Was the Sony FX3 worth it? (Long Term Review)

Filmed On:
Sony FX3: amzn.to/3aNztRO | 1080p 10-bit
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8: amzn.to/2GMBthk
Sennheiser MKH 8050: amzn.to/3cmXRKD
Microphone boom arm: amzn.to/3fSJWOL
Godox VL150: amzn.to/2Qaxvne | bounced off of a wall
Shinobi: amzn.to/3BYG5Ja
Sony A7C: amzn.to/37pgjQh
E-mount to Canon FD: amzn.to/3BSHgtz
Gear mentioned:
FX3 half cage: amzn.to/3ijXJz8 | CAN: amzn.to/3fgsPG1
Smallrig parts: kit.co/boywithacamera/bmpcc4k...
Mic spacers: amzn.to/3zRyQAB
Rode SM5: amzn.to/3idIK9N
Rycote Camera Clamp Adapter: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
D-Tap to FZ100: amzn.to/2Wslnkn
Kondor Blue version: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where I Get Music: soundstripe.com?fpr=joon
Timestamps:0:00 Intro
0:15 Context and Samples
0:51 Codec and cards I use
1:52 Physical attributes
2:11 Fan setting
3:21 No EVF
3:49 Cageless design
4:21 Rigging
4:39 Image quality
5:08 Canon FD
5:20 Phantom LUTs
5:30 Rolling shutter
6:07 Shooting experience
6:51 Top handle
7:05 Mic diameter solutions
7:54 External monitor placement
8:47 Safety track with FX3
10:08 Autofocus
10:57 Quickly changing frame rates
11:32 IBIS
11:47 IBIS + Rig
12:08 Battery life
12:18 Power solutions
12:54 Miscellaneous Pros
13:23 FX3's selling point
13:41 A7C as B Cam
14:18 Conclusion
14:43 FX3 vs A7SIII
15:51 Any regrets?
16:05 FX3 vs A7SIII again

[@romain_do]

Probably one of the most thorough and honest review I’ve seen one here!! Great video my dude !

[@boywithacamera]

Appreciate you man! 🙏 enjoyed your flavored water review hahaha

[@romain_do]

@@boywithacamera 😂😂

[@JUSTINBUISSON]

Thank you SO MUCH for this review. You have a very unique style of reviewing stuff, which I like a lot.

[@boywithacamera]

Ayy thanks Justin, means a lot. Glad you found it useful!

[@lesliehawryluk78]

I’ve watched a ton of reviews. This is the best review I’ve ever seen. This is the first review where I believed the reviewer. I usually see: 1) Ads pretending to be reviews, 2) People not explaining how they have used the camera before explaining pros and cons, 3) Reviewing cameras that they’ve barely used. 4) Being in denial about any downsides because of the large financial investment. 5) Not bothering to explain with any detail (“I’m not a fan of the top handle”, without explaining why). 6) Not showing all the efforts they’ve made to create work-arounds for the camera’s limitations. If only all reviews were like this!!! Amazing job!

[@boywithacamera]

Really appreciate the kind works Yukon, I definitely felt those things while watching some other videos too :) I'm glad you felt it was worth your time!

[@AxelFoley-sb5re]

Glad to see you’ve been growing, bro!

[@dr.revenue3636]

fantastic review - so in depth and yet very easy to digest. Keep it up my guy

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks for your time Marc, glad you enjoyed it!

[@aerobibs]

Best review I have seen of this camera. Thank you!

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks for your time and kind words Dalton!

[@dan_abrusci]

Awesome video man!! Thanks for sharing

[@darrinrigo4369]

Awesome video man - really appreciate the freelancer perspective. I'm sitting on a Nikon Z6II that I shoot with an Atomos Ninja V to get Log but finding myself wishing I could get 10-bit internally and better AF so the FX3 is calling my name and this review may have pushed me over the edge. Appreciate the effort you put into this including all the example footage! Also - cheers from a fellow BC resident.

[@boywithacamera]

Appreciate your time and words Darrin! 10-bit internal and better AF are definitely 2 strong points of the FX3. Cheers to BC :)

[@danielirvine7468]

Great review man ! Just got one for work with a cage and side wooden handle can't wait to get shooting with it

[@boywithacamera]

Have fun with it and congrats!

[@franccontreras5157]

Great details. Thanks ! 🇲🇽

[@mcgreevs24]

Fantastic review. Thanks for sharing!

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks for your time Martin!

[@M.A.D.C.J]

Great review, binged some of your videos and I'm a fan, defs subscribing, I have the SonyA7Siii and I love it, but I played around with the FX3 and we use them at work and I love the image that comes out of them. Keep it up!

[@boywithacamera]

Much love Mikey! They're definitely solid cameras

[@auxsom]

Great, informative video. Ty.

[@SeriousLeisure]

FX3 and A7C really pairs very well indeed.

[@taufiknobo]

Thank you for this video, debating myself which one to buy. I’ve got 1100-ish CAD price difference between A7S III and FX3 in Indonesia might just go with the A7S III.. since I’ve used the FX3 (got a loaner) and not even once I use the top handle and also kinda dislike the feel of the top handle too.. Great video! 💪🏾💪🏾

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks Taufik! Oh man if it's a 1100 difference I would go for the SIII without question. Yeah it's too bad the top handle is what it is. Sounds like the Siii will suit you better 👍

[@dinosaurusdinosaurus1713]

top h like a hydrocephalus head?

[@jaegermah]

Great review! (Although, I can’t say how much I despise the FX3). Very articulate and lots of details. Thanks for sharing man.

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks for your time Jaeger! We all have cameras we despise haha so I totally understand

[@mtmccornack]

My one observation about real world use of the fx3 and adapting any microphone to the included XLR handle.... If I'm out of the studio and on location, best practices will usually dictate that I choose to use either an "external mic recorder like the F-2", a "zeppelin on a boom" and/or a pair of lavaliere's extended via XLR and plugged strait into the camera. I find the attached mic by default gets mainly used for scratch audio. Mileage of course changes for all of us from day to day and gig to gig.

[@rattoh]

You can change the IBIS focal range settings to whatever focal range. Maybe that can solve your issue with the jerking, as different focal range settings can strengthen or reduce effectiveness of the IBIS. Just a theory. Just found it in the menus settings the other day but have yet to test it out lol

[@aJoshuaSalvaFilm]

Hello man, can we know the settings for your S-LOG 3? Your other video with the a7c helped me with the S-LOG 2 settings which was great. I was wondering what your S-LOG 3 settings are and where it is (which video rather) or is there? haha. Thanks would love to know! Would be a great help.

[@boywithacamera]

Hey Joshua! Honestly, I'm pretty certain I just use the default settings for S-Log 3 so I didn't make a video about it!

[@BryceKoebel]

So good. Glad I could be a model for a few seconds in this review.

[@boywithacamera]

My muse, my model 👏👏👏

[@viniciomontero5370]

great video, one question, has the camera the same problem of last generation, recording in 4k with external monitor the screen is in black?

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks Vinicio! Nothing happens to my screen when I use an external HDMI monitor. I have not tried external recording with something like the Ninja V though so maybe that is different. I think I saw a video by Gerald Undone that showed it was okay so maybe go check his videos on the A7SIII.

[@oukserei]

I plan on getting the a7siii but loved the review! I was wondering, which fd adapter are you using for Sony cameras? and did you run into issues? I'd like to use the a7siii with vintage glasses

[@boywithacamera]

That'll be a solid choice too! I'm using the K&F adapter (link in description haha) and haven't noticed any issues. I also used K&F for Fuji to FD so I think they're a solid brand.

[@oukserei]

@@boywithacamera Hope so! Thanks for the answer, I'll look into this brand

[@zechenwei1139]

the rig solutions look awkward AF lol. That's definitely something I've not considered about this camera. Thank you for the honest and thorough review!

[@JunsuePark]

Great video. Love my a7siii but love fx3 even more hehe

[@boywithacamera]

Thanks Junsue! Why did you like the fx3 more?

[@itsallgone5077]

Hey boywithacamera, I am deciding between buying the FX3, A7SIII, and the A7IV. I do about 90-95% video. I am a filmmaker and I also like to shoot music videos and want to get into content creation as well(i.e. videos for KZbin like short films/music videos or regular talking head videos/vlogs and photography for Instagram). I also do a bit of photography, but I don't shoot for print. I want to get into ways of making money in the next 3-5 years like wedding videography/photography, real estate videography/photography and hopefully even product videography/photography. The obvious choice seems to be the A7IV, but I worry about the usability in client work due to the overheating. My budget is about $4,200. I do not have any lighting, but could choose to shoot outdoors or with natural light while I save for lighting. I do not have any lenses, but if I buy the FX3, I would probably buy a cheap and decent prime lens(24mm or 35mm) until I save up enough for another lens. I do not mind the technical challenge haha. Ideally, I would buy the A7IV and use the other $1,200 on lighting and lenses, but I am afraid it will limit my confidence in working with clients because of the known overheating that I have heard about(someone told me that theirs overheated within ten minutes while they were only scrolling through the menu). Based on all of this and what I want to do, should I buy the FX3 or the A7IV? Sorry for the long question. Thanks! P.S. If I go for the FX3, I would have to use it for my paid gigs as well as my personal filmmaking and content creation cam, because it would be the only camera I have. Would this be ok? Thanks again!

[@AdamRaX]

The 2 screws on the side I use as locations screws to more securely attach the cage . FX3 is not cageless

[@BryanElliott_]

Hey man love your videos

[@boywithacamera]

Many thanks Bryan!

[@RIVERS17jp3]

@boywithacamera you mentioned the a7C as a b-cam. I'm not a color science tech guy but I do already have an A7iii. If I were to pick up the fx3... in your opinion do you believe that a7iii will be a good b-cam option and be close to the fx3 color grading?

[@boywithacamera]

I've used the A7C and A7III footage alongside the FX3 for a few projects. I'm not great at grading so I found it difficult to match the 8-bit to the 10-bit footage, but it was definitely possible to get close enough. :)

[@senorbuddL24]

I go back and forth, as well. I think I’m back on the S wagon tho. I love that body as an RIV owner and that means I can use my battery grip on it for vertical video. If the fan is of no value, I’ll probably go for the S body. Thanks!

[@boywithacamera]

Oo battery grip is something I didn't consider at all. Yeah either way I don't think you can go wrong so hope you get some great use out of the S!

[@brandonarmstrong3848]

Can you do a video on how you expose SLOG 3 with your luts

[@gravitymediapro]

Very nice video. Do you think it is worth the upgrade from an A7C? Thank you!

[@boywithacamera]

Hey sorry for the late reply! If you do this for work and have the funds (and good computer or edit on Resolve/Final Cut!), then absolutely worth the upgrade. I find the 10-bit footage, autofocus, controlled rolling shutter, and better ergonomics to be the main reasons why I would recommend it. FX3 vs S3 is a different debate, however, and you can't go wrong with either! (in my opinion)

[@sstteevveenn77]

I just feel like if the fx3 had internal nd’s or some other features like shutter angle, or maybe the new a7riv updated screen then yeah it would be worth it. But for $400 usd less you get almost everything the fx3 has minus the handle but w an evf. The difference is that you can always buy the k3m but you can’t buy an evf

[@boywithacamera]

Totally agreed. Damn, 400 usd less?! No brainer then for sure. I'm surprised that the prices vary so much from country to country.

[@saifalnaqbi2819]

Help! I am a student filmmaker struggling to decide between FX3 and A7siii. I live in Dubai where the sun is burning everything 24/7, so maybe the viewfinder is valuable. Does the FX3 have a more powerful processor than the A7siii? Which camera do you think I should buy? (I will be mainly shooting video however being able to take photos too would be nice)

[@onlinerzizi240]

First you can't look at your screen at all to judge the look because the enironment you'r in make you take a biased decision (you dont see colors/exp as you should if its sunny around you for example). You need to learn to expose properly. Secondly if you live in a hot area you forced to pick FX3 because of the fan

[@hurmeli]

Very honest and thorough review. I agree on all points. Great camera but it has some serious flaws, mainly from poor design of the top handle.

[@jwate]

My 2018 mac pro doesn't want to edit xavc s 4k 4:2:2 10 bit, but when i use xavc HS 4k 4:2:0 i have zero issue. I don't know why, i thought the more compressed file would be harder on my mac, but it's the best setting for myself. Thought i'd throw that out there and see if anyone would give some insight. S3 for me because i take pics also, but i'd love the xlr input for guitar recordings. Good review.

[@boywithacamera]

Appreciate your time Joshua. That's so interesting and I have no idea why that would be the case. Hopefully someone can chime in!

[@djencode]

So I'm using the tilta cage and i really like it!

[@djencode]

Oh also hdmi output drains power faster than without. Especially raw output.

[@stylzalike]

really solid review

[@boywithacamera]

Thank you!

[@Sirfunkymonkey]

I have had an a7siii since release and its amazing just like the fx3. I did have the k3m but now i use timecode with tentacle soooo yeah a7siii ftw. great video btw

[@RandumbTech]

Now that you can jam sync timecode into the FX3, does that change your opinion? you no longer have to attach tentacle sync e to body at all times. Just jam sync it every couple of hours. The real benefit is you get footage without the annoying timecode audio track.

[@Sirfunkymonkey]

@@RandumbTech Certainly a factor to consider for sure. I did write this comment a year ago so I think this would go for most technology related comments in general. Things change

[@nightdonutstudio]

I have no idea when a7sIII will be in stock again in US.

[@itsalexoh]

Man, this came at such a great time! I’ve been looking to get a new camera recently and have been deciding whether to stay canon with the R6 or switch over to Sony with either the A7S3 or the FX3. The lack of dual slots on the A7C makes it a less appealing option for me. I definitely need XLR inputs, but that top handle looks like a pain to use! Thanks for your real world experience and review man. As always, your videos are always well made 👌🏻

[@OurFantasyLife]

For me it was both the lack of dual card slots and the lack of custom buttons that sunk the A7c for me. Glad to see I'm not alone on that one.

[@irosefilmsllc]

Shutter angle is a must! Sony listen to us. Add it

[@saniarao7250]

Favorite channel

[@mohamedmourad3079]

Zee best guy with a camera 👌❤️

[@boywithacamera]

Haha thanks Mohamed!

[@LucasDimoveo]

Dumb question, but with the sensor size and resolution of the ZV E10 and FX3 being the same, is there any substantive difference between these cameras?

[@boywithacamera]

I haven't read or watched anything about that camera yet so I'll follow up later if I have any thoughts--I'd assume it would just come down to differences in features for professional use/ergonomics, but I'll look into the camera :)

[@truce11]

@@boywithacamera yeaaa... We're gonna want to see that comparison!

[@Bobbylopezcreative]

Sounds like you should have gotten the A7S3 with the audio module.

[@iamrunitupeli]

Is it just me or does the fx3 footage look like a movie or a commercial. The color, softness etc. I’m not getting that vibe when I see a7siii footage. But how if they are the same?

[@boywithacamera]

Super interesting! They really should be the same as I'm pretty sure the sensor and processing done is the same 🤔 unless there was something done in a recent firmware update?

[@EleazarGray]

I just got my fx3 for 3300 used. Looks absolutely brand new, I just need to offload my black magics somewhere lol

[@boywithacamera]

Wow great price! Hope your Blackmagics find a good home haha

[@ekphotography]

I love my FX3 and also hate the handle. I do not do much audio so it sits in the closet..I Also came from a Blackmagic P6K. I hated worrying about focusing all the time.

[@finallyanime]

Feel like you should let the blacks rock more in your footage…thanks for review

[@minarimon3106]

Is it better than fx6 in low light conditions??

[@boywithacamera]

It should be pretty similar. I think there might be more noise reduction on the FX3--Philip Bloom had a really in depth comparison of the FX6 and A7SIII I believe that might answer your question

[@wclinus]

I thought you said you will sell it because the top handle issue..

[@boywithacamera]

I think you misunderstood me

[@csmvideoproductions7359]

You should consider the FX-6 as it seems as though it would address more of your needs. It’s $2000 more but for your workflow, it just seems that you’re looking for too much out of an entry level cinema camera.

[@boywithacamera]

Yeah that's fair, although I feel like it's one of those situations where I would find things to miss regardless of what camera I use so at some point I need to shut up and make things work haha. I would much rather do that without having to spend more money on a body....but I would love me an FX6 at some point!

[@csmvideoproductions7359]

@@boywithacamera I feel you. me too. I just bought an FX-3 last week. But that’s not it, I need a second FX-3 as a B Cam for my corporate work and a back up unit. You never want to go on a job without a backup and have just one camera body. I will eventually get an FX-6 to complete the trifecta, but that’ll be later on. When they are more readily available, where I don’t have to pay $6000 and then wait three to four months for the order to come in. Ultimately there no point in getting gear to sit in my studio. My priority now is to land more high paying jobs, the gear will come after that.

[@victoirembutsi1622]

Se bon vraiment

[@gearslip8325]

I wish that you could buy without the handle for the same price as the 3 🙄 I didn’t buy for this reason.

[@jayteylee]

MF = Miss Focus HAHAHAHAH too true

[@ToneyFranco]

Is this camera better then the RED KOMODO????

[@dean9504]

depends on

[@saifalnaqbi2819]

RED Komodo has 0 rolling shutter (it has global shutter sensor) and the best color science.

[@dna8269]

Depends on the work you do. For commercial work, no. For run and gun stuff, its way more convenient but Komodo has a better look to the footage. There's tradeoffs just like every camera. You gotta use them and see for yourself above all else. Reviews don't tell the full story for your situation.