Sony FX30 Cinema Line Camera

Sony FX30 Cinema Line Camera Summary

Arriving as the first Sony cinema camera with an all-new APS-C format sensor, the Sony FX30 Cinema Line Camera (ILME-FX30B) is designed for creators who want to take their video content to the next level. The back-illuminated sensor with 6K oversampling is paired with the high-speed BIONZ XR processor. These capture high quality XAVC S 4K/120p 10bit 4:2:2 and FHD 240p internally, with 14 stops of dynamic range when shooting in Sony’s S-Log3 gamma curve. You can also record 16bit RAW via full size HDMI to an external recorder if you prefer post processing RAW footage over S-Log.

Despite weighing just 562g, the FX30 combines leading pro video technology with Sony mirrorless camera features to include an internal cooling fan, 5-axis stabilisation, Hybrid AF with Eye-AF and tracking (human, animal, bird) to name a few. You’ll also find pro features such as a Tally lamp, an alternative FX30 with XLR Handle kit version, Zoom lever, Timecode Sync and more.

The new Super 35 camera also compares extremely favourably with the full-frame Sony FX3 and Sony FX6, sharing and adding features, such as Dual Base ISO (s-Log3) and Breathing Compensation, with G Master Sony lenses.

Key Features

• New 4K Super 35 APS-C Back-illuminated Sensor
• BIONZ XR Processing engine
• Record oversampled 4K 120p / FHD 240p in 10bit 4:2:2, Long GOP, All-I / H.264, H.265
• Dual Base ISO in S-Log3
• 14 stop dynamic range with S-Log3
• Fast and reliable Hybrid AF / Eye-AF (human, animal, bird) tracking
• In-body 5-axis (Active / Standard) stabilisation
• 16bit RAW output via HDMI Type-A to an external monitor/recorder
• Tally lamp, Zoom lever, TC IN with a dedicated adaptor, Custom LUTs and more
• Two CFexpress Type-A / SD memory card slots
• Compact 129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5 mm size and low 562g weight (body only)

Sony FX30 Cinema Line Camera in More Detail

Stunning image quality

The Sony Cinema Line FX30 Camera offers advanced performance and functionality for true cinematic expression. Sony's industry leading image sensor technology achieves high sensitivity, low noise and wide dynamic latitude, with 4K Super 35 resolution and impressive image quality. The ILME-FX30 includes S-Cinetone™, which is inherited from digital cinema cameras such as VENICE 2. This delivers natural mid-tones, soft colours and gorgeous highlights which are essential to cinematic expression.

Three modes are provided for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve resulting in smooth cinematic colour grading. Imported custom assigned LUTs can be recorded to reduce the burden of post-production colour grading. Dual Base ISO (800 / 2500) also captures high-quality images in different lighting situations. 4K Super 35 / S-Cinetone / PPLUT / Dual Base ISO / S-Log3 recording.

Advanced AF performance

The Sony ILME-FX30 camera features highly dependable and accurate autofocus performance, with wide-area tracking across the whole frame. Real-time eye AF follows human and animal face and eyes, making it easy to maintain accurate and smooth subject focus. This works well even when using a shallow depth of field or tracking fast-moving subjects with Sony's unique AI-based real time tracking. Stable AF and flexible focusing are available for a wide range of shooting situations. AF Assist, Focus Map, and Breathing Compensation are yet further support features in the FX30 cinema camera.

Compact cage-free design

The Sony Cinema Line FX30 is compact and lightweight, designed for mobility and efficiency. The body features five thread holes for accessories, eliminating the need for a cage, whilst delivering optimum flexibility, stability and shooting comfort. Integrated stabilisation keeps the whole setup very mobile, supporting more challenging shooting situations without the need for a stabiliser or gimbal in some situations.

Flexible features for moviemaking

The new main menu allows you to quickly access your favourite items and focus on composition and framing with the optimised standby mode for movie recording. Clear confirmation when recording is in progress is delivered by recording lamps and emphasised record displays.

A flexible high-resolution touch-panel LCD screen enables broad positioning and framing freedom for gimbal-mounted shots. The FX30 zoom lever controls compatible powered zoom lenses and allows Clear Image Zoom to be used with unpowered zoom and prime lenses while delivering great image quality. Auto and Manual modes for iris, shutter speed and ISO can be set independently for a flexible exposure mode. Vertical aspect markers are also available to confirm framing in horizontal orientation.

Excellent cinema system connectivity

The two XLR audio inputs enable high-quality audio recording. With an optional XLR microphone, digital audio data can be directly transferred to the camera for outstanding audio quality with a very clean audio signal. Other connectors include USB Type-C, Multi/micro-USB, microphone, headphone, and a Multi Interface Shoe with built-in digital audio interface. All this connectivity provides broad expandability for a wide range of shooting needs. The ILME-FX30 also supports UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) standards and can be connected to a compatible device via USB to serve as a high-performance webcam.

Extensive range of compatible Sony lenses

A comprehensive selection of E-mount lenses provides plenty of flexibility for creators with a broad range of creative opportunities. Incorporating a Super 35 sensor and Sony’s E-mount lens to a remote camera opens up a new world of impressive cinematic expression such as breathtaking sharpness and pleasing bokeh for content creation.

Only native Sony lenses will draw out 100% of camera performance and realise stunning image quality with the best support for stabilisation and autofocus.

Learn more in our Sony FX30 vs FX3 vs FX6 Camera Specs Comparison here.

Additional Features

APS-C format Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

The back-illuminated Exmor R APS-C CMOS sensor delivers memorable imagery with high resolution. Sony's effective image technology is packed into a new Super 35 format (20.1 megapixel) sensor with wide latitude. This allows you to capture the scene in 4K resolution with expressive depth of field, bokeh and cinematic freedom.

Cinematic look without grading from S-Cinetone™

Work in S-Cinetone with the FX30, which is based on the colour science behind the FX9 and FX6 cinema camera colour and skin tones. S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin, plus soft colours and gorgeous highlights. With colours produced in-camera it’s easy to achieve a beautiful cinematic look without post-production colour grading.

Versatile recording formats

Record 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally when using Long GOP or All-Intra compression, enabling full and natural gradations whilst providing excellent editing freedom. Recording in XAVC HS format approximately doubles compression efficiency, allowing detailed 10-bit video with 4:2:2 colour sampling at comparable or lower data rates, for even better image quality and manageable file sizes.

Dual Base ISO for clean low light images

Dual Base ISO provides two Base ISO settings at ISO 800 and at ISO 2500. This allows you to select an appropriate noise floor for clean images, as well as maximise the FX30’s dynamic range when shooting in both bright or low-light conditions. A wide 14+ stops of latitude minimises the risk of blown-out highlights or blacked-out shadows.

Cinematic log recording

S-Log3 gamma curve in the FX30 has been designed for smooth gradations, making it easier to achieve cinematic image quality when colour grading in post-production, which is ideal for larger productions. Both S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 Cine offer high-quality colour reproduction over a wide latitude. Special care has been taken to adjust the camera's output to ensure that the highest image quality can be easily achieved during post processing.

New log shooting options

Three new log shooting modes are provided for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve.

1. Cine EI, which is used in Sony's high-end Cinema Line models, offers wide latitude and the highest possible image quality.

2. Cine EI Quick simplifies setup by automatically switching the camera's Base ISO according to the selected Exposure Index (EI).

3. Flexible ISO provides the greatest flexibility for exposure settings. In addition, Sony's s709 has been added to the available LUT presets.

User LUTs

When recording with S-Log3, the image on the monitor can make it difficult to judge what the final image will look like. The FX30 allows customisable LUTs to be applied to the LCD monitor preview as well as HDMI output, and also embedded in clips to facilitate post-production processing. In addition to the preset LUTs, up to 16 user LUTs can be imported into the camera via memory card.

Dependable focus

Sony’s sophisticated tracking technology help to keep your subject in focus  freeing you to work with compositions and light. Wide-area AF with intelligent tracking uses focal-plane phase-detection which provides tenacious subject tracking across most of the frame. Real-time Eye AF ensures precise focus on the face and eyes for humans, birds and animals, while Real-time Tracking delivers reliable tracking with Sony's AI-based subject recognition.

Up to 4K / 120p recording

Record 4K at up to 120 frames per second with the Sony FX30. Capture incredibly smooth 5x slow-motion imagery using autofocus for new expressive capabilities, and to open a new world of creative potential.

Active mode image stabilisation

Active Mode in-body optical 5-axis image stabilisation provides stabilisation when shooting video. A precision gyroscope sensor measures camera shake and makes optical compensations, making it possible to capture stable 4K footage even shooting hand-held without a gimbal, or while walking.

Catalyst metadata

Sony's Catalyst Browse and Prepare software are ideal for the FX30, as the camera records five types of metadata: LUTs, image stabilisation, breathing, camera rotation and shot marks. These can be useful when previewing and preparing to edit in Sony's free Catalyst Browse or purchased Catalyst Prepare software.

Stills image shooting

The FX30 can shoot stills as well as movies, which can be handy when you are location hunting. You can use it to shoot stills that will be used in storyboards or pre-production presentations and for other situations.

Multi-threaded cage-free body design

The FX30 features five thread holes (1/4-20 UNC) to mount accessories, making a cage unnecessary. The optional XLR handle unit also provides three additional thread holes so that accessories and add-ons can be stably and securely attached. With a cage-free design the size and weight of the FX30 is kept to a minimum.

New menu design

A new list-style main menu gives you access to frame rate, shutter speed and other essential parameters more quickly. The main menu display can also be assigned to a custom button for quick checks.

Tally lamps

Tally recording lamps on the upper front and rear of the camera ensure you know the camera is recording, while the top-camera REC button is also illuminated. This makes it clear when the camera is in record mode, as does a red frame, which appears on the display for operator confirmation.

Vertical aspect markers

Creators are producing images with a variety of aspect ratios and orientations, with vertical orientation becoming increasingly common for social media channels. The FX30 offers several aspect markers which can be used to confirm framing while shooting in standard horizontal orientation.

XLR audio connectors

An optional XLR handle unit provides two XLR audio inputs to facilitate high-quality audio recording. With an optional XLR microphone, digital audio data can be transferred directly to the camera for outstanding audio quality without noise or signal degradation. There is also a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording, for compatibility with 2-channel and 4-channel audio formats.

16-bit RAW via HDMI

16-bit RAW output is available over HDMI to compatible external recorders. XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K or XAVC S-I 4K, and proxy files are simultaneously captured in-camera. RAW video output is 4672 x 2628 [16:9] resolution, exceeding DCI-4K resolution.

Robust magnesium alloy body

The camera body and covers are made from a lightweight magnesium alloy which enhances durability and performance, even in challenging shooting environments.

Touch-panel LCD screen

The FX30 features a side-opening vari-angle rear LCD monitor that allows broad positioning and framing freedom for gimbal-mounted shots, handheld shots, low ground-level shots and any shooting situation. The 3.0 type 2.36 million-dot touch-panel LCD monitor offers clear viewing even in bright outdoor settings. The function (Fn) menu can be displayed by swiping up on the monitor for quick access to assigned functions.

What’s in the box

• Sony FX30 Super 35mm Cinema Line Camera
• Accessory shoe cap
• Body cap
• Power plug adapter
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• USB-A to USB-C cable (USB 3.2)