The cinema camera landscape continues to morph and evolve, and the Sony FX3 is a clear indication of this forward movement. With its interchangeable lens digital camera system, the FX3 has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the fiercely competitive cinema camera market. Whether you're just dipping your toes into filmmaking or are a seasoned professional, the Sony FX3 is a tool worth considering.
The FX3 boasts a design that is as compact as it is lightweight. With the XLR Handle, battery pack, and SD card attached, it weighs in at about 2 lb 3.8 oz (1.015 kg)1. Strip it down to the body only, and you're looking at a mere 1 lb 6.6 oz (640 g)1. This featherweight quality makes it an ideal pick for filmmakers who need to remain mobile during their shoots. Be it an adrenaline-filled chase sequence or a tranquil nature scene, the FX3's weight won't weigh you down.
The camera's dimensions further enhance its portability. At roughly 5.11 x 3.06 x 3.33 inches (129.7 mm x 77.8 mm x 84.5 mm), it's small enough to be unobtrusive, yet large enough to feel substantial1. But don't let the compact size fool you – the FX3 is a powerhouse that delivers performance without compromise, reflecting Sony's commitment to excellence.
One notable feature of the FX3 is its power consumption. With a FE 28–70 mm F3.5–5.6 OSS lens attached, it consumes around 7.3 W when recording video and about 3.4 W for still images1. This energy efficiency means you can keep shooting for longer without worrying about your battery running out.
Battery life on the FX3 is impressive. It boasts approximately 95 minutes of actual recording time and about 135 minutes of continuous recording, as per CIPA standards. For stills, you're looking at roughly 580 shots per charge.
The FX3 also impresses with its resilience to a variety of temperatures, making it a reliable choice for shooting in diverse environments. It operates comfortably between 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C), and can be stored in temperatures from –4 °F to +131 °F (–20 °C to +55 °C).
The real strength of the FX3, however, lies in the footage it produces. It supports a multitude of recording formats, including XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, and XAVC S, each offering different bitrates and bit depths1. The audio recording format, LPCM 2ch, is available in both 48 kHz 16 bit and 48 kHz 24 bit, ensuring top-tier audio to complement your visuals.
In summary, the Sony FX3 is a formidable tool for filmmakers. It strikes a perfect balance between size and power, making it an excellent choice for indie filmmakers shooting their next short, or professional videographers in need of captivating footage. With its robust set of features and top-notch performance, the FX3 proves itself to be a significant player in the digital cinema camera market.
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