till the new models for 2018?

[@bryceknez]

Thank you very much for your thorough review! I am wanting to start an automotive channel and am looking for a camera to use, and it seems like this is a fantastic option! Any recommendations for necessary accessories for the camera, besides the mic you use for vlogging?

[@NicMediaDesign]

For automotive videos you should definetly get the suction cup mount from Sony.

[@v73c]

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

[@ecsyntric]

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

[@sixofus6]

Is the FDRX3000 be a good enough for a everyday camcorder? or only action cam type items

[@NicMediaDesign]

You can record other things with it as well.

[@BK42Cycles]

Interesting question! I am using this camera mostly as action camera.. I will post soon a video talking about the difference of a camcorder and the action cam.

[@sixofus6]

BK42 Custom Bikes - Tips & Tricks - DIY thank you I look forward to seeing it

[@BK42Cycles]

thanks sir.. I hope to do it very soon and see you soon again :) cheers

[@chris01gonzalez]

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

[@anthonyz5671]

How is this camera in the heat? Can you have an external power bank plugged to it during use? I currently use a GoPro7 but it constantly overheats and shuts down.

[@StandardCorporation]

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

[@honestreview9019]

Your video is amazing ho do i connect it to my macbook pro 2016 all the connectors are usb-c typce

[@oamusic75]

Kendinize has uslubunuzla gerçekleştirdiğiniz incelemeleriniz başarılı. Merak ediyorum sizin çekimlerde kullandığınız kamera veya kameralar hangi model? Aydınlatırsanız sevinirim. Selamlar....

[@Nm_Kng]

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

[@williambelser6626]

Iphonedo, thanks for the video. Watching it help me in deciding which action cam to get. What's the brand and model of grip and mic used for the FDR X3000?

[@hatcam587]

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

[@MrRagool]

So will a GoPro 3+ red filter adaptor that fits on to the dive housing fit the Sony? The dimensions look similar. Would love to hear from somebody who has both...

[@BK42Cycles]

Hi Rahul, unfortunately all of my GoPro adapters can't be used with this Sony. I am trying to change them, but so far ... nothing ... they are very similar, they actually looks the same, but sonny is bigger... I've just uploaded a video about the Sony camera mount on my channel, maybe it will help your decision. Cheers

[@bassmoore2083]

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

[@manu.yt25]

Very nice test and very interesting camera! You should also try the chinese sportcam "Yi 4k+" (the first sportcam with 4k 60fps), it might be not as good as the Sony but she should be cheaper and it could be interesting to see if 4k 60fps is that great...

[@rayyourday]

@IPhonedo Hey I bought the Sony X3000 and the Rode VideoMicro after watching your great video mainly for vlogging . I have it for only one week now and I have a problem. I mounted it on a grip and I have a problem with the sound. The sound is way too loud and the open and closing of the shutter is loudly in it even with the windprotection on ( Like ratatatata in the backround). Did you have the same problem and how did you solve it? ( I already tried Adobe Audition with Noise Canceling and it worked ok but the sound is not that good)

[@NicMediaDesign]

Opening and closing if the shutter????? The camera has no mechanical shutter what so ever. You might experience interference with the cameras WiFi hotspot - turn WiFi off, shield the microphone or get a straight cable for the mic (the coiled cable amplifies that effect).

[@jackofblades6736]

did you update the setup? I was interested in this instead of the osmo.

[@weirddow9913]

how much it costs? thanks lovin your video very informative😊

[@jprohaska]

Dude, I love ur stuff. I have a question and I'm hoping you can help me out. After seeing ur review a while ago, I dumped my Hero5 in favour of this camera but I'm finding really noisy footage. I'm shooting at XAVC S HD, 1080, 120p, 100m. Your 1080, 120p, 100m shot of the water looks great though. Might you have any suggestions for a follower? TIA

[@hkknd.digital]

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

[@vegetablepolice]

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

[@Ragnarok.Phantom]

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

[@tienzomby93]

It look like Sony fdr 3000 boss system delete most of the shake. Would you recommend fdr3000 with mercalli over the gimbal system? My goal is to make cinematic video style. I don't know whether should I buy this camera or buy a gimbal

[@NicMediaDesign]

This camera should fullfill your need -film in 4K, so you can stabilize with mercalli without going under 1080p.

[@blakenoh]

Have u tried to pair it multi cam with your sonyrx100 or does the multi camera only work with other action cameras

[@BK42Cycles]

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

[@frigidtsunami]

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

[@NicMediaDesign]

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

[@loicbocquet]

Hello from France ! good video always :-) How the handle was made with the camera and the Microphone ? Thanks

[@ClutchFirst]

Awesome video. Really enjoy this one.

[@AlloffroadAu]

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

[@NicMediaDesign]

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

[@AlloffroadAu]

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