Sony FX30

APS-C mirrorless compact cinema camera

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Sony FX30
Overview

Maker	Sony
Type	APS-C MILC
Released	September 29, 2022; 19 months ago (2022-09-29)
Intro price	$1800 USD (body only)
Lens
Lens mount	Sony E-mount
Lens	Interchangeable lens
Sensor/medium
Sensor	APS-C
Sensor type	Exmor R CMOS Sensor
Sensor size	23.3mm x 15.5mm APS-C sized
Sensor maker	Sony
Maximum resolution	20.1 megapixels (effective)
Film speed	ISO 100–32000, ISO 50- 102400 Dual Base ISO: S-Log 3: Low Base ISO 800 / High Base ISO 2500
Storage media	Dual Slot SD, SDHC, SDXC, CFexpress A UHS-II, UHS-I, CFexpress
Flash
Flash	External flash
Compatible flashes	Shoe Mount flash
Shutter
Shutter	Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
Shutter speeds	1/8000 to 30 seconds, bulb
Image processing
Image processor	BIONZ XR
General
Video recording	XAVC S, XAVC HS 4K up to 120 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, Raw 4.2k 16bit
LCD screen	3.0" Approx. 2.36M dots, touchscreen, variable-angle monitor
Battery	NP-FZ100 Li-ion
AV Port(s)	HDMI A, ⌀3.5 mm audio jack
Data Port(s)	USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Body features	Active Mode optical image stabilization, Image Sensor-Shift mechanism with 5-axis compensation, Anti-Dust System
Dimensions	129.7 mm × 77.8 mm × 84.5 mm (5.11 in × 3.06 in × 3.33 in)
Weight	646 g (1.424 lb) including battery, memory card and XLR handle
Made in	Thailand

The Sony FX30 (ILME-FX30) is Sony's first semi-professional APS-C mirrorless interchangeable-lens cinema camera in their Cinema Line. It was announced on September 28, 2022, and released in the following month.^[1] The FX30 is based on the full-frame FX3 released in the previous year. The starting price of $1800 (USD) makes it the most affordable model in Sony's Cinema Line, and it offers a step-up in video potential for the APS-C lineup.^[2]

Features

Back-illuminated Exmor R APS-C CMOS sensor
S-Cinetone Picture Profile
BIONZ XR processor^[3]
H.265 10-bit 4:2:2 video codec
Dual-Base ISO
Dynamic range of 14+ stops^[4]
16-bit Raw video output^[5]
High-speed rates of 120p in 4K and 120p in HD, 240p in S&Q
Ability to preview user LUTs on LCD
Real time Eye/Face AF^[6]
Focus Assist & Focus Map features^[7]
Active Mode Image Stabilization
Tally Lamp while recording
XLR audio inputs^[8]
No EVF available

Limitations compared to FX3

Larger sensor resolution, smaller pixels and lower performance in low light situations
UHD 120p recording is cropped 1.5X
Smaller dynamic range (14+ vs 15+ steps)
Different Base ISO (High Base ISO 2500 vs 12800)

Shared FX3/A7S III Attributes

Compatible XLR handle (for professional audio)
5-axis in-body image stabilization
16-bit raw output via HDMI
S-Log3 Picture Profile
Vari-angle touch screen LCD
New Sony Menu

Zoom lever button (like on other professional devices)

Usually this button would be the Turn ON/Turn OFF button. On the ILME-FX30 Sony it is a Zoom lever which helps zooming in and out while recording. In MENU there is an option to set its sensivity and speed.

References

^ "Sony announces FX30 Cinema Line camera for $1800". GSMArena.com. GSMArena. 28 September 2022.
^ Artaius, James (2022-09-26). "LIVE: Sony FX30 is the latest edition to the cinema lineup with an APS-C sensor". digitalcameraworld. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
^ "Sony launches new FX30 camera and takes aim at BMPCC". www.redsharknews.com. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
^ Alister, Chapman (2022-12-06). "Testing the Sony ILME-FX30". XDCAM-USER.COM by Alister Chapman. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
^ "Sony FX30 initial review". DPReview. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
^ Vorstellung der Sony Cinema Line ILME-FX30, retrieved 2023-01-12
^ Brien, Jim O. (2022-09-28). "Sony Expands Cinema Line with New 4K Super 35 Camera, the FX30 for Future Filmmakers". techbuzzireland. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
^ Shipton, Will (2022-10-05). "Sony FX30: Affordable entry-level cine camera". Inside Imaging. Retrieved 2023-01-12.