Sony has announced a new entry-level Super 35mm 4K cinema camera with a host of professional features to give aspiring filmmakers a leg up in creating cinematic content.
The FX30 offers several professional grade options including dual base ISO, Log Shooting modes, and user-imported Look Up Tables (LUTs).
With a compact design, the new addition to Sony’s Cinema Line could be a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera killer.
“The new FX30 is a great fit for a wide range of filmmakers,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“As part of our Cinema Line, it is an attractive addition for seamless integration into large productions.
Additionally, by incorporating many professional features found in our flagship cinema cameras, it is a perfect camera for up-and-coming filmmakers that are working with tight budgets.”
Image Credit – Sony
Though not the first super compact cinema camera to be released by Sony, the Cinema Line FX30 is an ideal entry-level complement to their lineup of Cine Alta cinema camera catalog.
With a 20.1 megapixel Exmor Super 35mm APS-C backside illuminated CMOS image sensor, the FX30 captures a 6K image that is then downscaled to 4K without binning and offers 14+ stops of dynamic range.
The FX30 offers a variety of video recording modes including high frame rate modes of 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps.
The FX30 also features the ability to shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. Both 16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while the HDMI Type-A port outputs 4K, 16-bit RAW for an external recorder.
Image Credit – Sony
The FX30 also includes S-Log3 for maximum image latitude for color grading and contrast adjustment. The result is wide latitude and flexible white balance.
Exposure adjustment can also be made on the fly through Flexible ISO mode as the lighting changes, or keep the ISO fixed through Cine EI for maximum quality.
The camera is capable of 10-bit internal recording but is also capable of 16-bit RAW external output.
The FX30 also has two base ISOs, including ISO 800 for low sensitivity and ISO 2500 for high sensitivity, and a standard ISO range of 100-32000. Users can also import favorite LUTs into the FX30 to create a consistent color palette for the image while baking in the color attributes during shooting.
Focusing modes include real-time Eye AF, supporting human, animal, or bird tracking, real-time tracking, details autofocus settings, and autofocus assist.
Moreover, the FX30’s Focus Map feature enables users to compensate for focus breathing while visualizing the depth of field and bokeh present in the image while shooting.
Five-axis optical in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in Active Mode enables the FX30 to maintain a stable image while running and gunning, and thanks to its compact and lightweight flat-top design the FX30 can add numerous accessories to threaded attachment points.
This makes the camera easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, or mounting on a gimbal. The FX30 uses the same NP-FZ100 battery as most of the cameras in Sony’s Alpha line for an easy transition.
Image Credit – Sony
The FX30 is equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards. It is capable of writing at sustained high speeds and will support Sony’s new large-capacity Type A CFExpress memory cards.
Other features include an articulating LCD screen, HDMI, USB-C and USBMicro ports, e-Mount lens mount, and a headphone jack. The FX30 can also be controlled via WiFi through Sony’s smartphone app.
Image Credit – Sony
But the most important feature of the Cine Line FX30 could be its retail price, which starts at $1800 USD for the FX30B (without an XLR handle) or $2200 for the FX30 with an XLR handle.
This affordable MSRP makes the FX30 extremely affordable for aspiring filmmakers looking to make a step up from a lower-end mirrorless or DSLR camera, or even for mobile filmmakers looking to expand their toolset with a more professional-grade imaging tool.
The Sony FX30/FX30B is available for preorder and will ship in late October.
[source: Sony]
Order Links:
Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera (B&H)
Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera with dual XLR Handle (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE. Get Instant Access!
